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Scripted foilset Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education

Given by Geoffrey C. Fox at Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop on January 24 1997. Foils prepared January 26 97
Outside Index Summary of Material

We describe role of computational science as capturing academic integration of advanced compuation into general curricula
We use a recent review of a program in the United Kingdom to illustrate concepts
Clusters of PC's are natural deployment mechanism
We point out that this can be applied successfully in both simulation (parallel computing) and information arena (the web)
We discuss the role of scalable certificates as another way of recognizing knowledge as opposed traditional minors, masters and other degrees
We illustrate these ideas with program at Syracuse

Table of Contents for full HTML of Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education

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1 Remarks on Parallel Computing and Computational Science Education
See: http://www.npac.syr.edu/users/gcf/compsci97
2 Abstract of Computational Science Presentation January 1997
3 Initial Discussion of United Kingdom JISC New Technologies Program
4 An Analysis of HPCC Education Initiative in United Kingdom
5 Picture of UK with HPCC training and Education Centers
6 Teach Computational Science -- not HPCC!
7 Clusters of PC's/Workstations are Only HPCC Deployment in Most Places!
8 Discussion of Syracuse Program in Simulation as well as Information Arenas
9 Poster of Syracuse Computational Science Program
10 What is Computational Science?
11 What do we have at Syracuse University?
12 Program in Computational Science
Implemented within current academic framework
13 Program in Information Age Computational Science Implemented Within Current Academic Program
14 Explicit Curricula in Syracuse Program in Simulation as well as Information Arenas
15 Current Computational Science (CPS) Core Courses
16 Syracuse Computational Science Academic Programs -- Masters Degree
17 Basic Structure of Complete CPS615 Base Course on Computational Science Simulation Track -- I
18 Basic Structure of Complete CPS615 Base Course on Computational Science Simulation Track -- II
19 Basic Structure of Complete CPS615 Base Course on Computational Science Simulation Track -- III
20 Comments on CPS615 Content Compared to Applied Mathematics and Mathematical Methods (in Physics) Courses
21 Syracuse Graduate Computational Science Academic Programs
22 Syracuse Computational Science Academic Programs
Undergraduates Minors in Computational Science
23 Undergraduate Minor in Computational Science
-- First Core Courses CPS311,313
24 Undergraduate Minor in Computational Science
-- Continued Core Courses CPS312,314
25 Usefulness of Computational Science Degrees:
26 Why is Academic Implementation of Computational Science Important?
27 Tradeoffs in Implementation of Computational Science as an Interdisciplinary program versus establishing a new department
28 Remarks on the Curriculum and Student Audience
29 Overview of CPS Web/Information Technology Courses
30 Components of a Web system Pictorially
31 Where to learn What you Want!
32 Some Course Prerequisites
33 The Role of Scalable Certificates offered outside Traditional University Credit Courses and Degrees
34 Education in a Box -- Initial Steps to Understand Web Based Education
35 Scope of International Certificate in Computational Science
36 Chinese Youth reports ICPSEP, the "classroom across countries" between NPAC at Syracuse University, USA, and PACT at Harbin Institute of Technology, China
37 Internet Certificate in Computational Science for Weigang Li
38 Next Steps in International Certificates
39 Scalable Certificates in Computational Science
40 Announcement of Certificate in Internet Systems Jan 97
41 Review of Curricula and Training Material Available on the Web
42 Collection of Parallel Processing Training and Educational Material - I
43 Collection of Parallel Processing Training and Educational Material - II
44 Collection of Parallel Processing Training and Educational Material - III
45 Wrap Up Discussion of United Kingdom JISC New Technologies Program
46 Don't Hide your Work in Postscript!
47 Long Term Commitment Necessary!
48 The Research Aspects of NTI was Largely Unsuccessful!
49 Some of the Teams were Imbalanced in Research v Infrastructure Expertise
50 8 UK Training and Education Projects - I
51 8 UK Training and Education Projects - II
52 6 Projects in Deployment of Clustered Computing Systems - I
53 6 Projects in Deployment of Clustered Computing Systems - II

Outside Index Summary of Material

HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 1 Remarks on Parallel Computing and Computational Science Education
See: http://www.npac.syr.edu/users/gcf/compsci97

