Module overview
This module aims to introduce students to operating system internals and the general principles and practices of developing low-level software that interacts directly with hardware.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- The hardware requirements implied by software functionality
- Key concepts of operating systems
- Key concepts of real-time systems
- The capabilities and peculiarities of embedded systems
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Design algorithms for resource-constrained systems
- Implement simple operating system components
- Build and debug applications running on a microcontroller
- Implement software on an embedded system
- Write system-level code
Syllabus
- Memory management
- Input/Output
- Timing
- Scheduling
- File Systems
- Serial Communication
- Embedded Applications
- Reliability and Security
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The content of this module is delivered through lectures, the module website, and directed reading.
Students work on their understanding through a combination of independent study and preparation for timetabled activities, along with formative assessments in the form of coursework assignments.
Students work on their practical skills and technical understanding using a hardware kit issued to each student.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Completion of assessment task | 38 |
| Lecture | 36 |
| Wider reading or practice | 16 |
| Follow-up work | 18 |
| Specialist Laboratory | 20 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 10 |
| Revision | 12 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Assessment strategy
This module is assessed by a final examination that includes practical work under exam conditions.Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination | 100% |