Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Networked Services
SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: CSN09703
Module leader: Gordon Russell
School School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Subject area group: Cyber Security and Systems Engineering
Prerequisites

Module Code CSN08701
Module Title Computer Systems
Examples of Equivalent Learning Basic Linux and command line experience.
Description of module content:

In this module you will be given a review/introduction to the Linux files system and command shell, and will study the basics of user administration (account management), key elements of the Linux architecture, server network management, server security, gateway security, web server configuration, DNS, cloud and virtualisation, and system troubleshooting.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to:
LO1: Design and implement operating system configurations, e.g. Linux.
LO2: Implement and discuss web server configurations, e.g. Apache.
LO3: Evaluate and implement network and server security, e.g. firewall configurations.
LO4: Discuss methodologies for high performance and high-reliability environments.
LO5: Discuss and implement virtualisation and cloud technologies.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2022/3, Trimester 1, FACE-TO-FACE,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: FACE-TO-FACE
Location of delivery: UK PARTNER
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Gordon Russell
Module Organiser:


Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) Approach:
Learning and Teaching Methods Including Their Alignment to LOs
The delivery is full time, face to face, within a UK Higher Apprenticeship scheme. For a module this equates to 7 hours per day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks (although the days or weeks need not be sequential). Each week has 3 days of lectures/practicals/workshops, while the last 2 days in a week are workshop based. Thus the module runs for 20 full-time days in total, plus assessments.

The general approach in this module is to make use of presentations and group activities to give examples and case studies. These highlight the need for particular approaches and techniques, and make use of commands to tackle the issues presented. The tutorials follow up on the lectures, providing syntax and practice on the situations and commands discussed. This allows the lectures to minimise detailed discussions on command syntax, flags, and other detailed implementation issues, even though at its heart, system administration is a very practical activity. In this way the lectures can focus on the theory aspects of LO1-4, while the practicals re-enforce this with hands-on activities LO1-4. This includes the specific issues of security and performance LO4.
An example of the case-study approach might be a lecture on forging email ‘from’ fields, so that the email may appear to come from someone other than the sender. The lecture explains how email is sent and packaged, then demonstrates how email can be forged using no more than the telnet. The tutorials would then allow the students to investigate the variations of syntax which the commands involved can utilise, produce fake emails within a safe and isolated environment, then work on email server configurations to minimise or prevent fake emails.
The nature of Linux is largely very stable, but in addition some key aspects are much more dynamic. Some areas are in flux, such as systemd and the evolution of web services, while other areas require current knowledge, such as vulnerabilities being actively utilised by attackers as well as the growth of DoS attacks and the development of mitigation techniques. These are covered in lectures, and the students are also encouraged to explore those things independently (LO5).
Formative Assessment:
All practicals take place in an online learning environment (linuxzoo.net), which provides administrative access to virtual machines within a safe virtual networking environment. It also uses integrated practical assessments which are automatically graded with feedback. This allows students to work flexibly when required.
Summative Assessment:
Assessment (formative or summative)
There are two assessments. Firstly, a practical assessment tests student knowledge under supervised conditions as they perform administration tasks on a live system (mostly focused on LO1-3). These may involve user account troubleshooting, security (LO4) and networking configuration, performance issues (LO4), and application management. Students are assessed on their ability to complete the tasks and the time taken. The assessment is open-book.

The second assessment is an exam, and takes the form of a 20 question short answer paper. This is designed to cover all the theory of the module, and focusses on understanding and application of knowledge rather than fact-based recollection. As understanding is the key measure, the exam is open-book. LO1-5.
Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Tutorial 140
Independent Learning Guided independent study 60
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Project - Practical 50 1-4 14 HOURS= 2, WORDS= 0
Centrally Time Tabled Examination 50 1-5 15 HOURS= 2, WORDS= 0
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Network Services CSN09703
 

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