Cloud Computing Technologies - Bachelor's from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Development of Cloud Computing and Cloud Native Thinking

Welcome to Cloud Computing Technologies! Module 1 provides an in-depth exploration of the technological advancements and key developments that have shaped the realm of Cloud Computing. Students will delve into the historical context, pivotal innovations, and the significant contributions of industry leaders that have defined the standards and practices of today’s cloud computing landscape. By examining the technical, operational, and strategic aspects, learners will gain a comprehensive understanding of how cloud computing has evolved and its foundational components.

Module 2: Cloud Native Tooling

Module 2 is designed to equip students with the essential technical skills needed for setting up, managing, and deploying virtualization solutions and cloud-based environments. Focused on industry-standard practices, students will learn how to navigate and utilize virtualization tools, package managers, version control systems, Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), and cloud services. This module emphasizes practical experience, guiding students through configuring and deploying virtualization layers, managing cloud provider accounts, and leveraging command-line tools for cloud service authentication.

Module 3: Cloud Native Design Patterns and Principles – I Target Groups

This module dives deep into the architectural and operational aspects of cloud computing, with a special focus on design patterns, cloud components, and resource management using Amazon Web Services (AWS) as a primary example. Students will gain a thorough understanding of how to articulate cloud design concepts, create and manage cloud resources programmatically, and apply best practices in version control and script-based management. Through practical exercises and demonstrations, learners will become proficient in deploying and removing cloud resources effectively, understanding load balancing mechanisms, and leveraging AWS for scalable and resilient cloud architectures.

Module 4: Cloud Native Design Patterns and Principles – II Autoscaling Groups

This module offers a comprehensive exploration of Autoscaling within cloud computing, focusing on the principles and practical applications of scaling infrastructure dynamically in response to application demand. Through a detailed examination of Autoscaling mechanisms, particularly within the context of Amazon Web Services (AWS), students will learn how to design, implement, and manage scalable cloud-native solutions efficiently. This module covers the conceptual underpinnings of Autoscaling, the strategic use of Launch Templates versus traditional EC2 commands, and the operational practices for managing the lifecycle of instances within Autoscaling Groups.

Module 5: Cloud Native Storage Patterns and Principles

This module introduces students to the fundamental concepts of storage in cloud computing, focusing on the three primary types of storage: Object, Block, and File storage. It provides a detailed examination of the differences between these storage types and their suitable applications. Special emphasis is given to Object storage, its design alignment with cloud computing paradigms, and its implementation through Amazon S3. Students will explore the security considerations, performance issues, and practical applications of each storage type. The module aims to equip students with the knowledge to make informed decisions about storage solutions in cloud environments and to implement these solutions effectively.

Module 6: Cloud Native Database Patterns and Principles

This module delves into the intricacies of database management within the cloud environment, contrasting traditional relational databases with cloud-native solutions. Students will explore the operational dynamics, advantages, and disadvantages of relational databases in the cloud, and examine the innovative features and security benefits of cloud-native databases. This module will cover hosted database services, the economic implications of adopting cloud-native databases, and the crucial role of secret management in securing database access. Through practical demonstrations, students will gain hands-on experience with a Cloud Platform Secrets Manager and learn the processes for database backups and restoration in the cloud. This module aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of database choices in the cloud and best practices for security and cost management.

Module 7: Cloud Native Orchestration Patterns and Principles

This module explores the foundational concepts and practical applications of Infrastructure as Code (IaC) in cloud computing, with a focus on declarative and imperative languages used for deploying cloud infrastructure. Students will gain an understanding of the nuances between these two approaches and their applicability in different scenarios of cloud infrastructure management. The course will also address the security considerations associated with creating custom Amazon Machine Images (AMIs), the intricacies of interacting with application source code, and the deployment, configuration, and management of AWS environments using Terraform. Additionally, it will guide students through the process of converting existing infrastructure to be managed by Terraform, emphasizing best practices for efficiency, security, and scalability.

Module 8: Business, Compute, and Realization models of Cloud Computing

This comprehensive module explores the various models of cloud computing, their application across different industries, and the underlying components that define them. Students will learn to differentiate between the main models of cloud computing and understand how these models can be applied to meet the unique needs of different sectors. This module will also delve into the standard definition of cloud computing, outline the three traditional service levels, and discuss the evolution of cloud models from their inception to future projections. Additionally, it will cover the three basic cloud-native design patterns and contrast them with legacy design patterns, providing students with a holistic view of cloud architecture and its practical implications.

Summative Course Assessment

This module contains the summative course assessment that has been designed to evaluate your understanding of the course material and assess your ability to apply the knowledge you have acquired throughout the course.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops skills in using Cloud Computing, which is an essential skill in technology today

Teaches the five core components of cloud computing, which is standard across the industry

Taught by instructors who are recognized for their work in Cloud Computing

Contains a project which requires working knowledge of various cloud computing technologies

Provides hands-on experience by using various Cloud Computing tools, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Course is free if students have an AWS account - a free-tier plan with AWS is available

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Cloud Computing Technologies - Bachelor's with these activities:

Summarize Course Lectures and Readings

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Reviewing and synthesizing course materials will improve your comprehension and recall.

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Take notes during lectures and while reading the course materials.
After each lecture or reading session, take some time to summarize the key points.
Organize your summaries in a way that makes sense to you.

Prepare VirtualBox

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Mastering VirtualBox will prepare you for the hand-on labs and projects throughout the course.

Browse courses on VirtualBox

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Download and install VirtualBox from the official website.
Create a new virtual machine and set up the necessary settings.
Install the guest operating system on the virtual machine.

