Handbook home
Distributed Algorithms (COMP90020)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable (login required)(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
AIMS
The Internet, World Wide Web, bank networks, mobile phone networks and many others are examples for Distributed Systems. Distributed Systems rely on a key set of algorithms and data structures to run efficiently and effectively. In this subject, we learn these key algorithms that professionals work with while dealing with various systems. Clock synchronization, leader election, mutual exclusion, and replication are just a few areas were multiple well known algorithms were developed during the evolution of the Distributed Computing paradigm.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Topics covered include:
- Synchronous and asynchronous network algorithms that address resource allocation, communication
- Consensus among distributed processes
- Distributed data structures
- Data consistency
- Deadlock detection
- Lader election, and
- Global snapshots issues.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject the student is expected to:
- Have developed an understanding of distributed algorithm design
- Be able to implement and analyse distributed algorithms.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students should have the following skills:
- Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution
- Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning
- Profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship.
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
COMP90015 | Distributed Systems |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
OR
Admission into the 100pt Program course entry point in the MC-IT Master of Information Technology
Master of Computer Science Students may take COMP90015 concurrently but will need to submit an enrolment variation form. Subject Coordinator approval is not required.
Corequisites
Non-allowed subjects
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Team-based term project including: A 5-minute presentation and a 500-word report, due in week 6; The implementation of a distributed algorithm, due in week 10; A report of approximately 4000 words, due in week 11. Requiring approximately 50 - 55 hours of work.
| From Week 6 to Week 11 | 45% |
3 quizzes in weeks 5, 8 and 12. Each quiz is worth 5% (total 15%).
| From Week 5 to Week 12 | 15% |
One written examination
| During the examination period | 40% |
Additional details
Intended Learning Outcome (ILO) 1 is assessed by all the assessment components. ILO 2 is assessed by the project component. To pass the subject, students must obtain at least 50% in the project and at least 50% in the final exam.
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinator Lars Kulik Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 36 hours, comprising one 2-hour lecture and one 1-hour tutorial per week Total time commitment 200 hours Teaching period 26 February 2024 to 26 May 2024 Last self-enrol date 8 March 2024 Census date 3 April 2024 Last date to withdraw without fail 3 May 2024 Assessment period ends 21 June 2024 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
200 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
None
- Subject notes
LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS
The subject will be delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, student presentations. Students will write a report and give a presentation.
INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES
The subject accesses a number of scholarly papers in the area which are presented through lecture slides. Papers are made available through LMS to the students. The subject also uses: Distributed Systems: Concepts and Design by Coulouris, Dollimore, Kindberg, and Blair, Fifth Edition, Addison-Wesley.
CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS
Distributed Algorithms are fundamental to understanding any Distributed System and multiple key information and communication technologies, these include but are not limited to the Internet, Banking Networks, and Mobile Systems.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Doctor of Philosophy - Engineering Course Ph.D.- Engineering Course Master of Science (Computer Science) Course Master of Philosophy - Engineering Course Master of Data Science Major Computer Science Specialisation (formal) Software Specialisation (formal) Mechatronics - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 31 January 2024