Programme And Module Handbook
 
Course Details in 2026/27 Session


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Module Title LH High Performance Computing
SchoolComputer Science
Department Computer Science
Module Code 06 40089
Module Lead Dr Archie Powell
Level Honours Level
Credits 20
Semester Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions None
Contact Hours Lecture-33 hours
Practical Classes and workshops-22 hours
Guided independent study-145 hours
Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description The ever-increasing computing power of modern hardware has led to High Performance Computing becoming an integral part of today's society, allowing us to significantly increase our understanding of the world around us. Modelling weather, planetary and atomic interaction, examining movement of fluid around structures, and predicting nuclear fusion and fission reactions are a handful of examples where High Performance Computing has become an essential tool in advancing our knowledge of science and engineering.
This module aims to give students a strong understanding of the principals, motivation and fundamental concepts within High Performance Computing. Students can expect to learn the parallel programming paradigms used in HPC applications, as well as the core mathematical principles which link the physical and compute space. As well as understanding the building blocks of HPC applications, students will also learn methods to evaluate and understand the performance of such software, including understanding the current landscape of computer hardware.
Learning Outcomes By the end of the module students should be able to:
  • 20.1
  • Demonstrate understanding of the core ideas and motivation of High Performance Computing.
  • 20.2
  • Demonstrate understanding of common parallel programming paradigms.
  • 20.3
  • Understand how to analyse application performance using common methods.
  • 20.4
  • Demonstrate knowledge of different HPC hardware platforms.
  • 20.5
  • Understand the mathematical principles which link the physical and compute space.
Assessment
Assessment Methods & Exceptions Assessment:

Assessment:
2hr Examination (80%), Continuous Assessment (20%)

Reassessment:

2hr Examination (100%)
Other
Reading List