This unit introduces students to the fundamentals of computer systems and the computing environment, using Linux as a case study of a modern operating system. Topics covered include: CPU, memory, storage devices, peripheral hardware, networking fundamentals, operating systems fundamentals, practical Linux considerations including Desktop and Enterprise applications, file systems, shell scripting, client/server applications and system administration.
1 hr lecture/wk, 3 hrs laboratories/wk
For this unit the workload per week is comprised of 1 hour of lectures, 3 hours of practical sessions and a minimum of 8 hours of study outside of classes.
Andy Cheng
At the completion of this unit students will be expected to have understanding of:
Examination (2 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%
| Assessment Task | Value | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Lab Tasks | 40% | Weekly (in Labs) |
| Examination 1 | 60% | To be advised |
Monash is committed to excellence in education and regularly seeks feedback from students, employers and staff. One of the key formal ways students have to provide feedback is through SETU, Student Evaluation of Teacher and Unit. The University's student evaluation policy requires that every unit is evaluated each year. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the surveys. The feedback is anonymous and provides the Faculty with evidence of aspects that students are satisfied and areas for improvement.
For more information on Monash's educational strategy, and on student evaluations, see:
http://www.monash.edu.au/about/monash-directions/directions.html
http://www.policy.monash.edu/policy-bank/academic/education/quality/student-evaluation-policy.html
If you wish to view how previous students rated this unit, please go to
https://emuapps.monash.edu.au/unitevaluations/index.jsp
The lab sessions will require the use of Linux (Ubuntu), installed on bootable USB Keys. The software will be provided to students during their first lab session.
| Week | Activities | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No formal assessment or activities are undertaken in week 0 | |
| 1 | Hardware I: Introduction to Digital Computers | Lab Tasks |
| 2 | Operating Systems I: Introduction to Operating Systems | Lab Tasks |
| 3 | Operating Systems II: Memory Management - Virtual Memory | Lab Tasks |
| 4 | Operating Systems III: File Management | Lab Tasks |
| 5 | Operating Systems III: File Management Continued | Lab Tasks |
| 6 | Operating Systems IV: Process Management Concepts | Lab Tasks |
| 7 | Operating Systems V: Process Management - Deadlocks and IPC | Lab Tasks |
| 8 | Operating Systems VI: More Unix Shell Basics | Lab Tasks |
| 9 | Operating Systems VII: Unix Shell Scripting | Lab Tasks |
| 10 | Operating Systems VII: Unix Shell Scripting Continued | Lab Tasks |
| 11 | Hardware II: Secondary Storage Devices | Lab Tasks |
| 12 | Hardware III: CPU, Memory and System Performance | Lab Tasks |
| SWOT VAC | No formal assessment is undertaken SWOT VAC | |
| Examination period | LINK to Assessment Policy: http://policy.monash.edu.au/policy-bank/ academic/education/assessment/ assessment-in-coursework-policy.html |
*Unit Schedule details will be maintained and communicated to you via your MUSO (Blackboard or Moodle) learning system.
To pass a unit which includes an examination as part of the assessment a student must obtain:
If a student does not achieve 40% or more in the unit examination or the unit non-examination total assessment, and the total mark for the unit is greater than 50% then a mark of no greater than 49-N will be recorded for the unit
How well tasks are completed during each lab session.
It is a University requirement (http://www.policy.monash.edu/policy-bank/academic/education/conduct/plagiarism-procedures.html) for students to submit an assignment coversheet for each assessment item. Faculty Assignment coversheets can be found at http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/resources/student/forms/. Please check with your Lecturer on the submission method for your assignment coversheet (e.g. attach a file to the online assignment submission, hand-in a hard copy, or use an online quiz).
Submission must be made by the due date otherwise penalties will be enforced.
You must negotiate any extensions formally with your campus unit leader via the in-semester special consideration process: http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/resources/student/equity/special-consideration.html.
Monash has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University's academic standards, and to provide advice on how they might uphold them.
You can find Monash's Education Policies at:
http://policy.monash.edu.au/policy-bank/academic/education/index.html
Key educational policies include:
The University provides many different kinds of support services for you. Contact your tutor if you need advice and see the range of services available at www.monash.edu.au/students The Monash University Library provides a range of services and resources that enable you to save time and be more effective in your learning and research. Go to http://www.lib.monash.edu.au or the library tab in my.monash portal for more information. Students who have a disability or medical condition are welcome to contact the Disability Liaison Unit to discuss academic support services. Disability Liaison Officers (DLOs) visit all Victorian campuses on a regular basis