Courses FAQ#

There are several use cases for teaching and learning with the cluster in a classroom. The cluster offers a command line and web interface, allowing access and instruction-level flexibility. Using the cluster gives you, and your students access to many popular scientific applications and allow you and your students to install other packages as needed. The easy-to-use Open OnDemand web portal also offers a built-in visual file explorer for viewing and transferring.

The following Frequently Asked Questions section should help answer most of your questions about using the cluster for classroom use. You can also contact us at rchelp@northeastern.edu or submit a ServiceNow ticket for further information.

How can I use Discovery with my class?#

There are several ways you can use the cluster in your classroom. Your class can use the cluster to access specific software packages and working environments and learn how to utilize high-performance computing (HPC) resources for large and complex data processing, such as machine learning; AI and molecular simulations; and more.

How do I get my class access to the cluster?#

You fill out an HPC Classroom Use Request ticket. While filling out this form, please provide the course number and section from the dropdown menu supplied, and we will pull the students names directly from canvas. We will create accounts on the cluster for them as well as any TA’s or co-instructors. We will also make a directory tree under /courses for the class. If there are any changes in enrollment please let us know so we can update your course. There is no need to send us a list of students names as we pull them directly from canvas.

Is there any training on the cluster for my class?#

Yes, we currently provide virtual classroom facilitation for your class on using the cluster. We provide training each semester. We can customize the training to focus on the resources you will be using for the class. Email us at rchelp@northeastern.edu and provide details about your class and what training you would like us to provide.

Do my students have to learn Linux to work with the cluster?#

Depending on your class assignments, many students can work with the Open OnDemand web portal, which does not require any knowledge of Linux to use. In cases where you want them to work on the command line, they should have a basic understanding of Linux commands. Please see the question “Is there any training on the cluster for my class” above if you would like us to provide your class with an introductory training course before using the cluster.

What software is available to use with my class on the cluster?#

Many software packages are available, including popular software apps such as Jupyter Notebook, RStudio, and MATLAB. If you have an account on the cluster, you can see the list of available software by using the module avail command (run in the command line). See Using Module for more information. Students have access to most of the modules on the cluster. They can also use the interactive apps available on Open OnDemand. See Introduction to OOD for more information. Instructors can install many other software packages using Conda.

My class needs access to a specific software application that I do not see installed on the cluster or Open OnDemand (OOD). What should I do?#

If your class requires software not currently installed on the cluster, OOD, and are unable to install it in a conda environment, follow the procedure below to request that software be installed on the cluster. You must be a professor or instructor to initiate this request. Students in your class should refrain from making this request. If your students need a specific software application, you must complete the form for them. This is to ensure that we only get one request for the software. Students in one class often make multiple requests for the same software, so having all requests go through the professor or instructor reduces this overlap.

To request additional software (instructors only):

  1. Go to HPC Cluster Software Request. If prompted, sign in to ServiceNow with your Northeastern username and password to access the form.

  2. In the Sponsor’s Name field, enter your name.

  3. Make sure to follow the instructions on the form regarding either providing the URL of the open-source software library or uploading the installation package in your home directory if it requires you to register it first. The request will only be completed with this information.

  4. Select the acknowledgment checkbox, and click Submit.

Note

Software requests can take up to 24 hours to verify; additional time is needed to complete the installation. We might not be able to install every software application requested. If so, we will notify you and provide alternative software to meet your needs.

Tip

You and your students can install software locally to your PATH on the cluster, which may be a better option in some cases, such as installing multiple conda environments. See Software Overview for more information.

I just need my class to access Open OnDemand. How do I request that?#

Open OnDemand is a web portal that lets you access the resources on the cluster through an easy-to-navigate web browser interface. As outlined above, you request course access like you would access the cluster.

I’d like my class to use specific resources on the cluster. Can you create a reservation on the cluster for my class?#

We have dedicated partitions for courses, which provide CPU (–partition=”courses”) and GPU (–partition=”courses-gpu”) resources. We no longer create reservations for each course. However, please let us know if you think your course may require additional resources other than those provided via the courses partitions. We allocate the resources for the classroom partitions each term based on need as described by the instructor.

How long do my students have access to the cluster?#

Students will have access to the cluster for the whole class duration. They must request an individual account if they want to continue accessing the cluster after that period.

How do I get an account on the cluster?#

If you are a professor or instructor at Northeastern, you can request an account on the cluster. See Sponsor Approval Process for more information.

How do my students get help with the cluster?#

You and your students can submit a Get Assistance with Research Computing ticket or email rchelp@northeastern.edu.