Unit rationale, description and aim
To accommodate the needs of an increasingly mobile workforce and community, computer systems have become predominantly reliant of cloud-based data storage and computing. This unit provides an in-depth introduction to cloud technologies, architectures and services, focusing on the essential concepts and practical applications. Students will explore a range of cloud service models and architectural frameworks that facilitate cloud computing. Critical technologies that enable cloud services will be covered, as well as cloud security, compliance and best practices for designing applications and systems that use the cloud. The unit also addresses the process of evaluating cloud service providers and their offerings, equipping students with the skills to make informed decisions to meet real-world applications.
The aim of this unit is to give students the skills to support development of cloud-based systems to support the needs of a diverse range of organisations.
Campus offering
No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Explain the core concepts of cloud computing, incl...
Learning Outcome 01
Assess the benefits and challenges of cloud comput...
Learning Outcome 02
Design basic cloud architectures for to suit speci...
Learning Outcome 03
Evaluate cloud service providers and select approp...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
- 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
Assessments are designed to ensure students gain theoretical and practical knowledge of cloud computing concepts. Assessment 1 ensures that students understand core concepts of cloud computing as well as apply them in practice, and reinforces understanding, and application of core concepts. This short test assesses understanding of foundational cloud computing concepts, service models and deployment models. In Assessment 2 students will be given case studies of real-world cloud computing deployments across industries to analyse. This task will enhance critical thinking and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. Assessment 3 challenges students in small teams to propose a cloud computing solution to a hypothetical problem. This involves designing a cloud architecture that meets specific business requirements, including considerations for scalability, security, cost-efficiency and delivery. Students will submit a written report detailing proposed solution, accompanied by a presentation. This project assesses students' ability to integrate and apply their knowledge and skills to design a comprehensive cloud-based solution. These assessments scaffold student learning by progressively increasing the complexity of tasks and requiring progressive integration of learning outcomes.
To pass the unit, students must demonstrate achievement of every unit learning outcome and obtain a minimum mark of 50%.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1: Quiz Online test desig...
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 ...
Assessment Task 2: Case Study Analysis
Analysis of real-world cloud computing deployments across various industries, including identification of the cloud computing models used, discussion of the benefits and challenges faced, and suggestions for improvements or alternative solutions.
40%
Assessment Task 3: Report and Presentation Stude...
Assessment Task 3: Report and Presentation
Students will propose a cloud computing solution to a hypothetical business problem, including design of a cloud architecture that meets specific business requirements, including considerations for scalability, security, and cost-efficiency. Students will submit a written report detailing their proposed solution, accompanied by a presentation explaining their solution to their class.
40%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
The teaching approach within this unit places the student at the centre of their learning. This is achieved by using an approach that integrates asynchronous interactive online elements with learning experiences and practical exercises that facilitate problem solving and peer collaboration. Access to fundamental knowledge is provided through online resources that enable students to build their understandings in a flexible manner. Students are given the opportunity to build upon this knowledge through social learning experiences conducted through practical activities. These opportunities enable students to build more complex understandings through peer interactions and structured learning experiences.
The aim of this unit is to enable students to develop problem solving skills which align to vocational practices in computer science.