
Module ICP-3029:
Networks & Distributed Systems
Module Facts
Run by School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering
10.000 Credits or 5.000 ECTS Credits
Semester 2
Organiser: Dr Saad Mansoor
Overall aims and purpose
The module aims describes the concepts, techniques and tools of distributed systems analysis, design and construction of distributed systems and applications.
Course content
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Scalability; Reliability; Performance; Heterogeneity requirements (E3, E6), (C3, C4, C5).
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Meta-model for distributed objects; local versus distributed objects; recognizing the differences; introduction to design changes as a result of differences. Introduction to middleware (E3, E4), (C2, C4, C5).
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Middleware and the ISO/OSI reference model; middleware and operating systems; forms of middleware; analysis of a problem using middleware (E3, E4), (C3, C4, C5).
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RPC, Java/RMI; Heterogenous systems (E3, E4, E6), (C2, C3, C4, C5).
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Use of meta-object model and interface definition; Java/RMI implementation; failure handling (E3, E4), (C2, C5).
Learning outcomes mapped to assessment criteria
threshold 40% |
good 60% |
excellent 70% |
|
---|---|---|---|
Analyse a simple distributed problem and select appropriate middleware. |
Knows the basic rules for selecting the appropriate middleware. | Knows how to perform the analysis in a tightly defined problem. | Can identify incomplete requirements and perform analysis for problem. |
Show understanding of operational requirements’ impact on distributed systems architecture. |
Can state the basic concepts and specify requirements in a structured classification. | Can proceed from a precise description to a classified set of constraints. | Can derive the constraints making justifiable assumptions from a set of requirements. |
Know why a meta-model and middleware may be needed for design and construction. |
Knows the principle of meta-modeling and can distinguish when middleware may be required for implementation. | Knows the effect of not using meta-models. | Knows the effect of not using meta-models and can select as appropriate. |
Demonstrate understanding of architectures using middleware. |
Can define appropriate architecture for middleware. | Can convert a model to architecture for one or more variants of middleware. | Can convert detailed models to layered architectures for many variants of middleware |
Design and construct simple distributed objects. |
Can understand, build and use meta-object models. | Can convert from analysis to design models for simple problem. Can identify implementation path from design. | Can convert from complex analysis to design models; iterate for improvements and implement from design. |
Assessment Methods
Type | Name | Description | Weight |
---|---|---|---|
Examination | 65.00 | ||
Quiz1 | 5.00 | ||
Research Paper | 30.00 |
Teaching and Learning Strategy
Hours | ||
---|---|---|
Lecture | 24 hours over 12 weeks |
24 |
Laboratory | 12 hours over 12 weeks |
12 |
ASSESSED assignments, including tutorial questions, problems, essays etc. |
20 | |
Private study | 44 |
Transferable skills
- Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
- Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
- Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
- Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
- Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
- Management - Able to utilise, coordinate and control resources (human, physical and/or financial)
Subject specific skills
- Knowledge and understanding of facts, concepts, principles & theories
- Problem solving strategies
- Analyse if/how a system meets current and future requirements
- Deploy theory in design, implementation and evaluation of systems
- Knowledge of management techniques to achieve objectives
- Specify, design or construct computer-based systems
- Knowledge of systems architecture
- Specify, deploy, verify and maintain information systems
- Knowledge and understanding of computational modelling
Pre- and Co-requisite Modules
Pre-requisites:
Courses including this module
Compulsory in courses:
- H612: BEng Computer Systs Eng (3 yrs) year 3 (BENG/CSE)
- H61B: BEng Computer Sys Engineering (4yr with Incorp Foundation) year 3 (BENG/CSE1)
- H610: BENG Electronic Engineering (3 yrs) year 3 (BENG/ELE)
- H62B: BEng Electronic Engineering (4yr with Incorp Foundation) year 3 (BENG/ELE1)
- H621: BEng Electronic Engineering with International Experience year 4 (BENG/ELEIE)
- G400: BSC Computer Science year 3 (BSC/CS)
- G40B: BSc Computer Science (4 year with Incorporated Foundation) year 3 (BSC/CS1)
- I102: BSc Computer Science (with International Experience) year 4 (BSC/CSIE)
- H611: BSc Electronic Engineering year 3 (BSC/ELE)
- H63B: BSc Electronic Engineering (4yr with Incorp Foundation) year 3 (BSC/ELE1)
- H661: MEng Control and Instrumentation Engineering year 3 (MENG/CIE)
- H617: MEng Computer Systs Eng (4 yrs) year 3 (MENG/CSE)
- H601: MEng Electronic Engineering (4 yrs) year 3 (MENG/EE)
- H618: MEng Electronic Engineering with International Experience year 4 (MENG/EEIE)