Frequently Asked Questions • CS 1670: Operating Systems

General FAQs

Will there be a remote section?

Sorry, no. Since this is the first offering of this version of the course, only in-person students may register. All students must be able to attend the lecture time. We may offer a remote section in future years.

I have a conflict with the lecture time. Can I take the course?

Sorry, no. This is not possible since we are not offering a remote section this year.

Can I earn capstone credit for this course?

Yes! Students can earn capstone credit by completing the lab (CS 1670 + CS 1690, or CS 2670).

I took the previous version of CS 1670. Can I take this version?

Sorry, you cannot take CS 1670 again. University rules prevent you from receiving credit for the same course number more than once. For special individual circumstances, please email cs-os-instructors@brown.edu.

Will I need to buy hardware to complete the course?

We will post more details soon. Our goal is to ensure all students have access to the hardware they need, but the exact mechanisms will depend on how many students enroll in the course.

I’m a graduate student and I haven’t taken CS 1310. Should I take this course?

TBD — please email cs-os-instructors@brown.edu and we will help you figure out if the course is a good fit.

About the lab

What does the lab entail?

Please see our dedicated lab page for a full breakdown of expectations, workload, and structure.

Should I enroll in (CS 1670 + CS 1690) or CS 2670?

Undergraduate students should generally take CS 1670 + CS 1690. The CS 2670 course number is generally used for graduate students.

Please email us if you are unsure or have a special situation to discuss.

I have a conflict with the seminar time. Can I enroll in the lab?

Sorry, no. Regular attendance at the seminar is a mandatory part of the lab.

I already took CS 1670. Can I take CS 2670 instead?

TBD — please email cs-os-instructors@brown.edu to discuss your situation.

I am taking CS 2670. Do I still need to attend the seminar, even though it’s not listed on CAB?

Yes. Seminar attendance is mandatory for all students completing the lab, regardless of which course number you are registered under.

What if I need to miss a seminar one week? What is the attendance policy?

See the lab syllabus for the attendance policy. In general, one free absence will be permitted; additional absences will incur a grade penalty.

I’m interested in the lab now, but what if I can’t take it once the semester starts? Can I drop the lab?

Undergraduates may drop the lab at any time by dropping CS 1690, similar to any course at Brown; if you do this, you will be graded according to the regular (non-lab) course grading policy. However, graduate students enrolled in CS 2670 may not drop the lab after shopping period, since CS 2670 is equivalent to enrolling in a single 2000-level course that includes both components.

If you decide to drop the lab while registration is open, simply change your registration from CS 2670 to CS 1670.