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Syllabus

Course Information

  • Course Title: Advanced Cloud Computing
  • Course Number: CSYE 7125
  • Course Section: 1
  • CRN: 53391
  • Term and Year: Summer 2025
  • Credit Hour: 4
  • Classroom: Ryder Hall, Room 157
  • Lecture Time: Thursday at 06:00 PM EDT

Instructor Information

Teaching Assistant

Communication

Email

Assignment related questions must be posted in Canvas. Send all email correspondence to t.parikh@northeastern.edu. When you send me an email, please be sure to:

  • Send me emails from your NEU email address ONLY (note that emails send from non-NEU email addresses may be detected as spam and will not be received or answered!)
  • Type "CSYE 7125" in the subject line.
  • Type your full name and NEU ID in the message in ENGLISH.

Emails will usually be answered within 24 hours. Responses may be delayed over the weekend or holidays.

Course Description

Microservices, containers, and container orchestration have fundamentally changed how distributed systems are developed. This course covers a collection of repeatable, generic software design patterns such as Sidecar pattern, Ambassador pattern, Adapter pattern, Event-Driven, Stream & Batch Processing, Containers & Container Orchestration, Replication, Partitioning, Transactions, Consistency, and Consensus to help make the development of reliable distributed systems more approachable and efficient. You will learn the common language and framework these patterns provide. We will try to find useful ways of thinking about distributed systems and just how they work, but also why they work, and what questions we need to ask. After the course, you will be in a great position to decide which kind of technology is appropriate for which purpose and understand how these patterns can be combined to form the foundation of good application architecture. The lectures and assignments aim to help you build skills to develop applications for hybrid cloud and run existing monolithic applications side by side with microservices without a complete rewrite.

Course Prerequisite(s)

  • Graduate level CSYE 6225 Minimum Grade of B

Topics Covered

  • Hybrid Cloud Computing
  • Hybrid Cloud Connectivity & VPC Peering
  • Linux containers
  • Container Orchestration w/Kubernetes
  • Version Control with Git
  • Computer Networking for multi-cloud connectivity
  • Microservices Architecture, Service Discovery, Load Balancers
  • Identity & Access Management
  • Infrastructure as Code w/Ansible
  • Continuous Integration, and Continuous Deployment w/Jenkins
  • Logging with Elasticsearch, Fluentd, and Kibana
  • Metrics with Prometheus, and Grafana
  • Auto-scaling Applications and Infrastructure
  • Sidecar pattern, Ambassador pattern, and Adapter pattern
  • Securing cloud applications and infrastructure
  • Extending Kubernetes w/Operators written in Go

Student Learning/Course Outcomes (SLOs)

  • Understand the difference between public, private, and hybrid cloud and be able to pick the right architecture for your computing environment needs.
  • Learn advanced cloud computing topics such as DNS, service discovery, load balancing, auto-scaling infrastructure, auto-scaling applications, metrics, monitoring, health checks, and logging.
  • Gain hands-on experience with Linux containers and container orchestration.
  • Learn to set up secure hybrid cloud environments with Infrastructure as Code concepts.
  • Hands-on experience with architecture patterns to aid migration of monolithic applications to the cloud.
  • Learn to architect and build microservices using concepts such as polyglot programming, polyglot persistence, scalability, reliability, and operational visibility.
  • Learn to implement GitOps, continuous integration, and continuous deployment for applications.
  • Understand the challenges of running distributed systems in the cloud and deploying them for high availability and high reliability.
  • Learn to extend Kubernetes with Operators.
  • Utilize the course content to select technologies you wish to use in your work or company.

Technical/Course Materials Requirements

There are no required textbooks for this course. However, you might find books and reading material listed in lectures helpful in mastering the topics covered in this course. Many of these books are available to you free of charge via Northeastern University's Safari Learning Platform (O'Reilly) subscription. Students are solely responsible for cost to acquire tools listed below. Northeastern University, College of Engineering, and the instructor will not be responsible for any charges incurred. Signups with cloud service providers might require a valid credit or debit card even for free tiers.

