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Learn the fundamentals of parallel computing with the GPU and the CUDA programming environment! In this class, you'll learn about parallel programming by coding a series of image processing algorithms, such as you might find in Photoshop or Instagram. You'll be able to program and run your assignments on high-end GPUs, even if you don't own one yourself. **Why It’s Important to Think Parallel** [Third Pillar of Science][1] Learn how scientific discovery can be accelerated by combining theory and experimentation with computing to fight cancer, prevent heart attacks, and spur new advances in robotic surgery. [1]: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DbAB2ChDBw
Syllabus
Lesson 1: GPU Programming Model
Project 1: Greyscale Conversion (for that classy touch!)Lesson 2: GPU Hardware and Parallel Communication
Project 2: Smart Blurring (miracle product for removing wrinkles!)Lesson 3: Fundamental Parallel Algorithms
Project 3: HDR Tonemapping (when 1000:1 contrast is not enough!)Lesson 4: Using Sort and Scan
Project 4: Red Eye Removal (soothing relief for bright red eyes)Lesson 5: Optimizing GPU Programs
Project 5: Accelerating Histograms (when fast isn't fast enough)Lesson 6: Parallel Computing Patterns
Project 6: Seamless Image Compositing (polar bear in the swimming pool) ###Lesson 7: The Frontiers and Future of GPU ComputingInstructors
- David Luebke - David Luebke helped found NVIDIA Research in 2006 after eight years teaching computer science on the faculty of the University of Virginia. Dave's research on real-time 3D computer graphics led to an early interest in GPU computing when that field was still in its infancy. Today Dave is senior director of graphics research and a NVIDIA Distinguished Inventor. Dave lives in central Virginia with his wife and three boys, plays racquetball and ultimate frisbee, and prefers college hoops to the NBA. Find him at his website and @davedotluebke on Twitter.
- John Owens - John Owens is an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of California, Davis, where he leads a research group in parallel computing. He joined the faculty at UC Davis after many happy years as a student at Stanford (graduate) and Berkeley (undergraduate), and lives in Berkeley with his wife and daughter. In his free time, he enjoys puzzles, water polo, and pursuing a finite Erdős-Bacon number. John has a web page and (after his recent sabbatical at Twitter) is learning how to tweet at @jowens.
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Udacity is a for-profit educational organization founded by Sebastian Thrun, David Stavens, and Mike Sokolsky offering massive open online courses (MOOCs). According to Thrun, the origin of the name Udacity comes from the company's desire to be "audacious for you, the student". While it originally focused on offering university-style courses, it now focuses more on vocational courses for professionals.
