Syllabus#

  • Instructor: Linh B. Ngo

  • Office: N/A

  • Office Hours:

    • TR 9:30AM-10:30AM (online)

    • Online Zoom link is posted in Canvas’s announcement page

  • Email: lngo AT clemson DOT edu

  • Phone: N/A

  • Course:

    • CPSC 6770/4770 - Distributed and Cluster Computing

    • TR 8:00 - 9:15AM

    • Location: Online via Zoom - Zoom link will be posted in Canvas

Course Description#

This course will investigate issues in modern distributed platforms by examining a number of important technologies in the areas of distributed computing in computational and data-intensive problems. By the end of the course, each student should understand and be able to apply several specific tradeoffs for parallel application and algorithms development, performance, and management on a number of distributed platforms.

Learning Objectives#

At the completion of the course, students should be able to

  • Apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices.

  • Analyze a problem and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution.

  • Apply design and development principles in the construction of large-scale computing systems.

  • Function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal.

Prerequisites#

  • Working knowledge of C/C++, Python, and Linux system. Working knowledge of data structures and algorithms.

Course Materials#

  • Lecture slides and videos will be available on canvas.

  • Example codes will be available in slides and on Palmetto

  • Links to papers on subjects we will be discussing in class will also be listed and/or embedded in the slides.

Laptop Requirements#

  • Having access to a laptop during class time is critical

  • Working with supercomputing resources in class

  • Working on in-class electronic quizzes on Canvas

Evaluation Policy:#

Grade Distributions

Percentage

Tasks

35%

Assignments

15%

Labs

20%

Quizzes

15%

Midterm Exam

15%

Final Exam
Grade Scale

  • Undergraduate

Numeric

Letter

[90-100]

A

[80-89)

B

[70-79)

C

[60-70)

D

[0-60)

F

  • Graduate

Numeric

Letter

[90-100]

A

[80-89)

B

[70-79)

C

[0-70)

F

General Policy#

Attendance

Attendance is critical to the success of students in the class. Substantial project information will be provided in class lectures. Random quizzes or roll calls will be made in class. No individual lectures will be given.

Late-work

An assignment submitted within 0 to 24 hours after the due time will only be eligible for 80% of the maximum number of points allotted; An assignment submitted within 24 to 48 hours after the due time will only be eligible for 50% of the maximum number of points allotted; Assignments submitted more than 48 hours after the due time will not be accepted.

Re-grade

All requests for re-grades must be submitted within one week of the graded assignments being returned. Mistakes occasionally happen during the grading process. If you think a mistake has been made regarding your grades, you should send me an email with detailed justification within one week of the date the grades are available. No changes on grades will be made after one week from the date the grades are posted.

Academic Integrity

As members of the Clemson University community, we have inherited Thomas Green Clemson’s vision of this institution as a high seminary of learning. Fundamental to this vision is a mutual commitment to truthfulness, honor, and responsibility, without which we cannot earn the trust and respect of others. Furthermore, we recognize that academic dishonesty detracts from the value of a Clemson degree. Therefore, we shall not tolerate lying, cheating, or stealing in any form.

Collaboration Policy

  • Collaboration between students on homework assignments in this class is permitted. Plagiarism is not allowed. Taking assignments from other classmates or downloading completed assignments from websites is not allowed.

  • Collaborative work must cite the names of your student collaborators. Failure to do so will nullify this collaboration policy and result in the submitted work being considered plagiarized.

  • No collaboration is permitted on quizzes and exams.

Disability Accommodations

If you have a documented disability that requires an accommodation, please contact me so we can set up an appointment to discuss your needs. Or contact: Student Disability Services, G20 Redfern, 864-656-6848.

Mobile Devices

Please refrain from using mobile devices during our class sessions.

Lectures