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.
Pre-requisite modules
Co-requisite modules
- None
Prohibited combinations
- None
Occurrence | Teaching period |
---|---|
A | Online Teaching Period 2 2022-23 |
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.
Be able to:
Recognise the main components of a typical computer, analyse and communicate their individual behaviour, as well as their interactions,
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,
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,
Critically evaluate security risks in operating systems and the role operating systems can and should play in establishing security.
Topics:
Computer architecture and processor principles,
Operating systems and their architectures,
Processor management: multiprogramming, scheduling, synchronisation and communication,
Memory management: basic techniques, virtual memory, paging and segmentation;
Device management: drivers, storage management,
File management: structure, protection, and integrity,
Performance analysis, system administration, and analysis of popular operating systems.
Task | Length | % of module mark |
---|---|---|
Essay/coursework Coursework |
N/A | 100 |
None
Task | Length | % of module mark |
---|---|---|
Essay/coursework Coursework |
N/A | 100 |
Feedback is given in line with University policy
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.