Ver 1.

College of Technological Innovation

The College of Technological Innovation (CTI) seeks to produce graduates recognized by business,
government, and educational entities in the United Arab Emirates, the Gulf region, and the rest of the
world as having a sound, current, and comprehensive education in the innovative application of
information technology. It also seeks to develop a strong applied research capacity in emerging
technologies directed toward meeting the IT needs of the Gulf region.

Core Course

Course Name Operating Sys. Administration

Course CIT 315

Term 202021 - 2020 Fall Semester

Section 902 CRN 22702

Course Pre-requisites SWE 225

Course Co-requisites

Credit hours 3 Lab hours 0

Lecture hours 3 Other hour 0

Instructor's Name Babar Shah

Telephone +971 2 599 3231 E-mail [email protected]

Class Time/Location MR 1330-1450 ;

Office Location FF2-0-006, MF2-0-014

Office Hours Sunday 0930-1050, Monday 1100-1200, Tuesday 1330-1600, Wednesday

0930-1050, Thursday 1100-1200
1. Course Description
This course introduces concepts of Operating Systems (OS) and its administration in a networked environment.
Popular operating system platforms such as UNIX, Microsoft Windows, and Apple Mac OS X will be used as
vehicles for this study.

2. Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, a student will be able to:
1. Define the roles and responsibilities of a systems administrator.
2. Install and configure a Linux/Unix-based operating system.
3. Interpret the organization¶s requirements and apply appropriate user/group access control mechanisms.
4. Manage the resources and security of a computer running a Linux/Unix-based operating system.
5. Set up and manage key network services (e.g. Telnet, DHCP, FTP, DNS, HTTP, SNMP, mail, NFS) on
a computer running a Linux/Unix-based operating system.
6. Create and rewrite shell scripts to automate key Linux/Unix-based systems administration tasks.

Program Learning Outcomes and Matching

Course Learning
Outcomes
TI_BSINT: Information Technology--B.S.: Bachelor of Science (CLOs)

1. Critical Thinking and Quantitative Reasoning in IT (ITCTQR)- Program

graduates will be able to use critical thinking and quantitative processes to
identify, analyze and solve problems, and evaluate solutions in an IT context
2. Information Technology Application (ITA) - Program graduates will be able 2,4,5,6
to select existing and cutting-edge IT tools and procedures to develop
modules and systems which fulfill organizational requirements for operation
in a global environment
3. Information Technology Management (ITM) - Program graduates will be 3,4
able to assess and determine information resource requirements for current
problems in order to develop solutions suitable for IT and business
managers operating in a multi-national and multi-cultural environment
4. Information Technology Professional Practice (ITPP) - Program graduates 1
understand how groups interact, be able to assume a leadership role when
required, and understand the fundamentals of professional and ethical
conduct
5. IT Systems Theory and Practice (ITSTP) - Program graduates will be able
to understand and communicate the fundamentals of systems theory in the
development of appropriate systems that function in a global environment
6. Technical Communication (ITTC) - Program graduates will be able to
express themselves effectively and efficiently in both English and Arabic
while using the correct IT terms for each language

3. Weekly Outline
Week Topic Activity

08/23 to 08/27 Introduction to operating systems and -Students will be introduced to the
operating system theory. What is course syllabus and given a handout
system administration? How operating explaining the syllabus components,
systems work? -Instructor will explain the requirement
for the course assignment,
-Instructor will also handout some
materials for the assignment delivery
and submission requirements

08/30 to 09/03 Functions of an Operating System, - Chapter 1 Handout and other

Linux Architecture and Overview of materials
Installation, Configuration, - The students will be given a handout
Maintenance of Operating Systems that contains the materials for Chapter
1.

