Course Objectives and Description

This course introduces graduate level topics in operating systems. We will read and evaluate research papers selected from the literature. Home work assignments will test your understanding of the papers. Class participation is fundamental for productive discussions in class.

The students are also expected to work on two course projects. This will be an opportunity to explore research ideas that interests them (a list of project ideas will also be provided). The goal of the project is to produce conference quality publications. However, because of the limited time available, a project with good research potential (aim high) is preferred over a system that just works. The projects will be evaluated based on the demonstration of the lessons learnt, as well as on the coherent presentation of the results; in context with other research. The key to a successful class project is ensuring that some aspect of the work is complete (it is hard to grade a project where nothing quite works). Ideally successful projects, with further polishing work, will lead to a thesis and/or conference submissions. The students will present their experiences with the research project. They will also submit 6 page research reports.

Prerequisites

Undergraduate level operating systems course (such as CSE 30341) is required. The lecture material (including lecture videos) for the Spr 08 offering of CSE 30341 is available here. Students are strongly encouraged to self evaluate their preparation for this course using the undergraduate Operating System course material. The students are also encouraged to discuss any concerns with the course instructor.