Modern web applications rely on code that runs in a browser to deliver much of the interactivity available to users of websites and this module will enable students to develop scripts at the client end to provide an interactive user experience. The learner will gain a thorough knowledge of JavaScript while understanding the need for client-side scripting and its place in application development. The learner will obtain the relevant knowledge to be able to sit the MTA 'Introduction to Programming using JavaScript' Microsoft exam.

1. Describe the need for client side scripting and the fundamentals of the JavaScript language
2. Debug scripts using browser debugging tools and appraise appropriate IDEs
3. Dynamically style a webpage employing knowledge of the Document and Browser Object Model
4. Consume data from an API and employ AJAX to render JSON data from a server

Object Oriented Programming is a programming paradigm where data and operations can be defined together as objects and allows reuse of these objects within the same or other programs. In this module students will examine the concepts of object creation and design and implement software interfaces adhering to modern design principles which connect with data repositories.

1. Identify the principles and benefits of object-oriented programming.
2. Design and develop an object oriented program from a high level specification.
3. Implement graphical user interfaces to object oriented solutions.
4. Connect data sources to object oriented solutions.

The student will be introduced to database technologies and will acquire an intermediate set of skills in database design and development.

1. Decide the appropriate database technology that should be used for a given specification
2. Design a logical model for a database from a given specification
3. Design and manage the physical structure of a database
4. Enforce data integrity using constraints, defaults, and rules
5. Interrogate a database using SQL

This subject adds further to the Mathematical skill set of computing students. The module begins with the student developing competence in the usage and application of various co-ordinate geometry formulae and then looks at the application of matrices to transformations of geometric objects. The middle section of the module spends time on differentiation and its applications. The final section develops competence in performing vector operations.

1. Demonstrate competence in co-ordinate geometry calculations.
2. Apply matrix algebra to linear transformations.
3. Solve problems by determining and using derivatives.
4. Show competence in the use of partial derivatives.
5. Demonstrate competence in vector operations

Introduction to Networks covers networking architecture, structure, and functions. The course introduces the principles and structure of IP addressing and the fundamentals of Ethernet concepts, media, and operations to provide a foundation for the curriculum.

1. Describe the structure of a network, including how data flow from source to destination.
2. Define the layers of the OSI model along with theirfunctions and protocols used in the data communication process.
3. Describe and implement an IPv4 and IPv6 addressing and naming schemes in network communications
4. Install, configure and troubleshoot a simple network using routers and switches.

This course focuses on the basic Linux system administration skills needed. Students will gain proficiency performing maintenance tasks on the command line, installing and configuring a computer running Linux and configuring basic networking

1. Configure a Linux Systems Architecture
2. Install and Manage Linux installation and package management
3. Deploy GNU and Unix Commands
4. Manage Devices, Linux Filesystems, Filesystem Hierarchy Standard

This module sets the broader context for software development by giving an overview of alternate system development life cycles and focuses on the gathering, analysis and validation of software requirements using agile and more conventional methods. Using a practical approach, methods for requirements elicitation and documentation are introduced and explored through practical case work. Requirements documentation and modelling, using a range of techniques such as user stories and object oriented analysis techniques are also addressed.

1. Elicit user requirements
2. Document user requirements
3. Analyse and detail user requirements using a range of methods
4. Apply theory to practical problems.

Web forms are the principle means by which we interact with websites. They can act as a barrier or invite people in. There are basic design principles for effective user interfaces. Students will learn these principles and how to develop websites and forms which conform to them. They will also learn how best to develop sites and forms which are easy to maintain.

1. Design and implement a web form using HTML and CSS.
2. Generate CSS, using a CSS pre-processor which is easy to maintain
3. Design and implement a responsive, accessible web site which adheres to usability standards using a framework.
4. Explain the role of form validation and apply both client and server side validation to a form.

The module will build upon an understanding of object oriented programming and software engineering principles to develop and deploy full applications embracing modern software development practices.

1. Translate a design specification into a working software application.
2. Apply design patterns in software development.
3. Organize code utilising best practices in software development.
4. Implement testing and quality assurance best practices.

