Description

Supercomputer Applications is a half-credit semester course with a suggested AP
computer science co-requisite. Students explore computational science and high
performance computing using parallel programming algorithms. The course also
introduces various scientific visualization techniques using OpenGL and computer graphics.
Students experiment with parallel computing using Message Passing Interface (MPI)
and threads. As available platforms we have workstations, a cluster, and a Cray SV1.
The goal of the course is for students to investigate algorithm design in relation
to high performance computing, parallel computation, and distributed processing.

Grading

The student's grade is based on an assessment of all individual assignments
and programming projects. There will also be quizzes and a final exam.
Point values for each requirement in the portfolio will depend on the difficulty of
the assignment, and grades are determined by assessing the quality of the student's work.
Extra points may be awarded when students exceed the minimal expectations and
develop innovative enhancements to regular projects. The TJHSST honor code is
followed - no unauthorized copying of material.
The grading scale is approved by FCPS public schools:

A 94% - 100% C 74% - 79%
B+ 90% - 93% D+ 70% - 73%
B 84% - 89% D 64% - 69%
C+ 80% - 83% F Below 64%

At the end of each grading period, the total number of points earned is
divided by the total possible points. The resulting percentage will yield the
letter grade for the term. At the end of the semester, the final mark is computed using
an average based on the two quarter grades and semester project or exam.

Attendance

Any work missed during an excused absence should be made up, and the responsibility
rests with the student. Work that is missed during an unexcused absence may be made up,
but no credit can be given for that work. This is in accordance with FCPS policy.
Three unexcused absences during a grading period result in an F for that term.