CS5001 - Networks and Operating Systems (2024/25)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2024/25 | ||||||||||||||||
| Module title | Networks and Operating Systems | ||||||||||||||||
| Module level | Intermediate (05) | ||||||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 30 | ||||||||||||||||
| School | School of Computing and Digital Media | ||||||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 300 | ||||||||||||||||
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| Running in 2024/25(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) | No instances running in the year |
Module summary
This module is aimed at providing students with fundamental concepts of modern operating systems and computer networks. It develops students’ knowledge and transferable skills for future employability. By taking this module the students will gain an understanding of key issues in relation to networking and operating system structures, fundamental issues, and services. This module also aims to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of the operation, function and inter-relation of the major software components of an operating system and the understanding of the hardware-software interface and its control by the operating system, and the insight knowledge of user-system interface.
Prior learning requirements
Successful completion of level 4 or equivalent
Syllabus
• communication fundamentals: frequency, amplitude, bandwidth, modulation, transmission media, etc. LO1,LO2
• network fundamentals: topologies, protocols, standards, OSI model and TCP/IP protocols, switching, security, compression, encryption, etc. LO1,LO2,LO3
• local area networks and wide area networks,
mobile communications and wireless technology, communications systems and services,
multimedia communications, LO1,LO2,LO3
internet technologies and security, etc.
• main functions of operating systems: process management: process primitives and how they are used by the shell, and implementation of UNIX processes; memory management: basic memory management and virtual memory; input and output control: principles of I/O software and layers, network interface, etc. LO4,LO5,LO6
• main features of UNIX shells, such as, file management: types of the files, creation, removing and manipulation of files; Shell pipelines and redirection, manipulation of processes, etc. LO5,LO6
• protection and security in operating systems LO4,LO5
• introduction to network operating systems and distributed systems LO1,LO4,LO5
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
Students will develop theoretical understanding and practically investigative skills based on weekly lectures, tutorials and supervised workshops. The workshops, in particular, are designed to support students in gaining practical experience in computer networks and operating systems.
Appropriate blended learning approaches and technologies, such as, the University’s VLE, network design/simulation tools and UNIX shell programming, will be used to facilitate and support student learning, in particular, to:
• deliver content;
• encourage active learning;
• provide formative and summative assessments, and prompt feedback;
• enhance student engagement and learning experience.
Students will be expected and encouraged to produce reflective commentaries on the learning activities and tasks that they carry out to complete their work.
Learning outcomes
On completion the module, students should be able to:
LO1. appreciate the basic concepts of computer networks and distributed systems
LO2. demonstrate an understanding of organisational features of network systems
LO3. describe and critically evaluate existing electronic-based services
LO4. understand main processes behind the control of computers, computer systems resources, and interactions
LO5. demonstrate the insight understanding of basic commands of a popular operating system
LO6. implement some functions or control computer system resources by use shell scripts in UNIX environment.
Bibliography
Where possible, the most current version of reading materials is used during the delivery of this module. Comprehensive reading lists are provided to students in their handbooks. Reading Lists will be updated annually.
Textbooks:
Core Text:
• Stallings, W., 2013; Data and Computer Communications, 10th editions; Pearson Education Limited
• Tanenbaum, A. and Bos, H., 2016, A.S.; Modern Operating Systems. 4th edition; Pearson Education Limited
Other Texts:
• Palmer, M (2008); Guide to UNIX Using Linux, 4th edition; Course Technology, CENGAGE Learning; ISBN-10: 0-8400-3101-7
• McHoes A and Flynn I M (2014); Understanding Operating Systems, 7th edition; Course Technology, CENGAGE Learning; ISBN-10: 0-538-47004-6
• Silberschatz, A., Galvin, P., and Gagne, G., 2013, Operating System Concepts, 9th edition, Wiley, ISBN: 9781118063330
Websites:
• Tutorials on OS: https://www.tutorialspoint.com/operating_system
• Networking tutorials: OmniSecu.com
• Safari Books Online
Electronic Databases:
• ACM Digital Library
• IEEE Xplore/IET Digital Library
• Wiley Online Library
Social Media Sources
Other
• Lynda.com