Cluster Computing
Spring 2001

Texts:

How to Build a Beowulf - A Guide to the Implementation and Application of PC Clusters, Sterling et al., 1999 (required)

Parallel Programming - Techniques and Applications Using Networked Workstations and Parallel Computers, Wilkinson & Allen, 1999 (optional)

Designing and Building Parallel Programs, Foster, 1995 (online at http://www.mcs.anl.gov/dbpp)

Course Goals:

building a cluster (hardware assembly, Linux installation, network configuration, system administration)

programming a cluster (scripting in Perl, MPI)

experimentation

Grades:

There will be weekly quizzes and/ or homeworks, weekly lab exercises, a project and a final. The evaluation scheme is roughly as follows (I reserve the right to change it):

quizzes, homeworks, labs:	50%
final, project:	50%
class participation:	taken into account if necessary.

Policies:

• Students may collaborate with another classmate on programming homeworks unless otherwise directed. The partner's name must be included with the submitted materials. Quizzes and exams must be done independently.
• Stated deadlines for assignments are firm. Late assignments will be penalized.
• No make-up exams. Special arrangements can only be made in case of documented medical emergencies.
• Play by the rules. There are "Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures."

Prerequisites:

Math 172

Schedule:

A tentative schedule may be found on the web.