Modern computer systems commonly rely on distributed and cloud computing systems, which enable seamless access to networked resources such as processors, data stores, sensor networks, cyber-physical systems, and multimedia services. In this unit, you will gain foundation knowledge, and an understanding of the system models and their enabling technologies. You will learn the core concepts of distributed computing, such as interprocess communication, concurrency and synchronisation, transactions and concurrency control as well as distributed databases and files. This unit also exposes you to distributed system characteristics of scalability, heterogeneity, security, and failure handling. The areas of mobile and ubiquitous computing and the social impact arising from the ubiquity of distributed systems will also be explored. You will learn to develop secure and reliable distributed computing applications and web services that can perform concurrent operations across multiple computers.

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from In-class student feedback

Students are keen to learn new technologies in distributed systems, such as edge computing and advanced security.

Consider the introduction of Edge computing technology as part of the planned major update of this unit for 2025.

Feedback from Unit Coordinator self reflection

More content on security is needed in this unit.

Consider adding more security-related topics such as mutual authentication, and symmetrical/asymmetrical cryptography as part of the planned major update of this unit for 2025.