This module builds on the student experience of Introduction to Database Technology or similar. Now familiar with basic database components, their specification and constraints, and having applied them to an identified problem space, we now extend on the scope of this basic introduction. Students will work both individually and in groups to grapple with problems of greater complexity. The student will be introduced to database coding and will then will learn techniques and tools to optimise this code. They will also cover data security and learn about techniques and tools to secure data.

1. Configure a database to maximise data retrieval
2. Design and develop logical views of data in a database
3. Use database views to manage database security
4. Configure database views to optomise data retrieval
5. Program a database using a database procedural language

This subject develops further Mathematical skills and applies some of the Mathematical skill set already developed. The module begins with a look at various integration techniques. This is followed by an application of matrices in Gaussian and Gauss Jordan elimination. There is a significant section on number theory and it's application in areas such as encryption. The concept of a group and the identification of group examples used in the current and earlier modules is then looked at. Finally the module covers coding theory, again using skills already developed previously in areas such as probability and matrices.

1. Demonstrate competence in integral calculus.
2. Solve problems using Gaussian and Gauss Jordon techniques.
3. Apply number theory.
4. Explain the concept of a group and identify examples.
5. Demonstrate competence in error deection and error correction codes

This module provides an in-depth understanding of what constitutes quality software and the critical role of rigorous testing in achieving it. Students will gain essential knowledge in software quality and the core concepts of software testing. Through both theoretical and practical learning, the course equips students to effectively contribute to a quality assurance role within a software development team, ensuring high standards in software delivery.

1. Explain the fundamentals of software quality & testing
2. Classify and make use of different static testing techniques
3. Categoriseand make use of different dynamic testing techniques
4. Demonstrate a knowledge of test manangement
5. Evaluateand make use of tool support for testing

This module will introduce students to modern JavaScript development frameworks. Students will be introduced to the concepts of the frameworks and understand the need to develop web applications using these frameworks. Students will develop responsive web applications that will be cloud hosted and interact with data services.

1. Design and create responsive web pages using modern JavaScript frameworks
2. Describe the different development tools such as CLI, Git and libraries
3. Develop operations to interact with data services
4. Build a web application on a cloud service

This module will introduce the learner to the fundamentals of cloud computing. The learner will be exposed to the many services employed by a cloud service provider while understanding the benefits of provisioning computing services over the Internet. Practical experience will be obtained by configuring and deploying appropriate cloud services.

This module will also include Academy Cloud Foundations (ACF) which is an AWS (Amazon Web Services) Academy course designed to provide learners with an overall understanding of the AWS Cloud, independent of specific technical roles. Learners will also be exposed to general cloud services in addition to content provided by AWS. Upon completion of this module, students will be able to undertake the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam.

1. Describe the evolution, terminology, concepts and costs related to cloud computing
2. Configure and deploy appropriate cloud service models
3. Evaluate cloud storage options, cloud compute services, cloud networking options and cloud security

4. Configure and communicate with a NoSQL cloud database
5. Analyse thebasic security and compliance aspects of the AWS platform and the shared security model

This course describes the architecture, components, and operations of routers and switches in a small network. Students learn how to configure a router and a switch for basic functionality. By the end of this course, students will be able to configure and troubleshoot routers and switches and resolve common issues with virtual LANs and interVLAN routing in both IPv4 and IPv6 networks.

1. Explain, configure and troubleshoot routers to make forwarding decisions using static routing, RIP, OSPF and EIGRP
2. Explain, configure and troubleshoot a switched network in a small to medium sized business
3. Explain, configure and troubleshoot basic access control lists in a small to medium sized business
4. Explain, configure and troubleshoot NAT/PAT and DHCP in a small to medium business

This module is about the fundamentals of the Linux operating system, system architecture, installation, command line and file system. The goal of this course is to understand and work with shells, scripting, data management, interfaces and desktops, administrative tasks, essential system services, network fundamentals and system security

1. Customize and use the shell environment
2. Manage user and group accounts and related system files
3. Automate system administration tasks by scheduling jobs
4. Perform security administration tasks

This module is designed to prepare students for their work placement in the computing industry. The module endeavours to improve the employability skills of the students with particular emphasis on CV and Interview preparation and on the job soft skills to be an effective team member.

