| Course code | CSCI4160 |
| Course title | Distributed and Parallel Computing 分佈式及並行式計算 |
| Course description | This course introduces concepts, models, and implementations related to distributed and parallel computing. Topics include parallel and distributed programming, system architectures, synchronization, and concurrency control techniques. 本科旨在介紹關於分佈式及並行式計算之概念、模型及實踐。專題包括：並行式與分佈式系統之結構、並行語言、同步及並行控制技術。 |
| Unit(s) | 3 |
| Course level | Undergraduate |
| Pre-requisite | CSCI3150 or ESTR3102 |
| Exclusion | ESTR4104 |
| Semester | 1 or 2 |
| Grading basis | Graded |
| Grade Descriptors | A/A-: EXCELLENT – exceptionally good performance and far exceeding expectation in all or most of the course learning outcomes; demonstration of superior understanding of the subject matter, the ability to analyze problems and apply extensive knowledge, and skillful use of concepts and materials to derive proper solutions. B+/B/B-: GOOD – good performance in all course learning outcomes and exceeding expectation in some of them; demonstration of good understanding of the subject matter and the ability to use proper concepts and materials to solve most of the problems encountered. C+/C/C-: FAIR – adequate performance and meeting expectation in all course learning outcomes; demonstration of adequate understanding of the subject matter and the ability to solve simple problems. D+/D: MARGINAL – performance barely meets the expectation in the essential course learning outcomes; demonstration of partial understanding of the subject matter and the ability to solve simple problems. F: FAILURE – performance does not meet the expectation in the essential course learning outcomes; demonstration of serious deficiencies and the need to retake the course. |
| Learning outcomes | 1) Understand key distributed and parallel concepts including consistency, clock, commit, replication, synchronization, and consensus 2) Hands-on programming experience in distributed and parallel programming 3) Hands-on system experience in distributed systems and parallel hardware |
| Assessment (for reference only) |
Essay test or exam: 40% Assignments: 30% Project: 30% |
| Recommended Reading List | 1) Tanenbaum, Andrew, and Maarten van Steen. Distributed Systems: Principles and Paradigms. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2002. ISBN: 9780130888938. 2) Distributed Systems: Concepts and Design (5th Edition) 5th Edition by George Coulouris (Author), Jean Dollimore (Author), Tim Kindberg (Author), Gordon Blair (Author) 3) An introduction to Parallel Programming. Peter Pacheco. Morgan Kaufmann. |
| CSCIN programme learning outcomes | Course mapping |
| Upon completion of their studies, students will be able to: | |
| 1. identify, formulate, and solve computer science problems (K/S); | T |
| 2. design, implement, test, and evaluate a computer system, component, or algorithm to meet desired needs (K/S); |
T |
| 3. receive the broad education necessary to understand the impact of computer science solutions in a global and societal context (K/V); | |
| 4. communicate effectively (S/V); |
|
| 5. succeed in research or industry related to computer science (K/S/V); |
T |
| 6. have solid knowledge in computer science and engineering, including programming and languages, algorithms, theory, databases, etc. (K/S); | T |
| 7. integrate well into and contribute to the local society and the global community related to computer science (K/S/V); | |
| 8. practise high standard of professional ethics (V); | |
| 9. draw on and integrate knowledge from many related areas (K/S/V); |
|
| Remarks: K = Knowledge outcomes; S = Skills outcomes; V = Values and attitude outcomes; T = Teach; P = Practice; M = Measured | |