COMP30640 Operating Systems (Conversion)

Academic Year 2021/2022

This is a core module on the MSc. Computer Science (Conversion) and Higher Diploma in Computer Science programmes. The module is structured to present important concepts of operating systems with emphasis on fundamental topics and techniques. References to actual systems are made as well in order to illustrate concepts and/or implementation issues. The introduction is devoted to a brief history of operating systems, and their design issues and philosophies. The main components of an operating system are explained, and different approaches to how these components are organised and implemented are explored. Process management is studied to understand the execution and control of programs in an operating system. This leads to the subject of how processes are organised (communication, cooperation, and synchronisation). Next process scheduling and its role in multiprogrammed operating systems are studied. This is followed by memory management and the concepts of segmentation, paging, and virtual memory. File management is then studied with a focus on the file system and its organisation. Finally we look at the evolving role of operating system for cloud computing and pervasive computing environments. Throughout the trimester, we will present ways the concepts are implements in Linux, a popular operating system in the IT industry. The students will also be able to interact with Linux and write scripts to perform simple and complex tasks.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:

1. Explain what an operating system is, and why we study operating systems.
2. Define and use the concept of process and concurrency.
3. Understand the issues and techniques associated with process synchronisation (deadlock, starvation).
4. Understand process scheduling.
5. Understand memory management; real and virtual memory.
6. Define and apply the concept and mechanisms of file systems.
7. Understand the evolving role of operating system for cloud computing and pervasive computing environments.
8. Implement shell scripts to perform simple and complex tasks using Linux

Indicative Module Content:

- Introduction - what is an OS?
- OS structure and protection
- process management I - process and thread
- process management II - synchronisation
- process management III - deadlock and starvation
- process scheduling
- memory management
- file management

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24

Practical

24

Autonomous Student Learning

62

Total

110

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures, in-lecture exercises, practicals, project 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

None


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: < Description > Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

100


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Solutions provided to weekly quizzes, practical questions, project and in-class test