This class builds on CS 226 to explore operating systems in greater depth. We will cover more specialized topics as well as revising some topics in greater depth. This will include examining (and changing) operating system code and also reading research papers. Presentations and discussion will feature prominently.
We meet on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday during 2nd period (9:20-10:30) in the Crash & Burn lab (SMC-A215).
There will be no class on January 21st. I encourage you to take the opportunity to attend the convocation in honor of MLK Day.
This class does not have a textbook. I have placed the following on reserve as possible resources:
Because this is a small class, topics covered will be modified to reflect the interests of the group. Here are some topics I would like to cover:
The class will feature a mixture of written and programming homework assignments. In addition, you will be graded on your participation in class. There will not be any exams.
You may discuss assignments with your classmates and use resources on the web provided you understand the answer you submit and thoroughly cite the resources you used. For collaborative assignments, you are expected to contribute fairly to the group effort and be able to describe your contributions.
You should plan on submitting all work by the due date, but I know this is not always possible. Therefore, you will get two "late days" that may be used on homework assignments during the term. Each allows you to submit one homework 24 hours late without penalty. They can be used for the same or different assignments. To use them, write a note on the top of your submission. Late assignments without such a note will lose 10% of their points for each 24 hours they are late. Late submissions will not be accepted once solutions have been posted so let me know if you intend to work on something past its normal deadline. Individual extensions beyond these two days will require extraordinary circumstances.
I assign extra credit problems infrequently. I will however give extra credit for attending colloquium talks sponsored by the CS department (possibly other departments, depending on the content of the talk) and submitting a short writeup about the talk. Give a quick summary and any impressions you had in a couple of paragraphs (~1 page). This offer applies to any qualifying talk you are not otherwise getting credit to attend.
At the end of the term, all of your work will combined into a weighted average, with 20% of the weight for participation and 80% for the assignments. The range of scores mapping to each grade will be determined at the end of the term. In general, your grade will take care of itself if you prepare for each class, participate during class, complete all the assignments on time. Feel free to talk with me if you are concerned about it.