Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - CMPT 756 G100

Distributed and Cloud Systems (3)

Class Number: 5499

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.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.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Gain knowledge, analytical and design skills, and hands-on experience on Distributed & Cloud Systems.


Topics

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

Grading

  • Homework Assignments 20%
  • Quizzes 15%
  • Midterm Exam 35%
  • Final Project 30%

NOTES:

Details will be discussed during the first week of classes.

REQUIREMENTS:

Some components of the course require real-time participation during the scheduled lecture and/or exam times.
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

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Students must have access to a computer with a stable internet connection.

REQUIRED READING:

Readings are a collection of selected sections of books, research papers, and industry documents. These reading materials will be discussed per topic, and are available either open access or through SFU library.


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.

Department Graduate Notes:

The following are default policies in the School of Computing Science. Please check your course syllabus whether the instructor has chosen a different policy for your class, otherwise the following policies apply.
 
  • Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to get a C- or higher.
  • All student requests for accommodations for their religious practices must be made in writing by the end of the first week of classes, or no later than one week after a student adds a course. After considering a request, an instructor may provide a concession or may decline to do so. Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability can contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca).

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.