Distributed Systems

Code:

CC4003

Acronym:

CC4003

Level:

400

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Computer Science

Instance: 2021/2022 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Computer Science
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Computer Science

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
M:CC	27	Study plan since 2014/2015	1	-	6	42	162
M:ERSI	5	Official Study Plan since 2021_M:ERSI.	1	-	6	42	162

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

We aim to provide students with an introduction to the fundamental problems in the design and implementation of distributed systems. On completing this course, students must be able to:

(a) Explain what is a distributed system, why should an application be built as a distributed system, and what are the desirable properties of such systems;
(b) Describe the principles guiding the construction of distributed systems, the main problems and associated challenges, and perceive the efficiency and limitations of proposed solutions;
(c) Build systems that use basic OS mechanisms such as UNIX sockets, as well as higher level middleware RMI/RPC and Web Services.

Learning outcomes and competences

- knowledge of the architecture of a distributed system
- understanding the functioning of a distributed system
- capability to implement parts of a distributed system
- understanding of the capabilities and limitations of a distributed system

 

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

- core programming skills
- algorithms and data structures
- design and analysis of algorithms
- operating systems

Program

Introduction to Distributed Systems.
Software and System Architectures.
Processes, Threads and Virtual Machines.
Communication Models.
Names and Name Resolution.
Clocks and Synchronization.
Consistency Models.
Replication.

Mandatory literature

Andrew S. Tanenbaum, Maarten van Steen; Distributed Systems: Principles and Paradigms, Prentice-Hall, 2nd ed., 2007
G. Coulouris, J. Dollimore, T. Kindberg; Distributed Systems: Concepts and Design, Addison-Wesley 4ed., 2005

Teaching methods and learning activities

Theory and Practice classes: exposition and discussion of concepts about distributed and mobile systems; support to students in the design and implementation of distributed systems and applications.

Evaluation Type

Evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	60,00
Participação presencial	0,00
Trabalho laboratorial	40,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Elaboração de projeto	90,00
Frequência das aulas	42,00
Trabalho laboratorial	30,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

Students are required to obtain a mark of at least 50% in the practical assignment to be eligible for the final exam.

Calculation formula of final grade

Final exam weighing 50% in the final grade.
Practical assignment weighing 50% in the final grade.
Minimum grade of 50% in the practical assignment.

Final grade =  (exam + assignment) / 2

(grade scale 0-20)

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Students in special regimes enjoy the rights conferred on them by law and by the internal regulations of the University. In particular, they are exempt from attending practical classes. They are not exempt from carrying out any of the evaluation components.

Classification improvement

To improve your grade you must do all the evaluation components defined for the current year, namely practical assignments and the final exam.

Please contact the lecturer if you have any doubts.