Operating Systems

Faculty

Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science

Version

Version 1 of 04.12.2025.

Module identifier

11B0048

Module level

Bachelor

Language of instruction

German

ECTS credit points and grading

5.0

Module frequency

winter and summer term

Duration

1 semester

 

 

Brief description

The operating system is the software required to operate a computer and its applications. All applications access the computer resources via the operating system using system interfaces. The course covers the basic functions of operating systems and the interfaces required for system programming.

Teaching and learning outcomes

1. Tasks, types and general structure of operating systems

2. Concurrency: processes, threads

3. Processes

4. Scheduling

5. Process communication

6. Deadlocks

7. Memory management

8. File systems

9. Virtualization and energy efficiency

10. Security

11. Shell and system programming

Overall workload

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

Teaching and learning methods
Lecturer based learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
30LecturePresence or online-
15PracticePresence or online-
15Laboratory activityPresence-
Lecturer independent learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
60Preparation/follow-up for course work-
30Exam preparation-
Graded examination
  • Written examination
Ungraded exam
  • Field work / Experimental work
Recommended prior knowledge

The lecture content is deepened through practical exercises in systems programming. Working knowledge of C or C++, as acquired in the first two semesters of computer science degree programs, is required (alternatively: Rust).

Knowledge Broadening

Students know and understand the essential components of operating systems. They can explain and evaluate how these elements work and apply them to energy-efficient virtualized environments.

Knowledge deepening

Students have more detailed knowledge of system interfaces to processes and access to distributed system resources.

Knowledge Understanding

Students are able to reflect on concepts of operating systems in the realization of applications and services with regard to their ideal use.

Application and Transfer

Students can select suitable system interfaces for applications and services and use these interfaces in a structured manner.

Communication and Cooperation

Students are able to create operating system-related software for special applications and to communicate and demonstrate its use.

Literature

  1. Tanenbaum, Andrew S.  & Bos, Herbert (2016): Moderne Betriebssysteme. Pearson Studium, 4., aktualisierte Auflage.
  2. Stallings, William (2014): Operating Systems - Internals and Design Principles, 8th Ed., Pearson.
  3. Brause, Rüdiger (2017): Betriebssysteme: Grundlagen und Konzepte. Springer Vieweg.
  4. Silberschatz, Abraham & Gagne, Greg & Galvin, Peter B. (2018): Operating System Concepts, 10th Ed., Wiley.
  5. Stevens, W. Richard & Rago, Stephen A. (2013): Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment. Third Edition, Addison-Wesley Professional.
  6. Russinovich, Mark & Solomon,  David A., Ionescu, Alex (2012): Windows Internals - Part 1, Microsoft Press Corp.; 6. Edition. 
  7. Molay, Bruce (2002): Understanding Unix/Linux Programming: A Guide to Theory and Practice, Prentice Hall.

Applicability in study programs

  • Electrical Engineering in Practical Networks (dual)
    • Electrical Engineering in Practical Networks (dual) B.Sc. (01.03.2026)

  • Computer Science and Media Applications
    • Computer Science and Media Applications B.Sc. (01.09.2025)

  • Bachelor of Vocational Education - Information Technology
    • Bachelor of Vocational Education - Information Technology B.Sc. (01.09.2025)

  • Computer Science and Computer Engineering
    • Computer Science and Computer Engineering B.Sc. (01.09.2025)

  • Electrical Engineering
    • Electrical Engineering B.Sc. (01.09.2025)

    Person responsible for the module
    • Eikerling, Heinz-Josef
    Teachers
    • Eikerling, Heinz-Josef
    • Timmer, Gerald
    • Wübbelmann, Jürgen