Virtualisation in Computing
Credit points
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Online Real Time
VU Brisbane
VU Sydney
Prerequisites
NIT2222 - Networking Technologies
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)
Overview
This unit explores modern virtualisation technologies that create an abstraction layer between operating systems and hardware, enabling improvements in resource utilisation, management efficiency, and system scalability. The unit integrates theoretical knowledge and practical application, focusing on containerisation, serverless computing, and infrastructure as code. You will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools such as Hyper-V, Docker, Kubernetes, and Azure Virtual Desktop, while examining virtualization security, performance optimisation, and disaster recovery planning in enterprise environments, preparing for careers in systems administration, virtualization engineering, or cloud infrastructure.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- Analyse virtualisation architectures in diverse computing environments.;
- Design virtualised infrastructure using containers and hypervisor;
- Adapt infrastructure-as-code technique to automate virtual resource deployment and management;
- Evaluate security risks and recommendations for enterprise systems. ; and
- Synthesise high availability and disaster recovery solutions using current virtualisation tools and practices.
Assessment
For Melbourne campuses
Assessment type: Test | Grade: 25%
Practical Test
Assessment type: Assignment | Grade: 35%
Design and implement virtualisation infrastructure with demonstration and Q&A verification.
Assessment type: Case Study | Grade: 40%
Scenario-based problem-solving with Q&A verification.
Assignment includes virtualisation infrastructure development report, demonstration, and oral Q&A checks. Student’s performance is validated and justified to ensure authenticity.
In the Case Study, students apply concepts to solve scenario-based problems. Responses are evaluated based on reasoning and justification, with an in-class component or oral defence verifying understanding.
Other locations
Assessment type: Test | Grade: 20%
Practical Test
Assessment type: Assignment | Grade: 30%
Design and implement virtualisation infrastructure with demonstration and Q&A verification
Assessment type: Examination | Grade: 50%
Invigilated Final Written Examination
Assignment includes virtualisation infrastructure development report, demonstration, and oral Q&A checks. Student’s performance is validated and justified to ensure authenticity. Final examination is invigilated, time-bound exam includes unseen problem types. Students must demonstrate deep understanding by applying concepts to new contexts, explaining, performing analysis, and problem solving.
Required reading
Selected readings will be made available via VU Collaborate.
As part of a course
This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):