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COMP30220

Academic Year 2026/2027

Distributed Systems (COMP30220)

Subject:
Computer Science
College:
Science
School:
Computer Science
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Rem Collier
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

Distribution is a key technology for constructing systems that can scale to meet high demand (such as web applications) or which are required to operate over large geographical areas (such as Sensor Networks). Understanding how to do this effectively is an important challenge in computer science, especially given the continued emergence of systems that are required to handle millions of concurrent users (Facebook, Google, Linkedin, Amazon, Wallmart, Netflix,...) where fluctuations in demand require the addition or removal of hundreds of servers at any point in time.

This module explores this space from a practical perspective. Students will learn about and use a range of distribution techniques. The students will also learn about core issues such as distributed clocks, coordination, and mutual exclusion. A final project will allow the students to apply these techniques through the development of a significant application.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

The student should develop:

* An understanding of key principles of Distributed Systems Design
* The ability to specify and design a distributed system
* Core advanced programming skills in specific areas of Distributed Systems (e.g. Peer-2-peer, fault tolerant, or service oriented)
* An appreciation of the theoretical underpinnings.

Indicative Module Content:

While completing the course, the students will learn about a number distributed programming models, such as: socket programming, distributed objects, remote method invocation, web services (SOAP / REST), message-oriented middleware, and actor programming. Additionally, they will explore a range of distributed systems concepts, including: architectural styles (P2P, Client-Server, Monolithic Systems vs Microservices). Students will also be exposed to additional programming models, distributed applications (e.g. distributed file systems), and advanced concepts (replication systems, fault tolerance) through peer learning.

The United Nations identified seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and UCD contributes in general to SDG 4 Quality Education. Further SDGs explored within this module if relevant are listed below. A scale of 1 - 5 indicates the extent to which the SDG is covered.


Goal Name Description Coverage

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation 1
 

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Practical

24
Autonomous Student Learning

72
Total

120

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
A final exam will be used to evaluate understanding of concepts and theory.

Lab-based learning will be used to introduce the core programming concepts

A formally assessed project will be used to apply the students skills to a more significant problem.

Generative AI tools may be used for continuous assessment. If the assessment contributes to the modules final grade, students must indicate where and how it has been used.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
COMP41720 - Distributed Systems


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade Component repeat (in-module) Offered
Individual Project: Students will be asked to complete an individual project based on the concepts covered in the module. Week 12 Graded No
30
 No
Exam (In-person): Final Exam End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
70
 No

As part of UCD's student support, under the Additional Consideration policy, extensions may be available for the following assessments in the module: Assignment (including essay/poster), Portfolio, Reflective Assignment, Report(s), and Individual Project.


Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, 32, 33 Fri 16:00 - 17:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 12:00 - 13:50
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