Computer Architecture and Operating Systems

Course Coordinator: Dr Bell Liu, PhD CityU

Course Developer: Kendrew Lau C M, Consultant

COMP S260 is suitable for science and technology students who want to develop knowledge and skills in the specification, design, operation and evaluation of computer systems, including various aspects of operating systems software.

Advisory prerequisite(s)
You are advised to have already studied COMP S210/COMP S201 or COMP S258.

Aims
This course aims to:

• Help students to develop the knowledge and understanding of the fundamental theory and techniques of computer architecture and operating systems;
• Provide students with the means to evaluate computer systems and operating system products and services;
• Aid students in applying their knowledge of computer architecture and operating systems to issues such as system and programming performance.

Contents
This course covers the following topics:

• Data in the computer
• Computer architecture, CPU and memory
• CPU design and organization
• Input, output and computer peripherals
• Operating systems and the user’s view
• Process management
• Memory management
• Input/output and file systems
• Distributed computing architectures and virtualization

Learning support
There will be 12 two-hour tutorials and adequate surgeries throughout the course.

Assessment
There will be four assignments and a final examination. Students are required to submit assignments via the Online Learning Environment (OLE).

Online requirement
This course is supported by the Online Learning Environment (OLE). You can find the latest course information from the OLE. Through the OLE, you can communicate electronically with your tutor and the Course Coordinator as well as other students. To access the OLE, students will need to have access to the Internet. The use of the OLE is required for the study of this course.

Equipment
Students will need access to a personal computer with an Internet connection.

Software
Students will need access to a computer running Microsoft Windows XP (English) or newer with Microsoft Word and Internet Explorer.

Set book(s)
Englander, I (2014) The Architecture of Computer Hardware, Systems Software and Networking: An Information Technology Approach, 5th edn, New York: John Wiley and Sons.

Students with disabilities or special educational needs
The audio and visual components of this course may cause difficulties for students with impaired hearing or vision. You should seek advice from the Course Coordinator before enrolling on the course.