Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

National Commission for

Academic Accreditation & Assessment

ATTACHMENT 2 (e)
Course Specifications

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The National Commission for Academic Accreditation & Assessment

Course Specifications
(491CS)

Cloud Computing

Form 5a_Course Specifications _SSRP_1 February 2016

Page 1

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

National Commission for
Academic Accreditation & Assessment

Course Specifications
Institution

Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University

Date of Course Report : 04-feb-2016

College/ Department
Arts and Sciences College/Department of Computer Science & Information

A. Course Identification and General Information

1. Course title and code: Cloud Computing CS491
2. Credit hours: 3 hrs
3. Program(s) in which the course is offered.
(If general elective available in many programs indicate this rather than list programs)

B.Sc. Programme
4. Name of faculty member responsible for the course: Mr.Mohamed Mustaq Ahmed Abdul Hamid
5. Level/year at which this course is offered: 4st Year 8th Level
6. Pre-requisites for this course (if any) CS-422, CS335
7. Co-requisites for this course (if any):Nil
8. Location if not on main campus: Main Campus, Wadi Addawasir
9. Mode of Instruction (mark all that apply)
a. Traditional classroom

What percentage?

b. Blended (traditional and online)

Yes What percentage?

85

c. e-learning

Yes What percentage?

15

d. Correspondence

What percentage?

f. Other

What percentage?

Comments:
All lecture is through Well prepared power point presentations, videos and animations

Form 5a_Course Specifications _SSRP_1 February 2016

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Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

National Commission for
Academic Accreditation & Assessment

B Objectives
1. What is the main purpose for this course?

To know core concepts of the cloud computing paradigm: how and why this paradigm
shift came about, the characteristics, advantages and challenges brought about by the
models, environments, requirements, infrastructure and services in cloud computing.
Understand the cloud applications like ECG Analysis in the cloud, Protein structure
prediction ,Gene Expression Data Analysis, Satellite Image Processing, CRM and
ERP ,Social networking.
Apply Virtualization Concepts, Cloud management, Concepts of Map reduce, Cloud
governance High availability and Disaster Recovery, Design principles and policies.
Discuss Cloud Reference Model, Cloud solutions,
Analyze cloud with models, Cloud security issues like Security Architecture
and Management, Market based management of Clouds, Cloud Offerings
Illustrate case studies about Hadoop, Amazon, Aneka
2. Briefly describe any plans for developing and improving the course that are being implemented.
(e.g. increased use of IT or web based reference material, changes in content as a result of new research
in the field)

Taking into account the following learning entities (e-Learning via networking, eLearning software, collaborative learning, learning via problem-solving and decisionmaking, investigative learning, constructive learning).
Periodic reviewing the course by the plans and schedules Commission in the
department.
Update course's content regularly on the basis of recent developments in the field.
Keep pace with the rapid development in the field through the use of modern
technologies.
Update learning resources for the course on a regular basis.
Comparison of course vocabulary with what is being presented in other local, regional
and global departments.
Access to relevant Web sites.

C. Course Description (Note: General description in the form to be used for the Bulletin or
handbook should be attached)
1. Topics to be Covered
List of Topics
Introduction to cloud computing
Form 5a_Course Specifications _SSRP_1 February 2016

No. of
Weeks
2

Contact Hours
6

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Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

National Commission for
Academic Accreditation & Assessment

Overview of cloud Applications

Cloud Computing Architecture
Cloud Solutions
Cloud Offerings
Cloud Management

6
3

Virtualization Concepts

Virtualization management
Cloud Security Requirements
Cloud Security Managements
Market based Management of Clouds & Case studies

2. Course components (total contact hours and credits per semester):

Lecture

Tutorial

Laboratory

Practical

Other:

Total

Contact
Hours

45

30(office
Hours)

75

Credit

45

45

3. Additional private study/learning hours expected for students per week.

The private self-study of my student is crucial for this course. It includes:

reading carefully the topics in the textbook or reference book,
browsing the websites that concerned with the course,
solving the exercises that are assigned in each chapter,
discussing the course topics with the instructor in his office hours,
watching the video lectures of other instructors who presented related topics worldwide.
4. Course Learning Outcomes in NQF Domains of Learning and Alignment with Assessment Methods
and Teaching Strategy
For each of the domains of learning shown below indicate:

