Parallel programming is becoming increasingly critical for a computer scientist/engineer. All new machines are now parallel. There is already a movement that suggests that all students be taught parallel programming in the introductory courses, with sequential programming viewed as a special case. However, parallel programming is not easy. For current CPUs it requires awareness of the multicore architecture, the cache hierarchy, and in some cases the vector floating point capabilitites .
This course will teach you the basic concepts of designing, writing, debugging, and analyzing parallel programs. It covers the two main paradigms: shared memory, and message passing. We will also examine a number of parallel algorithms for a range of problems.

Here are the formally graded elements of the course and associated weighting:

Semester grades are determined by the weighted sum of points earned in each of these areas. Tests will be done individually and grades assigned on an individual basis. The assignment of letter grades will be made as follows:

Midterm and Final: Make-up exams are only given for extraordinary circumstances (e.g., illness, family emergency). Students must consult with the instructor as soon as possible, before the start of the exam. Course examination dates are listed in the syllabus; be aware of them and plan accordingly.

Programming Assignments: Unless otherwise specified, programming assignments are to be submitted electronically through RamCT. Specifics will be included in each assignment. Always check the assignment page for due dates. Late assignments submitted within 48 hours of the time required will receive a 10% late penalty. Electronic submission is closed 48 hours after assignments are due; students not having submitted programs receive an automatic zero on the assignment.

All students taking this course are expected to participate actively. For all students, includes asking and responding to questions. For distance students, the mechanism for asking and responding to questions is the bulletin board on the RamCT site. The TA will note how many questions you ask! For on-campus students, questions may be asked or answered in class, during office hours, or on the same bulletin board the distance students use.

All students are expected to conduct themselves professionally. We (the instructors and GTAs) assume you are familiar with the policies in the student information sheet for the department. Additionally, you are computing professionals, albeit perhaps just starting. You should be familiar with the code of conduct for the primary professional society, ACM. You can read the ACM Code of Conduct HERE. We also assume that you are familiar with the university's integrity policy and follow the university's honor pledge (I will not give, receive or use any unauthorized assistance on academic work).

We work to maintain an environment supportive of learning in the classroom and laboratory. Towards that end, we require that you be courteous to and respectful of your fellow participants (i.e., classmates, instructors, GTAs and any tutors). In particular:

• Please turn off the ring on your cell phone. If you are expecting an emergency call, sit near the door and slide out discretely to take it.
• In class use of electronic devices in general, and laptops specifically, is permitted as a courtesy so that you may better participate and learn. If at any time the instructor judges that an electronic device is becoming a distraction the student may be asked to to turn it off and put it away.
• All exams and quizzes are to be done without the aid of notes of any kind. Laptops and all other electronic devices must be shut and put away during exams and quizzes.