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COMP40010

Academic Year 2026/2027

Performance of Computer Systems (COMP40010)

Subject:
Computer Science
College:
Science
School:
Computer Science
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Liam Murphy
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module provides students with an introduction to performance engineering applied to large-scale software systems. Topics may include Measurement Techniques and Tools, Probability and Queueing Models, Test Design and Analysis, and Simulation. The practical work will test skills and techniques for performance assurance and testing, including some or all of the following: design of performance tests; model generation; model analysis using a commercial or open-source simulator or spreadsheet; analysis and presentation of results.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the module, students will:
1. have an appreciation of the state-of-the-art of performance engineering;
2. know and be able to apply analytical and simulation tools and techniques to tackle performance engineering of complex software systems;
3. have conducted performance analysis/evaluation exercises.

Indicative Module Content:

Topics vary, but are likely to include Measurement Techniques and Tools, Probability and Queueing Models, Test Design and Analysis, and Simulation.

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

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all 1
 

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

90
Lectures

24
Total

114

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures; formative exercises; practical assignments.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

Ability to write and design computer programs; understanding of the basics of computer systems.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
COMP3014J - Performance of Comp Systems, COMP40550 - Performance of Distributed Sys, COMP47070 - Perform Distrib Systems (PhD)


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade Component repeat (in-module) Offered
Group Work Assignment: Group-based practical assignment. Week 7, Week 12 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
30
 No
Exam (In-person): In-person written test End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
45
 No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: In-class in-person written test Week 5 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
25
 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
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Professor John Murphy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 10:00 - 10:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Wed 15:00 - 15:50
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