Form 5a_Course Specifications _SSRP_1 February 2016

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Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

National Commission for
Academic Accreditation & Assessment

1. A brief summary of the knowledge and skill of course is intended to develop;

2. A description of the teaching strategies to be used in the course to develop that knowledge
or skills;
3. The methods of student assessment to be used in the course to evaluate learning outcomes
in the domain concerned.
Course Learning Outcomes, Assessment Methods, and Teaching Strategy work together and are aligned.
They are joined together as one, coherent, unity that collectively articulate a consistent agreement
between student learning, assessment, and teaching.
The National Qualification Framework provides five learning domains. Course learning outcomes are
required. Normally a course has should not exceed eight learning outcomes which align with one or more
of the five learning domains. Some courses have one or more program learning outcomes integrated into
the course learning outcomes to demonstrate program learning outcome alignment. The program learning
outcome matrix map identifies which program learning outcomes are incorporated into specific courses.
On the table below are the five NQF Learning Domains, numbered in the left column.
First, insert the suitable and measurable course learning outcomes required in the appropriate learning
domains (see suggestions below the table). Second, insert supporting teaching strategies that fit and align
with the assessment methods and intended learning outcomes. Third, insert appropriate assessment
methods that accurately measure and evaluate the learning outcome. Each course learning outcomes,
assessment method, and teaching strategy ought to reasonably fit and flow together as an integrated
learning and teaching process. Fourth, if any program learning outcomes are included in the course
learning outcomes, place the @ symbol next to it.
Every course is not required to include learning outcomes from each domain.

Form 5a_Course Specifications _SSRP_1 February 2016

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Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

National Commission for
Academic Accreditation & Assessment

NQF Learning Domains

And Course Learning
Outcomes
1. Knowledge:
0
1. Facts:
1 Historical development,
Vision of Cloud Computing
Characteristics of cloud
computing as per NIST
1.
2

1.
3

Course
Teaching
Strategies

Lecture using
smart board,
recall the
concepts
K-W-L (KnowWant to KnowLearned
Concepts, theories:
routine)
ECG Analysis in the cloud
Daily reProtein structure prediction
looping of
Gene Expression Data Analysis
previously
Satellite Image Processing
learned
CRM and ERP, Social
material
networking
summarizing
Fundamental concepts of
lessons
compute
Break apart
storage, networking
and
desktop and application
questioning
virtualization
verbally
Virtualization benefits
Pre-reading
Procedures:
strategies
Cloud computing reference
Pre-teaching
model
the
Cloud computing environments
organization
Cloud services requirements
of chapters
Cloud and dynamic
infrastructure
Cloud Adoption and rudiments

Course
Assessment
Methods
Exams such as
quizzes are
conducted and
Mid-term 1 and
2 and Final exam
Assignments
regarding the
learnt subjects
such as concepts
and theories and
Midterm 1 and 2
and Final exam

Assigned to
bring report on
the home work
and Midterm 1
and 2 and Final
exam

2. Cognitive Skills
0

Form 5a_Course Specifications _SSRP_1 February 2016

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Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

National Commission for
Academic Accreditation & Assessment

2.
1

Apply skills when asked

Summarize Cloud
Analytics
Analyse Virtualization
security Management
Design principles

2.
2

Creative thinking and problem

solving
Students are asked to think &
solve the followings:
Developing Cloud security
services
Prepare Market based
management of clouds
Cloud Business Process
Management
Cloud Service

Management
server virtualization
Block and file level storage
virtualization

Hypervisor management
software

Lecture and
analyzing the
problems and
justifying the
proposed
solution.
Lecture on
Summarizing
the issues
present in the
application and
proposing a
suitable
solution.Interac
tive
InstructionsProblem
Solving,
Brainstorming,
Cooperative
learning,
Debate.
Problem-Based
Learning
Practice and
Drill
Prediction:
Hands-on,
active
participation

