605.636.3VL - Autonomic Computing

Course Structure

The course materials are divided into modules which can be accessed by clicking Modules on the course menu. A module will have several sections including the overview, content, readings, discussions, and assignments. You are encouraged to preview all sections of the module before starting. Most modules run for a period of seven (7) days, starting on Tuesday and ending on Monday. Exceptions are noted in the Course Outline. You should regularly check the Calendar and Announcements for assignment due dates.

Course Topics

• Introduction to autonomic and self-aware computing concepts
• Self-* properties of autonomic systems
• Autonomic systems and biological inspiration
• Autonomic architectures
• Autonomic managers and the MAPE-K model
• MAPE-K monitoring
• Adaptation and autonomic systems
• MAPE-K decisions and knowledge base
• Self-aware systems
• Security and resiliency
• Evaluation and assurance of autonomic systems
• Autonomic integration frameworks
• Future trends of autonomic systems

Course Goals

The goals of this course are to 1) provide an introduction to autonomic and self-aware systems and how they differ from autonomous and other systems, 2) provide insight into how to develop a self-aware/self-managing system that adapts to changes in its environment, and 3) introduce students to research topics in this area. 

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

• By the end of the course the student shall be able to: - Explain the self-aware properties of autonomic systems - Architect and design autonomic and self-aware systems - Explain the function of the different components of a MAPE-K autonomic manager - Select the types of adaptation needed for an autonomic system to adapt to different types of environments and maintain its resiliency and security - Explain how to provide assurance for autonomic systems - Understand current research and the future trends of autonomic systems

Textbooks

Lalanda, P., McCann, J. A., & Diaconescu, A. (2013). Autonomic computing: principles, design and implementation. Springer Science & Business Media.

ISBN-10: 1447150082, ISBN-13: 978-1447150084

A free pdf version of the book is available at: https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/978-1-4471-5007-7.pdf

Other Materials & Online Resources

There will be conference and/or journal articles to read for each module. The articles will be available in eReserves.

Student Coursework Requirements

It is expected that each module will take approximately 9–12 hours per week to complete. Here is an approximate breakdown: reading the assigned sections of the texts and articles (approximately 3–4 hours per week) as well as some outside reading, attending the lecture (approximately 3 hours per week), and writing or programming assignments (approximately 3–5 hours per week).

Grading Policy

Assignments are due according to the dates posted in your Blackboard course site. You may check these due dates in the Course Calendar or the Assignments in the corresponding modules. We will post grades one week after assignment due dates.

We generally do not directly grade spelling and grammar. However, egregious violations of the rules of the English language will be noted without comment. Consistently poor performance in either spelling or grammar is taken as an indication of poor written communication ability that may detract from your grade.

A grade of A indicates achievement of consistent excellence and distinction throughout the course—that is, conspicuous excellence in all aspects of assignments and discussion in every week.

A grade of B indicates work that meets all course requirements on a level appropriate for graduate academic work. These criteria apply to both undergraduates and graduate students taking the course.

EP uses a +/- grading system (see “Grading System”, Graduate Programs catalog, p. 10).

100-98 = A+
97-94 = A
93-90 = A−
89-87 = B+
86-83 = B
82-80 = B−
79-77 = C+
76-73 = C
72-70 = C−
69-67 = D+
66-63 = D

Final grades will be determined by the following weighting:

The course project is evaluated by the following grading elements:

1.     Project proposal (10% of project grade)
2.     Project design (20% of project grade)
3.     Project outline (20% of project grade)
4.     Project rough draft (20% of project grade)
5.     Completed research project (30% of project grade)

Academic Policies

Deadlines for Adding, Dropping and Withdrawing from Courses

Students may add a course up to one week after the start of the term for that particular course. Students may drop courses according to the drop deadlines outlined in the EP academic calendar (https://ep.jhu.edu/student-services/academic-calendar/). Between the 6th week of the class and prior to the final withdrawal deadline, a student may withdraw from a course with a W on their academic record. A record of the course will remain on the academic record with a W appearing in the grade column to indicate that the student registered and withdrew from the course.

Academic Misconduct Policy

All students are required to read, know, and comply with the Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts and Sciences (KSAS) / Whiting School of Engineering (WSE) Procedures for Handling Allegations of Misconduct by Full-Time and Part-Time Graduate Students.

This policy prohibits academic misconduct, including but not limited to the following: cheating or facilitating cheating; plagiarism; reuse of assignments; unauthorized collaboration; alteration of graded assignments; and unfair competition. Course materials (old assignments, texts, or examinations, etc.) should not be shared unless authorized by the course instructor. Any questions related to this policy should be directed to EP’s academic integrity officer at ep-academic-integrity@jhu.edu.

Students with Disabilities - Accommodations and Accessibility

Johns Hopkins University values diversity and inclusion. We are committed to providing welcoming, equitable, and accessible educational experiences for all students. Students with disabilities (including those with psychological conditions, medical conditions and temporary disabilities) can request accommodations for this course by providing an Accommodation Letter issued by Student Disability Services (SDS). Please request accommodations for this course as early as possible to provide time for effective communication and arrangements.

For further information or to start the process of requesting accommodations, please contact Student Disability Services at Engineering for Professionals, ep-disability-svcs@jhu.edu.

Student Conduct Code

The fundamental purpose of the JHU regulation of student conduct is to promote and to protect the health, safety, welfare, property, and rights of all members of the University community as well as to promote the orderly operation of the University and to safeguard its property and facilities. As members of the University community, students accept certain responsibilities which support the educational mission and create an environment in which all students are afforded the same opportunity to succeed academically. 

For a full description of the code please visit the following website: https://studentaffairs.jhu.edu/policies-guidelines/student-code/

Classroom Climate

JHU is committed to creating a classroom environment that values the diversity of experiences and perspectives that all students bring. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Fostering an inclusive climate is important. Research and experience show that students who interact with peers who are different from themselves learn new things and experience tangible educational outcomes. At no time in this learning process should someone be singled out or treated unequally on the basis of any seen or unseen part of their identity. 
 
If you have concerns in this course about harassment, discrimination, or any unequal treatment, or if you seek accommodations or resources, please reach out to the course instructor directly. Reporting will never impact your course grade. You may also share concerns with your program chair, the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, or the Office of Institutional Equity. In handling reports, people will protect your privacy as much as possible, but faculty and staff are required to officially report information for some cases (e.g. sexual harassment).

Course Auditing

When a student enrolls in an EP course with “audit” status, the student must reach an understanding with the instructor as to what is required to earn the “audit.” If the student does not meet those expectations, the instructor must notify the EP Registration Team [EP-Registration@exchange.johnshopkins.edu] in order for the student to be retroactively dropped or withdrawn from the course (depending on when the "audit" was requested and in accordance with EP registration deadlines). All lecture content will remain accessible to auditing students, but access to all other course material is left to the discretion of the instructor.