Training
TACC offers various training classes in high performance computing (HPC), scientific visualization (SciVis), distributed and grid computing (DGC), and computational cluster management. TACC training classes teach the programming principles and techniques in HPC and SciVis as well as how to use TACC's high-end systems most effectively. Much of the content in TACC training classes is useful for users using TACC resources as well as their own local systems (e.g. clusters and graphics workstations/PCs).
TACC training classes are free to the UT Austin, UT System, TACC Partner, and Texas Higher Education research communities, participants in the NSF funded XSEDE project, members of the TACC International Partnership in Advanced Computing (IPAC) program, individuals and groups that engage in collaborative research and development activities with TACC, and other public sector organizations. Most levels of the TACC industrial affiliates program, Science and Technology Affiliates for Research (STAR), provide access to all TACC training activities. TACC training classes are also available for a fee to interested persons who are part of the private sector. Please contact info@tacc.utexas.edu for more information about private sector training.
Course Calendar
| Date | Course Title | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 18-19 | Parallel Computing on Stampede (Registration Closed) | TACC, ROC 1.900 | 8:30am to 5 pm CT |
| April 25 | Optimize Your Code for the Intel XEON Phi (Registration Closed) | TACC, ROC 1.900 | 8:30 to 5 pm CT |
| July 8-12 | TACC Summer Supercomputing Institute (Registration Closed) | TACC, ROC 1.900 | 9 am to 5 pm |
Course Descriptions
Computational BiologyIntroduction to High Performance Computing for Life Scientists
This one-day workshop is intended to introduce life scientists to high performance computing at TACC. Attendees will learn how to utilize the vast array of resources that TACC offers for Computational Biology. Topics to be covered include computing, storage and visualization systems, life science software, basic Unix and compiling methods. A hands-on lab session will provide an opportunity to work with TACC systems directly. The class is intended for high performance computing "novices" and advanced computing skills are NOT required. A working knowledge of Unix is helpful but not necessary.
High Performance Computing for NextGen Sequence Analysis
This one–day workshop is intended to introduce life scientists to high performance computing at the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) with a specific emphasis on NextGen Sequence analysis. Attendees will learn how to utilize an array of computational and software resources that TACC offers for Computational Biology. Topics to be covered include large-scale computing, data management, loading and running applications. An introduction to general sequence analysis concepts along with specific, real-world examples will also be provided. A hands-on lab session will give attendees an opportunity to work with TACC systems on NextGen sequence data sets.
The class is intended for biologists and advanced programming skills are not required. However, a working knowledge of Unix is expected.
High Performance Computing
C Programming Basics
Basic C programming skills are essential for researchers in areas of High Performance Computing. These skills can bedirectly applied to resources at the Texas Advanced Computing Center and in any Unix environment. This class is intended for the beginner wishing to gain more experience in C programming.
C++ Programming Basics
C++ is a powerful language used in in a number of extensible numerical software libraries. Its multi-paradigm feature set allows for a number of applications without sacrificing the performance that low-level code can provide. While C++ is often characterized as an "experts-only" language, the basic features are both accessible to novices and provide useful abstractions for any code. Our class will be broken into a morning session on basic language syntax, e.g., control flow, IO, and objects. The afternoon session will focus on intermediate features, e.g., memory management, templates, and the STL. Our examples will largely be drawn from scientific computing codes and each session will include a lab with help getting started. Prerequisite: Basic unix skills will be assumed and some programming knowledge would be beneficial.
Data Analysis on Ranger
In this two day class, users will learn about Data Analysis from several angles, including remote visualization on Ranger, accessing and sharing large data sets using Science Gateways, and practical concerns including data movement, interoperability, and data formats. Several case studies will highlight large data analysis in HPC research.
Defensive Programming Part 1
This is the first talk in a two-part series on Defensive Programming. Modern scientific programming is fraught with potential peril. Even simple programs routinely perform trillions of operations, making it impossible to check the calculations by hand. This talk provides tips, techniques, and tools for scientists and engineers to help them survive. Topics to be discussed are: effective tools for creating software; unit and system testing; designing with testing in mind; DRY: do not repeat yourself; language specific defenses; and out of bounds errors.
Defensive Programming Part 2
This is the second talk in a two-part series on Defensive Programming. Having introduced system testing in the first talk in this series, this talk will explain how system testing is used in developing scientific software. Dr. McLay will show how testing is important, reduces development time, and extends the use and lifetime of a project. Actual experiences with system testing will be presented. During hands-on lab
sessions, "TM", a software testing tool will be introduced, and Dr. McLay will work with attendees to apply it to their projects. Either Part 1 or Part 2 can be taken independent of the other.
Fortran90/95 Programming
Fortran programming skills are essential for researchers in areas of High Performance Computing. These skills can be directly applied to resources at the Texas Advanced Computing Center and in any Unix environment. The class is intended for the intermediate user wishing to gain more experience in Fortran90/95 programming. Basic knowledge of Fortran or another mid/high-level programming language is a prerequisite.
