NET-ITS7545 - AWS Cloud Architecting
Course Description
The AWS Academy Cloud Architecting course is an online, intermediate-level program designed to equip students with the skills required to design and build scalable, secure, and highly available cloud solutions on AWS. This course introduces architectural best practices and design patterns using AWS services while emphasizing cost optimization, security, and performance efficiency. Through a hands-on, scenario-based approach, students will develop a solid understanding of AWS infrastructure and architecture, preparing them for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification.
Course Outline
This course consists of 17 modules covering key AWS cloud architecture concepts:
- Welcome to AWS Academy Cloud Architecting – Course introduction and cloud architect roles.
- Introducing Cloud Architecting – AWS Well-Architected Framework and best practices.
- Securing Access – Identity and Access Management (IAM), policies, and authentication.
- Adding a Storage Layer with Amazon S3 – Object storage, data management, and lifecycle policies.
- Adding a Compute Layer Using Amazon EC2 – Compute options, EC2 instances, AMIs, and cost optimization.
- Adding a Database Layer – RDS, DynamoDB, and data migration best practices.
- Creating a Networking Environment – Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), subnets, and routing.
- Connecting Networks – VPC peering, Direct Connect, and Site-to-Site VPN.
- Securing User, Application, and Data Access – Data encryption, IAM, and AWS Organizations.
- Implementing Monitoring, Elasticity, and High Availability – CloudWatch, Auto Scaling, and Route 53.
- Automating Your Architecture – Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and AWS CloudFormation.
- Caching Content – Amazon CloudFront and ElastiCache.
- Building Decoupled Architectures – Message queues (SQS, SNS, and Amazon MQ).
- Building Serverless Architectures and Microservices – AWS Lambda, API Gateway, and containers.
- Data Engineering Patterns – Data pipelines, storage, and analytics.
- Planning for Disaster – Disaster recovery strategies, RTO, and RPO.
- Bridging to Certification – Exam preparation for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate.
The course also includes a Capstone Project, where students apply their knowledge to design a real-world cloud solution.
Learner Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Apply AWS architectural best practices to build cost-effective, secure, and scalable cloud solutions.
- Design and implement highly available and fault-tolerant architectures using AWS services.
- Optimize compute, storage, and database layers for performance and cost-efficiency.
- Configure networking and security controls to protect cloud resources.
- Automate infrastructure deployment using AWS CloudFormation and Infrastructure as Code.
- Develop serverless and microservices-based architectures to build modern cloud applications.
Notes
Target Audience:
This intermediate level course is ideal for:
- Aspiring Cloud Architects who want to learn how to design AWS-based solutions.
- IT professionals and system administrators looking to transition to cloud architecture roles.
- DevOps and Solutions Engineers seeking to deepen their AWS knowledge.
- Software developers building cloud-native applications.
- Students preparing for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam.
Occupational Outlook:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), cloud architecture roles, such as Cloud Architect, Solutions Architect, and DevOps Engineer, are among the fastest-growing IT careers. With businesses rapidly migrating to cloud infrastructure, cloud computing jobs are expected to grow by 15% over the next decade, with an average annual salary of $120,000 to $160,000 for experienced professionals. Companies across industries are seeking AWS-certified architects to design scalable, cost-efficient, and secure cloud solutions.
Industry Certification:
This course aligns with the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03) certification, which validates expertise in designing resilient and high-performing AWS architectures. Earning this certification enhances career prospects in cloud engineering, DevOps, and enterprise IT architecture.
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
Prerequisites
Knowledge:
To ensure success in this course, students should have the following:
- AWS Cloud Foundations or have equivalent experience
- A working knowledge of distributed systems
- A working knowledge of multi-tier architectures
- Familiarity with general networking concepts
Resources:
- Participants are required to have a laptop or desktop computer with a minimum 4GB ram, 256GB HD, Core i5. Recommended 8GB ram, 256GB SSD, Core i5.
- Access to reliable internet.
Recommendations:
IMPORTANT: Make sure to have your Network Login, DUO authentication, and student email before the first day of class.