CS3H7-Concurrent Systems
Module Provider: Computer Science
Number of credits: 10 [5ECTS credits]
Level:
6
Terms in which taught: Autumn
Module Convenor: Dr
M
Manjunathaiah
Pre-requisites: SE1SC5 or CS2T7
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2009/0
Email: m.manjunathaiah@reading.ac.uk
Aims:
Concurrent systems are becoming ubiquitous. Multi-core processors, Supercomputers, heterogeneous network of computers or a Web server, although appearing radically different, have an underlying unifying principle of computational processes interacting to achieve an overall computational goal. The aim of this module is to develop an appreciation of this unifying principle and the benefits of concurrency. General concepts of concurrency are introduced using the calculus of Communicating Sequential Processes (CSP) and its use in the design of concurrent systems is explored through several examples of applications.
Assessable learning outcomes:
Knowledge and understanding of concepts, problems and solutions to concurrent systems are developed through notions of communication, parallelism, live-locks, dead-locks etc. using the CSP notation. The fundamental concepts are illustrated with a variety of applications ranging from simple vending machines to web browsers and security protocols. On completion of the module a student should be able to : Describe and specify a concurrent system. Model concurrency as an interleaving of events. Analyse the behaviour of a concurrent system in terms of traces. Implement concurrent programs in Java. Understand complex concepts in concurrency and relate them to specific applications.
Additional outcomes:
Students will have seen a number of useful case study examples illustrating the techniques which can be transported to other areas of the course. Students will also be introduced to critical appraisal skills by involving in an activity of reviewing research literature. Courseworks will enhance a student's program implementation skills. Students will also develop new problem solving skills.
Outline content:
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures and practical coursework to reinforce theory.
Contact hours:
| Autumn | Spring | Summer | |
| Lectures | 20 | ||
| Tutorials/seminars | 10 | ||
| Practicals | 10 | ||
| Other contact (eg study visits) | |||
| Total hours | 40 | ||
| Number of essays or assignments | 1 | ||
| Other (eg major seminar paper) | 1 |
Assessment:
Assessment:
Exam (60%)
Coursework (40%)
Coursework:
One programming assignment will assess the understanding of basic concepts of modelling and analysing a concurrent system through a simple case study. The second assignment will explore a deeper understanding of the subject by exploring an application area of choice. For instance modelling of a security protocol, real-time OS, hardware compiler, neural network implementation in CSP, parallel genetic algorithm, network robot controller are representative examples. This assignment will require researching into technical literature, performing a critical review of the application area through a survey of relevant technical literature, producing an implementation of a simplified model of the chosen application and delivering a short seminar (about 15mins to 20 mins) to present the findings and to summarise the concepts.
Relative percentage of coursework: 40%
Penalties for late submission:
In accordance with University policy
Examinations:
One 2 hour written examination
Requirements for a pass:
Pass with 40% combined exam and coursework.
Reassessment arrangements:
By examination only in August/September
Last updated: 23 November 2009