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
Geoffrey Fox
Syracuse University
111 College Place
Syracuse
New York 13244-4100
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 2 Abstract of Computational Science Presentation January 1997

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
We describe role of computational science as capturing academic integration of advanced compuation into general curricula
We use a recent review of a program in the United Kingdom to illustrate concepts
Clusters of PC's are natural deployment mechanism
We point out that this can be applied successfully in both simulation (parallel computing) and information arena (the web)
We discuss the role of scalable certificates as another way of recognizing knowledge as opposed traditional minors, masters and other degrees
We illustrate these ideas with program at Syracuse
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 3 Initial Discussion of United Kingdom JISC New Technologies Program

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
Both HPCC Training and Education as well as Clustered Computing
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 4 An Analysis of HPCC Education Initiative in United Kingdom

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
JISC = Part of UK Government supporting "Internet" (JANET) and related Infrastructure (not research) programs
HE = Higher Education, NTI = New Technologies Initiative
JISC NTI Program ran from mid 93 to mid 96 and included 8 HPCTE (High Performance Computing Training and Education) Programs and 6 cluster deployment projects (major follow up project in latter area)
I reviewed Program for a week in December 96
Lessons are generally applicable
Quite a lot of excellent HPCC Course Material Produced although not presented terribly well on the Web
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 5 Picture of UK with HPCC training and Education Centers

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
See Original Foil
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 6 Teach Computational Science -- not HPCC!

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
Integration of Computation into the main stream of HE curricula
The goal of outreach to a broad range of institutions and a broad range of subjects can be accomplished with a more general theme than the original HPCTE mandate – namely the integration of modern computational techniques and technology into education and research.
The up-front investment will be most fruitful if aimed at upgrading the basic fabric of the HE (Higher Education) enterprise (faculty enhancement, courses with computational modules and specialized "centres" with a computational flavor) which will be continued and enhanced in a natural way after the JISC activity is finished.
The most successful HPCTE centres implicitly adopted this approach while those taking a narrower view of their charter struggled in their broad outreach activities.
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 7 Clusters of PC's/Workstations are Only HPCC Deployment in Most Places!

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
Suggest Coordinated effort to aid accelerated deployment of low cost clusters into HE institutions.
JISC was farsighted in identifying importance of cluster computing but could usefully do more to capitalize its investment in terms of a pro-active effort to aid deployment of this technology (especially low cost PC's) broadly.
This could involve coordinated CHEST purchases (site licenses) and should deliberately focus on just a few of software and hardware choices.
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 8 Discussion of Syracuse Program in Simulation as well as Information Arenas

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
Undergraduate and Graduate
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 9 Poster of Syracuse Computational Science Program

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
See Original Foil
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 10 What is Computational Science?

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
Computational Science is an interdisciplinary field that integrates computer science and applied mathematics with a wide variety of application areas that use significant computation to solve their problems
Includes the study of computational techniques
  • Science and Engineering - Grand Challenges
  • Society and Business - National Challenge
Includes the study of new algorithms, languages and models in computer science and applied mathematics required by the use of high performance computing and communications in any (?) important application
  • At interface of (applied) computer science and applications
Includes computation of complex systems using physical analogies such as neural networks and genetic optimization.
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 11 What do we have at Syracuse University?

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
Formal Master's Program with reasonable curriculum and course material
PhD called Computer and Information Science but can choose computational science research
Certificates(Minors) in Computational Science at both the Masters and PhD Level
Undergraduate Minors in Computational Science
All Programs are open to both computer science and application (computer user) students
Currently have both an "Science and Engineering Track" ("parallel computing") and an "Information oriented Track" ("the web")
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 12 Program in Computational Science
Implemented within current academic framework

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 13 Program in Information Age Computational Science Implemented Within Current Academic Program

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 14 Explicit Curricula in Syracuse Program in Simulation as well as Information Arenas

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
Undergraduate and Graduate
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 15 Current Computational Science (CPS) Core Courses

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
SImulation Track -- Graduate
  • CPS615 Overview of Simulation Track Computational Science
  • CPS713 Case Studies in Simulation Applications of Computational Science
Masters in Computational Science built around these core courses CPS615,713
Simulation Track -- Undergraduate
  • CPS 311,312,313,314 Core Material and Laboratory with topics similar to CPS615/713
  • Senior Project CPS 451
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 16 Syracuse Computational Science Academic Programs -- Masters Degree