09/06 to 09/10 Functions of an Operating System, - Chapter 1 Handout and other

Linux Architecture and Overview of materials
Installation, Configuration, - Continue discussing chapter one, and
Maintenance of Operating systems more handouts will be given,

09/13 to 09/17 Installation, configuration and Chapter 2 handouts + online Materials

maintenance of OS applications

09/20 to 09/24 Managing and editing files and - Chapter 3, Chapter 4 handouts and
directories in Linux OS materials
- Textbook activities and discussion for
Chapter 3, Chapter 4

09/27 to 10/01 Understand, Identify and change file - Chapter 5 handout and Materials
and directories permissions. Creating a - Textbook activities and discussion for
simple shell script Chapter 5

10/04 to 10/08 Backup and recovery processes - Chapter 6 handouts and materials
management - Textbook activities and discussion for
Chapter 6

10/11 to 10/15 User and group management - Chapters 7,8,9 + Handout

- Discuss the user and group
Management topics
- Work on textbook activities for
chapter 7,8,9
- Reading Chapter 8 (network Comms)
- Chapter 9 (Installation for Software
Packages)

10/18 to 10/22 Network communication and managing -Chapters 7,8,9 + Handout

software packages -Discuss the user and group
management topics
-Work on textbook activities for chapter
7,8,9

10/25 to 10/29 Server services administration and -Discuss Chapter 10,11, Server
management (Telnet, DHCP, FTP, services administration and
DNS, HTTP, SNMP) management (Telnet, DHCP, FTP,
DNS, HTTP, SNMP)
 11/01 to 11/05 Server services administration and -Activities from the textbook, Discuss
management (Telnet, DHCP, FTP, Chapter 11,12 Server services
DNS, HTTP, SNMP) administration and management
(Telnet, DHCP, FTP, DNS, HTTP,
SNMP)

11/08 to 11/12 File system management and -Activities from the textbook, discuss
administration Chapter 14-15, File system
management and administration

11/15 to 11/19 File system management and - Activities from the textbook, discuss
administration Chapter 14-15, File system
management and administration

11/22 to 11/26 Securing Linux System, administrator - Chapter 19, Securing Linux +
tasks automation using crontab, bash Handout
shell scripting, etc..

11/29 to 12/03 Securing Linux System, administrator - Chapter 19, Securing Linux +
tasks automation using crontab, bash Handout
shell scripting, etc..

12/06 to 12/10 Final Project Final Project

4. Pedagogy - Learning Process

Zayed University Pedagogical Framework

Zayed University is committed to a student-centered learning environment that is characterized by the
following approach to teaching:

1. Active and Varied: The ZU faculty member adopts a variety of active teaching-learning strategies,
tailored to each learning task and to the intended learning outcomes.
2. Collaborative and Individual: Cooperative group learning tasks, as well as individual learning tasks, are
integral to each ZU course.
3. Content-rich and Language-rich: Instruction focuses on the development of in-depth knowledge, along
a continuum from richer-in-language in ABP, to richer-in-content in the baccalaureate and graduate
programs.
4. Facilitated by Technology: Appropriate educational technology is integrated into every ZU course.
5. Interculturally attuned: Teaching in ZU requires global awareness, sensitivity to local culture, a
commitment to developing intercultural competence, and a commitment to learning from students.
6. Interpersonally oriented: Successful learning at ZU is facilitated by building positive relationships with
students, while maintaining professional demeanor and holding students accountable.
7. Learner focused: The ZU faculty member evaluates and builds on learner knowledge and strengths,
while addressing learner needs.
8. Practical and Theoretical: Instruction lays solid theoretical foundations, as appropriate to the level of
study, while having a real-world orientation.
9. Reflective: Instructors strive to be reflective educators who enable reflective and critical learning in
students.
10. Supportive:The ZU faculty member fosters student dispositions of leadership, creativity, innovation,
self-responsibility, and lifelong learning in a supportive learning environment.
5. Textbooks and Learning Materials

Textbook

Title Publisher Author ISBN Year

Linux Operations and Cengage Alfred Basta D. 9781111035303 2013

Administration 1st Learning, Inc Finamore
edition

Modern Operating Pearson Tanenbaum & 13: 9780133591620 2015

Systems, 4th Edition, Publications Bos,

Text Other

Other Material

Reference Text - G. Glass and K. Ables, Linux for Programmers and Users, Pearson/Prentice Hall, ISBN:
0-13-185748-7, 2006.

Reference Text - M. Palmer and M. Walters, Guide to Operating Systems, 4th Edition, Course
Technology, Cengage Learning, ISBN-10: 1111306362 ISBN-13: 9781111306366, 2012.

On-line tutorial on Operating systems: https://spcl.inf.ethz.ch/Teaching/2016-osnet/

On-Line Tutorial on OpenSUSE Linux: http://www.opensuse.org).

