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Grid Computing M (2006-2007)

Increasing interest from both the scientific and the more general large-scale information processing communities motivates the study of large-scale distributed systems. This module provides both a practically-oriented introduction to current technologies, focussing on Grid toolkits, and a principled overview of the deep underlying issues that arise in supporting large-scale multi-organisation computation.

Aims and Objectives

To provide the participants with:

By the end of this module, participants should be able to:

Prerequisites

Students are expected to have studied operating systems, distributed algorithms and systems, communications and networks, databases, and Internet technologies to the level of detail covered in a computing science or related degree course. This corresponds to some of the material covered in the OS3, NSA3, DAS4, NCT4 and DBIT4 modules of a Glasgow Computing Science degree. The introductory lectures in the module will rapidly revise these essentials, to aid those who have an incomplete background in the pre-requisite topics. Practical work will require the use of Java, and possibly some C programming, in a Unix environment. Students should be familiar with both languages, the engineering principles underpinning non-trivial system construction, the implementation of systems using large code libraries, and software development on a Unix platform.

Timetable

The module consists of 20 lectures and 10 tutorial & laboratory sessions. Additional time will be required for reading, and at least 30 hours of unscheduled practical work will be expected. The detailed content listed here is indicative of the likely course content rather than being an exact prescription.

Recommended Reading

There is no set text for this module. Research papers will be distributed as required, and technical manuals and related documentation will be issued as part of the practical activities.

Credits

This is a 10-credit, level M module, which is an elective component of the Advanced MSc in Computing Science and the MSci in Computing Science. It may also be taken as a fourth year elective by single, combined and joint honours students in Computing Science, Software Engineering, Electronics & Software Engineering and related degrees.

Assessment

70% examination (focussing on the lectured material), 30% coursework (focussing on the practical activities and tutorial material).

Lecture Slides

Tutorials

Coursework

Past exam papers