Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2023 - CMPT 756 G100

Distributed and Cloud Systems (3)

Class Number: 6629

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Tue, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Thu, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Students will learn principles and techniques for processing various data types at real-world scale using distributed and cloud computing resources. Fundamentals of approximation and distributed algorithms will be covered. Handling of large-scale image and video datasets, massive graphs, as well as structured and unstructured text datasets will be studied. Designing and building robust software systems using multicore processors, processor accelerators (e.g., Graphics Processing Units) and cloud resources will be introduced.

COURSE DETAILS:

In this course we will learn about distributed and cloud systems. We will explore challenges, opportunities, and limitations in real-world systems. Further, we will explore the evolution of these systems and technologies by reading current and historically significant foundational research papers. Students must have access to a computer with stable internet connection. Some components of the course require real-time participation during the scheduled lecture and/or exam times.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Topics

  • Distributed and Cloud Systems: Opportunities and Challenges
  • The Cloud: Virtualization, Data Center
  • Distributed Computing
  • Distributed Algorithms
  • Distributed Storage
  • Distributed and Cloud-based Databases
  • Fault Tolerance
  • Coordination and Consensus
  • Blockchain Technologies

Grading

NOTES:

Homework Assignments (20%) Quizzes (15%) Midterm (25%) Final Project (40%)

Details will be discussed during the first week of classes.

Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to obtain a clear pass (C- or better).

Materials

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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