Introduction to Parallel Computing

Purpose

Introduction to Parallel Computing is a workshop on High Performance Computing (HPC) and High Throughput Computing (HTC) for researchers who need to perform computations that would take too long on a single computer.  The goal is to introduce the concepts of parallel computing to anyone whose research might benefit.

This course provides all of the training required to use UWM’s HPC clusters and HTC grid.  Training can also be achieved via self-study followed by a one-on-one meeting with a facilitator.

Many researchers have simple computational problems that require vast computational resources.  This workshop is designed to jump-start these researchers, and also provide a parallel computing cornerstone for those with more complex programming needs.

This is a hands-on workshop which includes lecture and open discussion of essential background material and cluster and grid usage, several brief practice breaks, and time to practice submitting parallel computation jobs using SLURM and HTCondor.

Students will learn how to run very simple programs in parallel on a grid or cluster.  Students with more complex programming needs are encouraged to attend Introduction to Parallel Programming and pursue higher level computer programming courses after completing this introduction.

Prerequisites

Introduction to Research Computing or equivalent experience.

Basic knowledge of computer programming or use of a computational tool used in your field.

Course Content

This workshop covers basic concepts of parallel computing (not parallel programming), including High Throughput Computing (HTC) and High Performance Computing (HPC), job scheduling with SLURM and HTCondor.

We cover most of the material in part II of The UWM Research Computing User’s Guide (PDF).

Course Materials

The UWM Research Computing User’s Guide (PDF)

Where and When

Friday, June 21st, 2019

9:00am to 4:00pm (1 hour lunch break + short breaks around 10:30 and 2:30)

University of Wisconsin — Milwaukee

3200 N. Cramer St.

Room E285

PC workstations are provided.  Wireless access is also available to UWM students and employees.

Registration

Registration is open to the community.

Cost: Free

Note: Space is limited.  If you have registered for this workshop and will not be able to attend, please notify us by emailing research-computing@uwm.edu. Attendance will be taken and unexcused no-shows may not be able to register for future workshops.

Register for this event

Additional Information

Paid parking is available under the EMS building.  Free street parking is also available near EMS.  Note that some parking areas have time limits, even on Saturdays.  The workshop will include breaks about every 1.5 hours.

There are several restaurants along Oakland Ave within a few blocks of EMS.  Most on-campus restaurants are closed on Saturdays.

Please direct any questions to research-computing@uwm.edu.