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Mälardalen University, School of Innovation, Design and Engineering

Parallell Systems 7.5 credits

Course code:DVA314Level of education:First Cycle
Subject:Computer ScienceArea of education:Engineering
Valid from semester:AS11Main field of study:Computer Science with depth G2F
Ratification date:2010-03-01Change date:2010-10-01

Objectives

With the emerging use of multi-core processors in today´s computers it is very important for software developers to understand and master different forms of parallelism. The course will cover different types of parallel programming languages, parallel algorithms, and parallel hardware, and how these concepts interact with each other. Special focus will be given on how to write parallel software which makes use of underlying parallel hardware in an efficient and scalable way.

Learning objectives

After passing the course the student should be able to:
- Identify the inherent parallelism in a given problem and construct a suitable parallel solution.
- Write parallel programs using the programming languages covered during the course.
- Describe, reason about, and compare the parallel programming languages concepts covered during the course.
- Understand, make use of, and reason about the parallel algorithms covered during the course.
- Describe and reason about the different type of parallelism found in modern computer architectures.
- Write software that makes use of parallel hardware in an efficient and scalable way.
- Use analytical methods to make judgments of expected performance of parallel solutions.
- Use different types of performance measurements for evaluating parallel solutions.

Course content

- Concepts and measures for reasoning about parallelism.
- Parallel algorithms and algorithmic techniques.
- Different models for parallel computations.
- Different types of parallel programming languages.
- Different form of parallelism found in hardware.

Teaching methods

The teaching of the course will be conducted as lectures, laboratory works, and project.
Teachers will conduct the lectures, and do supervision of laboratory work and project.
The students are also expected to work independently, without supervision, for parts of the laboratory work and parts of the project. During the laboratory- and the project work the students should make use of the theories covered during the lectures.

Prerequisites

At least 15 ECTS credits programming (C, C#, C++ or Java), Data structures, algorithms and program development 7,5 ECTS credits and Computer architecture 7,5 ECTS credits or corresponding and a TOEFL test result (PBT) at least 530, TWE score 4, (iBT) at least 72, TWE score 17 or IELTS test score for academic purposes with an overall band score of minimum 5.5 and no band score below 5.0. The English test is COMPULSORY for all applicants except citizens of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom and USA. The TOEFL code you must use is SWEDEN 9520.

Examination

LAB1, 2.5 credits, marks Pass (G), Exercise, laboratory work
PRO1, 2.5 credits, marks Pass (G), Project
TEN1, 2.5 credits, marks 3, 4 or 5, Examination

Rules and regulations for examinations in undergraduate education at Mälardalen University

Marks

3, 4 or 5.

Workload

1.5 credits correspond to approximately 40 hours per week. The individual labor input, i.e. hours per week, may however vary depending on previous knowledge or other circumstances.

Environmental aspects

The course has no special environmental aspects.

Literature

The literature can be found in the university's digital archive.