This is an archived syllabus from 2013-2014
COMP60611 Parallel Programs and their Performance syllabus 2013-2014
COMP60611 Parallel Programs and their Performance
Level 6
Credits: 15
Enrolled students: 20
Course leader: John Gurd
Additional staff: view all staff
Assessment methods
- 50% Written exam
- 50% Coursework
| Semester | Event | Location | Day | Time | Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sem 1 P1 | Lecture | 2.15 | Thu | 09:00 - 09:00 | - |
- Parallel Computing in the Multi-core Era
Overview
Even the smallest computer chip nowadays embodies parallel cores, and today's highest performance computers embody substantial amounts of parallel hardware, to the extent that the latest generation of machines harness the power of hundreds of thousands of cooperating cores. The programming of such highly parallel hardware has proved to be difficult: progress has been slow and achieved mostly by "trial-and-error". This course unit introduces students to the associated difficulties by stages, taking a pragmatic, laboratory-based approach to the problem of making parallel programs work.
Aims
This course unit studies the base technologies for High Performance Computing and allows 'hands-on' experience of a state-of-the-art parallel computer to be gained. The course unit explores, through a combination of directed reading, a computer-based teaching (CBT) package, group-based seminars, group-based laboratories and a group-based mini-project, a framework for the development, analysis and performance tuning of parallel algorithms for the solution of mainly numerical problems.
By giving students a 'hands-on' programming view, the foundations are laid for appreciation of the more theoretical approaches that can underpin better design of parallel software that behaves as desired. Research-minded students will be in a position to appreciate why both hardware and software are steadily mutating in order to meet the challenges of the multi-core era. Both topics are studied further in the companion course unit COMP60621.
Feedback methods
Markers provide feedback on laboratory exercise reports and staff are on hand to answer questions in the lab sessions. Verbal feedback is given on the directed reading exercises. Exam revision sessions are scheduled shortly before the exam and students can get feedback on their attempts to answer questions from previous exam papers.Study hours
- Assessment written exam (2 hours)
- Lectures (35 hours)
Employability skills
- Analytical skills
- Group/team working
- Oral communication
- Problem solving
- Research
- Other
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, a student will be able to:
Learning outcomes are detailed on the COMP60611 course unit syllabus page on the School of Computer Science's website for current students.
Reading list
No reading list found for COMP60611.
Additional notes
Course unit materials
Links to course unit teaching materials can be found on the School of Computer Science website for current students.