Introduction to Parallel Computing on Ranger
Parallel Computing on Ranger covers the architecture, user environment and proper use of Ranger, the Sun Constellation Linux Cluster. This class should be of particular interest to computational scientists interested in developing and porting codes for this system.
Introduction to Parallel Computing on Ranger and Lonestar
Parallel Computing on Ranger and Lonestar covers the architecture, user environment and proper use of Ranger, the Sun Constellation Linux Cluster and Lonestar, the Dell Linux Cluster. This class should be of particular interest to computational scientists interested in developing and porting codes for this system.
Introduction to Parallel Computing with OpenMP
This course, designed for the programmer with little or no experience with parallel computing or supercomputers, will present an introduction to the concepts of parallel programming, and specifically the use of OpenMP for C and Fortran programmers. This course introduces basic OpenMP concepts and foundational programming techniques.
Linux/Unix Basics for HPC
This foundational class provides beginner and intermediate users with basic Linux/Unix command line environment experience. The lecture will emphasize common strategies used for interacting with clusters and HPC resources. A student guide with suggested supplemental reading and a Linux/Unix command line environment practice lab, as well as a Command Reference Guide (with interactive system and batch commands) are included. No prerequisite.
Parallel Optimization and Visualization on Ranger, Spur and Longhorn
In this two-day training session Ranger users will be exposed to 1) core optimization and the instrumentation and profiling steps required to undertake detailed performance analysis of MPI applications running on Ranger, and 2) the fundamentals of remote visualization on Ranger and Spur, and Longhorn.
PerfExpert: Really Simple Program Optimization
This one-day workshop will introduce and apply PerfExpert, a performance optimization tool that is truly simple to use. PerfExpert requires no expertise in performance assessment, and the measurement and analysis process works directly on the production program without annotations or modifications. The goal is that at the end of the workshop, each participant will leave with a version of her/his favorite application that is optimized for execution on Ranger and the ability to apply PerfExpert independently to other programs. The morning session will give examples of applying PerfExpert to several different types of applications. The afternoon session will be a laboratory where the PerfExpert development team will work with each workshop participant to optimize an application code of her/his choice.
Profiling and Optimization of Parallel Programs
This course will cover the basic skills required to undertake detailed performance analysis of MPI applications. The training will use standard packages available including IPM and PerfExpert to derive floating point, memory subsystem and MPI application performance metrics. The course will include instructions on general optimization strategies. Instructors will present the instrumentation steps for an example application.
Profiling and Debugging Serial and Parallel Programs
The course covers profiling and debugging technologies available at TACC for performance optimization and debugging of serial and parallel codes. The course contains instructions for beginners and advanced users, along with a lab with demos and examples.
Scientific Visualization
ACES Vislab New User Training
The ACES Visualization Laboratory ("Vislab"), located in ACES 2.404a, has been refurbished and upgraded, and is now open to all UT faculty, students, and staff, as well as UT System and XSEDE users. In order to activate your account on systems in the Vislab, a training session is required. Previous Vislab users (before renovation) are also required to attend the training as we have a completely different set of equipment. All Vislab training is held in the lab itself.
Data Analysis on Ranger
In this two day class, users will learn about Data Analysis from several angles, including remote visualization on Ranger, accessing and sharing large data sets using Science Gateways, and practical concerns including data movement, interoperability, and data formats. Several case studies will highlight large data analysis in HPC research.
Hands-On Introduction to Scientific Visualization
In this one-day class, users will learn about the scientific visualization and data analysis resources available at TACC, including remote visualization on Ranger and Spur, and large-scale visualization on Stallion and Bronco. A significant portion of the class will involve hands-on interaction with the systems, and users are encouraged to bring data for use in the class (sample data will be provided as well).
Introduction to Computer Graphics and Scientific Visualization
In this one-and-half-day training session, we will teach the attendees fundamental concepts in scientific visualization and computer graphics, and introduce them to various visualization software packages that TACC supports.
Introduction to Scientific Visualization
Users will receive instructions on the use of remote visualization software to visualize data sets generated on systems such as Ranger. A review of the scientific visualization process will precede an overview of the visualization software available to TACC users, including the parallel visualization software VisIt and Paraview. Labs will provide students with the opportunity to prepare data sets to be visualized using these applications. In addition, attendees will be introduced to the Longhorn visualization portal.
Parallel Optimization and Visualization on Ranger, Spur and Longhorn
In this two-day training session Ranger users will be exposed to 1) core optimization and the instrumentation and profiling steps required to undertake detailed performance analysis of MPI applications running on Ranger, and 2) the fundamentals of remote visualization on Ranger and Spur, and Longhorn.
Recent Courses and Materials
To view and download available materials for recent and upcoming courses, please visit Course Materials.
TACC Summer Computing Institute
The Institute provides researchers with an intensive introduction to using TACC's computing resources. Senior TACC staff deliver presentations and lead interactive lab sessions focused on using TACC's advanced computing resources and technologies. Information for next summer's workshop will be added to the Summer Supercomputing Institute page as details are finalized. Read about last summer's activities to learn what kind of training and information has been provided in the past.