Cloud computing class teaches students how to use and manage computing resources like storage, servers, databases, and software over the internet instead of on local computers. In this class, students learn how cloud services work, how to deploy applications online, and how companies use cloud platforms (such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud) to run their operations efficiently. The course also covers topics like virtualization, online security, data management, and cost optimization. Overall, the class helps students understand how modern technology systems operate in the cloud and prepares them to work with remote, scalable computing environments. 

Cloud Computing Class Curriculum

Featuring: Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

Module 1 — Introduction to Cloud Computing

• What is cloud computing?

• Cloud service models: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS

• Cloud deployment models: public, private, hybrid, multi-cloud

• Overview of the “Big Three”: Azure, AWS, GCP

Module 2 — Virtualization & Core Infrastructure

• What virtualization is and why it matters

• Hypervisors (Type 1 vs Type 2)

• Virtual machines (Azure VM, EC2, Compute Engine)

• Containers and container orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes)

• Serverless computing overview (Azure Functions, AWS Lambda, Cloud Functions)

Module 3 — Compute Services

• VM setup and configuration across Azure, AWS, GCP

• Scaling strategies: Auto-Scaling Groups, Azure Scale Sets, Managed Instance Groups

• Load balancing options: Azure Load Balancer / Application Gateway, AWS ELB/ALB, GCP Load Balancer

Module 4 — Networking Fundamentals

• VPC basics (AWS), VNet (Azure), VPC (GCP)

• Subnets, routing tables, gateways, firewalls

• Private vs public networking

• DNS services (Route 53, Azure DNS, Cloud DNS)

• Hybrid networking (VPNs, ExpressRoute, DirectConnect)

Module 5 — Cloud Storage & Data Management

• Object storage: S3, Azure Blob, Google Cloud Storage

• Structured data: RDS, Azure SQL, Cloud SQL

• NoSQL options: DynamoDB, Cosmos DB, Firestore

• Data redundancy, lifecycle management, and replication

• Backups, snapshots, disaster recovery strategies

Module 6 — Identity, Access & Online Security

• Identity and access management

  • Azure AD / Entra ID

  • AWS IAM

  • Google Cloud IAM

• Role-based access control (RBAC)

• Secrets management (Azure Key Vault, AWS Secrets Manager, GCP Secret Manager)

• Cloud security best practices

• Network security groups, firewalls, zero-trust fundamentals

• Compliance frameworks (HIPAA, GDPR, SOC 2 overview)

Module 7 — Monitoring & Observability

• Cloud-native monitoring:

  • Azure Monitor

  • AWS CloudWatch

  • Google Cloud Operations Suite

• Logging and alerting

• Performance metrics and troubleshooting

• Health checks and uptime management

Module 8 — Automation & Infrastructure as Code

• Infrastructure as Code (IaC) concepts

• Terraform overview and basic deployments

• Vendor-native tools:

  • AWS CloudFormation

  • Azure ARM/Bicep

  • Google Deployment Manager

• CI/CD basics using GitHub Actions or Azure DevOps

Module 9 — Cost Management & Optimisation

• Pricing basics across Azure, AWS, GCP

• Compute/reservation savings: Reserved Instances, Savings Plans, Committed Use Discounts

• Storage cost optimisation

• Auto-scaling for cost control

• Cloud cost calculators

• Optimisation tools:

  • Azure Cost Management

  • AWS Cost Explorer

  • Google Cloud Cost Tools

Module 10 — Hands-On Capstone Project

Students design and deploy a small multi-cloud architecture that includes:

• A VM or containerized app

• A storage bucket (S3, Blob, or GCS)

• Networking setup with security rules

• IAM roles

• Monitoring & cost-tracking