Modules

Module title: Operating Systems
SCQF level: 08:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: CSN08116
Module leader: Nick Pitropakis
School School of Computing
Subject area group: Cyber Security and Networking
Prerequisites

CSN07105 Computer Systems
2019/0, Trimester 1, FACE-TO-FACE,
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: FACE-TO-FACE
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Nick Pitropakis
Module Organiser:


Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) Approach:
Delivery consists of a series of lectures and laboratory-based tutorials which introduce and develop the core principles, and prepare the class for the tests to assess LO1, LO2 and LO3. These concepts are further explored and expanded through a series of classroom and laboratory exercises which provide the basis for accomplishing the practical coursework that addresses LO3 and LO4.
The teaching material is supported using a combination of handouts, tutorials and computer-based resources.


Formative Assessment:
The lab based practicals follow up on the lecture material and provide continuous feedback from staff through discussions of the challenges presented. These challenges encourage students to test their understanding and are in the form of tasks which utilise inbuilt operating systems tools, specialist diagnostic/development software, CPU simulators and command line scripting. Scripting challenges are designed to highlight concepts and practices important for the final coursework assessment.

Summative Assessment:
Summative assessment is achieved through a class test, and a coursework assignment. The class test (LOs 1, and 2 and 3) will cover the more theoretical aspects of the module and happens in the middle part of the module. The coursework will develop the student’s ability to work with the command line and produce a robust script based system utility (LOs 3 and 4).

Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Lecture 24
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 24
Face To Face Tutorial 12
Independent Learning Guided independent study 140
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Class Test 60 1,2,3 13 HOURS= 1.5, WORDS= 0
Practical Skills Assessment 40 3,4 9 HOURS= 12, WORDS= 0
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Description of module content:

This module covers fundamental areas of operating systems that underpin much of the technology of the internet age. We will emphasize both on design issues and fundamental principles in contemporary systems and get a solid understanding of the key structures and mechanisms of operating systems by focusing on Unix based Operating Systems and Windows. We will examine the software components that run current devices, and how they support user operations. Through a popular Linux distribution you will gain practical experience in Unix and Unix scripting, which is an important technology that, running on servers, underpins much of the modern computational infrastructures. Additionally, you will get to practical experience on Windows command line, named Powershell to understand the similarities and differences between the two dominating operating systems.
Learning Outcomes for module:

LO1: Identify fundamental principles, security and design issues in modern operating systems.
LO2: Describe in detail how the key components of an operating system work and interact.
LO3: Demonstrate extended knowledge of UNIX and Windows through Linux and Powershell command lines usage.
LO4: Demonstrate the ability to develop robust Unix shell scripts through Linux.
Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
CSN08116 Operating Systems
 

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