The overall aim of this course is to provide course 
attendees with a strong background in programming techniques 
suitable for general scientific programming. At the end of 
the course they should be able to write a range of simple 
algorithms in C++ or Fortran, understand what issues affect 
the performance of the code, and be familiar with methods of 
utilising multiple CPU cores. They will also have been 
introduced to a range of topics suited to high-performance 
software development, including command-line Linux, version 
control, data structures, and super-computer cluster queuing 
systems. Lecturers and demonstrators will be available to 
give assistance with the practical work.

There will also be opportunities to attend seminars on a 
range of academic and industrial applications of these 
techniques and to learn how they are used in practice. The 
attendees will also work together on small projects, with 
the chance for networking opportunities with their peers and 
leaders in HPC fields.

Please see the lecture schedule for more information. The 
course will be held in Cambridge, U.K., although there is 
also a remote-learning option, which will give access to 
live-streamed lectures and all of the course material, but 
not access to computing facilities, nor demonstrator 
support.

Suitability for the course

The course is suitable for participants with a University 
Degree in Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Engineering, or 
Computer Science.

Participants should have experience with a modern scientific 
programming language, such as Python, Matlab, C++, or 
Fortran. For example, they should be able to use this 
language to write a function to multiply two matrices (input 
from a file or keyboard), without using any of the 
language’s built-in matrix-manipulation functionality. 
Experience with a command-line based OS, such as Linux or 
Mac OS X, would also be helpful.

Note for international applicants: All the course lectures 
and tutorials will be in English, therefore a high standard 
of fluency in English is required. If English is not your 
first language, you may be asked to demonstrate your English 
language proficiency—this is usually through the provision 
of an English Language test certificate, either IELTS or 
TOEFL. For more information visit this link.

Registration

Registration for September 2022 is now open.

Applications for a place on the HPC Autumn Academy are on a 
first-come-first-served basis. Early registration is 
recommended. To apply visit the event page.

Technical Requirements

Linux or Mac OS X operating system (Microsoft Windows will 
be supported, but will be more complex to set up)
Internet connection capable of streaming video and sound 
(Remote access only)

If you have any questions about these requirements, please 
contact Dr Philip Blakely (pmb39@cam.ac.uk).