CSE 221: Graduate Operating Systems

Course Instructor: Prof. Joseph Pasquale

Teaching Assistant: Erin McGinnis

Synopsis

• Major principles of operating system design from original sources. We will be reviewing a number of classic papers in operating systems. For many of you, this is your introduction to reading papers where key ideas were first presented, as opposed to textbooks which generally contain distilled summaries of these ideas.
• How to analyze a technical paper. This involves critical reading, driven by questions you formulate prior to, during, and after reading (and rereading).
• How to communicate effectively. The class format is question/answer, "Socratic" style. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but you will quickly get accustomed (and it will serve you well outside of this class). You will learn how to think and respond in real time.

Prerequisite

• The prerequisite for the class is CSE 120 (Principles of Computer Operating Systems), or the equivalent offered at other universities. This class ASSUMES you have this background; if you do not, I strongly recommend you reconsider taking this class and first take CSE 120, as it will be very difficult for you without this background.

Class Attendance

• As will be discussed in our first meeting, class attendance is very important. If you have a conflict and can't make class, you'll need to drop, as this is not the kind of class where you can simply do the work outside of class. If you cannot make a particular class meeting, it will be your responsibility to find out what happened from other students.

Grading

• 30% Class attendance/participation
• 30% Final paper
• 40% Final exam

Academic Integrity