Systems, Virtualization and Security (327) – Course Summary
Overview
Systems, Virtualization and Security (327) is a compulsory 6-ECTS course in the first year of the Master’s Degree in Computing Engineering at the University of Cantabria (2025–2026 academic year). The course introduces the principles of operating systems, virtualization technologies, and computer-system security, emphasizing both theoretical foundations and current research developments.
Objectives
The course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of virtualization as a fundamental technology for modern computing infrastructures, particularly cloud computing environments. Students learn how virtualization is implemented in hardware and software, how it affects system performance, and how modern processors support secure execution and resource isolation.
A second major objective is the study of computer security from an architectural perspective. The course examines hardware security mechanisms, trusted computing technologies, memory protection techniques, and the vulnerabilities that affect contemporary processors and operating systems.
Main Topics
The syllabus covers:
- Operating system fundamentals and virtualization concepts.
- Popek–Goldberg virtualization theory.
- Hardware support for CPU and memory virtualization.
- Virtual machine monitors and hypervisors.
- I/O virtualization techniques.
- Secure processor architectures.
- Trusted computing and root-of-trust mechanisms.
- Memory and processor protection technologies.
- Side-channel attacks and architectural vulnerabilities.
- Analysis and discussion of recent scientific research papers.
Learning Approach
The course combines lectures with the study of contemporary research literature. Students are expected to analyze, present, and discuss scientific papers related to virtualization and security topics, fostering critical thinking and research skills.
Recommended Bibliography
Key references include:
- Operating Systems: Three Easy Pieces – Remzi H. Arpaci-Dusseau and Andrea C. Arpaci-Dusseau.
- Hardware and Software Support for Virtualization – Edouard Bugnion, Jason Nieh, and Dan Tsafrir.
- Principles of Secure Processor Architecture Design – Jakub Szefer.
Summary
This course provides a research-oriented introduction to operating systems, virtualization, and hardware security. It combines foundational concepts with modern developments in cloud computing, secure processor design, trusted execution, and the analysis of emerging security threats, preparing students to understand and evaluate the technologies that underpin modern computing systems.