CS 454 Operating Systems 
Syllabus, Spring 2013

  1. Texts and Other Resources

  2. Course Goals and Objectives 
    The goal of this course is to prepare you to understand and work effectively with evolving modern operating systems.

    The major objectives in this course are that upon completion of the course:

  3. Course Overview 
    Most of the chapters 1-12 in the course text book will be covered. The instructor will highlight the prime concepts in lectures. 
    A schedule for your readings in the books and references will be provided as the course progresses. There will be time to ask questions on the readings, but it will be up to the student to ask questions, as some of this material will not be covered in detail in lectures.

    You will need access to a machine you can install linux (with a current 2.6 kernel) on. 

    There will be 5 or 6 assignments and projects. 

    It is assumed you are a competent C programmer, and know about UNIX programming. There will be an opportunity for you to develop those skills, but that is your responsibility. You can expect every test to include a C program worth a significant number of points.

  4. Grading 
    The following grading scale will be used initially. The final scale may be curved at the end of the course, if it appears warranted.

  5. Late Assignments 
    10% penalty per day after the due date. 

  6. Early and Make-up Exams 
    No early or make-up exams will be given, unless there is a serious documented reason, which is beyond the student's control. Travel plans do not count as a serious reason. This includes the final exam.

  7. Incompletes 
    A grade of “I” (Incomplete) will be issued 1) only if you could not complete the course as a result of some
    situation outside of your control, 2) only if you had a passing grade at the time you requested the grade, and 3) only
    if the work remaining is minimal.  The grade of “I” is not intended as a replacement for a low or failing grade.
    Please note, it is generally better to request a special withdrawal from all classes than to take an Incomplete
    grade.  You must finish the incomplete work, without gaining any additional credit.  Generally, students finishing
    work for one course are enrolled and responsible for other courses in the follow session of semester.  This creates an
    “overtime” type of working situation and my lead to poor work in other graded courses.

  8. Academic Integrity 
    The Professional Concerns Committee of the Faculty Senate recommends that all faculty include the following paragraph in each syllabus.

    You are responsible for making yourself aware of and understanding the policies and procedures in the Undergraduate Catalog (pp. 268-269) and Graduate Catelog (pp. 26-27) Catalog that pertain to Academic Integrity. These policies include cheating, fabrication, falsification and forgery, multiple submission, plagiarism, complicity and computer misuse. If there is reason to believe you have been involved in academic dishonesty, you will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct. You will be given the opportunity to review the charge(s). If you believe you are not responsible, you will have the opportunity for a hearing. You should consult with me if you are uncertain about an issue of academic honesty prior to the submission of an assignment or test.

    There will be some efforts expended to catch violations. The instructor will assign a grade of E to all students involved in violations and ask that they be removed from the University. Do not request a second chance.