CSE121 – Operating Systems: Architecture and Implementation
Units: 4
Course Objectives:
This course provides students with a strong understanding of the architecture and
implementation of an existing operating system, building on the conceptual level of understanding
provided by CSE 120. With this knowledge, students will be able to understand other operating
systems, and be ready to learn how operating systems are effectively modified and how new
operating systems are built. These latter topics are covered in CSE 122, the operating
systems laboratory for which this course serves as a prerequisite.
Course Description:
Case-study of architecture and implementation of a selected modern operating
system. In-depth analysis through a detailed study of source code. Topics include process creation,
context-switching, memory allocation, synchronization mechanisms, interprocess communication,
I/O buffering, device drivers, and file systems.
Format:
3 hours of lecture per week, 1 one-hour section per week, 6 hour of computer lab,
and 2 hours of outside preparation.
Prerequisites:
CSE 120
Other restrictions:
Majors only.
Example Textbook(s):
Laboratory work:
Programming assignments on workstations in the CSE Operating Systems Laboratory.
Offered:
Two quarters a year, generally in Winter and Spring
Resources
