Cloud computing, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course consists of two parts:

Part 1 theory, 4.5 credits

This part covers theoretical models and definitions as well as practical aspects of cloud computing , including the fundamentals of hardware virtualization and its role in construction of data centers. Other topics include autonomic management of data centers and development of applications (services) for this type of infrastructure.

Part 2, laboratory, 3credits.

In the laboratory part some of the theories and techniques discussed in the theoretical part are put into practice. This part consists of a series of mandatory laboratory assignments.

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
After having completed the course the student will be able to:

• Clarify the different definitions of cloud computing and its characteristics (FSR 1)
• Explain the principles of hardware virtualization and its importance for cloud computing, (FSR 2)
• Motivate the importance of data centers for clouds, and explain how to design and construct a data center (FSR 3)
• Explain the fundamental principles and methods for autonomic computing system. (FSR 4)

Skills and abilities
After having completed the course the student will be able to:

• Analyze different service models for clouds, and explain the concept of IT as a service (FSR 5)
• Apply fundamental principles and methods of autonomic computing to management of data centers and cloud services (FSR 6)
• Analyze the impact of autonomic systems on system lifecycle management (FSR 7)
• Design and build applications for various cloud models (FSR 8)
• Design and implement algorithms for autonomic management of data center resources (FSR 9)

Values and attitudes
After having completed the course the student will be able to:

• Analyse properties of elastic and scalable cloud services (applications) (FSR 10)
• Compare and evaluate virtualization technologies with respect to, e.g., flexibility and performance ( FSR 11)

Required Knowledge

Univ: To be addmitted you must have 60-ECTS credits in Computing Science or 2 years of completed studies, in both cases including Distributed systems, (5DV020) or equivalent.

Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper Secondary course English A. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.

Form of instruction

The aim of the course is to prepare the students for the rapidly changing field of cloud computing, preparing them not only for the job they will have after graduation, but also the job they will have in the future. As a result, besides teaching cloud computing, the course will also teach students how to learn and stay up-to-date with theory and technology in the area of cloud computing.

The course consists of lectures and assignments. Initial lectures, where e.g. an introduction to the working method is is given, as well as the final reviewing lecture are given by the staff. Other lectures are prepared by the students themselves -- one lecture for each group of students -- based on reading material provided by the staff. Another group of students will provide feedback on the quality of these lectures. Assignments complement the theoretical knowledge with practical skills.
 

Examination modes

The examination consists of two parts: theory and practice. The theory part assesses learning outcomes 1-6 and 11 and is graded with Fail (U), Pass (3) or Pass with Mark (4), or Pass with Distinction (5). The grade will be based on the average of three assessments given for:
(a) the quality of the student's self-prepared lecture, as evaluated by the group of students who reviewed it;
(b) the constructiveness of the feedback, as evaluated by the staff;
(c) the quality of the student's self-prepared lecture, as evaluated by the staff.

Focus will be given to how much the student learned, both by preparing a lecture and giving feedback, and not on the "absolute" quality of either. Values of critical thinking will be used as a guideline, as thoroughly discussed during the first lecture given by the staff. Students who were unable to give either a lecture or feedback, or those quality of the lecture or feedback was judged insufficient will need to enroll for re-examination. Re-examination consists in writing a 10-page essay based on reading material provided by the staff and a quiz exam covering all topics presented during the lectures.

The practice part asesses the learning outcomes 5-11 and is graded with Fail (U) or Pass (G). The practice part consists of two assignments that include both a programming task and writing a report. Each assignment is graded U/G and all assignments must be passed for the student to pass the practice part.

On the course as a whole, the grades given are Fail (U), Pass (3) or Pass with Mark (4), or Pass with Distinction (5). In order to pass the course completely all mandatory parts must be passed as well. The final grade of the course is a summary assessment of the results and decided only after all mandatory parts are passed. A student who has passed an examination may not be re-examined.

For all students who do not pass the regular examination there are additional opportunities to do the examination. A student who has taken two tests for a course or segment of a course, without passing, has the right to have another examiner appointed, unless there exist special reasons (Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 6, section 22). Requests for new examiners are made to the head of the Department of Computing Science.

Examination based on this syllabus is guaranteed for two years after the first registration on the course. This applies even if the course is closed down and this syllabus ceased to be valid.

TRANSFER OF CREDITS
Students have the right to be tried on prior education or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired in the profession can be credited for the same education at Umeå University. Application for credit is submitted to the Student Services / Degree. For more information on credit transfer available at Umeå University's student web, www.student.umu.se, and the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 6). A refusal of crediting can be appealed (Higher Education chapter 12) to the University Appeals Board. This applies to the whole as part of the application for credit transfer is rejected.