FIT5164 GRID computing - Semester 2, 2010

Caulfield

Prerequisites

Teaching approach

The lecture stream will present the implementation details and design principles of the computational grid as well as relevant middleware, networking protocols, and technologies. It will also show students how to implement the grid.

The tutorial sessions will reinforce the concepts learned during the lectures through the hands-on work and completion of the exercises relating to the theory covered in the lectures.

Timetable information

For information on timetabling for on-campus classes please refer to MUTTS, http://mutts.monash.edu.au/MUTTS/

Tutorial allocation

On-campus students should register for tutorials/laboratories using the Allocate+ system: http://allocate.its.monash.edu.au/

Unit Schedule

*Please note that these dates may only apply to Australian campuses of Monash University. Off-shore students need to check the dates with their unit leader.

Prescribed text(s) and readings

Plaszczak P., Wellner R., Grid Computing: The Savvy Manager's Guide (The Savvy Manager's Guides), ISBN: 0127425039.

Foster I., Kesselman C., "The Grid 2: Blueprint for a New Computing Infrastructure" 2nd Ed, Morgan Kaufmann, 2003, ISBN 978-1-55860-933-4.
Website: http://books.elsevier.com/uk/mk/uk/subindex.asp?isbn=1558609334
cover image: http://books.elsevier.com/uk/bookscat/coverssmall/1558609334small.jpg

Text books are available from the Monash University Book Shops. Availability from other suppliers cannot be assured. The Bookshop orders texts in specifically for this unit. You are advised to purchase your text book early.

Recommended text(s) and readings

Grid Computing: A Practical Guide to Technology and Applications(Programming Series) by Ahmar Abbas.

Required software and/or hardware

VMPlayer

Equipment and consumables required or provided

On-campus students may use the facilities available in the computing labs. Information about computer use for students is available from the ITS Student Resource Guide in the Monash University Handbook.

Study resources

Study resources we will provide for your study are:

Study resources we will provide for your study are:

• Weekly detailed lecture notes outlining the learning objectives, discussion of the content, and required readings;
• Weekly tutorial or laboratory tasks and exercises with solutions provided one to two weeks later;
• Assignment specifications;
• A sample examination and suggested solution;
• This Unit Guide outlining the administrative information for the unit;
• The unit web site on MUSO, where resources outlined above will be made available.

Overview

Faculty assessment policy

To pass a unit which includes an examination as part of the assessment a student must obtain:

• 40% or more in the unit's examination, and
• 40% or more in the unit's total non-examination assessment, and
• an overall unit mark of 50% or more.

If a student does not achieve 40% or more in the unit examination or the unit non-examination total assessment, and the total mark for the unit is greater than 50% then a mark of no greater than 49-N will be recorded for the unit.

Assignment tasks

Assignment coversheets

Assignment coversheets are available via "Student Forms" on the Faculty website: http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/resources/student/forms/
You MUST submit a completed coversheet with all assignments, ensuring that the plagiarism declaration section is signed.

Assignment submission and return procedures, and assessment criteria will be specified with each assignment.

Assignment submission and preparation requirements will be detailed in each assignment specification. Submission must be made by the due date otherwise penalties will be enforced. You must negotiate any extensions formally with your campus unit leader via the in-semester special consideration process: http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/resources/student/equity/special-consideration.html.

• Assignment task 1

  Title:

  Assignment 1

  Description:

  A feasibilty study of virtual application hosting.

  Weighting:

  15%

  Criteria for assessment:

  1. Correctness and understanding - there may be more than one "right" answer in many cases. We will look for answers that reflect understanding of the underlying principles and theories.
  2. Completeness - that you have answered all parts of each question. Presentation - that you have presented your answers in a suitably formatted report style.
  3. Use of evidence and argument - you are able to explain your position by using logical argument drawing on the theory presented in the unit.

  Due date:

  Friday, 03/Sep, 12PM (week 7)

• Assignment task 2

  Title:

  Assignment 2

  Description:

  This assignment is completed in groups of up to five students. The students are provided with a real life like grid design case. They demonstrate the specified aspects of this project in the lab and later submit a written report detailing the overall design of the project.

  Weighting:

  25%

  Criteria for assessment:

  Lab Demo:

  1. All programs must compile and run correctly. Evidence of testing is required.
  2. Programs must meet the problem specification.

  Written submission:

  1. Correctness and understanding - there may be more than one "right" answer in many cases. We will look for answers that reflect understanding of the underlying principles and theories.
  2. Completeness - that you have answered all parts of each question. Presentation - that you have presented your answers in a suitably formatted report style.
  3. Use of evidence and argument - you are able to explain your position by using logical argument drawing on the theory presented in the unit.

  A marking guide will be provided on the unit website detailing the over all marks distribution and for allocating marks in a way that recognizes different contributions of group members for the lab demo and the written submission.

  Due date:

  Friday 15/Oct (week 12)

• Assignment task 3

  Title:

  Tutorial Work

  Description:

  The theoretical aspects covered in the lectures are practically undertaken in the tutorial sessions in this assessment within groups of upto five student. Each group is expected to,

  • Email the completed theoretical questions at the end of the tutorial.
  • Demonstrate the practical part during the tutorial. 

  Weighting:

  10%

  Criteria for assessment:

  Marks will be allocated to each group member on the basis of,

  1. The number of completed tutorial exerices by the group.
  2. The student's contribution in completing these exericises during the tutorial (assessed by the tutor).

  Due date:

  Weekly assessment

Examination

• Weighting:

  50%

  Length:

  2 hours

  Type (open/closed book):

  Closed book

  Electronic devices allowed in the exam:

  None

  Remarks:

  The Exam comprises:

  • Multiple Choice Questions based on the Tutorial Exercises
  • Short answer questions
  • Theoretical question

Due dates and extensions

Please make every effort to submit work by the due dates. It is your responsibility to structure your study program around assignment deadlines, family, work and other commitments. Factors such as normal work pressures, vacations, etc. are not regarded as appropriate reasons for granting extensions. Students are advised to NOT assume that granting of an extension is a matter of course.

Students requesting an extension for any assessment during semester (eg. Assignments, tests or presentations) are required to submit a Special Consideration application form (in-semester exam/assessment task), along with original copies of supporting documentation, directly to their lecturer within two working days before the assessment submission deadline. Lecturers will provide specific outcomes directly to students via email within 2 working days. The lecturer reserves the right to refuse late applications.

A copy of the email or other written communication of an extension must be attached to the assignment submission.

Refer to the Faculty Special consideration webpage or further details and to access application forms: http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/resources/student/equity/special-consideration.html

Late assignment

Assignments received after the due date will be subject to a penalty of 5% per day, including weekends. Assignments received later than one week (seven days) after the due date will not normally be accepted.

Return dates

Students can expect assignments to be returned within two weeks of the submission date or after receipt, whichever is later.

Feedback

Types of feedback you can expect to receive in this unit are:

Informal feedback on progress in labs/tutes

Graded assignments with comments

Interviews