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Course Outlines

COMP SCI 3012 - Distributed Systems

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2017

A selection of topics from the following: the challenges faced in constructing client/server software: partial system failures, multiple address spaces, absence of a single clock, latency of communication, heterogeneity, absence of a trusted operating system, system management, binding and naming. Techniques for meeting these challenges: RPC and middleware, naming and directory services, distributed transaction processing, 'thin' clients, data replication, cryptographic security, mobile code. Introduction to Java RMI.

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  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code COMP SCI 3012
    Course Distributed Systems
    Coordinating Unit Computer Science
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 2.5 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites One of COMP SCI 1007, COMP SCI 1009, COMP SCI 1103, COMP SCI 1203, COMP SCI 2103 or COMP SCI 2202
    Assumed Knowledge COMP SCI 2000 & COMP SCI 3001
    Assessment written exam, assignments
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Mr William Brodie-Tyrrell

    Co-lecturer:
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    In Distributed Systems this course, you will learn a range of fundamental and applied techniques in distributed systems. The learning objectives for Distributed Systems are:
    1. To develop and apply knowledge of distributed systems techniques and methodologies.
    2. To gain experience in the design and development of distributed systems and distributed systems applications.
    3. To gain experience in the application of fundamental Computer Science methods and algorithms in the development of distributed systems and distributed systems applications.
    4. To gain experience in the design and testing of a large software system, and to be able to communicate that design to others.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    		 1,2,3
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    		 2, 3
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    		 2,3
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    		 1,2,3,4
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    You can perform all the exercise work required for the course in the University computer Labs.
    The programming language used is Java.
    However, if you want to be able to work at home, you could consider installing Java on your own system.
    For more information, go to the Java website --- simply Google "Java".
    Recommended Resources
    Reference books:

    • Distributed Systems: Concepts and Design, G. Coulouris, Jean Dollimore and Tim Kindberg, Addison Wesley, 4th Edition
    • Distributed Systems: Principles and Paradigms, A.S. Tanenbaum and M. Van Steen, Pearson, 2nd Edition
    Online Learning
    More information about the course can be found online on the Moodle .
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The course will be taught with lectures and collaborative sessions.
    You are expected to attend the lectures and take part in the activities, and attempt collaborative sessions questions before the session.

    All lectures will be attempted to be recorded, however attendance at the lectures is recommended, due to the large number of activities present in the lectures.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.