Distributed Systems
MODULE CODE
CREDIT VALUE
Module Aims
Aim 1
Apply techniques and conduct activities involved in the design and implementation of distributed systems using distributed algorithms.
Aim 2
Introduce different distributed systems’ interaction theories (e.g., interprocess communication, remote invocation, and indirect communication)
Aim 3
Introduce information on the role, contribution and support provided by the operating system in distributed systems
Aim 4
Distinguish between different types of middleware concepts and select appropriate middleware to fulfil the design requirements of a distributed system
Module Content
Introduction to distributed systems applications and examples of such systems leading to deriving and identifying the characteristics of a distributed system. Presentation and discussion of various architectural models of distributed systems along with interprocess communication and operating systems support.
Address the various objects and components that constitute a distributed system, as well as web services and name services. Peer-to-peer systems, distributed file systems and multimedia systems will also be addressed.
Discussion on transaction processing, addressing time and global states and transaction data replication. Exploitation of the differences between conventional distributed systems and mobile and ubiquitous computing systems
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to:
Teaching Methods
The module will be delivered as a set of lectures and workshops. The lectures will introduce the theoretical content of the module the fundamental concepts of distributed systems, including the selection of the appropriate distributed algorithms, middleware that fulfils the design criteria of a distributed system, naming structures and interprocess communication used for distributed systems. The workshops will expose students to the various design characteristics of distributed systems through a series of case studies. Discussions and directed reading in applying appropriate distributed systems concepts will also be used to help students appreciate these systems through the analysis of case studies.
As this is a skills based course, the assessment is both focused on knowledge content and skills. The content component of the module is mainly assessed in the module examination, whereas the skills and practical understanding of the module content is assessed in the coursework component. Therefore, the coursework assessment component for this module requires that students do work in between taught classes and that this is reviewed before the examination component of the assessment – to that end the students can get feedback on the coursework assessment to contribute to their preparation for the examination assessment component.
Assessment Methods
This module is assessed through an examination and a report.
View The Other Course’s Modules
Compulsory
Optional
