Accessibility statement

Cloud and Distributed Computing - ELE00073H

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  • Department: Electronic Engineering
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Stuart Porter
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24

Module summary

This module introduces students to software systems within a distributed computing environment, including cloud-based environments. Fundamental modes of interaction are considered along with associated failure models and the essential requirement for network security and use of appropriate countermeasures to deal with threats. Example systems range from flight control systems in aircraft and space vehicles through to large-scale cloud-based services.

Professional requirements

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations

  • None

Additional information

 

 

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

Subject content aims:

  • To introduce students to the nature of software systems in a distributed environment

Graduate skills aims:

  • To develop skills in gathering and critically analysing information from reliable sources and constructing technical reports for a specified audience

Module learning outcomes

Subject content learning outcomes

After successful completion of this module, students will:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of a distributed computing environment and application to cloud-based services

  • Understand and be able to explain the fundamental modes of interaction in a distributed environment and their associated failure models

  • Be able to explain the need for security and indicate appropriate countermeasures

Graduate skills learning outcomes

After successful completion of this module, students will:

  • Be able to construct technical reports that show critical analysis of information gathered from reliable sources, to a specified audience

Module content

Indicative topics include:

  • System models

  • Communication between Distributed Processes

  • Naming Services and Distributed Objects

  • Replication / Consistency / Fault Tolerance

  • Cloud Architecture and Virtualisation

  • Docker / Kubernetes / Microservices

  • Security: Authentication / Kerberos, VPN / Firewalls, Email / Web, intrusion detection, AI-based approaches

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay : Design Study Report		 N/A 80
Essay/coursework
Essay : Practical		 N/A 20

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay : Design Study Report Reassessment Essay : Design Study Report Reassessment		 N/A 100

Module feedback

'Feedback’ at a university level can be understood as any part of the learning process which is designed to guide your progress through your degree programme. We aim to help you reflect on your own learning and help you feel more clear about your progress through clarifying what is expected of you in both formative and summative assessments. A comprehensive guide to feedback and to forms of feedback is available in the Guide to Assessment Standards, Marking and Feedback.

The School of PET aims to provide some form of feedback on all formative and summative assessments that are carried out during the degree programme. In general, feedback on any written work/assignments undertaken will be sufficient so as to indicate the nature of the changes needed in order to improve the work. The School will endeavour to return all exam feedback within the timescale set out in the University's Policy on Assessment Feedback Turnaround Time. The School would normally expect to adhere to the times given, however, it is possible that exceptional circumstances may delay feedback. The School will endeavour to keep such delays to a minimum. Please note that any marks released are subject to ratification by the Board of Examiners and Senate. Meetings at the start/end of each term provide you with an opportunity to discuss and reflect with your supervisor on your overall performance to date.

Indicative reading

TBC


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.