Operating Systems unit (KIT213)

Melbourne Study Centre, Ultimo Study Centre, Hobart, Launceston, Online

Introduction

Today's modern integrated technology is built on ICT systems that run in a range of contexts (e.g. Servers, PCs, mobile computing, robotics) using a range of technological solutions. Students will examine a range of different devices used to build ICT infrastructure. By exploring computing devices students will gain a fundamental understanding of the similarities and differences in modern computer hardware, operating systems, networks, and cloud computing. Throughout the unit, students will develop a set of core competencies related to Unix command line instructions and introductory shell scripting for automation of repetitive tasks, file system navigation, file security and maintenance, and combining commands into pipelines. The key focus of the unit is to provide students with knowledge of operating system fundamentals and practical skills to apply that knowledge. The main operating systems topics covered in this unit include operating systems structure and services, process management and coordination, memory management including modern implementations of virtual memory, operating system security, file systems, device management, and input/output principles. The main focus will be on the Unix operating system but the different approaches in other operating systems will be examined.

Summary

Unit name	Operating Systems
Unit code	KIT213
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Information and Communication Technology
Discipline	Information & Communication Technology
Coordinator	Doctor Shuxiang Xu
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania and Third Party(ies): ECA
Level	Intermediate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Melbourne Study Centre	Semester 2
Ultimo Study Centre	Semester 2
Hobart	Semester 2
Launceston	Semester 2
Online	Semester 2

Note

Please check that your computer meets the minimum System Requirements if you are attending via Distance/Off-Campus.

Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Apply industry standard techniques to configure and troubleshoot processes running on systems
• Use tools and commands to navigate file systems and secure and manipulate files
• Design and author scripts to automate tasks
• Compare the implementation of operating system features across a range of platforms

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
020117	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$2,919.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

KIT101 OR KIT103 OR KIT107

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

KIT104

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	On-Campus Melbourne and Sydney teaching arrangements may differ and will be advised by your teaching team. On-Line and On-Campus enrolments in Hobart and Launceston: Lectures ("Seminars"): 2 hr/wk Tutorials ("Lab Classes"): 2 hr/wk Independent Learning: 2 hrs/wk (on average) For this unit, students are expected to attend lectures and on-campus lab classes (tutorials) and are expected to remain up-to-date with content which is delivered asynchronously online.
Assessment	Concepts based quiz (15%)|Skills based quiz (15%)|UNIX Shell Scripting (30%)|Examination (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.
Recommended	Operating System Concepts, Enhanced Edition, 10th Edition Abraham Silberschatz, Greg Gagne, Peter B. Galvin ISBN: 978-1-119-32091-3 April 2018,John Wiley & Sons Das, S. 2013, Your UNIX the ultimate guide (3rd edition), McGraw-Hill ISBN: 978-0-07-337620-2

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