  • Go
    • The Little Go Book
    • The Go Programming Language
  • Kubernetes / OpenShift
    • Kubernetes in Action (ISBN: 9781617293726)
    • OpenShift in Action (ISBN: 9781617294839)
  • Distributed Systems
    • Designing Distributed Systems (ISBN: 9781491983645). Download ebook from here.
    • Designing Data-Intensive Applications (ISBN: 9781449373320)
  • Containers / Docker
    • Docker: Up & Running (ISBN: 9781491917572)
    • Docker in Action (ISBN: 9781633430235)
    • Docker in Practice (ISBN: 9781617294808)
  • Git
    • Pro Git (ISBN: 9781484200773)
  • Cloud Computing
    • Cloud Computing: Concepts, Technology & Architecture (ISBN: 9780133387520)
    • Google Cloud Platform in Action (ISBN: 9781617293528)
    • Amazon Web Services in Action (ISBN: 9781617292880)
  • DevOps / SRE
    • Site Reliability Engineering: How Google Runs Production Systems (ISBN: 9781491929124). This book is also available online for free on Google’s site.
    • The Phoenix Project (ISBN: 9780988262508)
    • The DevOps Handbook: How to Create World-Class Agility, Reliability, and Security in Technology Organizations (ISBN: 9781942788003)
  • Linux
    • UNIX and Linux System Administration Handbook (ISBN: 9780131480056)
    • The Linux Command Line (ISBN: 9781593273897)
    • Linux Documentation

Assignments

Students will be assigned assignments at the end of the lecture. Assignment due dates will be posted with each assignment. Given that an assignment is due every week, if you fall behind on an assignment, it will be extremely difficult to catch up as the next assignment depends on it.

Assignment Grading

  • TA will grade the course assignment. The assignment page will provide a link to the document to find the assigned TA.
  • Students will book an appointment with their assigned TA in the Canvas calendar.
  • While Canvas allows you to cancel appointments at any time, cancellations of appointments less than 24 hours away may incur a penalty of 5% for the assignment.
  • TA will time box demos to the appointment period (15-60 mins). It may be assumed that the student did not meet all assignment objectives if the assignment demo cannot be finished in the allocated time. I would recommend showing up a bit early for the grading appointments and getting the laptop setup and ready for the demo.
  • It is not appropriate to use demo time to debug/diagnose/fix issues in assignments. Deadline has already passed, and fixes applied during the demo will not help with grading.
  • TA will provide you feedback on the demo and list any assignment objectives that you may have missed. You are expected to meet them in the next assignment.

Grading & Evaluation Standards

Grading will be based on the absolute grading system. In this grading system, a range of point values is assigned to a letter grade. The grading is absolute, irrespective of the grade of other students in the class. I do not round scores to the closest percentage.

Grading Scheme

Letter Grade Range
A 100% to 95.0%
A- < 95.0% to 90.0%
B+ < 90.0% to 87.0%
B < 87.0% to 84.0%
B- < 84.0% to 80.0%
C+ < 80.0% to 77.0%
C < 77.0% to 74.0%
C- < 74.0% to 70.0%
F < 70.0% to 00.0%

Grade Breakdown

Grades Percentage
Project Milestones 40%
Presentation / Project Demo 20%
Quizzes 40%

Incomplete Grades

An incomplete grade may be reported by the instructor when a student has failed to complete a major component of a required course, such as homework, a quiz or final examination, a term paper, or a laboratory project. Students may make up an incomplete grade by satisfying the requirements of the instructor. Be aware that instructors’ policies on the granting of incomplete grades may vary and that the final decision on an incomplete grade is up to the instructor. Instructors may deny requests for an incomplete grade. If the missing assignment(s) have not been submitted to the instructor within 30 days from the end of the term in which the course was offered, or the agreed upon due date, the grade entered will reflect the student’s grade in the course for the work completed and the missing assignments receiving no credit toward the final grade.

Attendance/Late Work Policy

Attendance Policy

In each term, students enrolled in on-ground sections are expected to be on campus and attending class beginning with the first day of classes. Students in online sections are expected to log in and participate in class beginning with the first day of classes. Students who join a class after the first day of class during the university add period, or who are approved for late registration by the instructor and the Graduate School of Engineering, are responsible for all coursework missed prior to enrolling. In the interest of students’ success, the college does not support the arrival of students to class after the university add deadline. Enrolled students who do not attend class during the first week of a semester risk being dropped from the course.

In cases where an enrolled student cannot arrive to campus by the first day of class due to circumstances beyond their control, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor for approval and notify the Graduate School of Engineering.

