Instructor: Ken Johnson
Prerequisite: CSCI 263
Material
and skills covered:
This
course starts with the knowledge acquired in CSCI 263 about the Instruction Set
Architecture level, and moves upward into the major functions of an operating
system. Since no two operating systems are alike, the functions are learned at
a conceptual level and reinforced by studying the example of a popular
multiprogramming operating system.
Topics
include operating system structures, processes and threads, CPU scheduling,
memory management, file systems, I/O and device management, distributed
systems, and security. After completing the course, the student should have the
skill to quickly identify the parts of any operating system with which he or
she is working, and speculate intelligently about how it works inside.
Methods used:
Individual study of the course textbook
is supplemented by both the professor’s lectures and class discussion. There
are also team-based and individual projects, which probe beneath the conceptual
level. Opportunity is provided to share this more specialized knowledge with
the other students.
Grade determined by:
Grades are assigned to topical tests,
occasional quizzes, and a final exam. Written assignments and projects are
expected to be completed on time and demonstrate increasing mastery of the
material. A portion of the final grade is allocated to the professor’s
evaluation of class participation.
Attendance policy:
Knowledge of operating system concepts
cannot be mastered without regular class attendance. Tests cover some classroom
material that is not included in the textbook. Students are expected to attend
class regularly unless an excused absence is arranged with the professor. Class
starts every day on time. Habitual absence and/or tardiness will detract from
the class participation part of the final grade as well as performance on tests
and projects.
Comments:
The major part of the professor’s
professional career was spent designing, implementing, or managing the
development of major operating systems. He is very enthusiastic about this
subject.