3. Interpersonal Skills & Responsibility

0
3. Responsibility for own
Brainstorming
Learning:
1
sessions
conducted
Ability to take responsibility for
Conducted
their own learning by searching
problem
and finding solutions to the
based
problems like
Form 5a_Course Specifications _SSRP_1 February 2016

Timely Quizzes,
Take- away home
assignments,
interview
sessions and
Midterm 1 and 2
and Final exam
Asked to apply
methods and
material for a
given problem
and Midterm 1
and 2 and Final
exam

Timely Quizzes,
Mid-term 1
Exam and
Mid term2
Exam,
Final Exams

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Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

National Commission for
Academic Accreditation & Assessment

Applications of cloud,
Vision of Cloud Computing.

3.
3

3.
4

Group participation and

Leadership &
Act responsibly-personal and
professional situations:
Group discussions topics will
enhance their ability to
communicate effectively on the
following topics
Cloud Interoperability &
Standards
Scalability and Fault Tolerance
Resiliency,
Provisioning
Asset management
Cloud Governance
High Availability and Disaster
Recovery
Market Based Management of
Clouds
Federated Clouds/Inter Cloud
Characterization & Definition
Hadoop, Amazon, Aneka

Ethical standards of Behaviour:

Punctuality, sincerity
To avoid pirated softwares, use
of licensed softwares.
Moral code of conduct should
be followed in lectures and
practicals and as well as during
examination.

4. Communication, Information

learning
Take- away home
assignments.
Given
responsibilitie Report
s for group of submission.
.
students for
presentation.
Illustrated the
hierarchy of
an
organization
and their
roles.
Discussed
about Privacy,
license and
usage of open
source project
Experiential
Learning Case Studies,
Problem
Solving
Experience.
Critical
Thinking
Individual
StudyAssigned
Questions,
Reports, Web
based
education
(Faculty Web
site, Black
board based
learning).
Technology, Numerical

Form 5a_Course Specifications _SSRP_1 February 2016

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Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

National Commission for
Academic Accreditation & Assessment

0
4.
1

Oral and written Communication:

Lecture using
Illustrate the Cloud Information
Smart board
security fundamentals,
Demonstrated
Cloud security services,
the usage of
Design principles,
most
Secure Cloud Software
advanced
Requirements.
applications
Questions
4. Use of IT
raised about
2 Operate Hypervisor
the facts and
procedures
management software
for a new
Operate Google Drive
proposals
Operate Justcloud
4. Basic maths and statistics
Integration of
3 Solving the problems like
real time
Cloud Computing Security
applications.
Challenges
Demonstratio
Virtualization security
n of software
Management
testing and
Cloud Computing Security
reuse
Architecture
methods.
Modeling/teac
her
demonstration
.
Accelerated
or
individualized
math, Explicit
timing,
Cooperative
learning.
5. Psychomotor:- not applicable
0

Form 5a_Course Specifications _SSRP_1 February 2016

Timely Quizzes,
Mid-term 1
Exam and
Mid term2
Exam,
Final Exams,
Take- away home
assignments- To
find problems
and suggest
solution based
on the
knowledge
earned from
referred book
other relevant
resources by
means of
assignments ,
Class Activity.

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Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

National Commission for
Academic Accreditation & Assessment

Suggested Guidelines for Learning Outcome Verb, Assessment, and Teaching

NQF Learning Domains
Suggested Verbs
Knowledge

Cognitive Skills

list, name, record, define, label, outline, state, describe, recall, memorize,
reproduce, recognize, record, tell, write
estimate, explain, summarize, write, compare, contrast, diagram,
subdivide, differentiate, criticize, calculate, analyze, compose, develop,
create, prepare, reconstruct, reorganize, summarize, explain, predict,
justify, rate, evaluate, plan, design, measure, judge, justify, interpret,
appraise

Interpersonal Skills & Responsibility

demonstrate, judge, choose, illustrate, modify, show, use, appraise,

evaluate, justify, analyze, question, and write

Communication, Information
Technology, Numerical

demonstrate, calculate, illustrate, interpret, research, question, operate,

appraise, evaluate, assess, and criticize

Psychomotor

demonstrate, show, illustrate, perform, dramatize, employ, manipulate,

operate, prepare, produce, draw, diagram, examine, construct, assemble,
experiment, and reconstruct

Suggested verbs not to use when writing measurable and assessable learning outcomes
are as follows:
Consider
Maximize
Understand
Maintain
Reflect
Deepen

Continue
Examine

Review

Ensure

Strengthen

Explore

Enlarge
Encourage

Some of these verbs can be used if tied to specific actions or quantification.

