Faculty Syllabus

COURSE DESCRIPTION & RATIONALE

• Credit Hours: 3
• Classroom Contact Hours per week: 2hrs 40mins
• Laboratory Contact Hours per week: 50mins

Course Description:  An introduction to data storage–related technologies used in cloud computing. Topics include data storage for cloud, Big Data, mobile, social media, and software–defined data centers. Provides a strong understanding of cloud computing concepts, technology, and architecture in support of storage technologies and prepares students for advanced concepts, technologies, and processes. This course investigates the existing concepts of Cloud Computing from the standpoint of technology resources and an internetworking perspective. The concepts that will be explored involve how Cloud Computing has matured, the growth of Cloud Computing, and how the strategies that surround Cloud Computing have added to business agility. The course will study the vastness of Cloud Computing, the services that Cloud Computing offers, and several vendor case studies on the methodology that drives Cloud Computing.

Pre-requisite:  ITNW 1325

Course Rationale:  To introduce students to the concepts, technology, and architecture of Cloud Computing. The course is designed to analyze the proven and mature Cloud Computing technologies and practices through the study of industry standards that have defined the concepts, models, technology mechanisms, and architectures that support various business requirements. The course incorporates vendor-neutral terms and descriptions, developed in a manner to ensure alignment with Cloud Computing used in the industry as a whole.

Grade Policy:

Grade will be assigned based both on concepts and practical application.

Basis for Grades

Student Form (See Schedule)

1 in number

Total Points 100

Students should fill out the student form and submit via Blackboard to receive credit for this assignment. The student form can be electronically signed for this class. The form will be returned during the first week of class.

The Student Form will not be re-opened after the scheduled due date.

Lab Assignments (see schedule)

14 in number

Total Points 1400

Application oriented

Will cover specific programs and can be cumulative.

Open book.

If you complete a lab assignment up to one week after the due date, Dr. MacLeod will deduct 10% from your grade.  If you complete a lab assignment between one week and two weeks late, then Dr. MacLeod will deduct 50% from your grade.  You may not turn in a lab assignment after two weeks from the due date; you will receive a grade of zero (0%) for the assignment.

To prevent the 10% or 50% grade deduction, you must meet the following conditions:

1. You must have experienced an unforeseen and sudden emergency.  Note:  getting behind
   in the course is not an unforeseen emergency.
2. You must present Dr. MacLeod documented proof of your emergency.
3. You must contact Dr. MacLeod by ACC e-mail of your emergency on or before
    the assignment deadline date.

Mid-Term Review Exercise (see schedule)

1 in number

Total points 200

Will cover specific chapters and appendices

Open book

Mid-Term Exam Review Exercise is designed to appraise the student’s knowledge of the coursework during the given period. The review exercise will be open for one day (a 24-hour period).

The Mid-Term Exam Review Exercise will not be re-opened after the scheduled due date.

Final Review Exercise (see schedule)

1 in number

Total points 200

Will cover specific chapters and appendices

Open book

Final Review Exercise is designed to appraise the student’s knowledge of the topics presented in the course. The final review will be open for one day (24-hour period).

The Final Review Exercise will not be re-opened after the scheduled due date.

Mid-Term Exam (see schedule)

1 in number

Total Points 200

Will cover specific chapters and appendices

Closed book

The Mid-Term Exam will not be re-opened after the scheduled due date.

Final Exam (in 3 parts) (see schedule)

1 in number (in 3 parts)

Total Points 600

Will cover specific chapters and appendices

Closed book

The Final Exam will not be re-opened after the scheduled due date.

Testing Policy

All exams, including final exam parts, have a scheduled date on which the exam is to be completed. Exams are open for one day only. Exams will be taken during the scheduled time based on the course schedule and times as identified by the instructor.

If a student cannot take the exam on the scheduled date, due to documented unforeseen circumstances (i.e.: illness, which requires a doctor’s statement, family emergency, or emergency call out), the student is required to notify the instructor in writing as soon as possible.

The circumstance must meet the following conditions:

1. You must have experienced an unforeseen and sudden emergency.  Note:  getting behind
   in the course is not an unforeseen emergency.
2. You must present Dr. MacLeod documented proof of your emergency.
3. You must contact Dr. MacLeod by ACC e-mail of your emergency on or before
    the exam deadline date or the exam administration date and time.

The circumstance will be evaluated to determine whether it allows for an exception.

If a student fails to take an exam without an approved exception, the student will receive a grade of zero for that exam and it will be final.  The student will also be required to take all remaining Exams at the Highland Campus testing center.

Retesting & Extra Credit

Dr. MacLeod does not allow retesting or extra credit.

Important Grading Notes

Grades will be posted as they are earned throughout the semester.  You must report (in writing) all grading issues within seven calendar days of the grade being posted.  If you have not reported a grading issue within the seven calendar days, then the grade will be final. 

Grades are based on achievement, not effort.

Course Objectives: Differentiate storage architecture and key data center elements incorporated in cloud computing; explain the components of storage infrastructure including subsystems, RAID and intelligent storage system; demonstrate network technologies used in cloud computing storage systems; outline the benefits and components of Storage Area Network (SAN); adapt contingency plans for backups, replication and archiving using such concepts as virtualization; evaluate information security requirements and recommendations solutions for cloud computing; and a list SAN management issues and requirements of a cloud environment. 

Learning Outcomes: 

1. Explain the concepts of Cloud Computing
2. Explain the technology incorporated in Cloud Computing
3. Explain the architecture of Cloud Computing
4. Explain the business processes involved in Cloud Computing
5. Explain the benefits of Cloud Computing through case studies
6. Examine the security aspects associated with Cloud Computing
7. Explain the logical network perimeter of Cloud Computing
8. Examine the virtual server component of Cloud Computing
9. Explain Cloud storage and usage monitoring
10. Examine resource replication used in Cloud Computing
11. Explain the concept of ready-made Cloud Computing environments
12. Describe the specialized cloud mechanism
13. Describe the cloud management mechanism
14. Describe the cloud security mechanism