Students registered in MGEN courses (INFO, CSYE, and DAMG) are allowed a maximum of 2 absences per course, with 3 or more absences resulting in an ‘F’ for that course. Course instructors are not expected to make accommodations and students are expected to inform their instructors of any absences in advance of the class. Should a student anticipate being unable to attend 3 or more classes, they should discuss their situation with their Academic Advisor to explore other types of leave and accommodations in accordance with the University’s academic and global entry expectations. Students may be asked to share communications about class absences with their Academic Advisor. If a student is sick long-term or experiences a medical issue that prevents class attendance, it is strongly encouraged that they speak with their Academic Advisor (coe-gradadvising@northeastern.edu) to learn more about the Medical Leave of Absence. International students should review the Office of Global Services webpage to understand their visa compliance requirements.

Teaching Assistants (TAs) or Instructional Assistants (IAs) will be present at each class to collect student attendance.

Late Work Policy

Students must submit assignments by the deadline in the time zone noted in the syllabus. Students must communicate with the faculty prior to the deadline if they anticipate work will be submitted late. Work submitted late without prior communication with faculty will not be graded.

Course Evaluations

Student feedback on their learning experience is valuable and helps improve future courses. We encourage all students to complete the course evaluation surveys when they become available.

Surveys are distributed at both the midterm mark and the end of the term via email and are completely anonymous and confidential. Any questions about the surveys can be directed to mgen-programs@coe.northeastern.edu

MGEN Student Feedback

Students who would like to provide the MGEN unit with anonymous feedback on this particular course, Teaching Assistants, Instructional Assistants, professors, or to provide general feedback regarding their program, may do so using this survey: https://neu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cTIAbH7ZRaaw0Ki

Academic Integrity

A commitment to the principles of academic integrity is essential to the mission of Northeastern University. The promotion of independent and original scholarship ensures that students derive the most from their educational experience and their pursuit of knowledge. Academic dishonesty violates the most fundamental values of an intellectual community and undermines the achievements of the entire University.

As members of the academic community, students must become familiar with their rights and responsibilities. In each course, they are responsible for knowing the requirements and restrictions regarding research and writing, examinations of whatever kind, collaborative work, the use of study aids, the appropriateness of assistance, and other issues. Students are responsible for learning the conventions of documentation and acknowledgment of sources in their fields. Northeastern University expects students to complete all examinations, tests, papers, creative projects, and assignments of any kind according to the highest ethical standards, as set forth either explicitly or implicitly in this Code or by the direction of instructors.

The following is a broad overview, but not an all-encompassing definition, of what constitutes a violation of academic integrity:

Cheating: The University defines cheating as using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise. When completing any academic assignment, a student shall rely on their own mastery of the subject.

Fabrication: The University defines fabrication as falsification, misrepresentation, or invention of any information, data, or citation in an academic exercise.

Plagiarism: The University defines plagiarism as using as one’s own the words, ideas, data, code, or other original academic material of another without providing proper citation or attribution. Plagiarism can apply to any assignment, either final or drafted copies, and it can occur either accidentally or deliberately. Claiming that one has “forgotten” to document ideas or material taken from another source does not exempt one from plagiarizing.

Unauthorized Collaboration: The University defines unauthorized collaboration as instances when students submit individual academic works that are substantially similar to one another. While several students may have the same source material, any analysis, interpretation, or reporting of data required by an assignment must be each individual’s independent work unless the instructor has explicitly granted permission for group work.

Participation in Academically Dishonest Activities: The University defines participation in academically dishonest activities as any action taken by a student with the intention of gaining an unfair advantage over other students.

Facilitating Academic Dishonesty: The University defines facilitating academic dishonesty as intentionally or knowingly helping or contributing to the violation of any provision of this policy.

Please visit https://osccr.sites.northeastern.edu/academic-integrity-policy/ to access the full academic integrity policy.

Academic integrity violation will result in an automatic F grade in the course. You may also be referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution for further disciplinary action.

University Health and Counseling Services

As a student enrolled in this course, you are fully responsible for assignments, work, and course materials as outlined in this syllabus and in the classroom. Over the course of the semester if you experience any health issues, please contact UHCS.

For more information, visit https://www.northeastern.edu/uhcs.

