CMT202: Distributed and Cloud Computing

School Cardiff School of Computer Science and Informatics
Department Code COMSC
Module Code CMT202
External Subject Code 100366
Number of Credits 20
Level L7
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Padraig Corcoran
Semester Spring Semester
Academic Year 2024/5

Outline Description of Module

The aim of this module is to familiarize you with issues and successful approaches in the design and implementation of distributed systems. Detailed case studies of widely used systems will be discussed in this module. 

The course covers: the organisation of distributed systems, focusing on various architectural styles used to develop such systems; core technologies to implement distributed systems; various models and infrastructures to support Cloud computing – such as virtualisation; and emerging themes in distributed systems, such as fault tolerance and policy driven autonomic self- management. 

On completion of the module a student should be able to

  1. Demonstrate and apply knowledge about the state-of-the-art in distributed-systems architectures. 
     

  2. Critically evaluate the issues in distributing an application across a network. 
     
  3. Appreciate the difference between and apply various distributed computing middleware. 
     
  4. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of common security practices within distributed systems. 
     
  5. Use Cloud computing environments. 

How the module will be delivered

Modules will be delivered through blended learning. You will be guided through learning activities appropriate to your module, which may include: 

on-line resources that you work through at your own pace (e.g. videos, web resources, e-books, quizzes) 

on-line interactive sessions to work with other students and staff (e.g. discussions, live streaming of presentations, live-coding, team meetings) 

face to face small group sessions (e.g. help classes, feedback sessions) 

Skills that will be practised and developed

A. Design distributed systems architecture using middleware where appropriate. 

B. Compare different designs and assess them using appropriate metrics. 

C. Design and use services in a distributed environment. 

D. Specify the deployment of Cloud computing applications. 

E. Design wrappers and services which overcome heterogeneity and support interoperability of autonomous information resources. 

How the module will be assessed

A blend of assessment types which may include coursework and portfolio assessments, class tests, and/or formal examinations. 

Students will be provided with reassessment opportunities in line with University regulations. 

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Written Assessment 50 Implement A Distributed System N/A
Exam online – Spring semester 50 Distributed And Cloud Computing 2

Syllabus content

The following topics will be covered in this module: 

Characterization of Distributed systems 

Inter-process Communication 

Remote Invocation 

Indirect Communication 

Distributed Object and Components 

Peer-to-Peer Systems 

System security 

Coordination and Agreement 

Distributed transaction and Concurrency Control 

Replication 

Cloud Computing 

Virtualisation (resource, network and operating system)

Data replication and availability in Cloud environments

Dynamic provisioning (elastic computing) and scaling 


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