15-440 Distributed Systems (Fall 2020)

About the Course

15-440 is an introductory course in distributed systems. The emphasis will be on the techniques for creating functional, usable, and high-performing distributed systems. To make the issues more concrete, the class includes several multi-week projects requiring significant design and implementation.

The goals of this course are twofold: First, students will gain an understanding of the principles and paradigms that underlay distributed systems, such as communication across networks, concurrency, synchronization, consistency and fault-tolerance. Second, students will gain practical experience in designing, implementing, and debugging real distributed systems.

The major themes this course will teach include process distribution, communication, naming, abstraction and modularity, concurrency, scheduling, resource sharing, locking, consistency and replication, failure handling, distributed programming models, distributed file systems, virtualization, and the use of instrumentation, monitoring and debugging tools to solve problems at large-scale. As the creation and management of software systems are fundamental goals of any undergraduate systems course, students will design, implement, and debug large programming projects. Students will learn some of today’s most popular distributed systems, such as Google File System, MapReduce and PowerGraph.

Lectures & Recitations

Guidelines on Video Usage

1. Videos Shall Be on During Live Sessions, Except for Pedagogical or Technical Reasons: In this semester, we will use Zoom during regular class sessions to deliver lectures and/or conduct recitations. You are required to turn your camera on during every online class session unless there is a pedagogical or technical reason to have it turned off. If you have justifiable technical or personal circumstances that prevent you from having your video on during live class sessions, you will need to submit a “Waiver Form” to the Video Policy Committee at https://it.qatar.cmu.edu/forms/student-video-waiver-form/. In this waiver, you will have to explain thoroughly the reasons for which you are requesting a video exemption. The waiver, once approved by the Committee, will grant you an exemption from having your camera on during the regular class time. Please note that this waiver does not apply for examinations (in-term or final exams, or presentations that require the use of video)—more on this below. After the waiver deadline submission time, if you are not granted an exemption and if you keep your video off during classes, you will lose points for in-class attendance and participation. Please keep in mind that upon approval of the Waiver Form, the professor might need to call on you periodically with questions or comments using the microphone or the chat option to ensure your presence and involvement in class. Having your video on and participating during live Zoom sessions will support your learning in various ways. It may reduce the feeling of isolation and keep you connected with your colleagues and the professor. It is also important to note that everyone’s “remote classroom” and “learning” experience is greatly improved if every student is “visible”. The professor will work tirelessly to engage with you and provide a rich, interactive, and high-quality remote teaching experience. Likewise, he expects a similar commitment on your side. You are also encouraged to follow the same classroom etiquette as you would during normal in-person class sessions when connecting to virtual classes – such as: dressing up appropriately, participating when required (whether by using your audio or the chat feature on Zoom), staying engaged, and avoiding any parallel work irrelevant to the session that may be distracting and affecting others learning experience to (including emails, browsing the internet, usage of the Zoom private chat with friends). Paying attention during online sessions and contributing to discussions and questions may influence your in-class participation grades. In order to feel more comfortable in the Zoom environment and to address privacy concerns, adding a virtual background may be an alternative option to shield away from your surroundings. Establishing a neutral “workspace” in your environment that is away from distractions also helps with your learning process.



2. Video During Quizzes and Exams: You are required to turn your camera on during all online assessments, including quizzes, exams and the final. Your work surface, including your hands, must be visible by video at all times during examinations. No alternative arrangements will be provided to you for this request. It is important to note that if you have a physical disability that presents a barrier to abiding by these guidelines, adjustments to this policy may be made, but must first be discussed with and approved by Catherine Getchell (getchell@cmu.edu) from the Office of Disability Resources, in consultation with the professor.



3. Unauthorized Recordings: It is extremely important to note that students are not permitted to make any personal audio or video recordings or take photos/ screenshots of classes or presentations. Any recording of live Zoom sessions, audio, and photos/ screenshots by students, and/or posting or sharing by any means (including emails, social media platforms, phones, etc.) will be a violation of university policy and could result in serious consequences, including suspension or expulsion upon review through the community standards process.



4. Sharing of Screens: You may be invited to share your Screen during class. Please note that when you share your screen through zoom, your video does not turn on, and your face does not appear: what will be shared is the appropriate file or your entire desktop at any point in time. Please be mindful that any items on your desktop or computer screen (e.g. files, icons, open applications) that you do not want others to see should be removed or closed prior to sharing your screen.



5. Remote Attendance: The professor may use the time you log/Zoom into a class with your Andrew ID as proof of attendance. Joining after a live session’s scheduled start time will be considered as an absence. The professor may request additional proof of participation: polls, participation in chat, and requests that the students unmute their microphones and use the audio at any point in time of the Zoom lecture. The professor will consider your failure to respond as sufficient to mark you absent or late.

Course Team

We are always available for help and support on Slack, Zoom, or Email during our office hours. To receive help outside of our office hours, it is prefered to schedule a meeting or send your questions on Slack.