Advanced Research Readings in Distributed Systems and Networks (2005-2006)
The Distributed Systems and Networks strand of the MSc Advanced
Research Readings course aims to immerse students in some seminal topics
in distributed systems and networks via papers from the literature,
reinforce critical reading and reviewing skills, and enable students to
develop their critical thinking and group discussion capabilities.
Aims and Objectives
The intended learning outcomes for the module are that students should:
1) exhibit understanding of a broad range of seminal research in the
area of distributed systems and networking by summarising relevant
papers, and by answering examination questions that require an overall
understanding of distributed systems and networks as a whole; and 2)
demonstrate the ability to present a critical analysis of relevant
literature by presenting verbal summaries of selected research papers
to the class, and leading class discussions.
Prerequisites
Research Readings in Computing Science and Research Methods and
Techniques.
Timetable
The module comprises 10 tutorial sessions held from 1-2pm on
Thursdays in room F092. The first session will be on 12 January 2006,
continuing weekly until 16 March. The module is structured around
discussion of one research paper each week (with a review of several
papers discussed in the networks and distributed systems part of the
Research Readings module in the first week). Students must read the papers
in advance of each session, and come prepared to discuss the subject. All
students are expected to participate in the discussion.
Recommended Reading
The module will focus on providing students with a deep understanding
of the behaviour of the Internet and how this effects the design of
network protocols and distributed systems. Accordingly, you are
expected to read additional material relating to the topics under
discussion, rather than limiting yourself to a narrow reading of the
papers we will consider in the class.
Credits
This is a level M module, worth 5 credits.
Assessment
Assessment is my means of a presentation given to the Embedded,
Networked and Distributed Systems (ENDS) research group (30%) and
by an open book examination (70%).
Presentations should be given during weeks 7-12 of Semester 2.
Students must contact Dr. Olufemi Komolafe to arrange
the date of their presentation. Each student is responsible for choosing
the subject for his own presentation, related to the topics under
discussion in the module. Subjects must be approved by the module
co-ordinator in advance; students may not choose a topic already chosen by
another student.
Tutorials