CS1007 Computer Systems Fundamentals

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Curricular information may be subject to change

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 7

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

There are no availability restrictions on first-year and visiting students. The module is available to other students studying in second year and above (including direct entrants to second year), but only up to a limit of 220 students in total enrolled on the module. If spaces are available at the end of the main advising period (after Wednesday in Orientation Week), a random ballot will be held for students in second year and above who have enrolled on the module with a preference given to those on degree programmes including Computer Science. Any student who is unsuccessful in the ballot will be contacted and asked to choose an alternative module.

Planned timetable

Lectures: 12:00-13:00 Thu and Fri, exercise classes: 12:00-13:00 Tue and Wed

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module Staff

To be arranged

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module introduces students to concepts and practicalities surrounding access and use of modern computer systems via a Unix environment. It will cover both local and remote interaction with Unix systems. Students will gain proficiency with operating system tools, especially the command line interface. They will master version control systems which can be applied to both programming and document management. They will learn about key based authentication and its use in modern computer systems. They will learn how to use a number of different productivity tools, and the place of machine virtualisation in the modern ecosystem.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework assignment = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2 lectures, 2 exercise classes, 1 tutorial and 1 x 3-hour practical support session.

Scheduled learning hours

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

120

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

Understand and be able to apply concepts relating to operating systems and remote access to computer systems
Be able to use Unix like environments from the command line
Be able to use Unix editors to change files
Be able to write shell scripts
Understand how to use Version Control Software (GIT)
Be able to interact with remote Unix systems