- Instructor
- Bryan Witkowski
- Telephone
- 608-246-6599
- Office Hours
- By appointment. Virtual office hours available by request for the Fall 2026 semester.
- Course #
- 10-152-110
- Credits
- 3
- Location
- Truax Main Bldg, Room E1871 (face-to-face)
- Dates / Times
- 08/31/2026 – 12/16/2026, 12:30 p.m. – 2:20 p.m.
- Online Mode
- Virtual using YouTube, Brightspace, WebEx, MS Teams
This course focuses on creating understanding of core AWS services, uses, and basic AWS architecture best practices. Students will also demonstrate proficiency in developing, deploying, and debugging cloud-based applications using AWS.
- Set up the AWS SDK and developer credentials for Java, C#/.NET, Python, and JavaScript. Interact with AWS services and develop solutions by using the AWS SDK.
- Use AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) for service authentication.
- Use Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3) and Amazon DynamoDB as data stores.
- Integrate applications and data by using AWS Lambda, Amazon API Gateway, Amazon Simple Queue Service (Amazon SQS), Amazon Simple Notification Service (Amazon SNS), and AWS Step Functions.
- Use Web Identity Framework and Amazon Cognito for user authentication.
- Leverage the CI/CD pipeline to deploy applications on AWS.
Various titles from O'Reilly for Higher Education. The books used throughout this course are available through O'Reilly for Higher Education. The Madison College library currently holds an O'Reilly for Higher Education account that students can access free of charge. On the library website there is a link to O'Reilly for Higher Education. If you are on the Madison College campus, the link will automatically log you in. Otherwise, you will need to provide your Madison College username and password.
An active AWS account is required to complete this course. To create an AWS account, a credit card / debit card is required.
There is no specific software required for this course. The software requirements depend on your environment choices. You will need an AWS account, which can be created here.
Attendance is the responsibility of the student. In case of absence, in-class work cannot be made up. Projects (i.e. programs) can still be turned in for credit. Refer to the college catalog for the “rule of attendance.” As an adult you may have other priorities than this class, but you need to keep focus on the projects so as not to fall behind. Your instructor is not responsible for withdrawing you from the course. If you choose to withdraw, you must initiate the proper action in the STEM Office. Missing an examination without notifying the instructor and without a satisfactory excuse will result in an automatic zero on the examination.
Plagiarism and cheating are serious offenses and may be punished by failure on a project, test, or assignment; failure in the course; and/or expulsion from the college. For more information refer to the Student Code of Conduct policy in the student catalog.
Grades are based on the following assignments:
| Assignment | Points | % of Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Labs (10 @ 5 points each) | 50 | 16.6% |
| Quizzes (10 @ 5 points each) | 50 | 16.6% |
| Projects (4 @ 50 points each) | 200 | 33.3% |
| Exams (2 @ 50 points each) | 100 | 33.3% |
| Total | 400 | 100% |
Grading Calculations
| Letter Grade | Percentage |
|---|---|
| A | 92–100 |
| AB | 88–91.99 |
| B | 82–87.99 |
| BC | 78–81.99 |
| C | 70–77.99 |
| D | 60–69.99 |
| F | 0–59.99 |
| Week | Material |
|---|---|
| 1 | Course Intro. Environment Overview. Signing up for AWS |
| 2 | AWS CLI - Part 1 (Windows) |
| 3 | AWS CLI - Part 2 (UNIX/Linux) |
| 4 | AWS Identity and Access Management |
| 5 | Developing Storage Solutions with Amazon S3 |
| 6 | NoSQL Solutions with Amazon DynamoDB |
| 7 | AWS Lambda |
| 8 | Midterm Exam |
| 9 | Amazon API Gateway - Part 1 |
| 10 | Amazon API Gateway - Part 2 |
| 11 | EC2 - Part 1 |
| 12 | EC2 - Part 2 |
| 13 | AWS Cognito |
| 14 | CI / CD |
| 15 | CodeCommit |
| 16 | Final Exam |
I may modify the syllabus or schedule with reasonable notice to you. Look for an announcement in Brightspace.
You can borrow laptop computers and Wi-Fi hot spots for the semester at no cost. Microsoft and antivirus software will be pre-loaded, and technology training and assistance is available for all currently registered students. Complete your equipment loan request online or call the Help Desk at 608-243-4444.
If a situation arises that prevents you from successfully completing this course, it is your responsibility to formally withdraw. You may withdraw from class until it is 90% complete. After that time, I am responsible for giving you a letter grade.
To withdraw, go to myMadisonCollege and click the “Classes” card. Then select “Drop Classes” from the left navigation. To calculate a possible refund, select the “What-If Refund Calculator.”
If you are considering withdrawing, please chat with me before actually dropping the class!
This class will be a safe and affirming learning space for each of you, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, citizen status, gender, sex, sexual orientation, parental status, religion, ability, or socioeconomic status. As an instructor, I pledge to respect you, including the use of preferred names and pronouns, and encourage open communication. You are welcome and encouraged to share any/all viewpoints relevant to course material, and respectful, relevant debate is encouraged, provided all materials for the day can still be covered.
Madison College welcomes students with disabilities into the College's educational programs. Every Madison College campus has Disability Resource Services available for students with disabilities. For further information, please visit Disability Resource Services, call 608-246-6716 (students who are deaf should use relay), or email DRStransition@madisoncollege.edu.
To receive consideration for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the Disability Resource Services office at the campus where you are officially enrolled. If approved, Disability Resource Services will provide you with an accommodation plan. Please share your accommodation plan with me and discuss your approved accommodations as early in the class as possible.
If you feel your accommodation needs are not being met, please inform me or Disability Resource Services as soon as possible.
As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, anxiety, high levels of stress, alcohol/drug concerns, feeling down, or loss of motivation. Learn about the free, confidential mental health services available on campus by calling 608-246-6076 or visiting Counseling Services. For after-hours mental health emergencies, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988), 911, Madison College Public Safety at 608-243-2222, the Center for Suicide Awareness (text “Connect” to 741741), or — for Dane County residents — Journey Mental Health Crisis Unit at 608-280-2600.
Many important Madison College policies and guidelines are found on the Madison College website. You are expected to be familiar with such policies and procedures, and are encouraged to review them as needed during your attendance.
Madison College provides a wide variety of services for you, including free counseling.