It discusses the basic principles and concepts used in distributed systems. The subject assumes a general knowledge of computers, and the assignments will need basic C programming skills and working in a Unix environment. The lectures will be devoted to presentation of the new material, and tutorials will be used for clarifying and reinforcing that material. The laboratory sessions will be used for practical exercises illustrating the material, mainly in connection with the assignments. The tutorial work will relate to the previous weeks' lecture material, so that students can have time to study the material.
All work is to be performed individually by students.
While a minimum attendance standard is not compulsory, non-attendance may seriously jeopardise the chances of success in this subject. Clearly, non-attendance at an assessment will result in failure of that assessment. Where visa conditions apply,attendance is compulsory. To attain a pass in the subject, students are required to pass both the practical component and the examination component. Each component should therefore be viewed as a hurdle.