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CSC 591/714 Real Time Computer Systems
Fall 2026

CSC 591/714 Real Time Computer Systems

3 Credit Hours

ZG
Zhishan-Guo
Zhishan Guo

Assoc Professor

Introduction to real-time systems, with an emphasis on scheduling algorithms and proofs to achieve timing correctness in computer systems. Examples of such systems include airbags, emergency breaks, avionics, and also multi-media systems like video playback and QoS in web servers. The course also includes specification, analysis, design, and validation techniques for real-time systems; theory of deterministic scheduling and resource allocation; case studies, and a research project.

Prerequisites

Algorithms (or comfortable with logic-proof) & Operating Systems or Embedded Systems.

Please note that these pre-requisites are not hard requirements. Anyone with some basic knowledge in computer science and engineering should be able to handle the materials.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • understand classical uniprocessor scheduling algorithms;
  • be able to apply (714 only: prove) timing analysis results to show timing correctness for uniprocessor systems under classical schedulers;
  • be knowledgeable on resource sharing protocols;
  • be knowledgeable (714 only: familiar) with multiprocessor schedulers and analysis;
  • be knowledgeable (714 only: familiar) with periodic/sporadic servers and replenishment rules;
  • be familiar with real-time OS;
  • be knowledgeable (714 only: familiar) with general computer science/engineering research procedures.

Course Requirements

  • 17.5% – Assignments
  • 5% – Paper presentation 
  • 55% – two mid-term exams
  • 22.5% – Project   

CSC591 students may choose to opt out of the second exam or the project — you will get full mark for one of these two categories.

Textbook

Required Textbook: Jane Liu, Real-Time Systems, Prentice Hall, 2000.

Created: 4/17/2026.