1. Identify sources of information on job opportunities
2. Create a comprehensive CV and portfolio to effectively market themselves
3. Demonstrate the necessary skills to undertake a job interview
4. Research, report and deliver an effective oral presentation
5. Identify and apply on the job soft skills

This course describes the architecture, components, and operations of routers and switches in larger and more complex networks. Students learn how to configure routers and switches for advanced functionality. By the end of this course, students will be able to configure and troubleshoot routers and switches and resolve common issues with OSPF, EIGRP, and STP in both IPv4 and IPv6 networks. Students will also develop the knowledge and skills needed to implement a WLAN in a small-to-medium network.

1. Explain why it is important to design a scalable hierarchial network and have the skills to select network devices based on feature compatibility and network requirement.
2. Explain, configure and troubleshoot enhanced inter-switch connectivity technologies with built in redundancy
3. Explain, configure and trouble the features and characteristics of dynamic routing protocols in order to improve network performance

The Network Security module tests the learners knowledge of secure network installation, monitoring, and troubleshooting using Cisco security hardware and software solutions. The module content gives the student the advantage of complete coverage, real-world application, and extensive learning aids to help you pass with confidence.

1. Describe the security threats facing modern network infrastructures
2. Implement AAA on Cisco routers using a local router database and external ACS
3. Mitigate threats to Cisco routers and networks using ACLs and implement secure network design, management, and reporting
4. Mitigate common Layer 2 attacks and i mplement the Cisco IOS firewall feature set

The student will acquire an intermediate set of skills in Database Administration, including the administration of a Database Systems deployed. Students who wish to continue their studies in this area can complete Oracle Database 11g Administration Professional Certification.

1. Plan, configure and implement database security
2. Automate database administrative tasks
3. Monitor and maintain database performance
4. Administer database systems
5. Import and Export Data

This Module aims to provide the student with the skills necessary to plan and implement a Directory Service infrastructure including the installation of roles, configuration and management of Sites, Global Catalog Server and other Flexible Single Master Operations roles.

The adoption of cloud computing has brought about new hybrid infrastructures, and it is essential that AD DS supports the needs of these new and unique deployment models that include services hosted entirely in the cloud, services that comprise cloud and on-premises components, and services that remain exclusively on the premises. This module will provide students with the ability to deploy to this hybrid infrastructure.

The automation of the creation of Active Directory objects through PowerShell scripting.

1. Install and configure Active Directory Domain Services
2. Configure Active Directory Infrastructure
3. Configure Active Directory Roles and Services
4. Create and Maintain Active Directory objects through PowerShell scripting
5. Deploy Active Directory on Azure Virtual Machines

The aim of this module is to provide learners with the ability to design, develop, test and deploy native touchscreen mobile applications that adhere to the design guidelines of the targeted smartphone operating system.

1. Describe the fundamental aspects of a mobile phone operating system and its subsystems.
2. Design an appropriate mobile application structure from a given brief, employing appropriate industry design guidelines.
3. Implement, debug and test mobile phone applications using an OS emulator.
4. Deploy a mobile application to a phone and app store.

Students will develop a full stack web application using JavaScript frameworks on both the server and client side. They will document and implement a ReST API. The application will include authentication and best practices to ensure application security.

1. Design and create n-tier applications using modern JavaScript frameworks and libraries.
2. Explain authorisation, authentication, and security and apply to a web application
3. Construct and make use of RESTful APIs.
4. Evaluate and apply appropriate design patterns.

This module explores project management practices, particularly agile methods such as Scrum, Lean, and Kanban, in software development environments with complex and changing requirements. The course combines theoretical insights with practical workshop-based activities exploring different project management techniques and tools. By the end of the module, students will understand how project management can drive efficiency and customer value leading to project success.

1. Describe the fundamentals of software project management and Examine different Agile project management approaches
2. Explain the importance of value-driven delivery and apply value-driven delivery techniques.
3. Illustratehow projects are planned
4. Classify and apply risk management techniques.
5. Explain how an environment and culture of high performance can be cultivated.

