Operating Systems

The course can be part of the following programmes:

1. Computer Science, Bachelor´s Programme (N1COS)
2. Computer Science, Master's Programme (N2COS)
3. Applied Data Science Master's Programme (N2ADS)

The course is a also a single-subject course at Gothenburg University.

Successfully completed courses corresponding to 60 credits of studies within the subject Computer Science, or equivalent, including the following courses:

• a 7.5credits course in machine oriented programming (e.g., DIT153 or equivalent),
• a 7.5credits course in data structures (e.g., DIT962 or equivalent),
• a 7.5credits course in programming (e.g., DIT441, DIT013 or equivalent).

Applicants must prove knowledge of English: English 6/English level 2 or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.

The course focuses on the design and implementation of operating systems. Topics covered include: concurrent processes, resource management, deadlocks, memory management techniques, virtual memory, processor scheduling, disk scheduling, file systems, distributed file systems, micro kernels, multiprocessor operating system issues and virtual machines. Examples or case-studies are provided for all the subjects covered during the course.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• explain how internal components of modern operating systems work,
• explain key concepts and algorithms in operating system implementations,
• state how research domains (ranging from parallelism to security) meet in the context of modern operating systems,

Competence and skills

• demonstrate the core functionality of modern operating systems,
• write programs that interface with the operating system at the system-call level,
• implement a piece of system-level code,
• demonstrate programming using multithread synchronization constructs (with example environment languages such as C, C++, Java),

Judgement and approach

• analyze and critically weight the trade-offs in the design and implementation of operating systems' internal components.

Lectures, exercises and labs. The labs place emphasis on hands-on experience with operating systems design. Students practice by using and constructing essential modules in operating systems, such as multiprogramming, memory management, implementation of unix-like shell functionality.

Language of instruction: English

The course is examined by Laboratory work and a final individual written exam carried out in an examination hall.

The Laboratory work is normally carried out in pairs.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

Sub-courses

1. Written hall examination, 6 higher education credits
   Grading scale: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U)
2. Laboratory work, 1.5 higher education credits
   Grading scale: Pass (G) and Fail (U)

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

To pass the course, grade Pass (G) is needed on both the sub-courses. To be awarded a Pass with Distinction (VG) the student must get the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) on the sub-course Written exam and the grade Pass on the sub-course Laboratory work.

The course is evaluated through meetings both during and after the course between teachers and student representatives. Further, an anonymous questionnaire is used to ensure written information. The outcome of the evaluations serves to improve the course by indication which parts could be added, improved, changed or removed.

The course is a joint course together with Chalmers.

The course replaces the DIT400 Operating systems course. The course cannot be included in a degree which contains DIT400. Neither can the course be included in a degree which is based on another degree in which the course DIT400 is included.