Program Overview

Unit Overview

The unit ITEC612 - Modern Information Technology Infrastructure introduces postgraduate students to the essential principles and practices of contemporary IT infrastructure, with a specific focus on cloud computing. Students will gain foundational knowledge in cloud architecture, virtualisation, automation, and infrastructure management.

Unit Rationale, Description, and Aim

Modern organisations require robust and scalable IT infrastructures to remain competitive and resilient. This unit aims to equip students to design and manage secure, efficient, and sustainable IT infrastructures while critically evaluating their environmental impacts.

Learning Outcomes

To successfully complete this unit, students will be able to:

• Evaluate traditional and modern IT infrastructure such as cloud computing.
• Implement virtualisation techniques and infrastructure simulations using cloud-aligned tools.
• Design and deploy secure and scalable cloud-based systems using Azure services and automation tools.
• Critically evaluate environmental and sustainability considerations in IT infrastructure design and decision-making.

Unit Content

Topics will include:

• Foundations of IT Infrastructure and Cloud Adoption
• Overview of Traditional vs. Cloud Infrastructure
• Cloud Service Models: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS
• Azure Fundamentals (aligned with AZ-900 exam)
• Virtualisation Technologies (e.g., Hyper-V, VMware)
• Azure Resource Manager, Storage, and Compute
• Introduction to Cloud Security (e.g., Identity, IAM, Zero Trust)
• Infrastructure as Code and Automation (e.g., Bicep, Terraform overview)
• Containerisation Concepts (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes basics)
• Business Continuity, Monitoring, and Cost Management
• Emerging Trends: Edge Computing, Sustainable IT, Green Cloud
• Case Studies: Real-world infrastructure challenges across sectors (e.g., health, finance, education)

Assessment Strategy and Rationale

A progressive assessment structure is used to scaffold technical skills and certification-readiness. The assessments include:

• Assessment 1: Lab Portfolio (30%) - a series of lab exercises designed to help students transfer their theoretical knowledge into practical skills.
• Assessment 2: Certification Exam (AZ-900) (30%) - requires students to undertake the AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Certification Exam.
• Assessment 3: Enterprise Cloud Infrastructure Design (40%) - students will work in groups to design a cloud-based infrastructure solution for an Australian organisation.

Learning and Teaching Strategy and Rationale

Learning is scaffolded across the semester through progressively complex tasks that build on prior knowledge, integrating theory with applied skills. The strategy is tailored to postgraduate learners by emphasising autonomy, real-world relevance, and critical engagement.

Representative Texts and References

• Erl, T., & Monroy, E. B. (2024). Cloud Computing: Concepts, Technology, and Architecture (2nd ed.). Pearson.
• Microsoft Learn. (2024). Azure Fundamentals Learning Path Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals - Certifications | Microsoft Learn
• Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Certification and Beyond : Simplified Cloud Concepts and Core Azure Fundamentals for Absolute Beginners to Pass the AZ-900 Exam, Birmingham, Packt Publishing, Limited,, 2022.

Locations

• North Sydney
• Online

Credit Points

10

Year

2026