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
Master's Degree in Computational Science Course Requirements:
Core Courses:
  • CPS 615: Introduction to Computational Science
  • CPS 675: Design and analysis of algorithms
  • MAT 683: Methods of numerical analysis I
Application Area:
  • Applications of computational science, including a substantial project. Example: CPS713 Case Studies in Computational Science
It is required to take one course in 3 out of the following 4 areas:
  • 1. Parallel programming, algorithms, and architecture
  • 2. Methodology and techniques Numerical analysis, optimization, simulation
  • 3. High performance software Compilers, languages, visualization, programming environments
  • 4. Advanced computer science and software engineering Structured programming and formal methods
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 17 Basic Structure of Complete CPS615 Base Course on Computational Science Simulation Track -- I

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index Secs 48
Overview of National Scene -- Why is High Performance Computing Important
  • Grand Challenges
What is Computational Science -- The Program at Syracuse
Basic Technology Situation -- Increasing density of transistors on a chip
  • Trends to year 2007 using Moore's Law (see UVC Video)
Elementary Discussion of Parallel Computing including use in society
  • why does parallel computing always "work" in principle
Computer Architecture -- Parallel and Sequential
  • Network Interconnections, SIMD v. MIMD, Distributed Shared Memory
  • vectorization contrasted with parallism
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 18 Basic Structure of Complete CPS615 Base Course on Computational Science Simulation Track -- II

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index Secs 72
Simple base example -- Laplace's Equation
  • How does parallel computing work
This is followed by two sections -- software technologies and applications which are interspersed with each other and "algorithm" modules
Programming Models -- Message Passing and Data Parallel Computing -- MPI and HPF (Fortran 90)
  • Some remarks on parallel compilers
  • Remarks on use of parallel Java
Some real applications analysed in detail
  • Chemistry, CFD, Earthquake prediction, Statistical Physics
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 19 Basic Structure of Complete CPS615 Base Course on Computational Science Simulation Track -- III

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index Secs 96
This introduction is followed by a set of "vignettes" discussing problem classes which illustrate parallel programming and parallel algorithms
Ordinary Differential Equations
  • N body Problem by both O(N^2) and "fast multipole" O(N) method
Numerical Integration including adaptive methods
Floating Point Arithmetic
Monte Carlo Methods including Random Numbers
Full Matrix Algebra as in
  • Computational Electromagnetism
  • Computational Chemistry
Partial Differential Equations implemented as sparse matrix problems (as in Computational Fluid Dynamics)
  • Iterative Algorithms from Gauss Seidel to Conjugate Gradient
  • Finite Element Methods
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 20 Comments on CPS615 Content Compared to Applied Mathematics and Mathematical Methods (in Physics) Courses

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
At Caltech, we used to teach in physics a basic course in Mathematical methods to undergraduates which was required for physics majors
Non-physics majors chose between this and a corresponding course taught in engineering by applied mathematics
Compared to these courses, CPS615 has less formal numerical methods than either of these courses but at Caltech neither course discussed computer architecture, how to exploit architecture to get good performance and more importantly, never discussed software issues.
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 21 Syracuse Graduate Computational Science Academic Programs

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
Minors in Computational Science
Masters Level Certificate:
  • Available to graduate students enrolled in any SU masters or Ph.D. program
  • Courses required for certificate are one from each area (15 credits)
    • 1. CPS 615: Introduction to Computational Science -- Simulation or
    • 1. CPS 616: Computational Science for Information Applications
    • (probably CPS 606 can be substituted here)
  • 2. Applications of Computer Science (e.g. CPS713/714)
  • 3. High Performance Parallel Computing
  • 4. Methodology and techniques
  • 5. Computational Science elective -Relevant course chosen by student - (e.g. CPS730)
Doctoral level Certificate:
  • 5 courses as above with one more elective (18 credits)
  • Make a contribution to computational science through the research of the dissertation
Doctoral level Certificate in Computational Neuroscience:
  • Joint program Bioengineering (Institute of Sensory Research, SUNY Health Science Center, Computer Science
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 22 Syracuse Computational Science Academic Programs
Undergraduates Minors in Computational Science

