CM1205: Architecture and Operating Systems

School Cardiff School of Computer Science and Informatics
Department Code COMSC
Module Code CM1205
External Subject Code 100735
Number of Credits 10
Level L4
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Mr Michael Daley
Semester Spring Semester
Academic Year 2017/8

Outline Description of Module

This module aims to give a broad understanding of the operation of modern computers. This will acquaint students with the general architecture of computers and introduce them to low-level programming using assembly language. It will also give an overview of the purpose and key features of modern operating systems, explaining some of the functionality that we take for granted in modern computer systems. The course draws examples from Windows, Linux and OS X.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

  1. Display a good understanding of the main components of a computer system and their functionality
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental elements of assembly language
  3. Explain the need for process and memory management in an operating system, and contrast alternative management schemes
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of file and I/O systems in modern operating systems
  5. Contrast the implementation of commonly used operating systems

How the module will be delivered

The module will be delivered through a combination of lectures, supervised lab sessions, example classes and tutorials as appropriate.

Skills that will be practised and developed

Programming in 80x86 assembly language

How the module will be assessed

Coursework: The coursework will allow the student to demonstrate their knowledge and practical skills and to apply the principles taught in lectures.

Exam: A written exam (2 h) will test the student's knowledge and understanding as elaborated under the learning outcomes.

 

 

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Exam - Spring Semester 80 Architecture And Operating Systems 2
Written Assessment 20 Develop A Programme In Assembly Language N/A

Syllabus content

  • Computer architecture: logic gates, binary representation, processors, memory, I/O

  • Assembly language

  • Process management

  • Memory management

  • I/O system

  • File systems

Essential Reading and Resource List

Please see Background Reading List for an indicative list.

Background Reading and Resource List

  1. Linda Null, Julia Lobur, “The essentials of computer organization and architecture,” 4th edition, Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2015.
  2. Rob Williams, “Computer Systems Architecture: A Networking Approach,” 2nd edition, Pearson Prentice Hall, 2006.
  3. Abraham Silberschatz, Peter B. Galvin, Greg Gagne, “Operating System Concepts,” 9th edition, Wiley, 2014.
  4. Andrew S. Tanenbaum, “Modern Operating Systems,” 4rd edition, Pearson-Prentice Hall, 2014.

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