Rich Application Development 301 examines the range of tools, techniques, and full development stacks appropriate to the creation of interface-rich line of business applications. Particular emphasis is paid to the building n-tier applications incorporating user interfaces modern UI frameworks. Database access is introduced using object-relational modelling to prepare students in the development of n-tier applications.

1. Explore Core declarative UI concepts
2. Appraise Data binding and Procedural Binding
3. Examine Object-relational modelling and N-Tier structured Applications
4. Deploy Cloud solutions

This course focuses on network services required by converged applications in a complex network.

By the end of this course, students will be able to: Configure standard ACLs, extended ACLs and IPv6 ACLs. Monitor a network using SNMP and Cisco SPAN. Develop knowledge about trends in networking including IOT, Cloud Computing and SDNs. Configure and troubleshoot network devices in order to resolve common issues with switches, OSPF, EIGRP, and STP in both IPv4 and IPv6 networks.

1. Implement and troubleshoot IPv4 and IPv6 ACLs
2. Monitor Network performance using SNMP and Cisco SPAN
3. Understand networking trends such as IOT, Cloud computing and SDNs
4. Troubleshoot end-to-end connectivity in a small to medium sized organisation

This module aims to provide students with the necessary skills to build, analyse, research, upgrade and troubleshoot a secure perimeter for modern borderless networks.

1. Analyse different WAN technologies and their benefits and vulnerabilities .
2. Configure PPPoE, GRE, and single-homed eBGP and troubleshoot extended IPv4 and IPv6 ACL
3. Describe QoS operation and configure edge network class maps and policy maps
4. Analyse evolving networks including cloud, virtualization, SDN, and IOT’s and configure sample SDN using scripting tools.

This module provides the student with the ability to maintain, secure and troubleshoot a Directory Service infrastructure, including security planning, group policy and backing up Active Directory both onsite and using the Cloud.

1. Configure the user and computer environment using group policy
2. Manage Enterprise Security and Configuration with Group Policy Settings
3. Maintain the Active Directory Environment
4. Configure Active Directory Certificate Services

In this module, students will be required to develop full-stack web applications using open source technologies. Students will make use of containers and a cloud services in developing and deploying their applications.

1. Design and create complex web applications using modern JavaScript frameworks and open source technologies
2. Create a NoSQL database and implement operations to perform insert, delete and updates on the data.
3. Describe Container concepts and integrate them into the development and deployment process.
4. Evaluate and use cloud services such as Analytics to enhance an application

In this module, learners will be required to develop server side database applications using a language such as TSQL. Learners will develop the application logic which will reside on the server and serve this up in stored procedures. There will be a focus on programming these stored procedures in a concurrent multi-user environment.

1. Design the requirements for stored procedures for a given scenario
2. Develop code for stored procedure based on a given design requirement
3. Create database test data and run tests against developed stored procedures
4. Manage database program concurrency options both at data level and session level to ensure data integrity and recoverability
5. Move local databases to the cloud

Rich Application Development 302 focuses on building richly interactive line-of-business applications using modern design patterns to support n-tier Web API applications and clients consuming web API data . It embraces modern frameworks and code libraries to expedite the design/development of rich interactive user interfaces. Connections with databases are supported through object-relational mapping techniques. Design patterns are introduced, including separation of concerns in the development of client-server line of business applications. The complexity of structure and scope of modern N-Tier business applications is examined with a view to managing such complexity in a team environment.

1. Evaluate and Implement Software Architecture Patterns
2. Evaluate Styling & templating to produce rich user interfaces
3. Examine and implement Testing strategies with Code Patterns
4. Manage Code Complexity

The student will be placed in a suitable organisation and should be integrated into the IS environment as much as possible. The placement may begin in April and must be completed by the end of August. A student would be expected to spend at least 3 months in industry. The course is of 12 months duration and awards will not be granted until the Autumn examination board meeting. This is necessary because a student will not be eligible for an award until an industrial placement has been successfully completed.

Where it is not possible to find a placement for a student consideration will be given to that student undertaking a research project in IT Sligo.

