This course provides an introduction to cloud computing, with specific consideration for “web-scale” application development. We use a flipped classroom structure: instruction will be a mix of pre-recorded videos and in-person discussion. Each week (including the first week of the quarter!) you will be expected to watch videos before coming to class, in order to benefit from the live class discussion. Class hours will also include demonstrations and exercises where you can follow along on your own computer or work in groups. On average, there will be ~75-90 minutes of video content each week, and we will typically spend anywhere from 90 minutes to a couple of hours in class (depending on your questions ;-). We will not run the full three hours in person as you would expect for a typical MPCS class, but you’re expected to spend about the same amount of time, in total, between watching videos and in-person discussion. Class discussion will not be recorded. You are expected to attend class and ask questions, as this will greatly aid in your understanding of the material.

There is no formal textbook for this course. We will refer to a variety of online resources, including selected readings on cloud concepts, programming guides for Amazon Web Services, and references for various technologies used in programming assignments. If you really want a book to refer to, of the myriad introductory cloud computing texts available I recommend "Cloud Computing for Science and Engineering", by Ian foster and Dennis Gannon.