Syllabus for COS-240
OPERATING SYSTEMS
This course concentrates on the design function of the operating systems of multiuser computers. Topics include time sharing methods of memory allocation and protection, files, CPU scheduling, input/output management, interrupt handling, process synchronization, deadlocking and recovery, and design principles.
After completing this course, you should be able to:
CO1 Explain the structure of an operating system.
CO2 Describe the memory manager.
CO3 Describe the processor manager.
CO4 Describe the device manager.
CO5 Explain the user command interface.
CO6 Compare network and distributed operating systems.
CO7 Analyze and compare operating systems.
You will need the following materials to complete your coursework. Some course materials may be free, open source, or available from other providers. You can access free or open-source materials by clicking the links provided below or in the module details documents. To purchase course materials, please visit the University's textbook supplier.
Operating Systems is a three-credit online course consisting of six modules. You are required to read the text as assigned, complete six written assignments, and 2 proctored online exams: a midterm and a final. You are also required to take part in the online discussions.
You are required to participate in graded online discussions and an ungraded "Introductions" forum, which occurs during the first week of the semester, and take two proctored online examinations—a midterm and a final. See below for more details. Each module includes written exercises and a discussion forum.
Consult the Course Calendar for assignment due dates.
One or more of your course activities may utilize a tool designed to promote original work and evaluate your submissions for plagiarism. More information about this tool is available in About SafeAssign.
Operating Systems has six graded online discussions, each focusing on a different subject. There is also an ungraded but required discussion in Module 1 titled "Introductions."
Communication among fellow students and with the mentor is a critical component of online learning. Participation in online discussions involves two distinct activities: an initial response to a posted question (discussion thread) and subsequent comments on classmates' responses. Meaningful participation is relevant to the content, adds value, and advances the discussion. Comments such as "I agree" and "ditto" are not considered value-adding participation. Therefore, when you agree or disagree with a classmate, the reading, or your mentor, state and support your agreement or disagreement. You will be evaluated on the quality and quantity of your participation. Responses and comments should be properly proofread and edited, professional, and respectful.
Located within the Evaluation Rubrics folder of the course website is the online discussion forum rubric used to aid in the grading of all online discussion assignments.
Operating Systems has six written assignments, one for each module of the course.
Take the time to familiarize yourself with the Modules area of the course website, and read through the written activity questions before you begin each lesson. Your answers to the activity questions should be well developed and convey your understanding of the course materials. Formulate responses in your own words (do not merely copy answers from your reading materials), citing text materials where appropriate and in an appropriate manner.
Exam Study Guide(s)
For a list of key concepts that may appear on your exam(s), refer to the study guide(s) available in the Examinations section of the course Web site.
You are required to take two proctored online examinations: a midterm exam and a final exam. Both exams require that you use the University's Online Proctor Service (OPS). Please refer to the "Examinations and Proctors" section of the Online Student Handbook (see General Information area of the course website) for further information about scheduling and taking online exams and for all exam policies and procedures. You are strongly advised to schedule your exam within the first week of the semester.
The midterm is a closed-book, proctored online exam. It is two hours long and covers material in Modules 1, 2, and 3. It consists of multiple-choice and short essay questions. If you have concerns about the format and/or content of the examination, please contact your mentor at least a week in advance of the scheduled test.
The final is a closed-book, proctored online exam. It is two hours long and covers material in Modules 4, 5, and 6. It consists of multiple-choice and short essay questions.
Online exams are administered through the course website. Consult the Course Calendar for the official dates of exam weeks.
You are on your honor not to cheat during an exam. Cheating means:
If there is evidence that you have cheated or plagiarized in an exam, the exam will be declared invalid, and you will fail the course.
GRADING AND EVALUATION
Your grade in the course will be determined as follows:
All activities will receive a numerical grade of 0–100. You will receive a score of 0 for any work not submitted. Your final grade in the course will be a letter grade. Letter grade equivalents for numerical grades are as follows:
A | = | 93–100 | C+ | = | 78–79 | |
A– | = | 90–92 | C | = | 73–77 | |
B+ | = | 88–89 | C– | = | 70–72 | |
B | = | 83–87 | D | = | 60–69 | |
B– | = | 80–82 | F | = | Below 60 |
To receive credit for the course, you must earn a letter grade of C or better (for an area of study course) or D or better (for a course not in your area of study), based on the weighted average of all assigned course work (e.g., exams, assignments, discussion postings, etc.).
To succeed in this course, take the following first steps:
Consider the following study tips for success:
To ensure success in all your academic endeavors and coursework at Thomas Edison State University, familiarize yourself with all administrative and academic policies including those related to academic integrity, course late submissions, course extensions, and grading policies.
For more, see:
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