Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title DISTRIBUTED SYSTEMS
Code COMP212
Coordinator Dr O Michail
Computer Science
Othon.Michail@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2017-18 Level 5 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

This module is intended to provide an understanding of the technical issues involved in the design of modern distributed systems. Besides conveying the central principles involved in designing distributed systems, this module also aims to present some of the major current paradigms (see learning outcomes below).


Learning Outcomes

An appreciation of the main principles underlying distributed systems: processes, communication, naming, synchronisation, consistency, fault tolerance, and security.

Familiarity with some of the main paradigms in distributed systems: object-based systems, file systems, and coordination-based systems.

 

Knowledge and understanding of the essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to Computer Science in general, and Distributed Computing in particular.

A sound knowledge of the criteria and mechanisms whereby traditional and distributed systems can be critically evaluated and analysed to determine the extent to which they meet the criteria defined for their current and future development.

An in depth understanding of the appropriate theory, practices, languages and tools that may be deployed for the specification, design, implementation and evaluation of both traditional and Internet related distributed computer systems.

Syllabus
1 

1.      Introduction to Distributed Systems (2 lectures)

  • Hardware concepts (multiprocessor & multicomputer systems)
  • Software concepts (operating systems & middleware)
  • Client-Server model

2. Communication (4 lectures)

  • Layered protocols
  • Remote procedure calls & object invocation
  • Message- & stream-oriented communication

3.      Processes (3 lectures)

  • Threads
  • Clients & servers

4.      Naming (2 lectures)

  • Naming entities
  • Locating mobile entities

5.      Synchronisation (4 lectures)

  • Logical clocks & clock synchronisation
  • Election algorithms
  • Mutual exclusion
  • Distributed transactions

6.      Consistency and replication (2 lectures)

  • Overview of consistency models
  • Distribution protocols
  • Consistency protocols

7.      Fault tolerance (3 lectures)

  • Failure masking by redundancy
  • R eliable client-server communication
  • Recovery

8.      Security (2 lectures)

  • Secure channels
  • Access control

9.      Object-based Systems (3 lectures)

  • Two examples (CORBA and Java RM!) of an object-based system will be discussed and compared

10.      File systems (3 lectures)

  • Two examples (NFS and Coda) of a distributed file system will be discussed and compared

11.  Coordination-based systems (2 lectures)

  • Two examp les (TIB/Rendezvous and Jini) of a coordination-based system will be discussed and compared

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture -

Laboratory Work -


Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 30

     10

     40
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 110
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Written Exam  120  Semester 2  80  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Exam Notes (applying to all assessments) 3 (sets of) assessment tasks This work is not marked anonymously. Written examination Resit exam will replace failed CA components, the Learning Outcomes will be covered in the resit exam.  
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  24 hours for all CAs  Semester 2  7  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 1 
Coursework  24 hours for all CAs  Semester 2  7  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 2 
Coursework  24 hours for all CAs  Semester 2  6  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 3 

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List: