Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - CMPT 431 D100

Distributed Systems (3)

Class Number: 6646

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 18, 2020
    Fri, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CMPT 300, 371.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to distributed systems: systems consisting of multiple physical components connected over a network. Architectures of such systems, ranging from client-server to peer-to-peer. Distributed systems are analyzed via case studies of real network file systems, replicated systems, sensor networks and peer-to-peer systems. Hands-on experience designing and implementing a complex distributed system. Students with credit for CMPT 401 before September 2008 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

The course aims to provide an understanding of principles involved in designing modern parallel and distributed software systems. It focuses on the fundamentals of parallel algorithm design and parallel programming techniques by covering key concepts like concurrency, synchronization, consistency models and fault tolerance.

Topics

  • Principles of Parallel Algorithm Design
  • Shared Memory Programming
  • Distributed Memory Model & Programming
  • Consistency Models
  • Fault Tolerance
  • Scalable Analytics

Grading

  • Details about grading will be discussed in the first week of class.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Reference Books

  • The Art of Multiprocessor Programming, Maurice Herlihy and Nir Shavit, Elsevier/Morgan Kaufmann, 2012, 9780123977953
  • Distributed Computing: Principles, Algorithms, and Systems, Ajay D. Kshemkalyani and Mukesh Singhal, Cambridge University Press, 2008, 9780511805318

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).