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
Typical Program:
Freshman year:
  • Prerequisites for the concentration: 2 semesters calculus (MAT295,296),
  • physics (PHY 211,212, 221, 222) and computer programming
Sophomore year:
  • Introduction to Computational Science (CPS 311, 312) and
  • Scientific Programming (CPS 313,314) which are the laboratory courses
Junior year:
  • Two upper class courses in parallel computing, applied math, or other appropriate courses.
Senior year:
  • Senior Computational Science Project (CPS 451) and 1 credit of independent study (CPS 490).
Courses taken for the concentration may also be used to fulfill degree requirements in the students major program of study.
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 23 Undergraduate Minor in Computational Science
-- First Core Courses CPS311,313

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
Prerequisite: Calculus, Physics, Programming
Level: Sophomore/Junior
System: CM5 with CMFortran (Approximately Fortran90)
Topics: Calculation with Vectors and Arrays
  • Direct Solution of Linear Systems
  • Interpolation (Polynomial, Spline, two dimensional)
  • Rounding Error in Floating Point Arithmetic
  • Elementary Numerical Quadrature
Philosophy:
  • Motivate and Illustrate with Examples from Physics, Chemistry and Engineering
  • Treat CM5 with CMFortran as a powerful, high-level system so that it is relatively easy to write programs that are "fast enough"
  • Pay attention to performance but avoid emphasis on tricky issues of parallel performance
  • Lab component (CPS313) addresses programming details and incorporates computational and programming exercises which reinforce material in lectures.
  • Programming Exercises usually modify programs discussed in class or use routines provided by the instructor
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 24 Undergraduate Minor in Computational Science
-- Continued Core Courses CPS312,314

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
CPS 311/312 Introduction to Computational Science I and II (3 credits each)
CPS313/314 Scientific Programming I and II ( 1 credit each)
CPS312/314 Continues CPS311/313 using same System (CM5 with CMFortran in 1995)
Topics: Elementary Linear Programming using the Simplex Method
  • Ordinary Differential Equations -- Standard approachs to Initial Value problems
  • Boundary Value Problems for Simple Elliptic Partial Differential Equations with Iterative Solution
  • Monte Carlo Techniques -- Pseudo-Random Numbers, Quadrature, Metropolis Technique
Philosophy
  • Similar to initial courses CPS 311/313 but the programming exercises are more ambitious
  • Always remind students that this introduction only scratches the surface of any topic covered.
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 25 Usefulness of Computational Science Degrees:

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
Conclusions of DOE Conference on Computational Science Education, Feb 1994
Industry and government laboratories want graduates with Computational Science and Engineering training - don't care what degree is called
Universities - want graduates with Computational Science and Engineering training - want degrees to have traditional names
Premature to have BS Computational Science and Engineering
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 26 Why is Academic Implementation of Computational Science Important?

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
Probably not important for Industry or Government (National Laboratory) jobs
  • Excellent job market for computational scientists in these areas
However Academia (in general) only appoints faculty in existing well defined academic areas where peer review group exists
  • To some extent, this is also true for funding agencies for even if Program Manager likes Interdisciplinary work, reviewers may not as come from established areas
  • Interdisciplinary Scientist is Jack of All Trades but Master of none?
  • Probably poor job opportunities in Academia for Computational Scientist however field implemented
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 27 Tradeoffs in Implementation of Computational Science as an Interdisciplinary program versus establishing a new department

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
Advantages of a new department
  • Clearer University support with less dependence on support of particular individuals
  • For instance my research program at Caltech(C3P) was destroyed by change of Provost where replacement preferred existing academic units
Advantages of Using Interdisciplinary Program
  • Easier to set up at the University
  • Graduating Students get a well understood degree
  • A degree in Computational Science is probably not as useful as
    • Computational Chemistry : which is a degree in Chemistry with minor in computational science
    • Applied Computer Science: which is a degree in computer science with specialization in computational Science
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 28 Remarks on the Curriculum and Student Audience

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
Computational Science can attract computing development students (computer science) as well computer user (applications such as Physics, Engineering, Biology, Chemistry) students
The same course material can sometimes be used for both classes of students although some adjustment can be needed
  • (Syracuse) computer science students are not taught matrices, Fourier transforms etc. -- typical application student is
  • Base programming knowledge sometimes insufficient
    • At Syracuse, we teach structured supplementary lab course for undergraduates
    • We have not found this necessary for graduate students
For "Information track" expect more serious mismatch in background with computer user community not having mathematical training of computer science.
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 29 Overview of CPS Web/Information Technology Courses

