Module Details

Module Code: n/a
Full Title: Distributed Systems and Security
Valid From:: Semester 2 - 2023/24 ( January 2024 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 7.5
Module Owner::
  • Martin Mchugh
  • Fergal McCaffery
  • Abhishek Kaushik
Departments: Visual and Human-Centred Computing
Module Description: Distributed Systems form a rapidly changing field of computer science. This module introduces students to distributed systems fundamentals and the issues facing their design and implementation. Further, the module will describe, critically analyse and discuss the security challenges faced by the society and the computing industry.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Discuss authoritatively the fundamental characteristics of distributed systems
MLO2 Demonstrate an understanding of various distributed system architectures
MLO3 Demonstrate an understanding of advanced distributed systems issues
MLO4 Discuss and relate the fundamental concepts of security
MLO5 Critically analyze different aspects of security such as policies and auditing process
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Introduction to Distributed Systems and Architectures
Definition and characteristics of distributed systems Comparison with centralized and decentralized systems Challenges and benefits of distributed systems Client-server architecture Peer-to-peer architecture Hybrid architectures Introduction to Blockchain Case studies and real-world examples
Advanced Distributed Systems Issues and Security in Distributed Systems
Scalability and load balancing Fault tolerance and reliability Consistency models Distributed transactions and concurrency control Basic concepts of security: confidentiality, integrity, availability Threats and vulnerabilities in distributed systems Principles of security design Security mechanisms in distributed systems
Security Mechanisms, Policies, Auditing, and Practical Applications
Authentication and access control Encryption and data protection Intrusion detection and prevention systems Developing security policies Auditing processes and techniques Review of case studies illustrating security issues in distributed systems
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work100.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing S1 Week 6 Learning Outcome 1,3,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
A written report, 3000 words in length detailing the issues with security and distributed systems in a given domain e.g. medical device software.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
A final report which builds upon the initial submission during week 6 which the students propose solutions to the challenges and issues identified. They must critically analyse these solutions in terms of complexity and the impact these solutions will have on the overall operation of the system.
No Project
No Practical
No Final Examination

Part-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing S1 Week 6 Learning Outcome 1,3,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
A written report, 3000 words in length detailing the issues with security and distributed systems in a given domain e.g. medical device software.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
A final report which builds upon the initial submission during week 6 which the students propose solutions to the challenges and issues identified. They must critically analyse these solutions in terms of complexity and the impact these solutions will have on the overall operation of the system.
No Project
No Practical
No Final Examination

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Weekly Lectures Every Week 1.00 1
Practical Contact weekly lab Every Week 2.00 2
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 6.00 6
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Total Weekly Learner Workload 12.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Weekly lecture Every Week 1.00 1
Practical Contact Weekly Practical Every Week 2.00 2
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 6.00 6
Total Weekly Learner Workload 12.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • "Distributed Systems: Principles and Paradigms" by Andrew S. Tanenbaum and Maarten Van Steen.
  • "Security Engineering: A Guide to Building Dependable Distributed Systems" by Ross J. Anderson.
  • "Computer Security: Principles and Practice" by William Stallings and Lawrie Brown.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources