AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER STUDIES AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

 

Course Syllabus:  ITSC 1307 – UNIX Operating System I

Synonym Number:  30633 (Classroom)

                       

Instructor:  Dr. Ron Bass

Office Telephone:  (512) 223-3180        

Office:  Rio Grande 217

Office Hours:  See Dr. Bass’ Web Page:  www.austincc.edu/RonBass

E-mail:  rbass@austincc.edu

Course Description:    

ITSC 1307 UNIX OPERATING SYSTEM I (3-2-2). A study of the UNIX operating system including multi-user concepts, terminal emulation, use of system editor, basic UNIX commands, and writing script files. Topics include introductory systems management concepts.

Prerequisite:   One semester of programming (either COSC 1315 or ITSE 1331 or equivalent).

Approved Course Text:  UNIX: The Textbook by Sarwar, Koretsky and Sarwar, Second Edition, Addison-Wesley, 2004. ISBN:  0-321-22731-X   NOTE:  This is the second edition.   The first edition of this textbook is similar but page number references for assignments will be different.  This is a UNIX textbook and most of the examples center around BSD UNIX or System V. This course covers the UNIX operating system. However, for functional and economic reasons, the online computing facilities provided by ACC will use Linux. Linux is a non-standard variation of UNIX. However, at the level of use required in this course, they are virtually identical. Students who have access to other versions of UNIX through work (or home) may use those systems to do the assignments required during the class.

Instructional Methodology: 

 

This course is an on-campus course which meets for 2 50-minute lectures and 2 50-minute labs each week during the sixteen week semester.  This course will be managed using ACC's online instructional support system: Blackboard (Bb). Under the Bb system all course materials are available online through an Internet connection and the World Wide Web. The URL for the Bb online system is: http://acconline.austincc.edu. Assignments, announcements, chat sessions, discussion boards, Problem Sets and Exercise Sets, exam reviews and other instructional materials will be available through the Bb system. Each student will be provided a login name and a password for accessing the system. When logged in, all grading information is protected by system security features; thus assuring each student’s privacy.

Access to a UNIX Server (running Linux which is functionally the same as UNIX at this level of use) will be provided to students in two ways. A student may use a Computer Studies lab computer to make a connection to the UNIX server; or, may connect to the UNIX server from a home or office computer with internet access and a version of the telnet utility (a standard feature of MS Windows). Telnet access is accomplished by running the program and providing the proper URL or IP address. The on-campus IP address for the server is 10.71.25.10 and the off-campus IP address for the server is 206.77.144.61.  The server and domain name is codered.austincc.edu.  An ideal environment for a student taking this class would be to have home or work access to the Linux system via the Internet connection as well as the access on-campus using the lab computers.

Course Rationale:

The course is an introduction to UNIX, and by extension, the Linux, operating system.  UNIX is commonly used in network systems as file, web, database, printer, etc servers.  It is increasingly used as a desktop machine for certain special occupations in engineering and design and for some home users.  Because of its common use in networks instruction on its use and configuration are necessary for many occupational pursuits targeted by the Computer Studies Program at ACC.

Course Objectives/ Learning Outcomes: 

1. To familiarize students with the concepts, design, and structure of the UNIX operating system.

2. To teach students the use of basic UNIX Utilities

3. To teach students the principles of UNIX shell programming.

Assignments:

During the course there will be 10 Exercise Sets, 10 Problem Sets, 3 Exam Reviews (subdivided into 10 Review Quizzes) and 3 Exams.  Exercise and Problem Sets should be completed according to the following system. The first three should be completed prior to taking Exam 1; Exercise and Problem Sets 4-6 prior to taking Exam 2 and the final four prior to Exam 3.  The content covered by the Exercise and Problem Sets will be the basis of corresponding exams and should be completed prior to taking them. In addition to the Problem Sets and Exercise Sets, exam reviews for each exam are available.  The reviews will be completed on-line at the instructors Blackboard web site.  Completed exam reviews will receive appropriate credit an indicated below under Grading.  Exam reviews are similar in style, content, and difficulty to the exams.  Each exam review may be repeated as many times as necessary to achieve a satisfactory level of mastery.

