Key facts
UNE unit code: COSC530
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Parallel and distributed computing platforms are vital to high performance computing systems as they underpin large-scale computation. Being able to develop parallelisation strategies for complex processing tasks is a key skill for computer science, engineering and mathematical modelling.
Providing in-depth coverage of software development algorithms and principles, you will be equipped to work with UNIX-based parallel and distributed computer systems.
These include UNIX processes, development of multi-threaded software and the use of system calls to manage synchronisation and inter-process communication.
Exploring principles of shared resources and mutual exclusion, you will analyse implementation strategies for developing multi-threaded and multi-process software for high-performance computation.
Constructing distributed software using Message Passing Interface (MPI), you will also write programs harnessing the computing power of graphics processing hardware.
This unit provides remote access to a range of specialised hardware for you to complete your studies.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
COSC530 requires a knowledge of and programming experience with a high-level language. Experience with the use of the Linux/UNIX operating system is highly recommended.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- explain, in depth, the fundamental paradigms of modern concurrent and parallel programming, and apply these paradigms to solve complex problems;
- design efficient parallelisation strategies for complex problems an implement them on a target parallel or distributed computing platform;
- explain the factors that limit the increase in performance possible through parallelisation and develop optimal configurations for complex problems;
- develop software for parallel and distributed architectures; and
- evaluate parallel processing algorithms for speed, efficiency and select appropriate approaches for different situations and requirements.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 7.5% | All offerings | Programming in C programming language. |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 7.5% | All offerings | Programming in C programming language. |
| Development Project | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Major project. Implementation of parallel/distributed algorithms to solve a complex problem. |
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 60% | All offerings | Final Exam Students must obtain 40% in this component in order to pass the unit. There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment
ISBN: 9780321637734
Stevens, W.R. and Rago, S.A., Addison-Wesley 3rd ed. 2013
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
An Introduction to Parallel Programming
ISBN: 9780128046050
Pacheco, P., Elsevier 2nd ed. 2021
Text refers to: All offerings
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