CS 544: Introduction to Big Data Systems

Spring 2026 · UW–Madison

Notes on storing and processing large datasets across machines, from system fundamentals to distributed analytics.

Topics

• Concurrency, networking, and storage
• Distributed databases and analytics
• Streaming and cloud systems

Notes

• Lectures
• Exams
• Projects
• Lecture workbook · Hand-in worksheets
• Docker skill demo · Spark SQL skill demo
• Spring 2026 final exam and review
• Flashcards
• Course details and full index

Resources

• Course schedule
• Course repository