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
CPS606 Taught last semester is basic Java and Perl (CGI Scripts)
CPS616 is critical leading edge software system and application building technologies including JavaScript, VRML, Advanced Java Capabilities, Database - Web, Security
CPS600 (aka CPS640) is MultiMedia and Network Systems including digital video
CPS714 is Projects and Topics that we cannot cover!
The Sequence is termed a Certificate In Internet Systems
Next time CPS616 will assume CPS606 -- this semester it will not!
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 30 Components of a Web system Pictorially

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
Host with Web Server and Attached CGI Script in PERL
Perhaps linking to a database
and digital Video Servers
Host holds HTML files typically stored in a UNIX directory system but could be in a database such as Oracle or Microsoft Access
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 31 Where to learn What you Want!

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
CPS606: Basic HTML, Java and CGI SCripts with PERL
CPS600(640): Network Services, Multimedia Systems including Server and Client Digital Video
CPS616: HTML3, JavaScript, Advanced PERL5, Advanced Java (including 1.1 enhancements), Web linked databases (Oracle and Access, WoW and JDBC), Security and Commerce, VRML 1.0 and 2.0
CPS714: Java and Database Applications (It is graded only on projects), Compression, Web Agents (robots), Java Servers, Collaborative technologies
  • CPS714 is only offered in independent study fashion in 1997
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 32 Some Course Prerequisites

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
We will finalise these after we review results of Survey
We will assume Basic Web Browsing and HTML expertise
In general CPS616 will assume basic Java and PERL but maybe not this year
You should be familiar with either PC or UNIX environment and program in at least one real language ( C C++ Fortran)
We will not assume any database knowledge and will cover SQL and ODBC in particular
No VRML or 3D Graphics expertise will be assumed
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 33 The Role of Scalable Certificates offered outside Traditional University Credit Courses and Degrees

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
Including China Internet Experiment
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 34 Education in a Box -- Initial Steps to Understand Web Based Education

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
Certificate in Computational Science offered at Harbin Institute of Technology (North China) Spring 1996 -- started March 1,1996 -- is a prototype of Syracuse University extension school
Although Internet Connections to China is pretty dreadful, we still use Web Technology but package Electronic Course material on a Pentium PC at Harbin running WindowsNT and Java
  • Can use Oracle and Digital Video Server Support as well
  • Can use RealAudio digital audio (I record my lectures as I give them)
This is updated in batch mode by Syracuse -- China Connection
Students in China Interact with mentors in China and with NPAC via Internet (web and email)
Project got good reviews from students and press!
Project designed by Fox,Leskiw(NPAC), Xiaoming Li(Harbin and Peking visiting NPAC)
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 35 Scope of International Certificate in Computational Science

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
Graduate Students -- initially 6 guinea pigs presented with certificates July 96
4 Courses -- each 10 1 hour lectures -- offered Spring 1996 over 20 week period
ICPS 700: Introduction to Simulation Track of Computational Science
  • Parallel Architectures, Software, Grand Challenges, Parallel Algorithms (scaled back version of CPS615)
ICPS 701: Parallel Programming Laboratory
  • Use of MPI to do real problems on a Cluster of Workstations/PC's
ICPS710: World Wide Web Technology
  • Scaled back version of CPS616
ICPS711: Web Programming
  • Laboratory companion course to ICPS700. Initially will use Java PERL4 and PERL5.
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 36 Chinese Youth reports ICPSEP, the "classroom across countries" between NPAC at Syracuse University, USA, and PACT at Harbin Institute of Technology, China

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 37 Internet Certificate in Computational Science for Weigang Li

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
Presented July 22 at Harbin Institute of Technology by Geoffrey Fox
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 38 Next Steps in International Certificates

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
Important Lesson from my trip to China last summer
  • Exciting dynamic country where all learn English
  • But many don't understand difficult material in English!
So we have used initial students to translate base material into Chinese
  • We intend broad Distribution via CD-ROM of this combined modern practical computer science
  • includes MPI and HPF base documents in Chinese HTML
China wants me to give a one week Web Tutorial (in English) at Peking this May 97
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 39 Scalable Certificates in Computational Science