Suggested assessment methods and teaching strategies are:
According to research and best practices, multiple and continuous assessment methods are required to verify student
learning. Current trends incorporate a wide range of rubric assessment tools; including web-based student
performance systems that apply rubrics, benchmarks, KPIs, and analysis. Rubrics are especially helpful for
qualitative evaluation. Differentiated assessment strategies include: exams, portfolios, long and short essays, log
books, analytical reports, individual and group presentations, posters, journals, case studies, lab manuals, video
analysis, group reports, lab reports, debates, speeches, learning logs, peer evaluations, self-evaluations, videos,
graphs, dramatic performances, tables, demonstrations, graphic organizers, discussion forums, interviews, learning
contracts, antidotal notes, artwork, KWL charts, and concept mapping.
Differentiated teaching strategies should be selected to align with the curriculum taught, the needs of students, and
the intended learning outcomes. Teaching methods include: lecture, debate, small group work, whole group and
small group discussion, research activities, lab demonstrations, projects, debates, role playing, case studies, guest
speakers, memorization, humor, individual presentation, brainstorming, and a wide variety of hands-on student
learning activities.
5. Schedule of Assessment Tasks for Students During the Semester
Form 5a_Course Specifications _SSRP_1 February 2016

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Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

National Commission for
Academic Accreditation & Assessment

Assessment task (e.g. essay, test, group project, examination, speech,

oral presentation, etc.)
Assignments-I , II, III,IV

Week Due

Proportion of Total
Assessment
4%

Quiz- I,II,III,IV

Oral

After Every
3 weeks
After Every
3 weeks
6th Week

Class Activity

12th Week

1%

Test I

7th week

20%

Test II

12th week

20%

Final Exam

End of
semester

50 %

4%
1%

Explanations
Items no from 1 to 6 contributes total theory marks out of 50
Item no.7 contributes total marks out of 50
Total Internal mark is 50+50=100

Form 5a_Course Specifications _SSRP_1 February 2016

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Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

National Commission for
Academic Accreditation & Assessment

D. Student Academic Counseling and Support

1. Arrangements for availability of faculty and teaching staff for individual student consultations and
academic advice. (include amount of time teaching staff are expected to be available each week)
Office hours: Sun: 10am 12noon, Mon: 1pm -3pm, Tues:1pm-3pm,Wed:10am-12noon, Thurs:1pm -3pm.
Total/week:10 hrs
Email:m.abdulhamid@psau.edu.sa
E. Learning Resources
1. List Required Textbooks

Buyya, Selvi , Mastering Cloud Computing ,TMH Publications

Kumar Saurabh, Cloud Computing , Wiley Publications
Krutz , Vines, Cloud Security , Wiley Publications
Velte, Cloud Computing- A Practical Approach ,TMH Publications
Sosinsky, Cloud Computing , Wiley Publications

2. List Essential References Materials (Journals, Reports, etc.)

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Wikibooks:t
3. List Recommended Textbooks and Reference Material (Journals, Reports, etc)