Additional Textbooks and Learning Materials

2. Tanenbaum & Bos, Modern Operating Systems, 4th Edition, Pearson Publications, ISBN 13: 9780133591620
, 2015.
3. G. Glass and K. Ables, Linux for Programmers and Users, Pearson/Prentice Hall, ISBN: 0- 13-185748-7,
2006.
4. M. Palmer and M. Walters, Guide to Operating Systems, 4th Edition, Course Technology, Cengage Learning,
ISBN-10: 1111306362 ISBN-13: 9781111306366, 2012.
5. On-line tutorial on Operating systems: https://spcl.inf.ethz.ch/Teaching/2016-osnet/
6. On-Line Tutorial on OpenSUSE Linux: http://www.opensuse.org).
6. Assessment of Student Learning

Assessment Assessment % Assessment Due Date Course Program

Category Type Description Learning Learning
Outcomes Outcomes

Test Mid-Term 20 Mid Term exam. 10/15/2020 1,2,3 TI_BSINT

The exam will include
topics from Chapters
2, 3, 4, 5.

Common Common 15 Common Assessment 11/19/2020 2,4,5 TI_BSINT

Assessment Assessment

Assignment Lab 15 The lab will be a 11/29/2020 2,3,4,5,6 TI_BSINT

placeholder to let
students explore
technical aspects of
Operating systems
administration.

Project Project 25 Final Project. 12/03/2020 1,2,3,4,5,6 TI_BSINT

Topics will be
distributed.
The project has to
have a high practical
component and
students need to be
able to explain, in
detail, their projects.

Test Final Exam 25 Final Exam. 12/12/2020 4,5,6 TI_BSINT

The exam will focus
on the content NOT
included in the
midterm

7. Course Policies

‡ When a class is missed it is your responsibility to contact the instructor in order to gather the information
that you missed from the class session.
‡ You are expected to be in class on time and remain for the scheduled class period. Classes will begin
promptly at the scheduled time and you will be marked absent if you are late.
‡ Course documents (syllabus, readings, assignments, etc.), announcements and grades will be posted on
the BlackBoard site for this class. This site can be found at https://learn.zu.ac.ae Students are expected
to make use of this technology.
‡ You will be given assignments to complete throughout the semester. Your assignments must be your
work and submitted by the deadline set by your instructor.
‡ Late assignments will be subject to a penalty as specified by your instructor.
‡ Please contact the instructor if you have a family emergency or medical reason for a late assignment.
‡ For student complaints, problems and/or suggestions, please visit SAHIM (http://sahim.zu.ac.ae).
8. Grading Key

Zayed University has adopted a plus/minus grading scale for all undergraduate and graduate courses. Based on
Zayed University policy, the grade points and percentage ranges are assigned to each letter grade as follows:

Percentage Grade Grade Points

90-100% A 4.00 The highest academic grade possible. This grade is not
automatically given to a student who ranks highest in
the course, but is reserved for accomplishment that is
truly distinctive and demonstrably outstanding. It
represents a superior mastery of course material and is
a grade that demands a very high degree of
understanding as well as originality or creativity
appropriate to the nature of the course. The grade
usually indicates that the student works independently
with unusual effectiveness and often takes the initiative
in seeking new knowledge outside the requirements of
the course.

87-89% A- 3.700

84-86% B+ 3.300

80-83% B 3.000 Denotes achievement considerably above acceptable

standards. Good mastery of course materials is evident,
and student performance demonstrates a degree of
originality, creativity, or both. The grade usually
indicates that the student works fairly well independently
and often demonstrates initiative.

77-79% B- 2.700

74-76% C+ 2.300

70-73% C 2.000 Indicates an appropriate level of competency in the

course¶s basic learning outcomes. It is the grade that
may be expected of a student with an average level of
performance who gives to the work a reasonable
amount of time and effort. This grade implies
understanding of the content of the course, acceptable
mastery of course material and learning outcomes, and
completion of all requirements. The student must have a
minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (C) to earn a
baccalaureate degree from Zayed University.

67-69% C- 1.700

64-66% D+ 1.300

60-63% D 1.000 Denotes a limited understanding of the subject matter,

meeting only the minimum requirement for passing the
course. It signifies work that in quality or quantity falls
below the average acceptable standard for passing the
course. Performance is deficient in analysis, synthesis,
and critical expression. There is little evidence of
originality or creativity.

