Virtualisation concept
Example implementation technologies
Commercial aspects.
Benefits and the risks.
Virtualisation of operating systems, hardware and computing resources such as data storage or CPU usage.
Social impact e.g. privacy and security issues.
Virtualisation impact on the environmental aspects of computing and energy use.

A coursework (portfolio/assignment) weighted at 60% assessing all learning outcomes
An online exam weight at 40% assessing all learning outcomes. The written test being the final piece of assessment.

As this is a heavily practical discipline, the content will be delivered by 31 hours of lectures and practical sessions involving group work. This will support the underlying knowledge and skills required to complete the module, and will be facilitated with booklets, course texts, and the internet. The material will be presented through a combination of directed self-study, on-line materials in Blackboard, practical exercises that can be conducted using the server infrastructure and VPN to provide access to platforms for practical exercises, asynchronous handling of queries via email and discussion board, but also synchronous surgery sessions (with access to on-line virtual infrastructure) and skype as necessary.

You will need access to these resources:

The VLE
An ICT Workplace environment. Possibly suitable Networking equipment in the workplace. A Work-Based Learning Agreement will be completed for this module to ensure that the student will have access to the required resources in the workplace.

The Internet
Word Processing software for use in the coursework .
Staffordshire University has subscriptions to electronic book services such as Safari Tech Books, Ebrary and Netlibrary. There are titles in each of the collections that will support students studying this module. Staffordshire University has subscriptions to IEEExplore, ACM Digital Library, Elsevier Science Direct and Infotrac Computer Database all offering full text electronic access to journals and conference proceedings.

- Virtualization Essentials, Portnoy, 2nd edition 2016, Sybex, ISBN 9781118176719

- Cloud Computing Explained: Implementation Handbook for Enterprises, Recursive Press, 2010, ISBN 0956355609

- The Official VCP5 Certification Guide, VMware Press, 2012, ISBN 0789749319

None.

1. EXPLAIN AND DISCUSS THE CURRENT TRENDS WITHIN THE FIELD OF VIRTUAL COMPUTING.
(Communication, Knowledge & Understanding, Learning)

2. EXPLAIN THE CURRENT APPLICATION OF VIRTUALISATION WITHIN COMPUTING AND THE POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT.
(Application, Enquiry, Knowledge & Understanding)

3. EVALUATE THE DIFFERENT TECHNOLOGIES WHICH ARE AVAILABLE AND BE ABLE TO PRESENT ARGUMENTS TO CHOOSE BETWEEN THESE FROM WITHIN SPECIFIC SCENARIOS.
(Communication, Knowledge & Understanding, Problem Solving)

4. DEPLOY A VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT.
(Application, Problem Solving)