Module Details

Module Code: COMP8056
Title: IT Solutions Architecture
Long Title: IT Solutions Architecture
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2021/22 ( September 2021 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4811 - Computer Science
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module provides the opportunity for the student to study, analyse and evaluate a
variety of IT solutions architectures. Including frameworks and private and public architecture designs, component, layers, technologies and services. On completion of this module, the student will be able to assess, design and implement the optimal solution, for proposed case studies from a theoretical and applied perspective.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe the core components and objectives behind information architecture design.
LO2 Critically appraise the IASA information architecture model including its design structure, layers and functionality.
LO3 Assess how various IT solutions are defined, implemented, managed and operated.
LO4 Evaluate various enterprise architecture options (Service Oriented Architecture and Cloud Architecture) can be used in developing IT solutions.
LO5 Analyse specific case study requirements so designing and implementing the most appropriate technological architectural solution to meet these requirements.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Solution Architecture Fundamentals
Granularity of domains, goals, drivers, inputs, documentation techniques, design diagramming notation, architecture views and viewpoints and various architecture description languages
Solutions Information Architecture Model
IASA 5 Pillar architecture model, Data, Business, Software, Application and Infrastructure layers, design structures, security, networking, and service management.
Structured Design and Implementation of Solution Architectures
Evaluation of objectives, design and implementation of technology solutions to match requirements, security, compliancy, scalability and redundancy addressed to recommended architecture standards, a focus on consistency in solutions deployment, implementation, and operations monitoring.
Solution Architecture Frameworks
Review of key architectural options and tools such as Enterprise Architecture Frameworks (Zachman and The Open Group's (TOGAF)), Service Oriented Architecture (SOA), Cloud Architecture (NIST) , tools for Enterprise Architecture: ARIS, Archimate, Enterprise Architecture Toolkit (EATK).
Solution Architect(s)
definition; scope; roles and responsibilities of the architect; role comparison of enterprise, cloud, software architects, range of skills; challenges, responsibilities.
Solutions Architecture Case Studies and Technologies
Enterprise Architecture (EA), Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) and Cloud Architecture (CA) designs and implementations, use of technological services and applications such as AWS, MS Azure and VMware vCloud for various case studies.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Students will undertake an in class theoretical exam based on the core concepts of IT Enterprise and Solutions Architecture.
Assessment Type Reflective Journal % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 3,4,5
Assessment Description
Students will submit a Lab Report reflecting the lab tasks that they will complete over the duration of the module. These labs will involve designing and implementing IT Solutions Architectures using architectural platforms such as AWS, MS Azure and vCloud.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 50
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
In this project the student may be expected to design an IT Solution Architecture for a given case study.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture delivering theory underpinning learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Lab to support learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent Study. Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 8.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture delivering theory underpinning learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Lab To support Learning Outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent study. Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 8.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Lankhorst, Marc et al. (2017), Enterprise Architecture at Work: Modelling, Communication and Analysis, 4th. Springer, U.S.A, p.388, [ISBN: 3642013090].
  • Nick Rozanski & Eoin Woods. (2014), Software Systems Architecture - Working with Stakeholders Using Viewpoints and Perspectives, 2nd. Addison - Wesley Professional, [ISBN: 9780321112293].
  • Ben Piper & David Clinton. (2019), AWS Certified Solutions Architect Study Guide: Associate SAA-C01 Exam, 2nd. Sybex, U.S.A, p.416, [ISBN: 111950421X].
  • John Yani Arrasjid. (2016), IT Architect: Foundation in The Art of Infrastructure Design A Practical Guide For IT Architects, 1st. IT Architect Resource LLC, [ISBN: 9780996647717].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Steven Spewak & Stven Hill. (1993), Enterprise Architecture Planning, 2nd. Wiley - QED Publication, [ISBN: 9780471599852].
  • Jeanne Ross, Peter Weill & David Robertson. (2006), Enterprise Architecture as a Strategy - Creating Foundation For Business Education, 2nd. Harvard Business Review Press, [ISBN: 9781591398394].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • British Computer Society. (2010), Reference Model for ISEB Certificates in Enterprise and Solution Architecture.
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_KITMN_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in IT Management 8 Mandatory