433-332 Operating Systems

433-252 Software Engineering Principles and Tools, 433-253 Algorithms and Data Structures and 433-254 Software Design

The objectives of this subject are for students to understand the function of operating system components and their interactions; to be able to exploit operating system facilities to improve the functionality and efficiency of programs; and to be able to evaluate the suitability of a given operating system for a given task.

Topics covered include operating system structure: interrupts, system calls; memory management: paging, segmentation; concurrent processes: mutual exclusion, synchronisation, deadlocks, scheduling; input/output, DMA; file systems, security; and introduction to distributed systems.

• ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals

• ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers but also with the community at large

• in-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline

• ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution

• ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance

Project work (expected to take about 36 hours) during semester and one written examination (not exceeding three hours) at the end of the semester. The project work must be completed satisfactorily to pass the subject. Weighting of assessment components will be advised at the commencement of the subject.