6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL
Postgraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Chief examiner(s)
Unit guides
Prohibitions
FIT9018, FIT5134
Synopsis
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.
Outcomes
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:
- examine and describe computer hardware and software architectures;
- explain the three major functions of an operating system (OS), namely, process management, memory management, and file management;
- explain network technologies;
- write Unix commands for file management;
- apply Unix commands to interact with OS;
- develop Unix shell scripts;
- manage usage and administration of Linux systems; and
- deploy Linux in personal and enterprise contexts.
Assessment
Examination (2 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%
Workload requirements
Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:
- Contact hours for on-campus students:
- One 1-hour lecture
- One 3-hour laboratory
- Additional requirements (all students):
- A minimum of 8 hours independent study per week for completing lab and project work, private study and revision.
See also Unit timetable information