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UNIT TITLE: Network Operating Systems
CREDIT POINTS: 20
FHEQ LEVEL: 5
UNIT DESIGNATION: Traditional
UNIT CODE: CEN502
ACADEMIC SCHOOL: Media Arts and
Technology
Delivering School: Media Arts and
Technology
Date validated: March 2013
Date modified: N/A
Unit delivery model: CD
Max Student No: N/A
TOTAL STUDENT WORKLOAD
Students are required to attend and participate in all the formal scheduled sessions for
the unit. Students are also expected to manage their directed learning and independent
study in support of the unit.
PRE-REQUISITES AND CO-REQUISITES: None
UNIT DESCRIPTION
This unit considers some more advanced concepts relating to Network Operating Systems.
It follows on from the Network Applications unit at Level 4, investigating how important
network operating system services are implemented within the operating system itself.
For example it looks at the approaches adopted by different operating systems, in
particular contrasting open source systems, such as Linux, with proprietary operating
systems, such as MS Windows. It looks at how these services are configured at file and
kernel level, and the features incorporated into user friendly management tools, such as
graphical user interfaces, that allow the systems to be configured. It further investigates
more advanced command line and shell scripting configuration and management concepts,
as may be necessary on servers that do not run a Windows environment, or systems that
may need batch scripts to execute common or repetitive tasks. The knowledge gained
from these topics will be used to consider how user friendly management tools are
designed and built. The unit will also introduce the concepts of how networked
applications communicate with each other, using example programmes to illustrate some
of the methods.
One aim of the unit is to provide practical skills and theoretical knowledge of network
operating systems and services that are directly relevant to the needs of business. A
second aim is to provide essential underpinning for further study. In this respect it is
intended to provide ideas and motivation for innovative final year projects that may have
a design and build element in the areas outlined above.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
On successful completion of the unit, students should be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding
K1
Discuss a wide range of aspects of network operating systems and the services that
they provide to the network.
Cognitive Skills
C1
Analyse and evaluate technical issues relating to network operating systems in
order to develop a solution to a given problem.
Practical and Professional Skills
P1
Implement, troubleshoot and manage network operating system services using
various tools and techniques.
Transferable and Key Skills
T1
Communicate information relating to network operating systems effectively
verbally and in writing.
AREAS OF STUDY
Network Operating System Services and Configuration
Approaches to operating system kernels. Comparison of how operating systems configure
services such as DHCP, DNS, OpenLDAP etc. - the Linux approach versus the Windows
approach. Configuration using a Windows or Xwindows environment versus direct
manipulation of configuration files, e.g. Linux conf files, and use of shell commands for
configuration, for example iptables.
Advanced Shell and Command line Tools
Advanced shell and command line concepts, e.g. Linux shell and MS Powershell. Batch
processing using shell/command line scripts or programmes to assist the network
administrator with repetitive tasks.
Graphical User Interface (GUI) Management Tools
Investigating the implementation of practical GUI configuration and management tools for
Windows or Xwindows environments. Contrasting MS Windows wizards with, for example,
YaST in Linux. How these programmes can be used to configure operating systems and
system files, for example manipulating the contents of Linux conf files. Practical design
and coding of example systems, for example a simple DHCP configuration GUI using QT4.
Concepts of Networked Applications
Investigating how networked applications communicate, for example using UDP/TCP
sockets. Examining simple example programmes that use these concepts, for example
using Network libraries in Visual Studio or QT4. How to make simple modifications to these
examples.
Project Ideas
Examining how the concepts from this unit can be linked to ideas for final year projects.
LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGY
In the first part of the unit a case study will be used to contrast the effectiveness of
various configuration tools and techniques used in the configuration of important network
operating system services in the context of real world requirements. Preparation sessions
will be used to introduce the theoretical concepts and investigate solutions. Once they
have an understanding of the theory and practice of these they will implement them in a
practical workshop. A student-centred approach will be adopted in which students will
realise the implementation of solutions for themselves by means of directed learning.
In the second part of the unit students will investigate more advanced topics relating to
shell and command line tools, graphical user interfaces in the context of administration
tools, and network programming concepts.
Throughout the year students will also work and research on a topic of their own, choosing
from a provided list of topics or of their own design agreed with the tutor. This topic will
involve independent learning and research focusing on providing a practical or theoretical
solution to a problem relating to the topic. Towards the end of the year students will
showcase the outcomes of their work in a presentation session.
To support learning on this unit, students will encounter a range of learning opportunities
involving classroom and lab based activities supported by additional materials and
resources on the myCourse Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
ASSESSMENT STRATEGY
Summative assessment is based on a Personal Learning Record. The record contains
evidence of preparation in the form of background research and outcomes from practical
activities for a series of topic areas that links background theory and practical work
undertaken with the requirements of the real world scenario where appropriate. There
will be a one-to-one formative PLR review mid-way through the year to provide targeted
formative feedback to students to build their confidence and provide reassurance that
they are on track.
Students will engage in research on a topic throughout the year. This topic may involve
investigation or implementation of a script or computer programme that relates to the
subject, for example a graphical user interface that performs an operating system
management task, or a sockets based networked application, or the topic could involve a
comparative evaluation of methods relating to these systems.
They will showcase and present the outcomes of their work to the tutor and other
students during a presentation session towards the end of the year. They will be assessed
on the suitability of their solutions, be they practically or theoretically demonstrated, to
meet the objectives of their chosen topic.
ASSESSMENT
AE1
weighting:
assessment type:
length/duration:
online submission:
grade marking:
anonymous marking:
AE2
weighting:
assessment type:
length/duration:
online submission:
grade marking:
anonymous marking:
60%
Personal Learning Record
N/A
Yes
No
No
40%
Presentation
10 minutes
Yes
No
No
Aggregation of marks
The marks for each element of assessment will be aggregated to produce an overall mark
for the unit.
Re-assessment Arrangements
Referral in AE1 will require the student to complete a new series of laboratory tasks and
document them in a personal learning record. Laboratory access may be required to
obtain data and other evidence to support personal learning record entries.
Referral in AE2 will require the student to re-work presentation slides and supporting
material.
Unit Author: Neville Palmer
Date of version: March 2013