OPS145 - Introduction to Linux
Winter 2025 Syllabus, Section NCC, Class Nbr 8657
Course Description
Prerequisite(s)
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Instructor Information
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In-Person Mode
This class will be taught via an in-person instruction mode. Students are required to attend all classes on campus.
Times and Location
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Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
- Use Linux file system from the command line as user and administrator.
- Get information, configure, and manage: users, files, processes, networks, and disks.
- Use pipes to send output of one command as input to another. Use files to redirect input and output.
- Use regular expressions to filter, edit, and format plain text files.
- Search files based on file properties: ownership, time stamp, size, permissions, and more.
- Edit configuration files and modify scripts using command line, graphical, and web-based editors.
- Create, modify, and execute scripts to automate tasks for users and administrators.
- Backup and restore configurations for local and remote Linux systems.
- Create and maintain documentation for sysadmin work done using paper and digital logbooks.
- Detect, troubleshoot, and fix broken system configurations and network routing.
Essential Employability Skills
- respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication
- execute mathematical operations accurately
- apply a systematic approach to solve problems
- use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems
- locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems
- analyse, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources
- show respect for the diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others
- interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals
- manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects
- take responsibility for one’s own actions, decisions, and consequences
- communicate clearly, concisely, and correctly in the written, spoken, and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience
Course Topics
OPS145
- Introduction to Linux and Command Line Interface
- File System, Common Commands, and Text Editors
- Pathnames, Filename Expansion, and Shell Basics
- Data Representation, Number Conversion, and File Permissions
- Bash Shell Scripting and Variables
- Data Streams, Redirection, and Piping
- Linking, Processes, and File Transfer
- Regular Expressions and Text Manipulation (Sed and Awk)
- Bash Control Structures and Advanced Shell Scripting
- Virtual Machine Setup and System Configuration
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Reference Material
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Required Supplies
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Modes of Evaluation
| Assessment Type | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Practical Assessment | 10% |
| Lab Quizzes (best of 5) | 15% |
| Linux Online Tutorials (20% Weekly Tutorials, 10% Interactive Review Tutorials) | 30% |
| Tests (Midterm 20%, Final 25%) | 45% |
| Total | 100% |
Note
Student Progression and Promotion Policy
To obtain a credit in this course, a student must:
- Achieve 50% or greater in the practical assessment (unlimited attempts)
- Achieve a weighted average of 50% or higher on all tests
- Achieve a grade of 50% or higher in the overall course
Tentative Weekly Schedule
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Missed Tests/Late Assessments
Due dates for all evaluations and assessments are posted. Evaluations can include projects, podcasts, videos, assignments, quizzes and/or tests and exams. Students are expected to meet the specified dates and deadlines. It is a best practice for all students to keep a copy of all submitted assignments.
Students who have extenuating circumstances that result in their being unable to meet the stated deadline are encouraged to contact their professor(s). A professor may (or may not) grant an extension to a posted due date. Such extension requests must be discussed prior to the due date, or very closely following. Late submission or completion of any assessments may be subject to a penalty grade deduction. Once feedback is posted and/or discussion of the assessment has taken place, students may not submit that version of the assessment for grading.
Feedback on Assessments
Feedback to students regarding graded assessments can be provided in any of the following ways: posted on LEARN@Seneca, added to Grade Centre comments, taken up synchronously, and/or discussed with students.
Students are welcome to discuss feedback on completed and submitted assessments with their professor during a synchronous class, during posted "virtual" office hours, or by a mutually agreed upon appointment.
Student Progression and Promotion Policy
| Letter Grade | Percentage Grade |
|---|---|
| A+ | 90% to 100% |
| A | 80% to 89% |
| B+ | 75% to 79% |
| B | 70% to 74% |
| C+ | 65% to 69% |
| C | 60% to 64% |
| D+ | 55% to 59% |
| D | 50% to 54% |
| F | 0% to 49% (Not a Pass) |
| OR | |
| EXC | Excellent |
| SAT | Satisfactory |
| UNSAT | Unsatisfactory |
Listed below are a number of important links to Seneca Polytechnic policies.
Technical Requirements
The following checklists outline the technical requirements for all students starting and continuing at Seneca:
Hardware checklist
- a computer that runs on Windows 10 or the latest Mac OSX and has up to date virus protection software
- Windows 10 ARM64 devices are not recommended as they will not allow you to install AppsAnywhere, GlobalProtect, VPN, MyApps or use Virtual Commons and other virtual machine apps
- high-speed broadband access (Cable or DSL) is highly recommended. Some programs or courses require more advanced systems. Please refer to the program information page for information on specialized requirements
- headphones or speaker and a microphone for in-class conversations and meetings with your professors
- a webcam (may be required for specific courses)
- individual courses may have additional hardware requirements
Software checklist
- a web browser, such as Safari, Firefox, MS Edge, Google Chrome. Please note: You may need to upgrade your web browser to access online learning tools
- various applications are available to all full-time Seneca students, including Microsoft Office 365, Adobe Creative Suite, and Trend Micro
- Adobe Creative Suite includes a number of applications such as Premiere, Photoshop and more
- online teaching tools, including Blackboard, MS Teams, Zoom, BigBlueButton, and Webex
- individual courses may have additional software requirements for playing audio or video or other applications. You can also review the list of applications made available for home use on a Windows-based machine
Note: Some applications may require you to install Student VPN to access licensed software - antimalware software must be installed on all personal devices that will be used with your Seneca account. Visit the Malware and Virus Protection page for free and paid antimalware software recommendations, or visit the Trend Micro Internet Security page for a free one-year license of this commercial antimalware software
Mobile devices checklist
- Mobile devices may allow for some participation in your course(s), however they present limitations and we cannot guarantee your device will meet all your coursework needs.
- All students are required to install and use Microsoft Authenticator to access various services at Seneca. It’s an important measure that provides an added layer of security on top of the login credentials for devices. In addition to using your username and password to log into these secure services, a second factor of authentication is required so that if your password becomes compromised, the intruder will not be able to log in. Use of multi-factor authentication is currently required for Blackboard, Office 365 and VPN.
- A compatible Android or iOS mobile device that can be used to install Microsoft Authenticator is required.
- A cellphone data plan is not a mandatory requirement to use the Microsoft Authenticator app. The app can be used through a Wi-Fi connection or with no data connection.
- If you have a basic cellphone, you can choose to receive an SMS or a phone call as verification for second factor authentication.
- The Microsoft Authenticator app does not store any personal data.
- Authenticating through a mobile device is the only available option.
Helpful sites to bookmark:
- MySeneca.ca – access your Seneca email account
- Learn@Seneca – Seneca’s learning management system and intranet portal
Seneca Polytechnic Library Resources
Be sure to begin all research, assignment support and career preparation at Seneca Polytechnic Libraries website. Students can find information about our services and collections including, print and e-books, databases that will lead to thousands of articles in magazines, newspapers, journals, encyclopedias, carefully selected websites, how-to tutorials, streamed videos and much more.
Citation Style Guidelines: APA/MLA. Please check with your professor on the preferred formatting.
Seneca Policies
Below are the Seneca policies and links to more information.
Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).
Please visit the Academic Integrity at Seneca website to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.
Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate Seneca's Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.
Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
Seneca will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Accessible Learning Services Office (senecacnas@senecapolytechnic.ca) to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation supports for the classroom and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) environments.
Accommodated students are required to meet the expected learning outcomes of courses. Accommodations do not surpass the need for safety, or supersede academic policies and requirements.
Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.
Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.
By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.