A Unified System Design Laboratory (USDL) to support an innovative approach to the upper level systems courses in computer science is being developed at University of North Carolina Asheville. The current operating systems course sequence is based upon a paradigm that includes formal laboratory sections in the core classes and project oriented laboratory work in the elective classes. The new laboratory allows the extension of this paradigm to all of our upper level systems classes: Operating Systems, Networking, and VLSI Design. Entry level color Sun workstations and a file server are used. The USDL permits building upon the faculty's special expertise in each of these areas. Wayne Lang has taught a well attended VLSI Design class at UNCA for four years. Dean Brock developed a popular networking class taken by most of the graduate students at UNC-Chapel Hill. Mark Boyd created UNCA's unique Operating Systems sequence and has worked with formal laboratories for the past six years. UNCA has a rich history of support for undergraduate research, and a high percentage of graduates are attending graduate school. The USDL provides experience for the students that will enhance their undergraduate research opportunities and encourage them to pursue further research upon graduation.