All exams will be given in the assigned classroom. The exams will be objective (multiple choice, matching, and or true/false).  All exams are closed book and are to be taken without notes. The exam will be scored and results provided to the student (as a score only). A student may elect to take an exam without proper preparation but results are final.  There will be no make-up exams or retesting.

 

 

Grade Policy:

 

During the course students will be graded on the following:

10 Exam Review Quizzes @ 1% = 10%

10 Exercise and Problem Sets @ 1.5% = 15%

3 Exams @ 25% = 75%                                                                                                                                                       

Grading Scale - (as a %)

90-100 = A

80-89.9 = B

70-79.9 = C

60-69.9 = D

59.9 And less = F

 

Academic Integrity:

 

A student is expected to complete his or her own projects and tests.  Students are responsible for observing the policy on academic integrity described in the Current ACC Student Handbook, under “Student Discipline Policy, Section C”.

 

“Acts prohibited by the college for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work.  Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their own thought, research or self-expression.  Academic work is defined as, but not limited to tests, quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects, either individual or group; classroom presentations, and homework”. 

 

The penalty accessed will be in accordance with the current ACC Student Handbook policy. See http://www.austincc.edu/handbook/policies4.htm  for more information

 

Incomplete Grade:

 

A student may receive a temporary grade of “I” (Incomplete) at the end of the semester only if ALL of the following conditions are satisfied:

 

The student is unable to complete the course during the semester due to circumstances beyond his/her control such as a death in the family or a catastrophic personal/family member illness.

The student must have earned at least half of the grade points needed for a “C” by the end of the semester.

The request for the grade must be made in person at the instructor’s office and necessary documents completed.

To remove an “I”, the student must complete the course by two weeks before the end of the following semester.  Failure to do so will result in the grade automatically reverting to an “F”.

 

Freedom of Expression Policy:

 

It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.

 

Withdrawal Policy:

 

It is the student’s responsibility to complete a Withdrawal Form in the Admissions Office if they wish to withdraw from this class.  The instructor may withdraw students from this class progress toward completing the assignments fall behind schedule.  It is not the responsibility of the instructor to withdraw the students from their class even though the instructor has the prerogative to do so under the above listed circumstances.  ALERT:  A new state law for new students states that there can be  No more than six course withdrawals throughout your undergraduate education, regardless of how many colleges you attend.  Students who entered college before fall 2007 are not affected.  Ask a counselor for details.

 

 

Students with Disabilities Policy:

 

“Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities.  Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes.  Students are encouraged to make this request three weeks before the start of the semester.  (Refer to the Current ACC Student Handbook)”

 

Testing Center Policy (Open Campus Sections Only)

 

Read the Student Guide to Use of the Testing Center at the following URL: http://www.austincc.edu/testctr/

 

             

 

Course Outline:

 

            Topic

Chapter

Exercises/Problems/Reviews/Exams

Overview, History, and UNIX Shells

0-4

Exercise Set 1, Problem Set 1, and Part A of Exam Review 1

Utilities and Electronic Mail

5-6

Exercise Set 2, Problem Set 2, and Part B of Exam Review 1

Files and File Systems

7

Exercise Set 3, Problem Set 3, and Part C of Exam Review 1. EXAM 1

File Security

8

Exercise Set 4, Problem Set 4, and Part A of Exam Review 2

File Processing

9-11

Exercise Set 5, Problem Set 5, and Part B of Exam Review 2

Redirection and Piping

12

Exercise Set 6, Problem Set 6, and Part C of Exam Review 2.  EXAM 2

Processes and Networks

13-14

Exercise Set 7, Problem Set 7, and Part A of Exam Review 3

Bourne Shell Programming

15

Exercise Set 8, Problem Set 8, and Part B of Exam Review 3

Adv. Bourne Shell Programming

16

Exercise Set 9, Problem Set 9, and Part C of Exam Review 3

C Shell Programming

17

Exercise Set 10, Problem Set 10, and Part D of Exam Review 3. EXAM 3

 

 

           

Skill Standards:

The following NWCET skill standards are addressed in this course at level 2 (introductory knowledge and understanding)

 

Database Administration and Development       

B2.  Creates database objects

C3.  Manage onsite and offsite backup and recovery

C6.  Upgrade databases and migrate to new versions.

