Introduction to AWS – Understand AWS basics in 3 hours! Course Syllabus

Overview (80-120 words) describing structure and time commitment.

Module 1: Introduction to Cloud & AWS

Estimated time: 0.3 hours

• Define cloud computing models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
• Understand AWS’s role in cloud computing
• Explore AWS global infrastructure: Regions, Availability Zones, and edge locations

Module 2: AWS Management Console & CLI Basics

Estimated time: 0.5 hours

• Sign up for an AWS free-tier account
• Navigate the AWS Management Console
• Install and configure the AWS CLI
• Launch simple resources using both console and command line

Module 3: Identity & Access Management (IAM)

Estimated time: 0.5 hours

• Create IAM users, groups, and roles
• Apply fine-grained permissions using policies
• Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA)
• Understand IAM condition keys and policy evaluation logic

Module 4: Compute Services

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Launch and configure EC2 instances
• Connect to EC2 instances via SSH or RDP
• Explore Amazon Lightsail and compare with EC2
• Introduction to Elastic Beanstalk for PaaS deployments

Module 5: Storage & Databases

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Create and manage S3 buckets and objects
• Apply lifecycle policies to S3 buckets
• Compare EBS, S3, and EFS storage options
• Launch an RDS instance and explore DynamoDB basics

Module 6: Networking Fundamentals

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Configure a VPC, subnets, and route tables
• Set up Internet gateways and manage routing
• Configure security groups and network ACLs
• Use Route 53 for DNS management and health checks

Module 7: Serverless Computing

Estimated time: 0.5 hours

• Write and deploy a simple AWS Lambda function
• Configure API Gateway to trigger Lambda via HTTP endpoints
• Understand serverless use cases and pricing models

Module 8: Cost Management & Monitoring

Estimated time: 0.5 hours

• Set up AWS Budgets and billing alerts
• Use Cost Explorer for cost analysis
• Monitor logs, metrics, and alarms with CloudWatch
• Apply resource tags for cost allocation and reporting

Module 9: Next Steps & Practice Resources

Estimated time: 0.25 hours

• Review AWS certification paths: Architect, Developer, and Ops
• Access AWS documentation, whitepapers, and free labs
• Plan hands-on projects to reinforce learning

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of networking and computing concepts
• Familiarity with command-line interfaces (helpful but not required)
• A personal computer with internet access to follow along

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Understand foundational AWS services including EC2, S3, RDS, and Lambda
• Navigate and manage resources using both AWS Console and CLI
• Implement secure access controls using IAM best practices
• Configure core networking components like VPCs, subnets, and security groups
• Monitor usage and optimize costs using AWS tools like Budgets and CloudWatch