| Mode(s) of Study | Code | CATS Credits | ECTSCredits | Framework | HECoSCode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flexible online | ID71O | 30 | 15 | FHEQ - L7 | software engineering |
Prerequisites and Co-requisites
Learning Outcomes
| Code | AttributesDeveloped | Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| LO1 | Knowledge and Understanding | Critically compare containerisation and serverless technologies, evaluating their impact on software deployment. |
| LO2 | Knowledge and Understanding | Demonstrate a systematic understanding of CI/CD practices and principles in the context of modern software development. |
| LO3 | Intellectual Skills | Analyse and resolve complex CI/CD challenges, including dependencies, scaling, and security concerns. |
| LO4 | Intellectual Skills | Strategise automated CI/CD implementations to meet real-world circumstances, reflecting current industry best practices. |
| LO5 | Technical/Practical Skills | Deploy and monitor CI/CD pipelines across multiple environments, utilising strategies such as blue-green deployments and canary releases. |
| LO6 | Technical/Practical Skills | Design and implement advanced CI/CD pipelines using industry-standard tools to support complex software projects. |
| LO7 | Professional/Transferable Skills | Collaborate effectively within a team to enhance the performance and security of CI/CD processes and practices in a professional setting. |
Student Workload
The methods of teaching and learning for this module are based on LSI's Technical 30 teaching system, consisting of the following activities.
| Activity | TotalHours |
|---|---|
| Introductory lecture | 1.50 |
| Concept learning (knowledge graph) | 36.00 |
| AI formative assessment | 18.00 |
| Workshop/Lab Sessions | 27.00 |
| Independent reading, exploration and practice | 153.50 |
| Summative assessment | 64.00 |
| Total: | 300.00 |
Teaching and Learning Methods
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Introductory lecture | This first weekly session features a specially recorded video by the module leader for online learners, providing a comprehensive introduction to the module. The video outlines the significance of the subject and its interrelation with other modules. No preparation is required from students prior to this session. The module leader will also provide a structured breakdown of the content to be covered in the subsequent 10 sessions. Students will access a dedicated learning portal, which will include essential reference materials and suggestions for supplementary reading. The format and criteria for the summative assessment will be clearly outlined to ensure understanding of expectations. The video will also explain how the interactive learning platform utilises generative AI tools to enhance the learning experience, offering tailored resources and adaptive quizzes. A discussion board will promote peer interaction, allowing students to share insights and ask questions, while weekly reflection prompts will encourage critical thinking and deeper engagement with the material. A dedicated section for submitting queries will ensure timely responses from the module leader. This structured approach promotes a high-quality academic experience, supporting student engagement and learning in an online environment. |
| Concept learning (knowledge graph) | Our institution's approach to teaching is primarily based on flipped learning. Ahead of each weekly session (Workshop/Lab), students will be required to study the essential concepts that are used in the coming session so they are familiar with the theories and ideas related to that session. The study material will be in the form of written content, illustrations, pre-recorded lectures and tutorials, and other forms of content provided through the AGS. This content is self-navigated by the students, accommodating different learning styles and schedules, allowing students to watch or listen to them at their own pace and review them as needed. |
| AI formative assessment | Once each concept of the theory is studied, students will be prompted to engage in formative assessment with instant AI feedback. They include multiple-choice questions, socratic questions and answers, written questions, role-play and other AI-assisted practice scenarios. The purpose of this automated formative assessment is to provide students with immediate feedback on their understanding of module material and highlight any areas that need support or further study. They are also used to track student progress, boost motivation and promote accountability. |
