Shared Memory Programming (P00336)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : PHY-P-HPCShMem

A significant number of parallel computers utilise a shared memory architecture. This course is primarily about how to effectively program these computers. After an introduction to the fundamental concepts of the shared variables model, the course focuses on the syntax and semantics of OpenMP, the industry standard for shared memory programming. A short introduction to Posix threads is also given, along with a description of how OpenMP is typically implemented, as well as material covering the potential performance issues and how to solve them. Hands-on programming makes up a significant, and integral, part of this course.

The course is delivered using EPCC's dedicated training facilities and is taught using a variety of methods including formal lectures, practical exercises, programming examples and informal tutorial discussions. This enables lecture material to be supported by the tutored practical sessions in order to reinforce the key concepts.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Only postgraduates or final year MPhys students with suitable computational background, subject to space restrictions and agreement with relevant Programme Coordinator.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Postgraduate (School of Physics), (School of Physics, Schedule Q)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 3 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Thursday	14:00	18:00	KB

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course students should be able to:

- Understand the shared variables programming model.
- Have a detailed knowledge of OpenMP syntax and semantics.
- Be able to implement correct and efficient OpenMP codes.
- Understand performance issues in shared memory programming.
- Be aware of the underlying threads model and how OpenMP is implemented on it.