Parallel Computing in the Undergraduate Curriculum

  • Authors:
  • Christopher H. Nevison

  • Affiliations:
  • -

  • Venue:
  • Computer
  • Year:
  • 1995

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Abstract

The author describes how parallel computing can be integrated into courses throughout the computer science undergraduate curriculum. First, he explains why parallel computing is important, observing that many large, computationally intensive problems are solved with parallel programs. He reasons that as the related areas of symmetric multiprocessing and distributed computing also become more important, practitioners will need to fully understand parallel computing. Next, he describes the current situation at most colleges and universities, noting that parallel computing is offered only as an upper-level elective. The author then describes how parallel computing can be integrated into each course. He begins with the introductory courses and continues with those on computer organization and computer architecture, operating systems, programming languages, theory of computation, standard algorithms, discrete event simulation, and numerical analysis. Finally, the author explains the requirements for successfully implementing this integrated approach.