0-59% F 0 Indicates inadequate or unsatisfactory attainment,

serious deficiency in understanding of course material,
or failure to complete the requirements of the course.
9. Attendance Policy

Attendance Students shall be required to attend all classes, practical sessions, seminars and examinations
related to the courses in which they are registered.
Absence from Class

‡ A student who misses 5% of the class meetings allotted for a course will receive a warning from the
Chair/Assistant Dean of the College/Department.
‡ A student who misses 10% of the class meetings allotted for a course will receive a second warning from
the dean of the College.
‡ A student who misses more than 15% of the class meetings allotted for a course will fail the course. If
there is a legitimate reason for the absence, which has been accepted by the Dean of the College in the
semester in which the absences occurred, the student will be allowed to withdraw from the course; be
given a Withdrawal with Failure grade for the course; or be given permission to continue and complete
the course. In cases where a satisfactory withdrawal or a Withdrawal with Failure grade is decided, the
student may have to repeat the course.
ƕ If the decision is that the student is allowed to withdraw from the course, a grade of W will be
assigned for that course. In case the student receives a W in a pre-requisite course, he/she should
pass this course before registering for the subsequent one.
ƕ If the decision is that the student is given a Withdrawal with Failure grade, a grade of WF will be
assigned for that course.
ƕ If the decision is that the student is permitted to continue and complete the course, the student
must have earned a grade of C (or equivalent) or higher in the course being taken at the time of
the appeal.

Reference: ZU policy and procedure ACA-REG-07 Attendance.

10. Zayed University Honor Code

"In the Name of God Most Gracious Most Merciful"

As a student of the University that carries the name of the beloved and revered father of the nation, the late
Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahayan (may his soul rest in eternal peace), I pledge to:

‡ Demonstrate the virtues of honesty, respect and fairness

‡ Adhere to the highest standards of personal moral conduct
‡ Refrain from any and all forms of academic dishonesty
‡ Present a positive image of myself by acting with maturity and honor
‡ Take responsibility for my actions and do my part to maintain a community of trust
‡ Dedicate myself to the achievement of the University¶s excellence

I promise to honor Sheikh Zayed and to preserve his legacy by following the example set by the wise and
beloved father of the United Arab Emirates
11. Plagiarism Policy

Plagiarism is presenting someone else's work or ideas as if it were one's own.

Examples of plagiarism include the following:

‡ Copying another person's work either word for word or making some changes but keeping the structure,
much of the language, and main ideas the same. Even if the work is not published, it should be treated
as someone else's work and not one's own work.
‡ Buying, borrowing, or otherwise obtaining and handing in a paper, project or course assignment as if it
were one's own.
‡ Turning in someone else's paper as if it were one's own is strictly prohibited, even if the paper is
enclosed in quotation marks. A large part of a paper cannot simply be quotations.
‡ Allowing someone else to edit, rewrite or make substantial changes in one's work and turning it in as if
one had done it all, without acknowledging the other person's contribution and without prior
‡ Permission of the instructor.
‡ Using someone else's words or ideas without crediting that person.
ƕ If a student uses someone else's words, he must identify them by putting quotation marks around
them and citing the source.
ƕ If a student downloads a picture from the Internet, he must cite the source of the picture.
ƕ If a student paraphrases someone's work, he must specify the source of the statement.
ƕ Every book, magazine, or internet site used in a paper must be identified in the bibliography.

At any time, if a student thinks he may have unknowingly plagiarized someone's work, he should discuss it with
his instructor before turning in the assignment.´

Students who engage in prohibited behavior such as plagiarism will be subject to disciplinary procedures. These
procedures range from a discussion with the instructor up to possible suspension or expulsion depending upon
the severity of the infraction. Further details about possible procedures to be undertaken are available in the
Student Handbook.

12. Miscellaneous

13. Disability

Under UAE Federal Law, students with special needs or learning difficulties are entitled to sit their examinations
under special conditions, such as having extra time/rest breaks or using a separate room. You must apply to the
Department of Student Accessibility Services (SAS), which will assess your requirements.

Abu Dhabi: Department of Student Accessibility Services,

Humaid Matter AlTayer Assistive Technology Center, LB-01-037
Dubai: Department of Student Accessibility Services
Khalaf AlHabtoor Assistive Technology Center, 04-GF-054