Cloud Computing BSc (Hons) with foundation year

This module seeks to provide you with an introduction to the fundamentals of software and database design, including the mathematical principles underpinning computer systems such as Boolean algebra & logic, as well as the principles of database design covering database modelling through the entity-relational model, database normalisation and SQL.

A fundamental understanding of Object Oriented Programming Principles will be explored through practical programming workshops. You will be required to document the process of design, development and testing using industry-standard techniques (UML and ER Diagrams). You'll also be introduced to on-demand cloud computing platforms to host and manage your databases.

Compulsory

This module seeks to provide you with an introduction to the fundamentals of Human Computer Interaction (HCI), web applications and Serverless Computing, covering User Experience and human factors that are fundamental to the web design process and how to apply programming techniques in the creation of web applications.

A principle understanding of Serverless Computing will be explored through practical workshops enabling you the opportunity to deploy web applications utilising industry-standard cloud platforms. You should also be able to apply programming and database coding constructs and develop a web application documenting the process of design, development and testing using UX and Agile Development techniques.

Compulsory

This module aims to provide you with knowledge of computer networking essentials, protocols, standards, security considerations. We will explore these principles through the design and implementation of a network using a range of hardware and software, which is designed to help you develop core knowledge of Local Area Networking, Wide Area Networking and the protocols related to IP networks.

You will be introduced to the usage of various network topologies in software-defined networks (SDN) hosted within a virtual private clouds and develop skills through a practical networking project supported by workshops. After successful completion of this module, you should be able to design and install networks, and demonstrate the operation of IP data networks, router and switching technologies and basic troubleshooting. You will also be exposed to IaaS principles in linking physical systems to a virtual private cloud subnet.

Compulsory

During this module we aim to teach you the concepts, architecture, and services of Cloud Computing and you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience of configuring cloud infrastructure and also explore how to integrate physical infrastructure into a hybrid solution. You will be given the opportunity to develop a core understanding of concepts surrounding cloud computing, covering deployment models and types of cloud solutions and technology underpinning the usage of cloud solutions (virtualisation and networking).

You will be required to implement a simple hybrid infrastructure to meet the needs of a business whereby the services are hosted within the cloud with physical computers linked to the cloud VPC through a VPN. Through this process, you should gain a fundamental understanding of both Linux and Windows-based server operating systems and the installation of services on these systems; which aims to further develop your networking knowledge through the application of skills that you should have gained during the programme.

Compulsory

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) represents an approach to computer networking that attempts to address weaknesses in current networking design and operation. SDN’s move to a highly scalable and centralised network control architecture better suited to large scale networks prevalent in today’s mega-scale data centres and infrastructures.

Content Delivery Networks (CDN’s) can improve user experience by delivering a cached copy of content from a nearby edge, allowing for more complex and responsive content driven experiences. This architecture can be utilised to enhance business offerings and usability in an extensive way at great scale. In this module you will be encouraged to critically appraise the usage of SDN in the development of a SDN linked mini-project and have the opportunity to critically determine whether traditional network designs achieve the same objectives.This will be supported by a global deployment of a CDN to serve content to massive numbers of users simultaneously with impressive performance.

Compulsory

This module introduces the fundamentals of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) and is supported by an exploration of statistical mathematic theory. You will be exposed to machine learning algorithms and implementations, supported by the opportunity of hands-on experience using industry-leading cloud platforms.

Machine learning can enable systems to learn from data or to solve problems without being explicitly programmed, and can be used in several areas such as predictive modelling, speech recognition, object recognition, computer vision, anomaly detection, medical diagnosis and prognosis, robotic control, time series forecasting and much more.

We aim to teach core concepts in artificial intelligence from a theoretical, practical and cognitive point of view, designed to develop innovative thought processes to build intelligent systems for future needs. At this stage you are not expected to design and develop bespoke machine learning algorithms but rather understand their function and integration into intelligent systems and how cloud systems can be used to accelerate data training.

Compulsory

This module introduces the fundamentals of security compliance and its implications within the cloud. Organisations expect their workforce to take their asset security seriously. The loss of data by an organisation can have severe consequences, including prosecution and loss of customers.

You should benefit from contemporary case studies, including examples of corporate theft, regulatory approaches to IT security and international cooperation between agencies and nation-states. As system administration and management are essential tasks in the day-to-day functioning and security of Information Systems, inadequate or improper practices can lead to loss of data, its integrity, performance reductions, security breaches or total system failure. Individual planning and provisions need to be made for the ongoing support of systems and networks, which account for a significant proportion of the IT budget.

On successfully completing the module you should be able to discuss, apply and analyse network and infrastructure security measures that can be adopted if working within cloud environments. You should also have a practical understanding of the associated protocols, cryptographic types and configuration settings of network security environments.

Compulsory

This module is designed to allow you to propose, implement and suggest a management strategy to fulfil enterprise business requirements, and the need and purpose of systems integration to support organisational goals.

You are expected to gather and review business objectives to develop a systems specification document, with the opportunity to evaluate factors and issues affecting the successful completion of the integration, and describe and document the functional architecture and design of a system. Exploration of cloud technologies to establish an integration methodology to design and implement cloud-based solutions should be considered.

In addition, you will have the opportunity to investigate and compare different cloud service models and evaluate different deployment methods considering their effect on systems integration. An introduction to service management frameworks will be provided in preparation for final year projects.

Compulsory

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

This module builds on the knowledge gained since the start of the course, focusing on designing a cloud project that includes both a cloud architecture solution and a cloud software solution to tackle real-world problems. You'll work within a widely recognised project management framework, while observing service management practices, to plan and organise your project. This experience is designed to give you a solid foundation in managing projects from start to finish, using agile methods to adapt to changes and challenges.

Compulsory

In this module, you'll conduct research related to your project's goals, presenting your findings in both written reports and presentations. You'll focus on developing your technical skills, specifically in creating a cloud architecture that meets your project's needs. Keeping your project documentation up to date and aligned with project management standards is a key part of this module. It's a chance to show your ability to handle complex technical tasks and make informed decisions.

Compulsory

This module challenges you to carry out in-depth research to achieve the goals set at the beginning of the project year, with the aim of presenting your findings clearly in writing and verbally. You'll be encouraged to critically assess your research process and identify lessons for future improvement. Developing a cloud software solution that supports your project's objectives is a major focus, requiring advanced technical skills. This module emphasises the importance of keeping your project documentation thorough and up-to-date.

Compulsory

Here, you'll learn about how services are managed, delivered, and supported, using industry best practices as a guide. The module covers various aspects of IT service management, especially for small to medium-sized businesses. Towards the end of your project, you'll apply what you've learned about service management to your cloud solutions, ensuring you have a solid plan for project closure. This module aims to give you a practical understanding of the principles and practices involved in managing IT services.

Compulsory