CSCI13341 Course Syllabus

PROFESSOR INFORMATION
Name:              Dr.  Yao
Office:             Atkinson Hall 317
Telephone:      (478) 445-5483
Email:              jf.yao@gcsu.edu
URL:               http://abacus2.gcsu.edu
Office Hours:  8:20a.m.--10:50a.m. on Tu. and Th.  or by appointments

CLASSROOM: A&S 143 (2:00p.m.--3:15p.m.;  Tu, Th)

REQUIRED TEXT:  
Operating Systems Design and Implementation- 3rd edition (The Minix book), by Andrew S. Tanenbaum and Albert S. Woodhull. 

PREREQUISITE: C or higher in CSCI 3410 – Introduction to Data Structures

COURSE OBJECTIVE:

A part of the thorough grounding in key principles and practices of computing is an in depth experience with the principles and designs of modern operating systems, from the operating system designer perspective.  This course provides an introduction and foundation for achieving this objective

COURSE DESCRIPTION :
Basic principles, structure, and functions of operating systems.  Topics include concurrency, multitasking and process synchronization, multi-programming, and memory, processor, and device management, etc.

EXPECTED COURSE OUTCOME:

1. Students will become acquainted with basic principles, structure, and functions of operating systems and designs of modern operating systems;
2. Students will be able to develop basic operating system components, such as process management.

GRADING CRITERIA:

1. Students learning will be assessed primarily through participation in programming homework, written responses to tests, and a cumulative final exam.
2. Assessment will be based on the following criteria:
• A demonstrated proficiency and mastery in basic principles, structure, and functions of operating systems;
• A demonstrated proficiency in developing an operating system with the basic features learned in the course;
• Attend class regularly, complete programming homework assignments, and actively participate in classroom activities;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the applications problems studied in the course;
• Exceptional performance on all tests, and the cumulative final examination.

GRADE DISTRIBUTION:
                                 Percentage               Date
            Exam I             25%                 Sept. 17, 2009
            Exam II            25%                 Oct. 29, 2009
            Final Exam       25%                 Dec. 10, 2009, Th (2:00p.m.-4:45p.m.)
            Projects            25%

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         Total                   100%
  

FINAL GRADES:
      Grade              Percentage
        A                90% and up
        B                80% - 89.99%
        C                70% - 79.99%
        D                60% - 69.99%
        F                59.99% or less

COURSE POLICY:

1. You are expected to read the textbook prior to and after class.

2. Class and lab participation is essential in learning computer technology.  It is your responsibility to attend the class/lab in order to achieve good learning, therefore obtain a good grade. 

3. You must NOT miss an exam  unless you have a verifiable written excuse.  An unexcused absence from an exam will result in a numerical grade of zero for that exam.

4. The homework material will be included in the exams.  Therefore, doing the homework assignments by yourself is essential in obtaining a good score in an exam.

5. Late assignments will be penalized 10% per day after the assignment due date.

6. Prior to mid-semester, you will receive feedback on your academic performance in this course.  Your overall grades are updated on a regular basis on WebCT throughout the semester.

ACADEMIC HONESTY:

The integrity of students is a critical component of the academic process.  All written work submitted in this course must be individual work unless the instructor assigns a team of students to work on an assignment. Students must properly document all outside sources used for projects, programs, and homework. The submission of another’s work as one’s own is plagiarism, and will be dealt with using the procedures outlined on the Undergraduate Catalog.

  
TENTATIVE COURSE OUTLINE:
First week                    Chapter 1 – Introduction

Next four Weeks          Chapters 2 – Processes 

Next four weeks          Chapters 3 –Input/Output 

Next four weeks           Chapter 4 – Memory Management

Next four weeks          Chapter 5 – File Systems

(Class ended on Dec. 7, 2009)  

Labor Day Holiday (Sept. 7, 2009)
Fall Break (Oct. 12-13, 2009)
Thanksgiving Holidays (Nov. 25-27, 2009)

OCTOBER 16, 2009 IS THE LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW A COURSE WITHOUT ACADEMIC PENALTY.

FIRE DRILL PROCEDURE

In the event of a fire alarm signal students will exit the building in a quick and orderly manner through the nearest hallway exit.   Learn the floor plan and exits of this building. Do not use elevators.   Crawl on the floor if you encounter heavy smoke.  Assist disabled persons and others if possible without endangering your own life.  Assemble for a head count on front lawn of main campus.