NET-ITS7541 - AWS Cloud Foundations

Course Description

The AWS Cloud Foundations course is an introductory-level, online course designed for individuals looking to develop a foundational understanding of cloud computing concepts. This course provides a broad overview of AWS cloud services, including infrastructure, security, architecture, pricing, and support. Through interactive lectures, hands-on labs, and assessments, participants will gain practical knowledge to begin their cloud journey and prepare for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam. 

Course Outline

This course consists of ten modules covering key AWS cloud concepts: 

1. Cloud Concepts Overview – Introduction to cloud computing, benefits of AWS, and the transition to cloud technology. 
2. Cloud Economics and Billing – Understanding AWS pricing models, cost management, and billing structures. 
3. AWS Global Infrastructure Overview – AWS regions, availability zones, and core infrastructure components. 
4. Cloud Security – AWS shared responsibility model, Identity and Access Management (IAM), and compliance standards. 
5. Networking and Content Delivery – Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), security, and AWS content delivery services. 
6. Compute – AWS compute services, including Amazon EC2, AWS Lambda, and AWS Elastic Beanstalk. 
7. Storage – Introduction to AWS storage solutions like Amazon S3, EBS, EFS, and S3 Glacier. 
8. Databases – Overview of AWS database services such as Amazon RDS, DynamoDB, Redshift, and Aurora. 
9. Cloud Architecture – AWS Well-Architected Framework, security, reliability, and cost optimization. 
10. Automatic Scaling and Monitoring – Elastic Load Balancing, Amazon CloudWatch, and Auto Scaling. 

Learner Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to: 

• Define cloud computing and explain the core principles of AWS Cloud. 
• Describe AWS pricing models and demonstrate cost-effective cloud solutions. 
• Identify AWS global infrastructure components and explain their benefits. 
• Implement basic AWS security best practices using IAM, encryption, and compliance tools. 
• Differentiate between AWS compute, storage, and database services, and determine their appropriate use cases. 
• Apply cloud architecture principles to design scalable, reliable, and cost-efficient AWS-based solutions. 

Notes

Target Audience:

This introductory level course is ideal for: 

• IT professionals seeking foundational cloud knowledge. 
• Students and career changers looking to enter the cloud computing field. 
• Business and project managers interested in understanding cloud services for decision-making. 
• Entrepreneurs and startups wanting to leverage AWS for their businesses. 
• Professionals preparing for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam. 

Occupational Outlook:

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), cloud computing is one of the fastest-growing fields in IT. Roles such as Cloud Administrator, Cloud Engineer, Solutions Architect, and DevOps Engineer are in high demand. The median salary for cloud-related positions is around $100,000 per year, with strong job growth projected over the next decade. Cloud computing skills are critical for organizations transitioning to digital infrastructure and seeking cost-effective, scalable solutions. 

Industry Certification:

This course aligns with the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam, which validates foundational cloud knowledge. Earning this certification demonstrates a strong understanding of AWS Cloud, making it an excellent credential for entry-level cloud roles. 

Information Technology Continuing Education Certificate:

A certificate of completion for the class will be issued to participants with at least 70% of successful completion of labs and assessments. 

 Method of Instruction: 

On-demand instructor sessions based on student’s needs during weekly open office hours. 

Evaluation: 

Evaluation is based on the on the successful completion of labs and assessments.