Student Accommodations/Disability Access Services (DAS)

Northeastern University and Disability Access Services (DAS) are committed to providing disability services that enable students who qualify under Section 504 of the REHABILITATION ACT and THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT AMENDMENTS ACT (ADAAA) to participate fully in the activities of the university. To receive accommodations through DAS, students must provide documentation of a disability that demonstrates a current substantial limitation. Accommodations are approved based on a review of the information that is submitted and reviews are done on a case-by-case basis.

If the course is conducted in an on-ground (in-person) format, students are expected to attend class physically as scheduled. Professors are not required to provide virtual attendance links unless a student has documented accommodation approved by the Disability Access Services (DAS) office and their Academic Advisor. If a student requires accommodation for remote participation, they must

submit a formal request through the Disability Office and coordinate with their Academic Advisor prior to the course start date. For more information, visit https://disabilityaccessservices.sites.northeastern.edu/

Office of Global Services

As an F-1, J-1, or Study Permit student, you must meet certain obligations in order to maintain lawful nonimmigrant status. Maintaining status is necessary in order to retain eligibility for the benefits of F-1 or J-1 status, such as employment authorization and program extension, and can be crucial to a successful application for a change or adjustment of nonimmigrant status in the future. Failure to maintain your nonimmigrant status can result in serious problems with immigration and could lead to deportation from the U.S. or Canada.

Students must maintain on-ground presence throughout the academic term. At Northeastern, there are four different defined instructional methods: Traditional, Hybrid, Live Cast, and Online. Traditional, Hybrid, and Live Cast courses meet the Visas’ on-ground presence requirements. Online courses do not meet the Visas’ on-ground presence requirements.

Students enrolled in Summer courses should adhere to OGS guidelines on maintaining status during the Summer term.

For more information please visit, https://international.northeastern.edu/ogs/current-students/understanding-visa-requirements/guidelines-on-maintaining-status/

Library Services

The Northeastern University Library is at the hub of campus intellectual life. Resources include over 900,000 print volumes, 206,500 e-books, and 70,225 electronic journals.

For more information and for education specific resources, visit https://library.northeastern.edu

Network Campus Library Services: Northeastern University Library Global Campus Portals

24/7 Canvas Technical Help

For immediate technical support for Canvas, call 617-373-4357 or email help@northeastern.edu

Canvas Student Resources: https://canvas.northeastern.edu/student-resources/

For assistance with my Northeastern e-mail, and basic technical support:

  • Visit ITS at https://its.northeastern.edu
  • Email: help@northeastern.edu
  • ITS Customer Service Desk: 617-373-4357

Outreach, Engagement, Belonging

Northeastern University is committed to fostering a community of belonging, which is essential to the advancement of Northeastern University’s mission of teaching and research. Our university is stronger as a result of the varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that all members of our global community bring to the pursuit of knowledge. Embracing this pluralism is not the work of one office, department, or academic unit. It is a shared responsibility that spans disciplines and boundaries. By harnessing the power of our differences, we will continue to light the path to bold new ideas and life-changing discoveries.

It is my intention that students from all backgrounds and perspectives will be well served by this course, and that the diverse experiences that students bring to this class will be viewed as an asset. I welcome individuals of all ages, backgrounds, beliefs, ethnicities, genders, gender identities, gender expressions, national origins, religious affiliations, sexual orientations, socioeconomic background, family education level, ability – and other visible and nonvisible differences. All members of this class are expected to contribute to a respectful, welcoming and belonging environment for every other member of the class. Your suggestions are encouraged and appreciated. Please visit Belonging at Northeastern – Northeastern Provost for complete information.

Title IX

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects individuals from sex or gender‐based discrimination, including discrimination based on gender‐identity, in educational programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. Northeastern’s Title IX Policy prohibits Prohibited Offenses, which are defined as sexual harassment, sexual assault, relationship or domestic violence, and stalking. The Title IX Policy applies to the entire community, including male, female, transgender students, faculty and staff. In case of an emergency, please call 911.

The Office for University Equity and Compliance (OUEC) leads Northeastern University’s efforts in maintaining compliance with all federal, state, and provincial civil rights laws and prohibits discrimination within any of its programs, activities, and services. Please visit https://ouec.northeastern.edu/ for more information and for the link to file a report.