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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