1. The students will be exposed to and experience a live ICT working environment.
2. The student will be given the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
3. Describe the quality assurance procedures in the host enterprise.
4. Work as a member of a team and have developed appropriate communication and interpersonal skills.
5. Describe the operational practices within the host enterprise.

Project 300 represents a substantial body of work undertaken by a group of four that brings together their learning in the modules undertaken in Years 1, 2 and 3. The module aims to encourage innovation and a wider exploration in their field of study. The module intent is to provide students with a simulation of a real-world project along with the management issues (of time, people, resources, and skills) and fixed deadlines that accompany it.

1. Apply project planning and coordinating methodologies (e.g. agile methodology) to a group project.
2. Determine project requirements and apply research to the analysis of potential solutions.
3. Plan the project delegating individual tasks and responsibilities.
4. Develop a prototype and final working solution by adopting an iterative process to the development and testing of the solution.
5. Choose appropriate tools to aid collaboration, document management, and version control.
6. Develop a working solution to specification, presenting and defending the deliverables before a review group.

The main aim of this module is to provide an introduction to skills and knowledge needed for the strategic management of information technology. It begins by exploring how innovative technologies/technology trends can be identified, assessed, and incorporated into organisational strategies. In addition to benefits, legislative, security management and governance implications of emerging technologies are addressed.

The module begins with horizon scanning, where emerging technologies/technology trends are identified and their potential impacts on businesses and organisations identified. Innovation and hype cycles, innovation systems, business/IT alignment and IT strategic planning methods are introduced as mechanisms through which emerging technologies can be identified and their value to businesses analysed. The construction of business cases, and the role of the business analyst in this process are also introduced. The management implications of social, ethical and environmental impacts of new technologies are then considered. Topics here include ethics, legislation and compliance requirements, security management and an introduction to IT governance frameworks.

1. Utilise methods enabling the alignment of IT innovations with strategic business objectives.
2. Construct a business case, providing justification for the adoption of a new technology as well as identifying potential risks.
3. Identify governance implications (e.g. legislative compliance, security) of adopting innovative information technologies.
4. Describe IT governance approaches and mechanisms in areas such as compliance and security.

This course will help students understand the process of developing a business start-up.

1. Discover and envision new business ideas
2. Evaluate business opportunities
3. Refine business opportunities based on research
4. Articulate business issues affecting startups

The module is intended to help students to understand the necessary skills to interpret numerical and graphical information and describe data appropriately. It will introduce some basic concepts for statistical inference and utilise computer software to interpret data. Additionally, it will introduce students to the concept of Big Data.

1. Appraise Data Analytics and the emergence of big data.

2. Analyse results from data using appropriate statistical methodology.
3. Examine and implement different hypothesis testing techniques for decision making.

4. Develop computer software for the solution of statistical problems.

The aim of this module is to provide learners with an understanding of common security vulnerabilities associated with modern software applications and the various remediation strategies associated with same. In addition to this, the module covers the usage of cryptography in application software for securing both data at rest and data in transit.

1. Analyse source code and identify the presence/absence of common security vulnerabilities.
2. Compose countermeasure solutions when faced with security vulnerabilities at the source code level.
3. Compose application security requirements as part of the Requirements Engineering and Software Design/Architecture phases of the SDLC.
4. Discuss the role of cryptography in both the secure storage and transportation of data.

This subject aims to make students aware of the many areas of artificial intelligence and the tools available for AI type solutions. Identify suitable problems for AI solutions. Examine in detail and implement structures for representing knowledge. The manipulation of knowledge, especially rule based systems. Implementing some of the AI techniques that have been introduced with AI Programming Languages.

1. Demonstrate Knowledge in the foundation and general principles of Artificial Intelligence
2. Identify the types of AI solutions that can be formulated
3. Apply represenations to problem domains
4. Recognise structure and program various knowledge representations

This module is aimed at providing the knowledge and skills required to proactively detect and mitigate network security threats by leveraging features that exist in Cisco and other industry network security products today. Designed for professional security analysts, the course covers essential areas of competency, including event monitoring, security event/alarm/traffic analysis, and incident response.

