Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

High performance computing is an integral part of modern scientific and engineering research. Most physical systems are explored through simulation and modelling using high performance computing tools like parallel computers. This unit introduces students to the essential tools and techniques of high performance computing. The main objectives are to introduce students to different frameworks of parallel and distributed computing that they can use in their specific areas of interest. The students learn to program multi core processors using OpenMP, and clusters of personal computers using MPI. Students examine high performance computing case studies from different scientific disciplines and also work on individual or group projects to consolidate their learning.

MapReduce is a programming paradigm for processing large data sets on clusters of computers. The implementation of MapReduce through Spark and the distributed file system HDFS has become a widely used programming model for high performance computing in the last decade. This unit will also introduce students to this programming model through lectures and laboratory exercises.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 option in the Computer Science major sequence
  • Level 3 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) formulate and implement high performance computing solutions for scientific problems; (2) demonstrate expertise in problem solving in parallel using distributed memory and distributed shared memory architectures, the two most common frameworks for high performance computing; and (3) implement applications of high performance computing for solving algorithmic or graph problems.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) laboratory and project related assessments and (2) final examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Professor Amitava Datta
Unit rules
Prerequisites
CITS2002 Systems Programming
Incompatibility
CITS5507 High Performance Computing
or PHYS4022 Advanced Quantum Computing
or SHPC4002 Advanced Computational Physics
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.