IBM Back-End Development Professional Certificate Course Syllabus

Overview: This professional certificate program provides a comprehensive, project-driven curriculum in back-end development, blending Python and JavaScript with modern DevOps and cloud deployment practices. Designed for beginners, it spans approximately 3 months with a commitment of 8-10 hours per week. Learners will build server-side applications, work with databases, implement CI/CD pipelines, and deploy containerized applications using IBM Cloud and Kubernetes. Each module includes hands-on labs and real-world projects to reinforce skills.

Module 1: Introduction to Software Engineering

Estimated time: 8 hours

• Software development lifecycle (SDLC)
• Agile and DevOps fundamentals
• Version control with Git and GitHub
• Project management basics using GitHub

Module 2: Python for Web Development

Estimated time: 16 hours

• Python syntax and data structures
• Functions and control flow
• Introduction to Flask framework
• Building and running a basic web server

Module 3: Developing Back-End Apps with Python and Django

Estimated time: 24 hours

• Django models, views, and URL routing
• Templates and form handling
• User authentication and security
• Full CRUD web application development

Module 4: JavaScript for Back-End Development

Estimated time: 16 hours

• ES6+ syntax and features
• Asynchronous JavaScript (callbacks, promises, async/await)
• Node.js fundamentals
• Building small backend utilities with Node.js

Module 5: Back-End Development with Node.js and Express

Estimated time: 24 hours

• RESTful API design principles
• Express.js routing and middleware
• Error handling and request validation
• Authentication in Express applications

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 24 hours

• Design and build a full back-end application using Python/Django or Node.js/Express
• Integrate with MongoDB or PostgreSQL database
• Containerize the application using Docker
• Deploy to IBM Cloud with CI/CD pipeline using GitHub Actions

Prerequisites

• Familiarity with basic programming concepts
• No prior experience with Python or JavaScript required
• Access to a computer with internet connection and GitHub account

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Develop server-side applications using Python (Django) and JavaScript (Node.js)
• Design and implement RESTful APIs with authentication and validation
• Work with SQL and NoSQL databases including PostgreSQL and MongoDB
• Apply DevOps practices including version control, CI/CD, and automated testing
• Deploy and manage back-end applications on cloud platforms using Docker and Kubernetes