Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

None

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

This module aims to introduce students to the concepts underpinning a modern distributed computing environment and the wide range of systems software and other software-based computing tools that together provide a computing environment.

The students will be introduced to the practicalities of using some of the system/tool software available within a computing system, developing their computer literacy skills (in a wide range of areas) and understanding the fundamental actions typically carried out by computer professionals, thus making them adaptable to different computing environments.

The content will be informed by the latest research by the lecturers and research publications in relevant literature.

Outline Of Syllabus

* Introduction to historical perspectives on the evolution of computer systems and systems software.
* Hardware: brief overview of the mechanisms provided by hardware and the interaction that may occur between hardware and software
* Operating systems: basic services that are provided concentrating on modern pre-emptive style operating systems
* Networks: an overview of the types of software (including HTML) and associated protocols used in the deployment of distributed services, including a study of internetworking protocols and services.
* Databases: an understanding of the purpose and advantages of database management systems from the user's perspective.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

The ability to describe how a number of different services may be combined to present higher level mechanisms suitable for satisfying quite specific user requirements via interface and protocol.
The ability to describe the four levels of abstraction associated with modern system deployment and associate enabling technologies with each level: hardware, operating system, middleware, application.
The ability to describe the differences between, and provide examples of, event driven and poll based software and realize when each approach is appropriate to satisfying user requirements.
The ability to describe the currently available tools for developing software architectures.

Intended Skill Outcomes

The ability to reason about computer environments and to be able to choose from a variety of potential solutions to address the problem in hand.
The ability to demonstrate how networking technologies may be utilized in a manner that makes possible service provision via a heterogeneous distributed computing environment (e.g., DNS).
The ability to use a number of systems software and computing tools (e.g., scripting in UNIX operating systems).
The ability to use a number of popular software packages to satisfy quite specific user requirements (mathematical analysis tools, databases, office style applications).

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will be used to introduce the learning material and for demonstrating the key concepts by example. Students are expected to follow-up lectures within a few days by re-reading and annotating lecture notes to aid deep learning.

This is a very practical subject, and it is important that the learning materials are supported by hands-on opportunities provided by practical classes. Students are expected to spend time on coursework outside timetabled practical classes.

Students aiming for 1st class marks are expected to widen their knowledge beyond the content of lecture notes through background reading.

Students should set aside sufficient time to revise for the end of semester exam.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

A combination of an unseen exam and practical exercises aiming to test students’ understanding of theory and provide them with an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to apply it.

Study abroad students may request to take their exam before the semester 1 exam period, in which case the length of the exam may differ from that show in the MOF.

N.B. This module has both “Exam Assessment” and “Other Assessment” (e.g. coursework). If the total mark for either assessment falls below 40%, the maximum mark returned for the module will normally be 40%.

General Notes

N/A