Advanced Computing

Summary module description:
The module covers contents of distributed computing, cloud computing, and parallel computing. After introduction to distributed systems, distributed computing and cloud computing is discussed as applications; multi-core processors, such as GPU, and related parallel computing is also introduced.

Aims:
The primary aim of this module is to provide students with knowledge of some of the current advanced computing topics, and to enable students to appreciate the role of these concepts in applications.

Assessable learning outcomes:
At the end of the module studies, students should be able to
? Conceptualise a distributed system at various levels of abstraction;
? Develop a distributed solution through design, implementation, testing and evaluation;
? Appreciate functions of cloud computing and its applications;
? Analyse multi-core processors in terms of process-scheduling;
? Implement multi-core programming.

Additional outcomes:
The student will gain experience and practical techniques in analysing and building distributed solutions and construction of distributed applications. Systematic analysis of multi-core processors and its programming skilled will be developed in a lab-based practical.

Outline content:
? Core concepts of distributed computing.
? Distributed design patterns at two levels: object and process.
? Object level: remote objects, migration and replication.
? Process levels: client-server, peer-to-peer and group.
? Issues in design of distribution systems
? Parallel and distributed computing: the main and functional partitioning, message passing and performance measurement
? Cloud computing and its applications
? Multi-core processors and its programming.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures and practical coursework.

Summative Assessment Methods:
Written exam 70%
Set exercise 30%

Other information on summative assessment:

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy.
where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Length of examination:
One 2-hour examination paper in May/June.

Requirements for a pass:
40%