CSMCC16-Cloud Computing

Module Provider: Computer Science
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Carmen Lam
Email: carmen.lam@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module covers the topic of cloud computing.

Aims:

The massively increased uptake of computing in the last decade, with devices at all scales of operation, has driven the development of large-scale distributed systems capable of meeting the demands placed on service providers. This module provides an insight into the data-centric and service-centric techniques deployed in very large scale robust distributed systems such as those that support the largest and most popular websites. The module covers Cloud computing (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, Al-as-a-S), techniques for processing big data (Map/Reduce), large-scale systems architectures, RESTful systems and an architectural analysis of the Web as a whole, distributed systems utilising message passing (MPI and Erlang), methods for producing robustness in distributed applications, and an overview of the hardware and software technologies underpinning supercomputing. The module also addresses the business confidentiality, socio-legal, security, privacy and trust issues involved in operating and using cloud services.  It highlights the need to consider the security and privacy requirements and respective risks associated with the various types of cloud services and the design approaches adopted in the distribute systems that support such services.  In this context an overview of the distributed ledger technologies is provided as consensus networks of distributed value and information systems. 

This module also encourages students to develop a set of professional skills, such as software development documentation, technical reporting and project management.  

Assessable learning outcomes:

It is expected that students will acquire an integrated perspective on the computing processes in Cloud computing platforms. In general students are expected to acquire skills in distributed and parallel computing.

Additional outcomes:

The students will become familiar with the advantages and the potential applications of Cloud Computing. They will also learn how to develop and deploy applications in cloud computing platforms whilst being also mindful of the respective security–privacy risks associated with each type of cloud services deployment and distributed systems architecture.

Outline content:

• Introduction to distributed and parallel computing; Cloud Computing (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, AI-as-a-S);


• Security and privacy protection challenges in Cloud Computing 


• Cloud Computing middleware;


• Map/Reduce; RESTful systems


• Consistency, Availability and Partition Tolerance In Distributed Information Systems


• Consistent Hashing


• Computational Efficiency Design Challenges


• Distributed Ledger Technologies and Applications

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module comprises lectures (20 hours), practical sessions (10 hours) and a major coursework. The lectures introduce basic concepts, methodologies and middleware for Cloud Computing. During the practical sessions the students will carry out hands-on activities on Cloud computing middleware. A final project allows the students to apply the concepts to a practical case.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		10
Practicals classes and workshops		10
Guided independent study:		80
Total hours by term	0	100	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Set exercise	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One 1.5-hour examination paper in May /June.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One piece of coursework based on the laboratory exercises.

Formative assessment methods:

Practical tutorial exercises are made available to the students with worked examples. Students have the opportunity to obtain feedback on their attempts at solving the problems set e.g. through comparing their answers with the structured model answers provided and/or receiving personal feedback on their work through the tutorial sessions.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy £Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes£, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 50% overall. 

Reassessment arrangements:

One 2-hour examination paper in August/September. Note that the resit module mark will be the higher of (a) the mark from this resit exam and (b) an average of this resit exam mark and previous coursework marks, weighted as per the first attempt (50% exam, 50% coursework.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  

4) Printing and binding:  

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  

Last updated: 22 September 2022