Computer Architecture & Operating Systems - COM00145M

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Module summary

The module covers the concepts of modern computer architecture and system software. After an overview of computer architecture, it then delves into how computer systems execute programs, store information, and communicate. You will also learn the principles, design and implementation of system software such as operating systems.

Related modules

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Online Teaching Period 2 2022-23

Module aims

The module aims to provide students with an understanding of the concepts of modern computer architectures and system software. This module starts with an overview of computer architecture, then progresses to topics on how computer systems execute programs, store information, and communicate. It will provide the principles, design and implementation of system software such as operating systems.

Module learning outcomes

Be able to:

1. Recognise the main components of a typical computer, analyse and communicate their individual behaviour, as well as their interactions,

2. Identify the main components of an operating system (OS), analyse and communicate the structure and behaviour of OS components in isolation, as well as their interactions, 

3. Apply the principles of resource management and concurrency to analyse the main design problems at the Operating System level, and critically evaluate the approaches taken by modern-day operating systems in solving them,

4. Critically evaluate security risks in operating systems and the role operating systems can and should play in establishing security.

Module content

Topics:
 

1. Computer architecture and processor principles,

2. Operating systems and their architectures,

3. Processor management: multiprogramming, scheduling, synchronisation and communication,

4. Memory management: basic techniques, virtual memory, paging and segmentation;

5. Device management: drivers, storage management,

6. File management: structure, protection, and integrity,

7. Performance analysis, system administration, and analysis of popular operating systems.

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100

Module feedback

Feedback is given in line with University policy 

Indicative reading

Stallings, W. Computer Organization and Architecture: Design For Performance (8th Edition) Pearson 2010.

Silberschatz A., Galvin P.B., and Gagne G. Operating System Concepts (8th ed.) Wiley 2009.