Read 'Cloud Computing: A Practical Approach' by Anthony T. Velte, Toby J. Velte, and Robert Elsenpeter

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of cloud computing concepts and best practices.

View Cloud Computing, A Practical Approach on Amazon

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Read through the chapters related to the course content.
Take notes and summarize key concepts.
Discuss the book's content with classmates or a study group.

Five other activities

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Create a Glossary of Cloud Computing Terms

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Defining and understanding key terms will strengthen your foundational knowledge.

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Research and compile a list of important cloud computing terms.
Create a glossary that includes the term, its definition, and an example.
Share the glossary with classmates or post it online.

Participate in Peer Review Sessions

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Collaboration among students can improve both your and your classmates' learning outcomes.

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Organize study groups or join existing groups.
Discuss course concepts and share your understanding.
Provide feedback and support to group members.

AWS Cloud Simulation

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Practice using AWS Console will solidify your understanding of cloud computing concepts.

Browse courses on Cloud Infrastructure Management

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Create an AWS account and sign in to the AWS Management Console.
Explore the various AWS services and their functionalities.
Perform basic operations such as creating and managing EC2 instances.

Build a Command-Line Calculator Using Python

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Expand your knowledge of Python and its practical applications.

Browse courses on Python

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Install Python and any necessary libraries.
Create a Python script that accepts user input for arithmetic operations.
Implement basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) in your script.

Build a Personal Website Using AWS

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Applying the Cloud Native principles will help you strengthen your understanding of the course.

Browse courses on Web Development

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Set up a development environment on AWS using Cloud9.
Create a static website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Deploy the website to an S3 bucket and configure a custom domain.

Career center

Learners who complete Cloud Computing Technologies - Bachelor's will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Cloud Architect

The Cloud Architect is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining cloud computing systems. This course helps build a foundation in cloud computing technologies and principles, such as scalability, reliability, and security. Students will learn how to use commercial and local cloud architectures, and will gain hands-on experience with cloud computing tools and services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

Cloud Engineer

The Cloud Engineer is responsible for implementing and managing cloud computing systems. This course helps build a foundation in cloud computing technologies and principles, such as scalability, reliability, and security. Students will learn how to use commercial and local cloud architectures, and will gain hands-on experience with cloud computing tools and services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Engineer

Cloud Consultant

The Cloud Consultant is responsible for advising clients on cloud computing solutions. This course helps build a foundation in cloud computing technologies and principles, such as scalability, reliability, and security. Students will learn how to use commercial and local cloud architectures, and will gain hands-on experience with cloud computing tools and services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Consultant

DevOps Engineer

The DevOps Engineer is responsible for bridging the gap between development and operations teams. This course helps build a foundation in cloud computing technologies and principles, such as scalability, reliability, and security. Students will learn how to use commercial and local cloud architectures, and will gain hands-on experience with cloud computing tools and services.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Cloud Security Engineer

The Cloud Security Engineer is responsible for securing cloud computing systems. This course helps build a foundation in cloud computing technologies and principles, such as scalability, reliability, and security. Students will learn how to use commercial and local cloud architectures, and will gain hands-on experience with cloud computing tools and services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Engineer

Database Administrator

The Database Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining databases. This course helps build a foundation in cloud computing technologies and principles, such as scalability, reliability, and security. Students will learn how to use commercial and local cloud architectures, and will gain hands-on experience with cloud computing tools and services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Network Engineer

The Network Engineer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining computer networks. This course helps build a foundation in cloud computing technologies and principles, such as scalability, reliability, and security. Students will learn how to use commercial and local cloud architectures, and will gain hands-on experience with cloud computing tools and services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Systems Administrator

The Systems Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining computer systems. This course helps build a foundation in cloud computing technologies and principles, such as scalability, reliability, and security. Students will learn how to use commercial and local cloud architectures, and will gain hands-on experience with cloud computing tools and services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Software Engineer

The Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. This course helps build a foundation in cloud computing technologies and principles, such as scalability, reliability, and security. Students will learn how to use commercial and local cloud architectures, and will gain hands-on experience with cloud computing tools and services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Information Security Analyst

The Information Security Analyst is responsible for protecting computer systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course helps build a foundation in cloud computing technologies and principles, such as scalability, reliability, and security. Students will learn how to use commercial and local cloud architectures, and will gain hands-on experience with cloud computing tools and services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Data Scientist

The Data Scientist is responsible for using data to solve business problems. This course helps build a foundation in cloud computing technologies and principles, such as scalability, reliability, and security. Students will learn how to use commercial and local cloud architectures, and will gain hands-on experience with cloud computing tools and services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Business Analyst

The Business Analyst is responsible for analyzing business needs and developing solutions to meet those needs. This course helps build a foundation in cloud computing technologies and principles, such as scalability, reliability, and security. Students will learn how to use commercial and local cloud architectures, and will gain hands-on experience with cloud computing tools and services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Technical Support Specialist

The Technical Support Specialist is responsible for providing technical support to users. This course helps build a foundation in cloud computing technologies and principles, such as scalability, reliability, and security. Students will learn how to use commercial and local cloud architectures, and will gain hands-on experience with cloud computing tools and services.

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Project Manager

The Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. This course helps build a foundation in cloud computing technologies and principles, such as scalability, reliability, and security. Students will learn how to use commercial and local cloud architectures, and will gain hands-on experience with cloud computing tools and services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Technical Writer

The Technical Writer is responsible for creating and maintaining technical documentation. This course helps build a foundation in cloud computing technologies and principles, such as scalability, reliability, and security. Students will learn how to use commercial and local cloud architectures, and will gain hands-on experience with cloud computing tools and services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer