IOS-3 Cloud Platforms

IOS-3 Cloud Platforms

  • Course description
    • Course Code
      IOS-3
    • Level of Study
      5.1
    • Program of Study
      IT Operations and Security
    • Credits
      15
    • Study Plan Coordinator
      Justine Moodley
Teaching Term(s)
2027 Autumn
About the Course

This course gives students knowledge of how organisations use cloud services, and skills to set up, automate and manage services in the cloud. It provides a basis for moving services from an on-premises environment into the cloud, and for further work with cloud platforms.

Students learn cloud concepts and service models, and how running services in the cloud differs from on-premises, with Microsoft Azure as the main platform and comparisons with AWS. They set up identities, networks, virtual machines, web apps, storage and databases, and connect an on-premises directory to the cloud. Students deploy resources through automation and infrastructure as code, and work with data stored in the cloud. The course also covers the shared responsibility model, data protection, data location and cost control, how problems on a cloud platform are diagnosed and fixed, and ready-made AI services in the cloud.

Course Learning Outcomes
Knowledge

The candidate:

  • has knowledge of cloud concepts, service models and core services in Microsoft Azure and AWS, including ready-made AI services, and how running services in the cloud differs from on-premises
  • has knowledge of the shared responsibility model and the security, compliance, monitoring and backup concepts that apply to cloud platforms
  • has insight into requirements for data protection, data location and cost control on cloud platforms
  • can update their knowledge of cloud services as they change, using vendor documentation and release notes
  • understands the value of cloud services for organisations, including cost, flexibility and where data is located
Skills

The candidate:

  • can apply knowledge of cloud services to diagnose and fix problems on a cloud platform
  • can apply relevant tools and techniques to set up identities, virtual networks, virtual machines, web apps, storage and databases in Azure, and to connect on-premises Active Directory to Entra ID
  • can apply the command line, Python and infrastructure as code to deploy cloud resources, and work with data stored in the cloud
  • can find and use vendor documentation to solve a problem on a cloud platform
  • can assess a cloud platform, identify issues with cost, performance or availability, and determine what measures need to be implemented
General Competence

The candidate:

  • can set up a cloud platform based on the needs of the case company, including where its data should be stored
  • can develop automated and governed ways of deploying and running cloud services
Learning Activities

Students use a combination of written content, videos and practical learning activities designed to help them achieve the course learning outcomes.

Industry Relevance

Course content, learning activities and tools reflect industry standards and are developed in collaboration with industry partners and experts from the field. The course includes guest contributions from industry professionals, delivered through live or recorded sessions.

Practical Work

The course includes regular practical activities where students apply their knowledge and practise relevant skills. Students engage in practical learning activities from the first lesson and throughout the course.

Collaboration

Collaboration is facilitated through the LMS and Teams, and students are encouraged to work together for peer support and shared learning. The coursework requirement is delivered as a group work. 

Guidance

Teachers are available for guidance at scheduled times. Students are encouraged to share work in progress and use feedback from teachers and fellow students to develop their work further. Guidance is provided through written and video-based step-by-step guides. Students receive formative feedback on their coursework requirement, which helps them develop their work and prepares them for the Course Assignment.

Work requirements and Assessment

This course has one coursework requirement, graded Approved / Not Approved.

Assessments
Form of assessmentGrading scaleGroupingDuration of assessment
Course Assignment
Grade A-F
Individual
1 Week(s)
Reading List

Teaching materials, reading lists, and essential resources will be shared in the learning platform and software user manuals where applicable.