Buyya, Selvi , Mastering Cloud Computing ,TMH Publications

4. List Electronic Materials (eg. Web Sites, Social Media, Blackboard, etc.)

http://www.cisco.com/web/solutions/trends/cloud/index.html
http://www.slideshare.net/dattudharanikota/cloud-computing-ppt-14857120
www.umiacs.umd.edu/~jimmylin/cloud-2008-Fall/Session1.ppt
www.cse.unr.edu/~mgunes/cpe401/cpe401sp12/lect15_cloud.ppt
www.cse.buffalo.edu/~bina/CloudComputingJun28.ppt
www.tutorialspoint.com/cloud_computing/cloud_computing_architectur...
www. resources.sei.cmu.edu/asset_files/.../2010_017_001_23337.pdf

www.slideshare.net
http://faculty.sau.edu.sa/m.abdulhamid/course
5. Other learning material such as computer-based programs/CD, professional standards or regulations and
software.
http://www.learnerstv.com/Free-Computer-Science-Video-lectures
Student were asked to visit library for more information
F. Facilities Required
Indicate requirements for the course including size of classrooms and laboratories (i.e. number of seats in
Form 5a_Course Specifications _SSRP_1 February 2016

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Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

National Commission for
Academic Accreditation & Assessment

classrooms and laboratories, extent of computer access etc.)

1. Accommodation (Classrooms, laboratories, demonstration rooms/labs, etc.)

Classrooms for lectures which are featured to traditional education, e-learning, and
equipped with a computer, display device, data show screen, smart board, integrated
sound system, proper lighting system, and proper conditioning system.
Class room with 30 computers for students
Digital libraries for basic references as IEEE, ACM etc...(both digital and real)

2. Computing resources (AV, data show, Smart Board, software, etc.)

AV, Projector,smartboard with sound system,
Separate Computer for faculty members in the classroom.
Internet access.
3. Other resources (specify, e.g. if specific laboratory equipment is required, list requirements or attach
list)

Specialized computer programs related to the course

G Course Evaluation and Improvement Processes

1 Strategies for Obtaining Student Feedback on Effectiveness of Teaching

Course Evaluation Survey conducted by Quality Assurance Committee.

Office hours discussing the students problems

2 Other Strategies for Evaluation of Teaching by the Program/Department Instructor
1. CLO Evaluation Survey conducted by Instructor
2. Outcomes Evaluation Surveys conducted by Instructor
3. Teaching Evaluation Survey conducted by Academic Advising Committee
3 Processes for Improvement of Teaching
Referring latest technological materials and implement same in course curriculum.
Collecting all results obtained from the different surveys and the concluded recommendations
and actions approved by the Department Council for course teaching improvement are reported
to next course instructor to take it into consideration.
Faculty Development Program provides training for Faculty Staff.
Review teaching strategies periodically by specialized committee.
Mentoring of teaching by peer faculty members.
Workshops for exchanging opinions.
Colloquia for problem discussion.
Regular department seminars to improve the technical knowledge and motivating to the research
Form 5a_Course Specifications _SSRP_1 February 2016

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Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

National Commission for
Academic Accreditation & Assessment

trends
4. Processes for Verifying Standards of Student Achievement (e.g. check marking by an independent
member teaching staff of a sample of student work, periodic exchange and remarking of tests or a sample
of assignments with staff at another institution)
Quality Assurance and Accreditation Unit will review every semester the overall course work and
monitor the ILO (indirect learning outcomes) achievement.
Deanship of Development and Quality Assurance will investigate the Quality assurance procedures, and
review program accreditation progress.
Students are asked to perform quizzes, orals, to evaluate their class room dynamics and grasping
knowledge.
Group discussion being conducted to improve their cognitive skills.
Tests being conducted to evaluate their time management skills.
Orals and presentation topics for evaluating their personality and communications skills.
Research topics distributed to make aware of resent trends of the technology.
Labs are provided to make them perfect in their practical skills.
Evaluating final exams.

5 Describe the planning arrangements for periodically reviewing course effectiveness and planning for
improvement.

Self- assessment and external assessment will be carried out. The feedback received from these
assessments will be used to plan for further improvement in the course syllabus, teaching
method, and delivery of course materials.

Faculty or Teaching Staff: Mohamed Mustaq Ahmed. A

Signature: _______________________________
Received by: Dr.Abdalla Al Ameen

Date Report Completed: 10-02-2016.

Department Head

Signature: _______________________________

Date: _______________

Form 5a_Course Specifications _SSRP_1 February 2016

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