Module code: SET08701

Examples of equivalent learning: Understanding of software design patterns, algorithmic analysis and design, and common data structures.

This module will cover many aspects of concurrent and parallel systems development. Starting initially by looking at multi-threading and how we can build applications that are executing more than one operation on a single Central Processing Unit (CPU), the module will look at systems that can exploit multi-core processors and the management of control in such systems.
After analysis of the possibilities of single machine execution, the module will move onto examining parallel systems development involving many machines.
Technologies such as Message Passing Interface (MPI) and cluster computing shall be investigated, with suitable problems analysed in the context of these technologies.
Finally, the module content will return to single machine execution with an examination of Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and how they can be exploited to undertake particular parallel computation problems.

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Critically evaluate approaches to concurrent and parallel systems development

LO2: Compare and contrast the use of different parallel systems techniques to solve particular problem types

LO3: Design and construct parallel algorithms to solve particular problem types

LO4: Analyse the performance of parallel systems undertaking particular work types