Networks and Distributed Systems
This course is no longer offered. The following information is retained for historical interest only.
Introduction
The Distributed Systems and Networks strand of the module 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.
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.
Module Description
The module comprises weekly tutorial sessions, and is structured around discussion of one research paper each week. Students must read the papers in advance of each session, and come prepared to discuss the subject. All students will be expected to participate in the discussion.
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.
Handout: Detailed module description and reading list.
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%). This is a level M module, worth 5 credits.
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 and students may not choose a topic already chosen by another student.