Aims

Cloud Computing offers scalable computing resources on-demand. Accessible over the Internet, with a pay-as-you-go payment model, cloud has the potential to revolutionise the ways in which computer systems are acquired, deployed and managed.

In order to successfully design and build scalable systems on clouds, a range of knowledge and skills are needed. This module will introduce and examine cloud computing. It will describe the software components from which cloud infrastructure and platforms are constructed. Methods for building scalable cloud applications will be described and explained. Case studies drawn from industrial applications of cloud computing will be used throughout to motivate the exploration of clouds.

Outline Of Syllabus

- Cloud Computing Architecture: Infrastructure, Platforms and Software
- Cloud Platform Components for Processing and Storage
- Virtual Machines
- Scalable Computing Patterns for the Cloud
- Cloud Computing Case Studies

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Techniques and theory are presented in lectures. Supervised practicals in a PC cluster room provide experience of writing programs and using PC’s with help available. Further practical work takes place during the private study hours.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

An examination tests the students' ability to apply the range of knowledge presented in the module.
A practical develops and tests the students' ability to design and implement cloud systems.

Study abroad students may request to take their exam before the semester 1 exam period, in which case the length of the exam may differ from that show in the MOF.

N.B. This module has both “Exam Assessment” and “Other Assessment” (e.g. coursework). If the total mark for either assessment falls below 40%, the maximum mark returned for the module will normally be 40%.