SCIEN511-19C (BLK)

Scientific Supercomputing

15 Points

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Division of Health Engineering Computing & Science
School of Science

Staff

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Convenor(s)

Joseph Lane

Joseph Lane
9391
E.3.07
Students are welcome to drop by my office anytime
joseph.lane@waikato.ac.nz

Lecturer(s)

Charles Lee

Charles Lee
4241
TRU.G.17
By Appointment
charles.lee@waikato.ac.nz

James Brasington

James Brasington
5046
R.2.08
To be advised
james.brasington@waikato.ac.nz

Karin Bryan

Karin Bryan
4123
E.2.13
To be advised
karin.bryan@waikato.ac.nz

Administrator(s)

Placement Coordinator(s)

Tutor(s)

Student Representative(s)

Lab Technician(s)

Librarian(s)

: cheryl.ward@waikato.ac.nz

You can contact staff by:

  • Calling +64 7 838 4466 select option 1, then enter the extension.
  • Extensions starting with 4, 5, 9 or 3 can also be direct dialled:
    • For extensions starting with 4: dial +64 7 838 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 5: dial +64 7 858 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 9: dial +64 7 837 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 3: dial +64 7 2620 + the last 3 digits of the extension e.g. 3123 = +64 7 262 0123.
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Paper Description

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A practical introduction to undertaking scientific research on a supercomputer. The paper assumes no prior knowledge and is intended for science students from any discipline. The overarching goal is to provide students with the skills necessary to run simulations on large-scale shared supercomputing facilities, such as the New Zealand eScience Infrastructure (NeSI).

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Paper Structure

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The paper is taught through a series of hands-on practical computer labs and a mini-research project. The mini-research project can involve any type of computational modelling that is relevant to a student's dissertation or thesis and will be run on the New Zealand eScience Infrastructure (NeSI) supercomputers. The results of the mini-research project will be written up in the style of a journal article.

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Learning Outcomes

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Students who successfully complete the course should be able to:

  • Navigate the Linux shell and use scripts to automate common tasks
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Successfully apply for computer time to undertake research at a high-performance computer facility
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Undertake a benchmarking exercise to determine the most efficient way to run scientific software on a high-performance computer.
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Undertake a mini-research project using scientific software and write up the results in the style of a journal article
    Linked to the following assessments:
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Assessment

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The requirements for assessed work are specified in the instructions provided for the assignments.

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Assessment Components

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The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 100:0. There is no final exam. The final exam makes up 0% of the overall mark.

The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 100:0 or 0:0, whichever is more favourable for the student. The final exam makes up either 0% or 0% of the overall mark.

Component DescriptionDue Date TimePercentage of overall markSubmission MethodCompulsory
1. Complete Linux command line tutorial
18 Jul 2019
5:00 PM
10
2. Successfully apply to use the NeSI supercomputers
25 Jul 2019
5:00 PM
10
3. Benchmark your software on NeSI
9 Aug 2019
5:00 PM
10
4. Automate simple tasks in Linux
16 Aug 2019
5:00 PM
10
5. Mini-research project - outline
2 Sep 2019
5:00 PM
10
6. Mini-research project final report
11 Oct 2019
12:00 AM
50
✔
Assessment Total:     100    
Failing to complete a compulsory assessment component of a paper will result in an IC grade
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Required and Recommended Readings

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Other Resources

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The NeSI support portal contains useful information to assist students with using their high-performance computers:

https://support.nesi.org.nz/hc/en-gb

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Online Support

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Online support will be provided via Moodle, which is accessible to all students who are enrolled in the paper.

PLEASE NOTE: Class notices will be provided through Moodle. Note that it is your responsibility to check the site regularly. Instructions provided on Moodle and in classes are considered to be given to the class as a whole.

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Workload

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Students are expected to attend the six scheduled 2-hour computer labs and complete the corresponding exercises in their own time. This should require approximately 30 learning hours.

The remaining 120 learning hours are to be used for the mini-research project. As part of this, students are expected to meet with their mini-research project supervisor on a weekly basis to guidance and support.

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