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
We suggest that Universities historically are "approved" to give "licenses" i.e. certification that students have a certain level of knowledge
In the emerging Web based Virtual University, the traditional type and length of learening cycles is not obviously appropriate
Further we need to bootstrap WebWisdom and "suck customers in" a little bit at a time!
Thus suggest Scalable Certificates
  • Level 1: One day (6 hours)
  • Level 2: One Week (30 hours)
  • Level 3: One Semester/Quarter Course (120 hours)
  • Level 4: Minor/Certificate -- about 5 courses (600 hours)
  • Level 5: Masters degree -- about 12 courses (1400 hours)
Note these certificates are also portable as can take anywhere at any time!
Traditionally, University courses are 1/3 interaction and 2/3 study/homework
  • i.e. 120 hour course is 40 hours lectruring
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 40 Announcement of Certificate in Internet Systems Jan 97

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 41 Review of Curricula and Training Material Available on the Web

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
We seem to be missing algorithm discussions!
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 42 Collection of Parallel Processing Training and Educational Material - I

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
Nancy McCracken at http://www.npac.syr.edu/projects/cpsedu/CSEmaterials
Collection of Computational Science Programs and Computer Science Courses (not necessarily easily used curricula material)
Overviews of Parallel Computing -- Methodology and Architecture
  • 5 Online Books but these are not well linked to courses
  • Several articles which will be augmented by NHSE Review Series
  • 9 Online "Courses"/Course Material
Tutorials on Particular Machines
  • 6 SP2 or Paragon Resources
Not much on Visualization and I/O
Not listed are "catch-up" material -- UNIX Use of Mouse etc.
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 43 Collection of Parallel Processing Training and Educational Material - II

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
Algorithms
  • Some on Computer Algebra, Monte Carlo, Numerical Integration, ODE Solvers, Nonlinear Systems, Optimization
  • Significant Material (total 14) on basic Iterative PDE Solvers (Conjugate Gradient etc.) and Numerical Linear algebra/Matrix Systems
    • Includes Template book
  • None listed in advanced PDE Solvers such as domain decomposition, AMR, Multigrid etc.
A very few applications covered in detail
  • CSEP has nice digital text with 5 applications -- Ocean Models, Nonlinear dynamics, Seismic Waves, Monte Carlo Transport, Bioelectric Fields
  • NPAC has "Case Studies" in CFD, Data Analysis , Numerical Relativity, Statistical Physics
  • For instance Chemistry not covered
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 44 Collection of Parallel Processing Training and Educational Material - III

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
18 Fortran90 and HPF -- Including MRA
28 MPI including MRA as well as online manual and book
4 PVM
1 Linda
1 Fortran M -- MRA
1 MetaComputing -- MRA
In contrast Java has far more material than this but no online book whereas PERL (another practical language) only has online manual and FAQ
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 45 Wrap Up Discussion of United Kingdom JISC New Technologies Program

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
Both HPCC Training and Education as well as Clustered Computing
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 46 Don't Hide your Work in Postscript!

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
Encouragement of active links with related efforts outside the UK and careful review of Intellectual Property issues and tradeoff between cooperative open dissemination and protection of investment.
The UK activities would benefit from active collaboration with related international efforts such as the NHSE(National High Performance Software Exchange) and supercomputer centres in the US.
Currently the UK projects seem unclear as to whether to encourage broad international dissemination of their work or whether to protect the JISC investment by making electronic access to their material inconvenient or impossible.
My prejudice is that in rapidly changing fields, one benefits from open and indeed pro-active dissemination using interactive HTML and not archival ftp/postscript. However at least a consistent corporate set of ground rules should be agreed.
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 47 Long Term Commitment Necessary!

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
Stronger incentives for institutional commitment to sustain efforts jump started by JISC
I was surprised that some excellent JISC projects appeared to be struggling to cope with "Life after NTI" and appeared to be getting little sustaining support from their host institution. This issue appears to be important in evaluating future proposals.
There was very modest continuing funding -- my report tried to make case to continue at lower level
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 48 The Research Aspects of NTI was Largely Unsuccessful!

