Coursera

Cloud: Platform as a Service - Master's (Coursera)

Offered by Illinois Tech,
Cloud: Platform as a Service - Master's (Coursera)

This course is aimed at preparing individuals to gain knowledge, skills, and abilities to demonstrate the knowledge for managing Platform as a Service (PaaS) in the Cloud. Students will learn to deploy, operate, and maintain cloud platforms for storing, processing, and transferring information with architecture design principles and a structured approach. Students will also learn the shared responsibility model and cloud security best practices to secure PaaS platforms for the application-hosting environments.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

What you'll learn
To create, deploy, operate, and communicate the strategies and operational considerations to deploy and manage cloud-based technology platforms.

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction to Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Welcome to Introduction to Platform as a Service (PaaS)! In Module 1, we will define the PaaS and differentiate it from all other cloud services. We will also define scope and boundaries of platform as a service which will guide us for topics covered in rest of the modules of the course. The benefits of using PaaS and recognize the limitations are discussed in this module. Students will also compare, contrast, and understand the best fit for PaaS to help make informed decisions for selecting appropriate cloud implementation strategy. Students will explore various PaaS offerings from various vendors for making the best choice decisions for solving business problems. Finally, students will explore several ways to manage PaaS offering.

Module 2: Containers and Containerization Services Platform
In this module we will explore and understand the concepts related to containerization. We will compare containers with virtual machines and learn the benefits of using containers in cloud environments. Building blocks and innerworkings of container infrastructure will be explored. Furthermore, we will compare the benefits and limitations of various containerization strategies for effective decision making. To experience containerization operation, we will also create and run a container using Docker on AWS and discuss advanced concepts for containerization management. Finally, we will discuss operational management challenges and discuss effective release and deployment strategies.

Module 3: Serverless Computing Platforms
In this module we will explore and understand the challenges with containerization and applicability of serverless and microservices approaches. We will discuss the benefits and limitations of using Serverless Computing Platforms in cloud environments. We will further explore the building blocks and innerworkings of Serverless Infrastructure. Furthermore, we will discuss the process of developing and deploying Serverless Solutions. To experience Serverless Platform operation, we will also create a Serverless Platform and run a Serverless Function on AWS Lambda. Finally, we will discuss advanced concepts for effective and efficient operating and management of Serverless Computing Environment.

Module 4: Information Management Platforms as a Service
This module delves into the complexities and solutions for managing databases in the cloud platform for handling and processing large datasets, with the focus on design consideration and implementation of scalable DBMS Platform. Through the series of lessons, students will explore challenges and considerations associated with handling large datasets and learn how Platform as a Service can facilitate the storage and processing of data with built-in scalability and high availability features. Students will gain insights into relational and non-relational database use cases and selection criteria for advanced functionality based on the needs.

Module 5: Development and Deployment Management Platforms
This module provides a comprehensive exploration of DevOps principles and practices within the context of Platform as a Service (PaaS). Starting with the basics of Development and Deployment concepts and approaches. Students will learn about the methodologies and cultural philosophies that drive efficient application development and deployment. The module then delves into the advantages of adopting a DevOps culture and how PaaS can streamline and enhance the DevOps lifecycle, from continuous integration to continuous delivery. Finally, Students will learn about API and API management methods in the cloud. By understanding the architecture of development and deployment pipelines facilitated by PaaS providers, students will be equipped to design and implement efficient, scalable, and reliable software delivery processes.

Module 6: Machine Learning Platforms
This module serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying machine learning (ML) concepts, processes, and platforms. Starting with the basics of artificial intelligence and machine learning, students will learn how prediction and decision-making algorithms are implemented in the cloud platforms as a service. Additionally, students will become familiarized with commonly used machine learning platforms and learn how to deploy, operate, and optimize ML models effectively. By covering the challenges and limitations of machine learning, this module aims to equip learners with the skills needed to navigate the ML landscape confidently. Whether for forecasting, recognition systems, or decision-making processes, students will leave with a solid foundation in managing and implementing machine learning solutions across various applications.

Module 7: Security Services Platforms
This module introduces students to the critical concepts of cloud security, emphasizing the shared responsibility model that delineates the security obligations of cloud providers and users. Learners will explore common threats and vulnerabilities specific to cloud environments and analyze the security features and controls offered by Platform as a Service (PaaS) solutions. This module culminates with practical lessons on architecting and implementing robust security measures for IAM, Network and Data security using Security as a Platform (SaaP). Finally, students will also learn about Audit and security Monitoring Platforms empowering students to design comprehensive security solutions for cloud-based systems.