1. Analyse Network and security concepts
2. Compare and contrast symmetric and asymmetric encryption algorithms
3. Interpret the functionality of theendpoint technologies in regards to security monitoring
4. Evaluate, mitigate and contrast an attack surface and vulnerability

Software Defined Networking (SDN) is emerging as a key technology to deal with the ever-increasing network management burden created by our interconnected world. It does this by separating the data and control functions of network devices through well-defined Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). The purpose of this module is to provide students will the knowledge to understand the evolution of SDN, its concepts, and skills to create and configure a SDN network.

1. Examine the challenges and opportunities associated with adopting SDN compared to traditional approaches to networking.
2. Analyse the functions and components of the SDN architecture.
3. Design and create an SDN network consisting of SDN switches and a centralised controller.
4. Analyse the performance of the SDN network by using verification and troubleshooting techniques.

User Experience (UX) is used in the design of interfaces, products and services. In order to create a successful user experience, products must be intuitive, enjoyable and seamless to interact with, tying together the disciplines of graphical and interface design, industrial design, marketing, branding and engineering design. In this module students design products using research, design techniques, cognitive psychology, low and high-fidelity prototyping and testing with the emphasis on the user experience at all times.

1. Conduct user research and analyse and discuss findings
2. Justify the importance of prototyping and testing
3. Develop improved prototypes through cyclical user testing
4. Iteratively develop and modify a high-fidelity working prototype to an agreed specification

The Advanced Programming module enables the students to have a deeper understanding of programming topics such as asynchronous programming and isolated storage. The module takes a hands-on approach and encourages students to implement complex applications utilising the programming techniques mentioned above. Students will be encouraged to use their existing programming skills while learning new ways of programming such as multi-threading. Students will also be encouraged to use a variety of application types to implement their code.

1. Identifyusesfor andutiliseBackgroudWorker componentsin an application.
2. Implementadvanced thread processing in an application.

3. Debug multithreaded applications.
4. Identifyuses forisolated storage and implement isolation in a multitude of applications.

The module is intended to help students understand the range of techniques deploying in Machine/Deep learning environments. It will introduce students to neural networks, training sets and how to study the input/output of a machine learning system.

1. Obtain an understanding of machine learning approaches and neural networks.
2. Examine and distinguish the areas of supervised and unsupervised machine learning.
3. Discuss the relationships between training set, test set, generalisation, cross validation.
4. Utilise data mining and appropriate machine learning techniques to solve real problems.

The aim of this module is to provide learners with the skills to simulate malicious attacks against software applications from a black-hat hacker/black-box testing perspective using industry standard ethical-hacking tools.

1. Locate and analyse relevant publicly available information with regard to the software application under test.
2. Simulate attacks on a software application from a black-box perspective using industry standard ethical hacking tools.
3. Evaluate automated testing tool results with respect to business impact and false positives.
4. Compose exploits and countermeasures in response to vulnerabilities identified.

This will focus on working with database objects such as triggers, user-defined functions. It will further examine storing and manipulating non-relational data objects such as xml (producing data, schemas and schematrons), JSON and other non-relational objects such as Spatial and Hierarchical data. How to model, develop and manipulate graph tables will also be covered.

1. Design and create database triggers
2. Design and create user defined functions
3. Create and manipulate XML objects
4. Store and manipulate other non relational data objects
5. Model, create and manipulate complex data relationships using graph tables

This module aims to provide students with the necessary skills to successfully design and implement a complete unified communications infrastructure.

1. Deploy single site and multiple site unified networks
2. Manage user accounts and differentiate endpoints
3. Configure voice gateways and call routing components
4. Design call privileges, coverage and media resources

The aim of this module is to provide learners with the skills to simulate malicious attacks against network infrastructure from a black-hat hacker perspective using industry standard ethical-hacking tools.

1. Ascertain the structure and configuration of a local area network (LAN) using network mapping tools.
2. Simulate attacks on network infrastructure from a black-hat hacker perspective using industry standard ethical hacking tools.
3. Evaluate automated testing tool results with respect to business impact and false positives.
4. Compose Exploits and Countermeasures in response to Vulnerabilities identified.

