Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Operating Systems
SCQF level: 08:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: CSN08116
Module leader: Pavlos Papadopoulos
School School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Subject area group: Cyber Security and Systems Engineering
Prerequisites

Requisites: Pre-requisite: [Module CSN07105] Computer Systems
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 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 the chance to experience modern virtualization technologies, combining your knowledge of Operating Systems with the Cloud Computing era.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Identify fundamental principles, security and design issues in modern operating systems and virtualization technologies.

LO2: Describe in detail how the key components of an operating system work and interact.

LO3: Demonstrate extended knowledge of UNIX through Linux command line usage.

LO4: Demonstrate the ability to create and configure a virtualization environment with the help of Unix shell scripts.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2026/7, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Pavlos Papadopoulos
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 20 Ten 2-hour lectures including in-lecture activities will be timetabled in classrooms.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 20 Ten 2-hour practical classes which will be split between classrooms and computer labs as required.
Face To Face Tutorial 9 Nine 1-hour online tutorial sessions are held, during which critical details from the previous week are highlighted, followed by a Q&A session in which students can ask any questions they have about the lecture or lab materials.
Online Guided independent study 151 The remainder of learning activities will comprise the reading and analysis of specified materials. A variety of online resources will be made available to match the diversity of learning styles, e.g. reading materials, links to online resources, discussions.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Class Test 60 1~2~3 Week 13 HOURS= 1.5 hours Open Book - Supervised Class Test that assesses the understanding of the students in the course's content and LOs 1, 2, and 3.
Practical Skills Assessment 40 3~4 Week 9 HOURS= 12 hours Project - Practical: This assessment will require the design and development of a bash script to interact with a number of files stored within a virtualised infrastructure including an associated documentation report. This will examine LOs 3, and 4.
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
CSN08116 Operating Systems
 

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