| Workshop/Lab Sessions | For those studying in the self-paced online mode, live classes will be replaced by a set of flexible, self-directed activities designed to be completed independently. These include AI-led simulations, interactive videos, reflective prompts, and real-world case studies, all aimed at deepening understanding and fostering critical, independent thinking. AI avatars will simulate a classroom environment, allowing students to interact with virtual instructors for guidance or discussion, creating a more immersive experience. This structure promotes a high-quality, autonomous learning experience, equipping students with skills essential for both academic and professional success. Additionally, a dedicated feature for submitting questions to the module leader will provide timely responses and support. |
| Independent reading, exploration and practice | This activity challenges students to engage with the reference material and independently explore and analyse academic literature related to the course topic. Students are expected to select relevant sources, practice critical reading skills, and where applicable technical skills, and synthesise information from multiple references. This is an opportunity to enhance research abilities, critical thinking, and self-directed learning skills while broadening and deepening subject knowledge. |
| Summative assessment | Summative assessments are used to evaluate student learning at the end of a module. These assessments can take many forms, including exams, papers, or presentations. Instructors can use summative assessments to measure whether students have achieved the learning outcomes for the module and provide them with a sense of their overall progress. Summative assessments can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching methods used in the module. |
Assessment Patterns
| Weighting | Format | Outcomes assessed |
|---|---|---|
| 40 |
Invigilated Exam
This is a time-limited examination undertaken during the summative assessment period under the School’s remote invigilation conditions to support quality and academic integrity. The examination enables students to demonstrate achievement of the module learning outcomes, particularly in relation to knowledge and understanding, and where relevant professional and transferable skills. Questions may include problems, issues or dilemmas reflecting situations students could encounter in professional practice. Students are expected to synthesise and apply their learning to analyse the issues and reach sound, reasoned judgements. To support preparation, formative assessment activities, including quizzes, dialogues and an AI-augmented assignment, are built into the module. Students receive actionable feedback from AI, staff and peers to help improve future work and develop their ability to give constructive feedback to others. |
I LO3 I LO4 K LO1 K LO2 P LO7 |
| 60 |
Technical Analysis and Solution Assessment Coursework
This coursework assessment requires students to develop a solution to a complex problem in a simulated context, then analyse and reflect on the solution, the decisions they made, and the theory underpinning their approach. It assesses students’ ability to develop practical solutions, critically evaluate their work, and demonstrate their understanding of the module’s technical and theoretical concepts. |
I LO3 I LO4 K LO1 K LO2 P LO7 T LO5 T LO6 |
References/Indicative Reading List
| Importance | ISBN | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Core Textbook | 9789355519726 | Bhanushali, A. Achanta, A. Bhanushali, B. Continuous Integration and Delivery with Test-driven Development. BPB Publications, 2024. |
| Core Textbook | 9781484292280 | van Merode, H. Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Delivery (CD). Apress, 2023, |
| Supplementary Reading | 9781789130485 | Belmont, J. M.. Hands-On Continuous Integration and Delivery: Build and release quality software at scale with Jenkins, Travis CI, and CircleCI. Packt Publishing Ltd, 2018 |
| Supplementary Reading | 9781787284180 | Rossel, Sander. Continuous Integration, Delivery, and Deployment: Reliable and faster software releases with automating builds, tests, and deployment. Packt Publishing Ltd, 2017 |
| Supplementary Reading | 9781788394925 | Swaraj, Nikit. AWS Automation Cookbook. Packt Publishing, 2017 |
| Supplementary Reading | 9781788995474 | Swartout, Paul. Continuous Delivery and DevOps - A Quickstart Guide. Packt Publishing, 2018 |
| Supplementary Reading | 9780321336385 | Duvall, Paul M., Steve Matyas, and Andrew Glover. Continuous integration: improving software quality and reducing risk. Pearson Education, 2007 |
| Supplementary Reading | 9781492028901 | Laster, Brent. Continuous Integration vs. Continuous Delivery vs. Continuous Deployment. 2nd Edition, O'Reilly, 2020 |
| Supplementary Reading | 9781098146726 | Servile, Valentina. Continuous Deployment: Enable Faster Feedback, Safer Releases, and More Reliable Software. O'Reilly Media, 2024 |