Welcome to 4CPS501B Cloud Computing, the second half of the Distributed Computing course. This intensive block moves from the distributed-systems foundation established in Part A to the use of programmable, elastic and service-oriented cloud platforms.
Across four weeks, you will examine the defining principles and service layers of cloud computing; analyse AWS capabilities, cost and reliability; study a Google Cloud deployment case; and design event-driven serverless solutions using AWS Lambda. The emphasis is on defensible architectural choices, safe deployment practice, cost awareness, and evidence that a cloud solution works.
The block is demanding: five contact hours each week, guided reading before class, short technical exercises, two controlled tests, and a group practical completed by teams of five. You are expected to arrive prepared, contribute verifiable work, and explain all design and implementation choices.