Semester: Spring 2021
Class: CIS 193 Database Essentials on AWS – Online
Class Number:  22041/22042

 

Class Description and Overview

This course introduces AWS’ data storage services. It covers introduction of AWS database technologies and AWS block and object-based storage services. Students learn the principles of database design and management, AWS SQL and NoSQL database technologies. Students use principles of block and object-based storage options. They will study various use case scenario for AWS data storage services. The hands-on labs will allow them to apply the knowledge acquired.

Introducing the Instructor

I’m George McKinney, a Software Developer based in Los Angeles. For 16 years, I have worked on projects for many companies including Acura, Disney, Samsung, LG, Kraft and numerous medium-sized firms and startups. My journey as a professional developer began at Los Angeles Community College where I studied C/C++, Java and Macromedia Flash. I learned computer science and applied it in marketing, sales, automation and communication solutions.

Instructor Contact Information

Please use the Canvas Inbox to send me an email so I receive push notification to my mobile phone and can respond to you faster. It will also keep all our course-related correspondence together.

I respond to emails and private messages within 24 hours, during the hours of 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and 48 hours on weekends. My office hours are Wednesday and Friday afternoons, 2 to 4pm. I can also meet with you individually but contact me in advance to set a day and time.

Accommodation Statement for Students with Disabilities

The college and I are committed to your success here in this course. If you were not already aware we have resources described below for you. Please contact me if I can be of help or you need accomodations.

If you are a student with a disability and require classroom accommodations, please contact me to discuss arrangements. The sooner I am aware that you are eligible for accommodations, the quicker I will be able to provide them. If you have not done so already, you may also wish to contact the DSP&S Office in Instruction Building 1018 (phone 818-364-7732 / TTD (818) 364-7861 ) and ask them to contact me with a letter stating the accommodations that are needed.
Students requesting academic accommodations should first contact them online  or by email download, otherwise use the following procedure:
Step 1: Obtain documentation of your disability from a licensed professional. You may contact DSPS to request a Disability Verification Form.
Step 2: Make an appointment to meet with a DSPS Specialist to review your documentation and discuss reasonable accommodations.
To schedule a meeting, please call DSPS at (818) 364-7732 download.
Step 3: Bring your disability documentation to your DSPS appointment. The DSPS office is located in room 1018 of the Instructional Building.
Step 4: Each semester, reach written accommodation agreement with the DSPS Specialist and your instructor.

To be most effective, students should complete this process by the end of the 3rd week of the semester. Tests with required accommodations must be taken at the DSPS office. Since this course is completely online, you can take tests where it is most comfortable for you.

To be most effective, students should complete this process by the end of the 3rd week of the semester. Tests with required accommodations must be taken at the DSPS office. Since this course is completely online, you can take tests where it is most comfortable for you.

Student Learning Outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes

1. The student will demonstrate a basic understanding of designing and managing databases in AWS.
2. The student will demonstrate a basic understanding of how to manage block and object level storage in AWS, including managing data life cycles.
3. The student will demonstrate the ability to configure AWS storage services using security best practices.

Course Objectives

Upon satisfactory completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Explain AWS database services
2. Discuss advantages and disadvantages of various AWS database services
3. Identify database operations to design and manage various AWS database services
4. Design small databases using various AWS NoSQL database services
5. Explain the various options to store and retrieve data in terms of cost and latency.
6. Identify when to use AWS data storage services
7. Examine various scenarios of storage, encrypted at rest, in transit, user managed keys
8. Explain block level AWS storage
9. Explain object level configuration and management
10. Setup object level storage lifecycle
11. Explain AWS Content Delivery Network
12. Explain data migration tools
13. Describe data security options

New Skills

By the end of this course, you will :

1. Create AWS account and obtain free credits
2. Install MySQLWorkbench, node and npm.
3. Review a Case Study and identify the database features used, how is that data used, updated and revised as you interact with the system.
4. Create an RDS database online in AWS and connect MySQLWorkbench client to it.
5. Acquire a dataset and load it in the AWS RDS
6. Using Amazon Rekognition, upload various images into each of the different system features.
7. Define an appropriate DynamoDB table to hold the dataset provided. Create various records in this table based on the dataset.
8. Define a table using HeidiSQL with RDS that can hold various records from the dataset. Use CloudWatch to build a dashboard that includes a widget from each of the four different RDS dimensions
9. Download a publicly available dataset – document and describe the dataset, Create either an RDS or DynamoDB to store the data, Upload various records and document the structure of the storage solution. Justify your choice of the solution path selected.

 

Basis for Grading, Late Policy and Extra Credit

Unit Assignments

During the semester, 11 assignments must be completed, by the scheduled date. You may be dropped from the class if you fail to turn in TWO assignments. Remember, it is your responsibility to communicate with the instructor promptly.

Homework is to be submitted by the due date (Friday midnight). Late homework will not receive full credit, but will be accepted until Sunday midnight for 10% penalty.  Homework must be submitted using the blue Submit button on the assignment’s page.

If there are extenuating circumstances, send me a canvas message with the name of the assignment you wish to make a past due submission, and I will consider your request.

Threaded Discussions

Participation in the weekly discussion group online through Canvas is required. Threaded discussions account for 5% of your total grade, marks are rewarded on participation vs. non-participation.

Quizzes

Every week there will be a quizzes to assess the week’s modules.

Final Exam

A comprehensive final exam is at the end of the semester. It will cover most topics presented during the course.

Class Project

During the term, you will complete a class project. The project will consist of analyzing the design and development of a system which could utilize the cloud services discussed in class. You may either choose a system of your own or I will provide one that you can use that you will be familiar with if you cannot think of one from your own experience. You will be dropped from the class if you fail to complete the class project.