This course provides students with the ability to plan, implement, verify and troubleshoot local and wide-area enterprise networks and work collaboratively with specialists on advanced security, voice, wireless and video solutions. Provides an in-depth, theoretical overview of advanced routing, switching and troubleshooting complex enterprise networks. Builds on existing networking knowledge with more complex network configurations, diagnosis, and troubleshooting.

1. Plan and design a complex entrerprise LAN and WAN routing and switching solution
2. Implement, monitor and maintain routing and switching services in an enterprise campus network.
3. Implement secure routing and switching solutions to support a complex campus network
4. Perform network troubleshooting using technology-based processes and best practices, based on systematic and industry recognised approaches

In Project 400 students will undertake a significant piece of independent work under supervision. The module aims to encourage innovation, exploratory learning and to act as an integrating module to allow the student to draw on knowledge learned in previous years. The module exposes the student to the application of research methodologies and aims to develop critical thinking and analysis skills.

1. Develop a major project by working either individually or in a small team to a deadline involving, inter alia, planning, and coordination of design & development activities, setting realistic work objectives, and presenting and documenting the work undertaken.
2. Undertake a comprehensive review of relevant and appropriate literature to determine current knowledge in the project area.
3. Demonstrate initiative, analytical, and problem-solving skills in developing a detailed, viable methodology for addressing an open-ended problem.
4. Integrate and evaluate the relevance, strengths, and weaknesses of approaches developed throughout the programme.
5. Produce a written thesis which meets the required standards of scholarship and technical expertise.
6. Demonstrate the appropriate written and oral communication skills required of a professional practitioner.

This examines how virtualisation is utilised within medium-to-large-scale data-centres. The topic of backing-up and recovering virtualised I.T. Systems is also covered, as is public-cloud computing and hybrid-cloud computing.

1. Plan, implement, manage and monitor private cloud infrastructure for medium-to-large-scale data-centres.

2. Compare and contrast public-cloud infrastructure, private-cloud infrastructure and hybrid-cloud infrastructure.

3. Design, plan and implement an I.T. system using hybrid cloud technology that satisfies specified performance, reliability and security needs.

4. Design, plan and implement a cloud-based backup and disaster recovery solution.

The aim of this module is to provide learners with an in-depth understanding of the topic of virtualisation and how the technology is utilised within mini-to-small-scale data-centres. In addition to this, the module also covers virtualisation from the perspective of building highly-reliable IT Systems that can function over extended periods of time with little or no downtime.

1. Plan, implement and manage private cloud infrastructure for mini-to-small-scale data-centres.

2. Design, plan and implement an I.T. system using private cloud technology that satisfies specified performance, reliability and security needs.

3. Identify the performance, reliability and security issues that arise in a virtualised environment and implement appropriate countermeasures.

4. Design, plan and implement an on-premises backup and recovery solution for mini-to-small-scale data-centres.

Academy Cloud Architecting covers the core requirements of building IT infrastructure on Amazon Web Services, or AWS. The course is designed to teach solutions architects how to optimise the use of the AWS Cloud by understanding AWS services and how these services fit into cloud-based solutions.

1. Evaluate the differentnetworking concepts in cloud computing architectures

2. Implement appropriate AWS services to ensure high availability on a web scale

3. Describe the need for elasticity, appropriate use of management tools and automation on AWS

4. Describe the need for a well-architected Framework in pertinent areas of cloud computing

5. Apply best practice for deployment, implementation and troubleshooting of sample architectures

The module Cloud Development will allow the learner to develop state-of-the-art applications for public cloud infrastructure. A brief overview of cloud development services will be provided, and the learner will the cover topics including advanced NoSQL, serverless compute, containers, microservices, caching and automation. The module will be programming-language agnostic, with an emphasis on the learner using public forums to research, raise and solve issues.

1. Describe the core services used in cloud application development

2. Employ a cloud SDK to interact with object and NoSQL storage across multiple regions

3. Describe the different use cases for, and implement, container, microservice and serverless compute solutions

4. Implement edge computing and caching

5. Utilise queues, notifications and automation to ensure application decoupling