Course Syllabus
Campus Online Syllabus
Overview
Description
This course introduces virtual cloud computing concepts and the foundational services of Amazon Web Services (AWS). Cloud computing allows organizations to access IT resources on demand. Students will learn to assess organizational requirements and determine how AWS services can be utilized to deliver valuable IT solutions.
Credits
3
Outcomes
- Describe security and compliance measures of the Cloud, including Identity and Access Management (IAM).
- Understand the boundaries of a Virtual Private Cloud.
- Differentiate between the types of cloud computing models and their uses.
- Understand storage types and tiers of services.
- Demonstrate when to use Cloud Database services.
- Explain Cloud architectural principles.
- Explore key concepts related to Cloud elasticity and Auto Scaling.
- Gain technical skills in the administration of virtualized computing, storage, and network.
Course Goals
The goal of this course is to help you with the following:
- Get a foundation in Cloud Services.
- Gain experience provisioning Cloud Services.
- Prepare to take the AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification.
- Understand current challenges and limitations in the field.
Requirements
Prerequisites
Complete one of the following
Materials
No textbook is required for this course. All learning materials will be provided through Canvas or AWS Academy.
Technology
For minimum technology requirements, see Computer Standards for Students.
Structure
Learning Model
The Learning Model is designed to help students become more involved in their learning through preparation, teaching others, and applying what they have learned.
Course Activities
This course uses materials from AWS Academy. Students will complete ten AWS Academy modules and additional labs outlined in Canvas.
This course requires students to join and participate in study groups on a weekly basis. Students should expect to attend a weekly video conference with their group, during which they will discuss their practice exam results, research, and take notes from other group members.
Expectations
Feedback
Grades and feedback for all assignments will be provided within seven days of the due date.
Workload
The BYU-Idaho guideline for student workload is approximately 3–4 hours of work per credit hour per week (for example, a 3-credit course requires around 9–12 hours of work weekly). Plan and set aside time daily to stay on track with course requirements.
Online Etiquette
Maintain respectful, professional conduct in all online interactions. Engage thoughtfully, respect the privacy of others, accurately cite sources, and adhere to discussion guidelines. A positive online learning environment is appreciated.
Generative AI Policy
The "Generative AI Usage Policy" for the Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) Department provides guidelines for generative AI's ethical and practical use in education and software development. It encourages students to utilize AI tools for enhancing learning, creativity, and productivity while requiring them to disclose AI assistance in their work. This policy aims to integrate generative AI into the curriculum, fostering a balanced and innovative learning environment. The CSE Generative AI Policy can be found here.
Grading
Categories
Grading in this course is based on weighted categories. Each assignment, quiz, exam, or activity falls into a specific category, and the total points within that category are weighted according to the scale outlined below.
Learning Activities (10% of total grade)
This category includes reading assignments, interactive discussion boards, and self-assessment quizzes designed to engage with the material and track progress throughout the course.
Exam Readiness (15% of total grade)
This section contains Knowledge Checks and Weekly Group Activities. Students will complete Knowledge Checks hosted on AWS, which can be retaken until passed. After passing, students must upload a screenshot of their results to I-Learn to receive points. These checks ensure mastery of key concepts necessary for the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification exam.
Students will also complete an individual prep quiz modeled after certification exam questions each week. Quiz scores will not be recorded, as students may encounter unfamiliar topics. After reviewing the correct answers, students will research three challenging concepts and discuss them with their group during a weekly meeting. Each group member will record their personal research and notes from the group meeting, and submit it weekly as evidence of their work and collaboration.
Labs (40% of total grade)
Students will complete two labs each week: one provided through AWS Academy and another designed by BYU-Idaho instructors. Both labs offer hands-on activities that reinforce the skills learned throughout the week. AWS Academy labs come with step-by-step instructions, but as AWS services evolve, students may need intuition and external resources to navigate updated features. Instructors tailor the additional product labs to enhance practical application and understanding of course concepts.
NOTE: Instructor-provided product labs may not include step-by-step instructions. You should complete these labs using the knowledge gained from AWS Academy labs and other online resources. Teamwork is encouraged for labs, and previous lab materials may be reviewed for assistance.
Lab Guidelines and Policies
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- Students are encouraged to work on labs early in the week to ensure ample deadline completion time.
- Students have unlimited attempts to complete this lab within the assigned week.
- Submissions should be made only when the student is confident the lab is correctly completed.
- All labs will close for submission on Saturday of the week they were assigned.
- If a lab is submitted and found to be incorrect, students may make corrections and resubmit for full credit until the end of the following week. For example, Week 5 labs are due at the end of Week 5, but corrections can be resubmitted until the end of Week 6.
- Labs not submitted by the original deadline cannot be turned in the following week. The extended submission period is only for labs submitted on time but needs correction.
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Mid-Term Project (10% of total grade)
Midway through the semester, a mid-term project requiring the provisioning of cloud services and the hosting of a website will be completed.
Final (25% of total grade)
For the final, you have two options:
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- Take the final exam and receive the score you earn.
- Take the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification exam instead of the final.
- If you pass the AWS certification, you will receive 100% for the final.
- If you do not pass the AWS exam, you will receive 80% for the final. However, you can still take the final exam afterward to improve your score.
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Grading Scale
| Grade | Percent |
|---|---|
| A | 100%–93% |
| A- | 92%–90% |
| B+ | 89%–87% |
| B | 86%–83% |
| B- | 82%–80% |
| C+ | 79%–77% |
| C | 76%–73% |
| C- | 72%–70% |
| D+ | 69%–67% |
| D | 66%–63% |
| D- | 62%–60% |
| F | 59% and lower |
Proctored Final Exam
For the Final Exam, this course will use Proctorio, an online proctoring software that allows students to take the exam without a human proctor. Once Proctorio is installed, the exam can be accessed like any other. Proctorio will record the exam session, and the BYUI Testing Center will review the footage. Any flagged exams will be sent to the instructor for further review.
Late Work
Due to this course's team-based and interactive structure, late assignments will not receive credit.
In the case of an extreme emergency that hinders your ability to communicate with your team, your instructor will collaborate with you to find a way to make up the content for the affected module.
Retries
Students are allowed to retake some assessments to improve their scores. Only the highest score from the retries will be recorded. All retries must be completed within one week of the original due date. Be sure to upload any required results, such as screenshots, to I-Learn to receive credit for the completed retries.
Extra Credit
No extra credit is offered in this course.
Students with Disabilities
BYU-Idaho is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for students with disabilities. If you have a disability and need accommodations, please contact the Accessibility Services Office at 1-208-496-9210 or visit their website to follow the Steps for Receiving Accommodations. Reasonable academic accommodations are available for students with documented disabilities, and the Accessibility Services Office coordinates services between students and instructors.
This course may require synchronous meetings. If you are currently registered with the Disability Services Office and need an interpreter or transcriber for these meetings, please contact the deaf and hard of hearing coordinator at 1-208-496-9219.
University Policies
All BYU-I students should be familiar with the following policies:
For other policies, see BYU-Idaho Policy Library.
Disclaimers
The instructor reserves the right to change any part of this syllabus during the semester to adapt to changing course needs. You will be notified before any changes take place.
Materials in this BYU-Idaho online course and related sites may be protected by US Copyright Law (Title 17, US Code). These materials are only for students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course and may not be further disseminated. For more information, please visit BYU-Idaho's Copyright page.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|