Advanced distributed systems, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course studies the underlying principles and technologies that are used to realize large-scale distributed systems. The course will give an overview of the building blocks used to construct distrubuted systems (for example programmimg, security, and service models) and discuss the trade-offs that come into play when distributed systems are scaled to large scale. The course also gives an overview of the main paradigms of distributed systems and computing and studies current examples from the fields of Peer-to-peer, High-Performance, High Throughput, Grid och Cloud computing. Great emphasis is placed on the acquiring practical skills in distributed systems development.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, students are to be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding

• explain and characterize the exchange conditions between different paradigms for distributed systems (FSR1)
• exemplify and explain the security issues that arise in distributed systems (FSR2)
• list and exemplify the main types of distrubuted systems that are in use today and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of these types of systems for different applications (FSR3)
• define and explain the basic tenants of modern distributed architectures, and exemplify different techniques that can be used to realize service-oriented architectures (FSR4)

Skills and Abilities

• classify distributed systems with respect to the technologies and applications that are used in the realizations of distributed systems (FSR5)
• combine theories and methods within distributed systems with skills and abilities within software engineering to  develope modern distributed systems (FSR6)
• based on earlier experiences, aquire information and skills needed to use common development tools in distributed systems (FSR7)

Required Knowledge

To be admitted you must have 60 ECTS in Computing Science or 2 years of completed studies, in both cases includning the courses Application Development in Java (5DV135) and Distributed Systems (5DV186) or equivalent. 

Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper Secondary course English A. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.

Form of instruction

Instruction consists of lectures, assignments in smaller groups, and work in computer labs. In addition to scheduled activities, individual work with the material is also required.

Examination modes

The student is examined on the course in three different ways:

• three individual practical assignments which are reported in written form (FSR 1-7),
• one project done in group which are reported both writtten and orally (FSR 1-7), and,
• a written exam in halls (FSR 1-5). 

All parts of the examination is assessed individually and if they are rated as "done", they will recieve a number of points. These points are added into a sum that is used to decide the grade of the course. When an individal assignment is assessed as "done", it can not be asssessed again to get more points.

The points from the three different exam types are summarized and used to grade the course. On the course as a whole, the grades given are Fail (U), Pass (3) or Pass with Mark (4), or Pass with Distinction (5). The final grade of the course is a summary assessment of the results and decided the first time after all parts of the examination have had their first deadline.

A student who has passed an examination may not be re-examined.

For all students who do not pass the regular examination there is another opportunities to do the examination. A student who has taken two tests for a course or segment of a course, without passing, has the right to have another examiner appointed, unless there exist special reasons (Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 6, section 22). Requests for new examiners are made to the head of the Department of Computing Science.
 
Examination based on this syllabus is guaranteed for two years after the first registration of the course. This applies even if the course is closed down and this syllabus ceased to be valid.

TRANSFER OF CREDITS
Students have the right to be tried on prior education or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired in the profession can be credited for the same education at Umeå University. Application for credit is submitted to the Student Services / Degree. For more information on credit transfer available at Umeå University's student web, www.student.umu.se, and the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 6). A refusal of crediting can be appealed (Higher Education chapter 12) to the University Appeals Board. This applies to the whole as part of the application for credit transfer is rejected.

Other regulations

In a degree, this course may not be included, in whole or in part, simultaneously with another course of similar content. If in doubt, consult the student counselors at the Department of Computer Science and / or program director of programs.