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
Suggest Stringent review of future systems software development projects which tended to be the least successful part of existing NTI programme
One third of the projects reviewed were developing some sort of systems (as opposed to application) software.
These were clearly less successful as a group than training or deployment (of other commercial or university systems) projects.
I didn't list these projects! -- Portable HPF from Southamptoon was successful (being continued at NPAC)
JISC does not have the funding level or research mandate to pursue software development projects and should limit and very carefully review its investment in this area.
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 49 Some of the Teams were Imbalanced in Research v Infrastructure Expertise

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
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Careful review of qualifications of teams to ensure they have appropriate mix of both professionals and researchers at leading edge of HPC research.
Whether one adopts either a narrow or broad view of HPC, the field is undoubtedly changing very rapidly with critical new developments both in industry and academia.
Even pure deployment or training programmes need to be cognizant of the latest developments and some of NTI activities were handicapped by lacking such expertise on the implementation team.
Further some of the other projects were largely research based and lacked necessary professional infrastructure development expertise.
I recommend that JISC carefully review overall qualifications of its proposal teams.
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 50 8 UK Training and Education Projects - I

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
HPC Training and Education Centre - Queen's University Belfast (DENI funded)
  • http://www-pcc.qub.ac.uk/ is basic site
  • http://www-pcc.qub.ac.uk/tec/courses/courselist.html contains excellent list of courses including Datamining
HPTCE: Training and Education Centre - University of Wales College of Cardiff
  • Web Site http://www.cm.cf.ac.uk/Hpc/ has notes on F90 and MPI plus genetic algorithms in postscript
HPCTE: HPC Training and Education Centre University of Edinburgh
  • Web Site http://www.epcc.ed.ac.uk is excellent and includes technology watch reports
HPCTE: HPC Training and Education Centre - SEL(London)-HPC Consortium
  • Reasonable Web Site http://www.lpac.ac.uk/SEL-HPC/ includes links to Hensa preprint and software resource
  • Course Materials http://www.lpac.ac.uk/SEL-HPC/Materials/ were largely postscript
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 51 8 UK Training and Education Projects - II

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
HPCTE: HPC Training and Education Centre - University of Manchester
  • Web Site http://info.mcc.ac.uk/hpctec/ has some of courses taught (e.g. nothing on Java or VRML) which are disseminated via postscript.
HPTCE: HPC Training and Education Centre - University of Southampton
  • http://hpcc.soton.ac.uk/ seems a little out of date and only has only a fraction of course material produced
Use of Fortran90 and HPF - University of Liverpool
  • Helpful Web Site http://www.liv.ac.uk/HPC/HPCpage.html points to Fortran90 and HPF course materials. These are available in different lengths (seminar, one day, three day) and are presented in a mix of HTML and postscript.
Parallel Computing in Higher Education - University of Oxford
  • Web site http://www.comlab.ox.ac.uk/oucl/oxpara/bsp/bspmodel.htm evolved from JISC work but no explicit reference to this.
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 52 6 Projects in Deployment of Clustered Computing Systems - I

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
CONDOR: A Dynamic Self-Configuring Distributed Computing Facility - University of Durham
  • Web Site http://www.dur.ac.uk/~condor/ contains excellent online evaluation of Condor and detailed final report including applications looked at.
DQS: HPC-Alpha Workstation Farm - University of East Anglia
  • Web site http://www.uea.ac.uk/cpc/hpc/ describes project, parallel applications, and training in PVM and F90/HPF.
LSF for CFD: HPC using Spare Capacity on a Network of Workstations - University of Glasgow
  • Very well done web pages at http://www.aero.gla.ac.uk/Research/HNW/
  • No training material but well designed lists of material and pointers to CFD activities at Glasgow, Cluster Management Software etc.
HTML version of Scripted Foils prepared January 26 97

Foil 53 6 Projects in Deployment of Clustered Computing Systems - II

From Remarks on Parallel Computing and HPCC Education Ohio Supercomputer Center Workshop -- January 24 1997. *
Full HTML Index
PVM on Linux PC's:Development of Parallel Finite Difference Time Domain Application - Brunel University
  • Web Page http://www.brunel.ac.uk:8080/depts/fdtd/ is good application specific page on computational electromagnetism
NQS: Support of Distributed Batch Systems for UNIX - University of Sheffield
  • Excellent NQS Web Site http://www.shef.ac.uk/~nqs/
Codine: Serial Work and Parallel Computing Techniques in a Workstation Cluster Environment - Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine
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