Module Details

Module Code: COMP7041
Title: Virtualisation Technologies
Long Title: Virtualisation Technologies
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2022/23 ( January 2023 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4811 - Computer Science
Module Delivered in: 3 programme(s)
Module Description: This module provides the student with core practical and theoretical skills and competencies in virtualisation. As part of this module the students will develop an understanding of the role of virtualisation in information technology (IT), its evolution, core technologies, models, key architectural components and the solutions that it offers to organisations.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Discuss the evolution of virtualisation and the influence that it has had on the provision of Information Technology (IT).
LO2 Analyse the virtualisation architecture and the components that are part of a modern enterprise environment.
LO3 Install and configure the hypervisor, tools, services and applications in a virtualisation architecture.
LO4 Evaluate Server and Desktop virtualisation technologies and how they can integrate in an enterprise virtual environment.
LO5 Appraise the security controls that are required to protect the virtual machine and also the hypervisor (hosted and bare metal).
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
Evolution of Virtualisation and Virtualised Systems
The evolution of virtualisation from mainframes to the modern virtual machine. The drivers for the use of virtualised systems and the types of virtualisation.
The Virtual Machine & the Hypervisor
Definition of a virtual machine, the hypervisor architecture (hosted and bare metal) and its role in enabling multiple virtual machines to operate on a single physical system
Server and Desktop Virtualisation
The role and impact of server and desktop virtualisation in the organisation, how it creates mobility and flexibility for enterprise and end user computing.
Virtualisation in the Cloud environment
Virtualisation as a Cloud enabling technology, how it can assist cloud computing to provide applications and services at all layers (SaaS, PaaS and IaaS).
Virtualisation Security
Data protection, data storage, permisions, controls, protecting the virtual machine, its application, guest operating system and protecting the hypervisor.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Questions on Virtualisation Core Technologies and Components.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Assignment for Evaluation of Skills- Towards requirements for installing the hypervisor, configuring of virtual storage and networking, building server and desktop virtual machines and configuring security permissions of a Virtualisation Solution/product. Will be based on the knowledge gained in both lectures and labs.
Assessment Type Reflective Journal % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Reflective Journal of Labs (Weekly Submission until Week 10)
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
End of Semester Formal Examination.
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

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 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lab Contact Lab to support learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Lecture Contact Lecture delivering theory underpinning learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent Study. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Matthew Portnoy. (2016), Virtualization Essentials, 2nd. Wiley, [ISBN: 9781119267720].
  • Chris Wolf & Erick Halter. (2005), Virtualization From Desktop to The Enterprise, 1st. Apress, [ISBN: 9781590594957].
  • EMC Education Services. (2014), Information Storage Management, 2nd. Wiley, [ISBN: 9781116094839].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_KDNET_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Systems 4 Mandatory
CR_KITMN_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in IT Management and Cybersecurity 4 Mandatory
CR_KITSP_7 Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Cybersecurity 4 Mandatory