Program Overview
Unit Overview
The COMP310 unit is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of cloud computing concepts, architectures, and services. The unit aims to equip students with the skills to support the development of cloud-based systems that meet the needs of diverse organizations.
Unit Rationale, Description, and Aim
The unit introduces students to the essential concepts and practical applications of cloud computing, including service models, deployment models, and critical technologies that enable cloud services. The unit also covers cloud security, compliance, and best practices for designing applications and systems that use the cloud.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completing this unit, students will be able to:
- Explain the core concepts of cloud computing, including service and deployment models.
- Assess the benefits and challenges of cloud computing for businesses and organizations.
- Design basic cloud architectures to suit specific situations, considering scalability, security, and compliance requirements.
- Evaluate cloud service providers and select appropriate cloud services for various use cases.
Unit Content
The unit covers the following topics:
- Introduction to Cloud Computing
- Cloud Service Models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
- Cloud Deployment Models
- Core Cloud Technologies
- Cloud Security and Compliance
- Cloud Architecture for Application Design
- Managing Cloud Services
- Cloud Data Management
- Selecting Cloud Providers and Services
- Case Studies and Real-World Applications
- The Future of Cloud Computing
Assessment Strategy and Rationale
The assessments are designed to ensure students gain theoretical and practical knowledge of cloud computing concepts. The assessments include:
- A quiz to assess understanding of foundational cloud computing concepts, service models, and deployment models.
- A case study analysis to assess critical thinking and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.
- A report and presentation to assess the ability to design a comprehensive cloud-based solution.
Assessment Tasks
- Assessment Task 1: Quiz - Online test designed to assess students' understanding of foundational cloud computing concepts, service models, and deployment models. (20%)
- Assessment Task 2: Case Study Analysis - Analysis of real-world cloud computing deployments across various industries. (40%)
- Assessment Task 3: Report and Presentation - Students propose a cloud computing solution to a hypothetical business problem, including design of a cloud architecture that meets specific business requirements. (40%)
Learning and Teaching Strategy and Rationale
The teaching approach places the student at the center of their learning, using an integrated approach that combines asynchronous interactive online elements with practical exercises and social learning experiences.
Representative Texts and References
The unit recommends the following texts and references:
- Buyya, R, Broberg, J. and Goscinski, AM eds. (2011). Cloud computing: Principles and paradigms. John Wiley & Sons.
- Comer, D. E. (2021). The Cloud Computing Book: The Future of Computing Explained. Chapman and Hall/CRC.
- Erl, T., Puttini, R., & Mahmood, Z. (2023) Cloud Computing: Concepts, Technology & Architecture. 2nd edn. Pearson
- Hurwitz, J. S. & Kirsch, D. (2020). Cloud Computing For Dummies. 2nd edn. For Dummies.
- Jamsa, K. (2023). Cloud Computing. 2nd edn. Jones & Bartlett Learning
- Marinescu, D,C. (2022). Cloud computing: theory and practice. 3rd edn. Morgan Kaufmann.
- Rountree, D. & Castrillo, I. (2014). The basics of cloud computing: Understanding the fundamentals of cloud computing in theory and practice. Syngress.
- Surianarayan, C & Chelliah, P.R (2023) Essentials of Cloud Computing: A holistic, cloud-native perspective. 2nd edn. Springer.
Credit Points and Year
The unit is worth 10 credit points and is offered in the year 2026.
Prerequisites
The prerequisites for this unit are:
- ITEC200 Data and Information Management
- COMP210 Operating Systems
- ITEC217 Programming Concepts