Modeling Techniques for Computer Systems

This course explores state-of-the-art research at the intersection of mathematical modeling, algorithm design, and systems-building. A running theme in this course is how first-principles thinking and challenging conventional wisdom led to recent breakthroughs in domains ranging from caching and queueing theory, to the design of hash tables and network router buffers. Students will learn techniques to formulate system models, derive predictions or guarantees from these models, and test whether those conclusions hold in the context of real workloads and implementations. In the latter half of the course, students will apply these techniques to a research problem of their choosing and participate (submit and review papers via HotCRP) in a mock, "peer-reviewed" conference.