Index
Course Title: Foundations Distributed Computing
Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Foundations Distributed Computing
Credit Points: 12
Course Code |
Campus |
Career |
School |
Learning Mode |
Teaching Period(s) |
|
COSC1170 |
City Campus |
Postgraduate |
140H Comp Sci & Info Technology |
Face-to-Face | Sem 1 2006,
Sem 1 2007, Sem 1 2008, Sem 1 2009, Sem 1 2010, Sem 1 2011 |
|
COSC1171 |
City Campus |
Undergraduate |
140H Comp Sci & Info Technology |
Face-to-Face | Sem 1 2006,
Sem 1 2007, Sem 1 2008, Sem 1 2009, Sem 1 2010, Sem 1 2011 |
Course Coordinator: Prof. Zahir Tari
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 3782
Course Coordinator Email:e05124@ems.rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: 14.11.18
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
You may not enrol in this course unless it is explicitly listed in your enrolment program summary, and you have confirmed with your program coordinator that it is an appropriate choice for your study plan.
C programming, typically taught in Programming Techniques or Java programming as taught in Programming 2 or Java for Programmers.
Course Description
The course is an introduction to distributed computing. It discusses the basic principles and concepts used in distributed systems. The course assumes a general knowledge of computers, and the assignments will need basic C or Java programming skills and working in a Unix environment.
The assignments are to illustrate the material from different aspects, such as programming in a distributed environment, doing research on a specific topic, and solving/understanding theoretical problems.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
After completing this course the student should:
- Understand the fundamental principles of distributed systems
- Be familiar with the different methods and techniques used in distributed systems
- Understand the most essential theoretical aspects of distributed computing
Overview of Learning Activities
This course consists of lectures, tutorials, and laboratory classes. Each week there will be 2 hours of lectures and, from the second week of semester, 1 hour of tutorial work and 1 hour of supervised laboratory work.
The lectures will be devoted to presentation of the new material, and tutorials will be used for clarifying and reinforcing that material. The laboratory sessions will be used for practical exercises illustrating the material, mainly in connection with the assignments.
The tutorial work will relate to the previous weeks’ lecture material, so that students can have time to study the material. All work is to be performed individually by students.
The learning activities included in this course are:
- key concepts will be explained in lectures, classes or online, where syllabus material will be presented and the subject matter will be illustrated with demonstrations and examples;
- tutorials and/or labs and/or group discussions (including online forums) focussed on projects and problem solving will provide practice in the application of theory and procedures, allow exploration of concepts with teaching staff and other students, and give feedback on your progress and understanding;
- assignments, as described in Overview of Assessment (below), requiring an integrated understanding of the subject matter; and
- private study, working through the course as presented in classes and learning materials, and gaining practice at solving conceptual and technical problems.
While a minimum attendance standard is not compulsory, non-attendance may seriously jeopardise the chances of success in this course. Clearly, non-attendance at an assessment will result in failure of that assessment. Where visa conditions apply, attendance is compulsory.
Overview of Learning Resources
You will make extensive use of computer laboratories and relevant software provided by the School. You will be able to access course information and learning materials through the Learning Hub (also known as online@RMIT) and may be provided with copies of additional materials in class or via email. Lists of relevant reference texts, resources in the library and freely accessible Internet sites will be provided.
Use the RMIT Bookshop’s textbook list search page to find any recommended textbook(s). Other reference books will be advised.
For extra support with study organisation, assignment planning or learning skills you may wish to contact any of the following:
Learning Skills Unit:
For appointments - ring 9925 4488 or go to Bldg 93, level 3
For drop-in, no appointment needed - go to HUB Bldg 12, level 4
CS&IT Teaching & Learning Advisors:
For appointments go to http://inside.cs.rmit.edu.au/staffbooking/ & click on Jeanette Holkner or Cecily Walker.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment in this course will consist of practical work and a formal written examination.
For standard assessment details, including deadlines, weightings, and hurdle requirements relating to Computer Science and IT courses see: http://www.rmit.edu.au/compsci/cgi