            Network Design and Administration

                         A1.  Gather data to identify customer requirements.

 C2.  Implement new system configuration

 C3.  Perform workstation configuration and software loading

 E1.  Set up and maintain new accounts 

            Programming and Software Engineering

                         C6.  Create and test prototypes

 D1.  Write code.

 D2.  Perform unit testing.

 E2.  Develop test procedures.

 E3.  Perform tests

            Technical Support

                         D1.  Operate computer system and run system applications

Scans Competencies:  

C1.  Time:  Selects goal-relevant activities, ranks them, allocates time, and prepares and follows schedules.  Level 2.

C3.  Materials and Facilities:  Acquires, stores, allocates, and uses materials or space efficiently.  Level 2.

C10.  Teaches others new skills.  Level 1.

C11.  Serves Clients/Customers:  Works to satisfy customer's expectations.  Level 1.

C12. Exercises Leadership:  Communicates ideas to justify position, persuades and convinces others, responsibly challenges existing procedures and policies.  Level 1.

C13.  Negotiates:  Works toward agreements involving exchange of resources; resolves divergent interests.  Level 1.

C14.  Works With Diversity:  Works well with men and women from diverse backgrounds.  Level 1.

C16.  Monitors and Corrects Performance:  Distinguishes trends, predicts impacts on system operations, diagnoses systems performance, and corrects malfunctions.  Level 2.

C19.  Applies Technology to Task:  Understands overall intent and proper procedures for setup and operation of equipment.  Level 2.

F1.  Reading:  Locates, understands, and interprets written information in prose and in documents such as manuals, graphs, and schedules.  Level 2

F3.  Arithmetic:  Performs basic computations; uses basic numerical concepts such as whole numbers, etc.  Level 2.

F4.  Mathematics:  Approaches practical problems by choosing appropriately from a variety of mathematical techniques.  Level 2.

F9   Problem Solving:  Recognizes problems and devises and implements plan of action.  Level 2.

F10.  Seeing Things in the Mind’s Eye:  Organizes and processes symbols, pictures, graphs, objects, and other information.  Level 2.

F11.  Knowing How to Learn:  Uses efficient learning techniques to acquire and apply new knowledge and skills.  Level 2.

F16.  Self-Management:  Assesses self accurately, sets personal goals, monitors progress, and exhibits self-control.  Level 2.

F17.  Integrity/Honesty:  Chooses ethical courses of action.  Level 2.


 

ITSC 1307 UNIX Operating System I

Course Schedule (Classroom)

Spring 2009 (16 weeks)

Completion Date

Activity

01/20

First Class Day

01/29

Exercise Set 1, Problem Set 1 and Exam Review 1, Part A

02/10

Exercise Set 2,  Problem Set 2 and Exam Review 1, Part B

02/24

Exercise Set 3, Problem Set 3 and Exam Review 1, Part C

02/24

Exam 1

03/05

Exercise Set 4, Problem Set 4 and Exam Review 2, Part A

03/24

Exercise Set 5, Problem Set 5 and Exam Review 2, Part B

04/07

Exercise Set 6, Problem Set 6 and Exam Review 2, Part C

04/07

Exam 2

04/16

Exercise Set 7, Problem Set 7 and Exam Review 3, Part A

04/23

Exercise Set 8, Problem Set 8 and Exam Review 3, Part B

05/05

Exercise Set 9, Problem Set 9 and Exam Review 3, Part C

05/14

Exercise Set 10, Problem Set 10 and Exam Review 3, Part D

05/14

Exam 3