Introduction to High Performance Computing

High performance computing (HPC) is a field at the forefront of a range of high tech applications such as computational fluid dynamics, image processing, and financial risk management. With the demands of machine learning outstripping conventional computing, HPC is also at the forefront of artificial intelligence. This course will discuss how HPC clusters are used in large-scale problems in academia and industry alike. Students will learn about HPC clusters from the ground up and gain a solid foundation in parallel computer architectures, cluster operating systems, resource management, and containers. They will build their own systems via remote installation of physical hardware, configuration and optimization of a high-speed network, and integration of other technologies used throughout the HPC world. Classes consist of lectures reinforced with assignments on HPC systems located in a teaching laboratory, where discussion and collaboration will be key components of the course. Students will come away with a solid skill set in a field of computing that has broad implications for science and technology.