Introductory description

In the era of digitization, the computing devices are expected to perform complex and critical tasks. The operating systems including embedded operating system (EOS), robot operating system (ROS), real-time operating system (RTOS), etc. are the fundamental software in computer systems that support the devices to perform tasks so it is very important that operating systems should be stable and efficient. In particular, real time operating systems play a vital role in applications where timing predictability, responsiveness, and reliability are paramount, enabling the development of embedded systems that perform critical tasks with precision and efficiency.
This module contributes to AHEP 4 learning outcomes for Partial CEng and BCS accreditation criteria for Full CITP as referenced in the learning outcomes.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

• Type of operating Systems
• Processes and threads
• Process scheduling and state
• C Programming
• Inter-process communication
• Threads vs. processes
• Kernel vs user threads
• Concurrency and synchronization
• Scheduling
• CPU Scheduler
• Scheduling criteria and algorithms
• Thread scheduling
• Deadlock
• Mutual exclusion
• Critical section
• Priority Inversion
• Priority Inheritance
• Race condition
• Critical section
• Semaphores
• Memory system and virtual memory
• File systems, disk scheduling and I/O
• Design and analysis of real time system software
• Reliability and fault tolerance
• Real time communication
• Real time systems for multiprocessor systems

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Identify the fundamental principles of an operating system and recognise how it effectively handles file, memory, processes, and device resources [AHEP:4 – C6] [CITP: 2.1.1].
• Critically discuss processor architecture components and how processes work effectively across the components [CITP: 2.1.10].
• Comprehensively evaluate the factors related to race condition and mutual exclusion with time and resource limitations for concurrency management [CITP: 2.2.1].
• Effectively apply the understanding of real time operating system to real application problems by implementing the solutions [AHEP:4 - C5] [CITP: 2.2.5].

Indicative reading list

• Wang, K. C., “ Embedded and real-time operating systems”, Springer 2017, ISBN: 9783319515175
• A. Holt, “ Embedded operating systems; a practical approach”, Springer 2018, ISBN : 978 319729770
• C. Naresh, “Principles of operating systems”, Oxford University Press, 2015, ISBN : 9780198082873.
• J. Schauffele, “Automotive software engineering; principles, processes, methods and tools”, SAE International, 2005, ISBN: 0768014905.

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

Contributes to the occupational standard for Digital and Technology Solutions Professional (ST0119):
Identify risks, determine mitigation strategies and opportunities for improvement in a digital and technology solutions project (S2).
Initiate, design, code, test and debug a software component for a digital and technology solution (S4).
Initiate, design, implement and debug a data product for a digital and technology solution (S10).
Research, investigate, and evaluate innovative technologies or approaches in the development of a digital and technology solution (S14).
Identify and define software engineering problems that are non-routine and incompletely specified (S16).
Provide recommendations as to the most appropriate software engineering solution (S17).
Implement software engineering projects using appropriate software engineering methods, approaches and techniques (S19).

Transferable skills

Digital Literacy (Has the capabilities that enable living, learning and working in a digital society. Comfortable with using digital media to communicate, solve problems, manage information, collaborate, create and share content.)
Problem Solving (Use rational and logical reasoning to deduce appropriate and well-reasoned conclusions. Retain an open mind, optimistic of finding solutions, thinking laterally and creatively to look beyond the obvious. Knows how to learn from failure.)
Critical Thinking (Recognise patterns, themes and key messages from sometimes confused and incomplete data. Make informed decisions on the value of a range of sources allowing an evidence based conclusion based on this analysis.)
Professionalism (Prepared to operate autonomously. Aware of how to be efficient and resilient. Manages priorities and time. Self-motivated, setting and achieving goals, prioritising tasks)
Information Literacy (Critical awareness of how information is gathered, used, managed and synthesised. Understanding of the relative value of different sources and the importance of provenance. The systematic collection, analysis and evaluation of information in the investigation of a topic.)