Professional/Short course Cloud Computing

Content

This module will cover the following topic areas:

Cloud Computing Overview: History of cloud computing and a discussion of business drivers and technology innovations. Basic cloud terminology and concepts are introduced, along with descriptions of common benefits and challenges of cloud computing adoption. Understanding of virtualisation concept and possible business drivers behind the use of virtual computer hardware platforms, operating systems, storage devices, and computer network resources.

Concepts and Models: Cloud delivery and cloud deployment models are discussed in detail, discussion on cloud characteristics and roles and boundaries.

• Cloud-Enabling Technologies: Contemporary technologies that realize modern-day cloud computing platforms and innovations are discussed, including data centres, virtualisation, and Web-based technologies.
• Fundamental Cloud Security: Security topics and concepts relevant and distinct to cloud computing are introduced including: confidentiality, integrity, authenticity, availability, threat, vulnerability, risk, security controls, security mechanisms, security policies and descriptions of common cloud security threats and attacks.
• Cloud Infrastructures and Management Mechanisms: Primary cloud computing mechanisms and their management mechanisms.
• Sustainability impacts of Cloud Computing: Sources of electricity and related greenhouse gas emissions, clean and dirty cloud, using renewable power to de-carbonise cloud / data centres, ways to improve cloud energy efficiency, buying clean cloud services, impacts of migrating from in-house to cloud and societal impacts of cloud computing.
• Cloud Computing Architectures: Technology architecture within the realm of cloud computing - including requirements and considerations that manifest themselves in broadly scoped architectural layers (e.g. fundamental, advanced, and specialized) and numerous distinct architectural models.
• Future of Cloud Computing: Cloud computing future opportunities, challenges and research trends.

Learning and Teaching

The module is delivered through weekly lectures and tutorial sessions, which take place on consecutive weeks.

Each lecture will direct the course and introduce the new ideas and skills required. Then small group tutorial sessions will enable each student to carry out the study and research exercises described in the associated work-sheet under the guidance of a Tutor.

Independent learning includes time engaged with essential reading and assignment preparation and completion.The teaching material is available from Blackboard (our online learning environment). A course text is also recommended.

Study time

This module (course) will involve 2 hours direct contact time per week for one semester equally divided between lecture and tutorial sessions.

A 15 credit module, like this, is expected to take 150 hours to complete:

• 24 hrs contact time through lectures and face to face discussion
• 30 hrs coursework preparation
• 86 hrs assimilation and development of knowledge
• 10 hrs exam preparation

Assessment

Assessment will be through an assessed presentation and and individual research project looking at a business related cloud adoption problem based on given requirements, proposing a solution and preparing implementation specifications

For more details, see our full glossary of assessment terms.