Module 8: Designing and Implementing Cloud Platforms for High Level of Operational Maturity
This module focuses on the principles and practices necessary for creating cloud platforms that exhibit high reliability, scalability, operational maturity, and content delivery. Beginning with architecting auto-scaling solutions, students will learn to enhance application performance dynamically. The module progresses to cover high-availability and load balancing methods for various computing and data management platforms ensuring that students are equipped with best known methods for implementing high-performing scalable and reliable cloud platforms. A critical look at cost-effectiveness teaches strategies for efficient cloud resource utilization. Lastly, the module anticipates the future of Platform as a Service (PaaS) by exploring its secured content delivery network platforms preparing students to adapt to and capitalize on emerging trends in cloud platform development.

Summative Course Assessment
This module contains the summative course assessment that has been designed to evaluate your understanding of the course material and assess your ability to apply the knowledge you have acquired throughout the course.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Security & Safety Challenges in a Globalized World (Coursera) Coursera
Leiden University

Security & Safety Challenges in a Globalized World (Coursera)

Social Sciences

Security and safety challenges rank among the most pressing issues of modern times. Challenges such as, cyber-crime, terrorism, and environmental disasters impact the lives of millions across the globe. These issues also rank high on the agenda of politicians, international organizations and businesses. They also feature prominently in the public conscience and in governmental policies.

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Security Terrorism Cybercrime
Details
AI Materials (Coursera) Coursera
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology - KAIST

AI Materials (Coursera)

CS: Design & Product

Learn about the materials that have advanced the performance of artificial intelligence, and the machine learning models that could help accelerate the design and development of novel materials. This course defines artificial intelligence (AI) as a machine to which some or all of the functions of the human brain have been delegated. It highlights the need, and explains in an easy-to-understand way how machine learning from artificial intelligence can dramatically accelerate the development of new materials.

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning AI
Details
Machine Teaching for Autonomous AI (Coursera) Coursera
University of Washington

Machine Teaching for Autonomous AI (Coursera)

Engineering

Just as teachers help students gain new skills, the same is true of artificial intelligence (AI). Machine learning algorithms can adapt and change, much like the learning process itself. Using the machine teaching paradigm, a subject matter expert (SME) can teach AI to improve and optimize a variety of systems and processes. The result is an autonomous AI system.

Nov 2nd 2026
4 Weeks
Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Neural Networks
Details
Introduction to Network Security (Coursera) Coursera
University of London,Royal Holloway, University of London

Introduction to Network Security (Coursera)

Security & Networking

The security of computer networks is a key element in cyber security. Computer networking provides the foundational connectivity services that are used for the world wide web, distributed computer applications and services, operations and manufacturing, and national infrastructure. This course provides understanding of key technologies used in computer networks and infrastructure. This includes protocols, computer networks, data centres, operational technologies that form key infrastructure critical to the success of organisations and services from a local to an international scale.

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Security Cybersecurity Internet Protocol
Details
Code Free Data Science (Coursera) Coursera
University of California, San Diego

Code Free Data Science (Coursera)

Data Science

The Code Free Data Science class is designed for learners seeking to gain or expand their knowledge in the area of Data Science. Participants will receive the basic training in effective predictive analytic approaches accompanying the growing discipline of Data Science without any programming requirements. Machine Learning methods will be presented by utilizing the KNIME Analytics Platform to discover patterns and relationships in data.

Oct 26th 2026
4 Weeks
Machine Learning Big Data Data Science
Details
Introduction to Cloud Computing (Coursera) Coursera
IBM

Introduction to Cloud Computing (Coursera)

CS: Information & Technology

Start your cloud computing journey with this self-paced introductory course! Whether you need general cloud computing knowledge for school or business, or you are considering a career change, this beginner-friendly course is right for you. In this course you’ll learn about essential characteristics of cloud computing and emerging technologies supported by cloud. You’ll explore cloud service models, including Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), and Public, Private, and Hybrid deployment models.

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks
SaaS Cloud Computing Cloud Services
Details
Moving to the Cloud (Coursera) Coursera
University of Melbourne

Moving to the Cloud (Coursera)

Management & Leadership Business

The cloud is taking business by storm. In fact, due to the extraordinary growth of the cloud, it has been described as a tornado, not a fluffy white floating object! Commercial research analysts consider cloud as one of the most significant trends with a potential to change the whole global IT industry. Governments, including those in the US, Britain, and Australia, have cloud-first policies now in place which mandate cloud over non-cloud services in ICT procurement.

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Management Cloud Communication
Details
Cloud Computing Security (Coursera) Coursera
University of Colorado System

Cloud Computing Security (Coursera)

Security & Networking

In this MOOC, we will learn Cloud Computing basics using AWS as an example, We will guide you to create AWS account, planning AWS resources for your cloud systems, create AWS EC2 instances, access them and configure the popular LAMP web services with MySQL database. We will guide you to create user accounts for your programmer or operators using AWS Identify and Access management GUI, Register your domain name and setup DNS entry for your servers using AWS Route 53 in 22 mintues! and show you how to use AWS Command Line interface to create and managing instances and services programmatically.

Nov 2nd 2026
4 Weeks
Security Cloud Computing Network Security
Details