Master the essential concepts and hands-on skills needed to understand cloud computing from multiple perspectives. This comprehensive course takes you from cloud computing history and definitions through advanced database technologies, providing both theoretical foundations and practical implementation experience.
Cloud Computing Fundamentals
Cloud Computing Fundamentals
This course is part of Cloud Computing for Data Science Specialization
Instructor: Dmitriy Babichenko
Included with
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level
Recommended experience
2 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Build toward a degree
What you'll learn
Configure and deploy virtual machines to simulate cloud environments and understand IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS service models.
Differentiate between databases, data warehouses, and data lakes while applying Star and Snowflake schemas for optimal performance.
Compare MySQL, MongoDB, and Neo4j database technologies based on ACID and BASE properties to select optimal solutions for use cases.
Apply cloud computing principles through hands-on projects using Python, GitHub, and virtualization tools in real-world scenarios.
Skills you'll gain
- MongoDB
- NoSQL
- Cloud Platforms
- Python Programming
- Git (Version Control System)
- MySQL
- Application Programming Interface (API)
- Virtualization
- Cloud Computing
- Data Warehousing
- Database Design
- Scalability
- Cloud Storage
- Data Infrastructure
- Cloud Computing Architecture
- Database Management
- Virtual Machines
- Cloud Services
- Cloud Infrastructure
- SQL
- Skills section collapsed. Showing 11 of 20 skills.
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Recently updated!
February 2026
Assessments
14 assignments
Taught in English
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Build your subject-matter expertise
This course is part of the Cloud Computing for Data Science Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
There are 4 modules in this course
In this introductory module, you'll get to know your instructor and the course structure before diving into the foundations of cloud computing. You'll explore its history, key definitions, and broad impact across industries. You'll also set up a Python virtual environment and begin working with GitHub to prepare for hands-on cloud-based development throughout the course.
What's included
5 videos3 readings2 assignments
In this module, you'll explore the core technologies that make cloud computing possible, including virtualization, networking, and storage. You'll also dive into the three main cloud service models—Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS)—and assess their benefits and risks. Through hands-on activities, quizzes, and a real-world case study, you’ll strengthen your understanding of how these models are applied in practice.
What's included
7 videos2 readings4 assignments
In this module, you'll build on your understanding of relational databases and explore how cloud-based data infrastructure supports modern data management. You'll learn to differentiate between databases, data warehouses, and data lakes, and discover when to apply de-normalized schemas like Star and Snowflake. Through hands-on activities and real-world scenarios, you'll gain the skills to design scalable, cloud-ready data systems tailored to specific business needs.
What's included
10 videos7 readings5 assignments
In this module, you'll explore the fundamentals of cloud databases and how they support scalable, high-performance applications. You'll learn to distinguish between ACID and BASE properties, understand horizontal vs. vertical scaling, and compare the strengths and trade-offs of MySQL, MongoDB, and Neo4j. Through real-world scenarios and hands-on demos, you’ll gain the skills to evaluate and select the most appropriate database technologies for various cloud-based use cases.
What's included
7 videos11 readings3 assignments
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
Build toward a degree
This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by University of Pittsburgh. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹
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University of Pittsburgh
University of Pittsburgh
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