Key facts
UNE unit code: COSC240
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- UNE Sydney Campus
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
An operating system is a fundamental component of most modern computing environments. Operating systems have developed in parallel with computer hardware, advancing to ensure the hardware can be used as effectively as possible. Build the knowledge and skills needed to ensure that you can stay at the forefront of innovation in this rapidly evolving field.
Studying this unit, you will be introduced to the core components and theoretical underpinnings of operating systems, including processes, memory management, file systems and scheduling, brought to life with real-world case studies.
With this as a foundation, your understanding of these key concepts will be extended as you explore multiprocessor and distributed systems.
The unit offers insights into concurrency control and topical issues in security. You will also have opportunities to fine tune your ability to plan and implement solutions for challenging programming problems.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, UNE Sydney Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
To study this unit on campus at the UNE Sydney Campus you must be admitted to your course as an on campus student at the UNE Sydney Campus.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- articulate knowledge of the fundamental principles of computer architecture using appropriate terminology;
- describe the historical development of operating systems and its impact on availability of technology;
- broadly explain theoretical and technical concepts relating to operating systems, including processes, virtual memory, files, security and distributed computing;
- analyse and evaluate a range of algorithms for process scheduling, concurrency, memory management and file storage; and
- plan and implement solutions to sometimes complex programming problems involving C programs and UNIX system calls.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | It is mandatory to pass this component in order to pass this unit. |
| Programming Task 2 | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Programming assignment. |
| Programming task 1 | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Programming assignment. |
| Quizzes | Yes | 20% | All offerings | 5 quizzes at 4% each. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Modern Operating Systems: Global Edition
ISBN: 9781292459660
Tanenbaum, A.S., Pearson 5th ed. 2023
Text refers to: Trimester 2 (On Campus, Armidale Campus), Trimester 2 (On Campus, UNE Sydney Campus), Trimester 2 (Online)
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Operating Systems: Three Easy Pieces
ISBN: 9781985086593
Remzi H Arpaci-Dusseau and Andrea C Arpaci-Dusseau, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform v1.10 2018
Text refers to: All offerings
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