Welcome to AWS Cloud Foundations

Photo of your instructor

I’m happy to have you in my class. This course will help prepare you for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam. This is a foundational course and will introduce you to the basics of cloud computing and the most used AWS services. At the end of this course you will have the opportunity to receive a free practice exam voucher and a discount voucher for the actual Cloud Practitioner certification exam.

This class is delivered in a Online format. The class does not meet at scheduled times.

Course Information

Course: CLD110 AWS Cloud Foundations
Section: 23696
Term: Fall 2025
Credits: 3
Course Requisite(s): none
Prerequisites: none
Days: na
Time: na
Start Date: 20 October 2025
End Date: 19 December 2025
Instruction Mode: Online

Important Dates

Withdrawal with Refund: 27 October 2025
Withdrawal without Instructor Permission (no refund): 14 November 2025

Instructional Contact Hours

This is a three (3) credit-hour lecture/lab course. There are no scheduled meeting times for this class.

Minimum Expectation for Hours Spent on Out-of-Class to Complete Coursework

Plan to spend at least 2.5 hours on homework weekly. Accelerated courses will require additional time per week.

Required Texts, Materials and Technologies

All material needed for this class is provided online by Amazon Web Services at no cost to you. You do not need to purchase a textbook or access code.

Third-Party Learning Tools

AWS Canvas LMS

All the class material such as videos, quizzes, and labs will be on the AWS LMS (Learning Management System). The AWS Canvas is separate from MCC’s Canvas and the grades are not automatically transferred. Your grades in MCC’s Canvas will not be updated until I manually export them from AWS and import them into MCC’s grade book. This will happen two or three times a week. Don’t Panic! The most current grade for a quiz or lab is always visible in the AWS Canvas LMS.

Zoom Video Conferencing

I use Zoom to hold Live Online classes and many class sessions are recorded so you can review them later. You can access each Zoom class session from a link in Canvas. If you are new to video conferencing you can join a test meeting and test your audio and video.

About Your Instructor

I’m passionate about helping students develop the skills needed for today’s technology careers.

As an AWS Academy Educator, I teach the official AWS curriculum that prepares students for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam.

I also serve as a Red Hat Academy Instructor and Quality Matters Peer Reviewer, and hold credentials from the MIT Sloan School of Management, the University at Buffalo, and Purdue University, where I earned a Certificate in Generative AI-demonstrating my commitment to staying current with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

How to Contact Me

Instructor: Dennis Kibbe
Email: dennis.kibbe@mesacc.edu
Teleconferencing: Request a Zoom meeting
Office Location: BA 40 Room: BA 025
Office Hours: My office hours are posted on my contact page. I’m available in person or by Zoom.
Phone: (480) 461-7246

Course Schedule

Week 1 (20 October)

  • Module 0: Welcome and Course Overview

  • Module 1: Cloud Concepts Overview

  • Certification Resources

Week 2 (27 October)

  • Module 2: Cloud Economics and Billing

  • Module 3: AWS Global Infrastructure Overview

Week 3 (3 November)

  • Module 4: AWS Cloud Security

  • Module 5: Networking and Content Delivery

Week 4 (10 November)

  • Module 6: Compute

  • Module 7: Storage

Week 5 (17 November)

  • Module 8: Databases

Week 6 (24 November)

  • Module 9: Cloud Architecture

Week 7 (1 December)

  • Module 10: Auto Scaling and Monitoring

Week 8 (8 December)

  • Course Assessment (You must score 70% or higher to receive a badge of completion from AWS.)

Grading Standards and Practices

Letter Grades

Your final letter grade will be determined by the point value of work completed.

IMPORTANT:

Grade

Percent

A

90-100%

B

80-89%

C

70-79%

D

60-69%

F

0-59%

How Lab and Quiz Assignments are Graded

All assignments and textbook material are provided by AWS (Amazon Web Services) and you complete all assignments on their version of Canvas. Your grades will show up in their gradebook first and in MCC’S Canvas only after I manually import them. AWS does not allow me to add due dates to their site. You will find due dates for all assignments in MCC’s Canvas.

Late Assignments

In this class we cover a lot of material in the short eight weeks we have together. It’s important that you set aside time each week to read the textbook and work on the labs. Studies show that short study sessions spread out over several days are more effective and less stressful than cramming at the last minute. Follow the tips in the The Study Cycle video on how to improve your study habits.

All lab assignments have a due date along with instructions for what to submit. You should turn assignments in by the due date. If you do not submit an assignment on time you can still turn it in within seven days of the due date without losing points. However, after that date assignments are locked and you will not receive credit for any unsubmitted assignments. Allow yourself plenty of time to complete assignments and make it a habit to submit them by the due date!

Warning If you fail to turn in two consecutive lab assignments you are in danger of being dropped from the class.

Attendance Policy

Active participation and engagement is important in the learning process. The knowledge and skills to be gained in this course are dependent on attending and participating in class.

