Module Details

Module Code: SOFT8023
Title: Distributed Sys. Programming
Long Title: Distributed Sys. Programming
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4814 - Computer Software
Module Delivered in: 4 programme(s)
Module Description: In a distributed system computers are connected through a network and co-ordinate with each other with the aim of achieving a common goal or task. In these systems, processes typically communicate and synchronise by means of messages. In this module, students will learn how to program distributed systems and introduces them to multi-threading and synchronisation. In addition, the module will examine the main communication mechanisms used between processes using client-servers, remote objects and procedure calls.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Evaluate and apply design patterns in the design and development of a distributed system.
LO2 Assess and apply different architectural patterns in a distributed system.
LO3 Critically access and apply threading in a distributed application.
LO4 Debug a distributed client/server application, identifying object properties and variables at run-time.
LO5 Create a distributed object application using RMI, allowing client/server to communicate securely via interfaces and objects.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
12784 SOFT7004 Object Oriented Principles
12793 COMP7013 Object Oriented Programming
12805 SOFT8023 Distributed Sys. Programming
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Distributed Design Patterns
What is a distributed design pattern? Patterns related to distributed computing e.g Proxy, Adapter, single thread execution.
Client/Server Programming
Server Socket; reading from and writing to a socket; Developing a multi-threaded server; TCP and UDP client/server.
Multi-Threading
Thread States; life cycle of a thread; thread Priorities and thread scheduling; thread synchronization. Critical sections, Asynchronous programming.
Distributed Objects
Remote Method Call; Distributed object systems; Local surrogate object; Invocation of methods on a remote object;
Debugging and Testing
Debugging in a distributed environment; Testing that the distributed system actually works.
Framework Services for distributed objects
Garbage collection; Registry services; Signing objects (so that you know that what was signed is what is retrieved); Sealing an object (so that only the intended recipients can view the object).
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,4
Assessment Description
An example assessment would be to create a simple client server application using sockets.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Programming assignment(s) using the technologies covered in the lectures. Example assignment(s) will access if a student can apply design patterns to write distributed code, use technologies such as RMI and secure communication and information in transit.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
End of Semester Formal Examination.
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lectures delivering the theory underpinning the learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Lab supporting the learning outcomes and content delivered in lectures. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent study. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lectures delivering the theory underpinning the learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Lab supporting the learning outcomes and content delivered in lectures. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent Study. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Cay S. Horstmann , Gary Cornell. (2013), Core Java: Advanced Features Volume II, 2. all, Prentice Hall, [ISBN: 9780134177298].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Paul Deitel, Harvey Deitel,. (2014), Java How to Program, 10. Pearson, [ISBN: 9780132575652].
  • Uttam Kumar Roy. (2015), Advanced Java Programming, 1. Oxford University Press, [ISBN: 9780199455508].
  • Brian Goetz. (2006), java concurrancy in practice, 1. Addison-Wesley Professional, us, [ISBN: 9780321349606].
  • Eric Freeman, Elisabeth Freeman; with Kathy Sierra, Bert Bates. (2004), Head first design patterns, 1. O'Reilly Media, [ISBN: 9780596007126].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_KSDEV_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Software Development 5 Mandatory
CR_KDNET_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Systems 5 Mandatory
CR_KWEBD_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Web Development 5 Mandatory
CR_KCOMP_7 Bachelor of Science in Software Development 5 Mandatory