Full disclosure: This is a brand new class!
I am teaching this class for the first time during the Spring 2025 quarter. Given that this is a new product, I expect to make lots of changes as we progress. The topics, level of depth, and assignment structure will be informed by your progress in the class and regular feedback which I will solicit via a series of (very) short surveys. This means you should expect variability and a somewhat different experience to the well-oiled machine that was Cloud Computing last quarter :-).
The class is made up of roughly three parts. The first part focuses on preparing an application for production operations and automating deployment of the application and its runtime infrastructure. The second part introduces security considerations and adds monitoring to the runtime environment. The third part explores ways to address some of the challenges faced by applications that deal with streaming data.
Unlike the introductory Cloud Computing course, participation/engagement during class discussion is required. You are expected to attend all classes and be prepared to contribute to the discussion of that week's topic(s).
Coursework
This course is structured around larger assignments that incorporate both design and programming components, and typically require substantial supplementary reading/research in addition to programming.
Prerequisites
This course requires that you have successfully completed the introductory Cloud Computing course (MPCS 51083) , and have familiarity with shell scripting and data serialization/declarative languages such as YAML and JSON. No application-specific knowledge is assumed; we will provide introductory readings for each topic, but those with experience in the application areas covered may find the material easier to understand.
Grading and Guides
Assignments and Grading
Due dates and important information on the grading scheme used in this class.
Resources
The Canvas site for this course is here .
The Canvas site contains submission links for homework assignments . All online discussion happens in Ed Discussion (accessible via Canvas). Before posting a question make sure you read this important information.
We also use a question "parking lot" .
As you watch the videos capture your questions here for discussion during class. You can also upvote questions added by other students. It's all anonymous so please don't hold back!
All other class content is on our shared Google Drive .
On Google Drive you will find lecture slides, assignment specifications, additional readings, and class exercises. You must be authenticated with your CNetID@uchicago.edu account to access these files; using any other Google account will not work.
Our Safe Learning Environment
The University and its faculty are committed to creating a safer and more inclusive learning environment for all students. At the University, all faculty, staff, graduate student instructors, and teaching assistants are considered “Individuals with Reporting Responsibilities” and are required to let the University’s Title IX Coordinator know about any disclosures they receive from students, faculty, staff, other academic appointees, or postdoctoral researchers about experiences of sexual misconduct (including sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and sexual harassment). This includes disclosures of experiences that happened before their time at the University. This is to ensure that all community members who have experienced sexual misconduct receive support, options, and information about their rights and resources. Community members are not obligated to respond to this outreach, and this will not generate a report to law enforcement.
For more information, please see this handout for students as well as the University’s Policy on Harassment, Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct and Policy on Title IX Sexual Harassment. You can also reach out directly for services and support from UChicago CARES by emailing titleix@uchicago.edu. If you, or another community member you know, wishes to speak to a confidential resource who does not have this reporting responsibility, please contact the Sexual Assault Dean on Call through the UChicago Safe App or at 773.834.HELP.