In-Person/Live Online: Therefore, attendance and participation are required to be successful. Students who must be absent because of an emergency or illness should make every effort to speak with the instructor about it beforehand, if possible, or after the next class.

Hybrid: Therefore, attendance and active participation are essential for a successful academic experience. Students should attend all scheduled class meetings, commit to time outside of class for other required assignments, and notify the instructor of planned absences; missed assignments translate to absences.

Online On Your Own Time: Therefore, engagement in course activities and submitting assignments provides instructors the opportunity to provide feedback that guides learning. Attendance will be measured by consistent assignment submissions. Students who cannot complete assignments in Canvas by scheduled due dates should reach out to the instructor. Missed assignments translate to absences and missing two due dates in a row may result in withdrawal from the course.

If you stop attending class after the 45th day of the semester, I may award a grade of W, Y, or F depending on your status in the class up until the day you stopped attending. Please discuss any desires to withdraw from the class with me so together we can decide on the best course of action. For more information see For more information see Administrative Regulation 2.3.6 and Appendix S-7.

Excused Absences

MCC’s policies excuse absences due to college sanctioned events, death of an immediate family member, jury duty, subpoenas, short-term military service, or religious holidays. Signed absence verification forms or accommodation forms are required prior to absence. See https://district.maricopa.edu/regulations/admin-regs/section-2/2-3#2

Faculty Regular and Substantive Interaction Practice

In response to the US Department of Education’s requirement for regular and substantive interaction (RSI) for online courses, you can expect the following interactions in Canvas. Your instructor will:

  • Monitor your academic engagement and success and will contact you regarding your progress via the Canvas Inbox.

  • Regularly provide explanations, examples, or additional course content using Canvas tools to support your learning.

  • Provide detailed and personalized feedback via the Canvas gradebook on your assignments in a timely manner.

  • Respond to student questions via the Canvas Inbox within 24 hours with the exception of weekends and holidays.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence will influence every career path, and we have the opportunity to shape its development through thoughtful engagement. In this course, I encourage you to explore and experiment with AI creatively, while keeping a few key principles in mind.

AI is a valuable learning tool—it can help answer questions, clarify concepts, and suggest resources for deeper study. However, it is not a substitute for human interaction, effort, or critical thinking. You are expected to use AI responsibly to support your learning, not to replace it.

Misuse of AI—such as copying answers, submitting work you do not understand, or relying on AI to complete assignments—is considered academic dishonesty. Such actions may result in loss of credit or disciplinary action under college policy.

By remaining in this course, you agree to use generative AI ethically and responsibly—to enhance your learning and demonstrate your own understanding and critical thinking.

Classroom Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

https://district.maricopa.edu/mandatory-drs-title-ix-syllabus-statements (Administrative Policy) https://district.maricopa.edu/regulations/admin-regs/section-2/2-8 (Eligibility for Accommodations & Required Documentation) Southern & Dobson: (480) 461-7447 Red Mountain: (480) 654-7771 Email: mailto:drsfrontdesk@mesacc.edu (drsfrontdesk@mesacc.edu)

Please request your accommodations through the MCC Disabilities Resources and Services Office.

Academic Integrity and Conduct

Learning requires honesty, responsibility, and professional behavior. It is college policy to respond to academic misconduct and dishonesty whether it was committed intentionally or not.

Tuition Charges and Refund

Please see the Course Details section of this syllabus for the refund dates of this course:

Addressing Incidents of Title IX Sexual Harassment

https://district.maricopa.edu/mandatory-drs-title-ix-syllabus-statements (Addressing incidents of Title IX sexual harassment)

Helpful Resources for Students

If students need support with academic or basic needs at MCC, such as tutoring and transportation issues, there are resources available. MCC has compiled a list of them, which can be found in the https://www.mesacc.edu/get-help (Student Resource Referral Guide)

MCC Cares

Mesa Community College is committed to providing a personal education for each of our students, and the Care Team is a key part of this vision. When parents, faculty, or staff members are concerned about the physical, emotional, academic or personal health of a college student, the Care Team can assess the situation, offer support, and provide referrals to the breadth of resources on-campus. https://www.mesacc.edu/employees/student-affairs/care-team.

Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Student

It is the student’s responsibility to understand the policies listed in this syllabus as these are the guidelines that the instructor will follow for grading, attendance, etc. It is also every student’s responsibility to read and understand the college policies included in the college catalog and/or student handbook as they may apply in the case of an incomplete grade or withdrawal. In addition to this syllabus, all students should be aware of the district Administrative Regulations that articulate student rights and responsibilities.

Changes in the Syllabus or Course Policies

Syllabus policies and course schedule are subject to change to accommodate the needs of the course, by agreement between instructor and all students, or as needed by administration. Students will be notified of any changes in schedule, requirements or policies. Students are responsible for knowing and complying with syllabus information and all college catalog and student handbook policies. Continued enrollment is acceptance of this responsibility.

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