Module: Linux Programming

Module Specifications

Academic Year 2026 - 2027

Module Title	Linux Programming
Module Code	CSC1194
Faculty	Engineering & Computing	School	Computing
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module equips students with the basic skills necessary to administer modern enterprise operating systems. It introduces students to the Unix/Linux command-line environment, shell scripting, and foundational programming concepts using Python, with an emphasis on automation and problem solving in systems contexts. Students develop practical skills in working with files, users, services, software packages, and operating system tools, while also learning how basic programming supports scripting and system administration tasks. The syllabus includes the installation and configuration of software packages, starting and stopping services, signals, configuration of network interfaces, management of user accounts, shell scripting, introductory Python programming, file systems and conventional file system layouts, backups, standard operating system tools, and the troubleshooting of operating system issues.

Learning Outcomes

1. Download, install, configure, upgrade and remove system software packages, including starting and stopping daemon services
2. Use the command shell to administer a Unix-like operating system, including basic shell commands, the Unix manual, and a text editor
3. Write short shell scripts to automate simple repetitive and scheduled tasks
4. Demonstrate foundational programming skills in Python, including the use of data types, expressions, variables, input, and output
5. Create and remove user accounts, including the allocation and deallocation of resources
6. Locate files accurately and correctly within standard file system hierarchies
7. Maintain basic system backups and restore lost or corrupted files
8. Use standard shell tools and basic scripting techniques to troubleshoot operating system issues and to rectify those issues

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Weekly lectures
Laboratory	24	Weekly Laboratory Exercises and Tests
Independent Study	77	Labwork preparation, revision and independent reading.
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	12192	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	50%	Examination Weight	50%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Claudia Mazo	Module Teacher	Allie Tran, Liting Zhou

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Laboratory Portfolio	The coursework will consist of weekly assessed laboratory exercises covering all aspects of the module content. Each laboratory exercise will be based on the material covered previously in lectures.	10%	Every Week
Group project	This group project is worth 40% of the module. Each group is expected to develop a capstone script that brings together multiple skills covered in the module, and to submit a report outlining the work completed, individual contributions, and reflections on the project.	40%	Week 10
Formal Examination	Final Examination.	50%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None