Course Title: Implement cloud infrastructure with code

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2025

Course Code: INTE5052C

Course Title: Implement cloud infrastructure with code

Important Information:

Please note that this course may include compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some or all teaching activities.

It is recommended that you check your Canvas course shell closer to the course start date for details about any mandatory in-person attendance requirements.

Please be aware that the course delivery method may need to change quickly in response to evolving course requirements. Students must maintain regular communication with their teachers to stay informed about any updates.

School: 520T Future Technologies

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5402 - Diploma of Information Technology

Course Contact: Tanya Unterberger

Course Contact Phone: +61399254612

Course Contact Email: tanya.unterberger@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 80

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

In this course you will gain the the skills and knowledge required to create and implement cloud infrastructure as code using cloud platform templates. This includes creating templates, then using the templates to create and update cloud infrastructure.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

ICTCLD505 Implement cloud infrastructure with code

Element:

1. Prepare to update cloud infrastructure as code

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Identify and review benefits of infrastructure as code according to business needs 1.2 Determine ways automation leverages cloud platforms according to business needs 1.3 Determine and assess potential issues and errors when implementing infrastructure as code 1.4 Evaluate and select infrastructure as code service compatible with selected cloud platform and business requirements

Element:

2. Deploy cloud infrastructure as code templates

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Learn template syntax of selected cloud infrastructure as code service2.2 Review pre-defined templates and determine what resources they create and any dependencies2.3 Utilise the cloud infrastructure as code service tools to deploy, update and delete resources using predefined templates as required2.4 Confirm deployments of cloud resources and configure resources using cloud platform console or command line tools2.5 Remove deployed resources using cloud infrastructure as code tools and delete templates as required2.6 Test and troubleshoot template errors as required

Element:

3. Develop and update infrastructure as code templates

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Learn template syntax of selected cloud infrastructure as code service3.2 Create and deploy template to provision a set of related cloud resources according to business needs3.3 Update and redeploy template to modify previously deployed resources and add new resources3.4 Confirm deployment of cloud resources and configure resources using the cloud platform console or command line tools3.5 Parameterise and deploy template to reuse configuration with a modified resource configuration3.6 Remove deployed resources using cloud infrastructure as code tools and delete templates as required3.7 Test and troubleshoot template errors

Element:

4. Finalise cloud infrastructure as code

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Create user documentation including cloud infrastructure as code templates4.2 Obtain final sign off from required personnel

Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course the candidate will demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit.


Details of Learning Activities

This may include self-paced and collaborative classroom activities such as:

  • Class exercises
  • Challenges
  • Problem solving
  • Project work
  • Quizzes

We expect you to participate and contribute in all scheduled learning activities as each week builds on the next.


Teaching Schedule

WeekDateTopicAssessment / Learning activities
Week 1 14-20 July Introduction to Infrastructure as Code - IaC

Assessment 1 overview

Introduction to the course

How to use AWS Canvas

How to complete lab exercises

Pathway to certification

Understanding IaC concepts and options, AWS stacks, CLI, SDK, CloudFormation

Downloading required software – PUTTY, Visual Studio Code or similar
Week 2 21-27 July Introduction to JSON

Understanding JSON

JSON syntax

JSON datatypes

JSON arrays

JSON objects

JSON validation
Week 3 28 July - 3 August Introduction to YAML

Understanding YAML

YAML syntax

YAML datatypes

YAML arrays

YAML objects

YAML validation

Converting YAML to JSON
Week 4 4-10 August Introduction to CloudFormation

Benefits of infrastructure as code according to the business needs

How automation leverages cloud platforms according to business needs

Techniques, methods and industry standard metrics used

Potential issues and errors when implementing infrastructure as code

Cloud automation tools

Provisioning infrastructure layers

Securing infrastructure deployment, storing sensitive data
Week 5 11-17 August Template anatomy

Attributes of an AWS CloudFormation template

Template parameters

How software development cycle relates to AWS CloudFormation template development

Basic steps for building and deploying a CloudFormation project
Week 6 18-24 August AWS Identity and Access Management

What is IAM?

Understanding how IAM works

Roles and permissions

Best practices

Administering IAM

IAM and CloudFormation
Week 7 25-31 August Introduction to Computing in AWS - EC2

Amazon EC2 Virtualizaion

Security Groups and Profiles

EC2 Autoscaling

Securing EC2 instances

Creating EC2 instances
1-7 September Mid-Semester Break
Week 8 8-14 September Introduction to Networking and Storage

Amazon VPC Components

VPC connectivity options

VPC templates

S3 buckets

Elastic Block Store

Templates for S3
Week 9 15-21 September Automation with CloudFormation

Knowledge Quiz 1 is due

Lab - Automation with CloudFormation
Week 10 22-28 September

Demonstrations

User testing

Assessment 1 submission

Mandatory class attendance

Testing workshop and demonstrations
Week 11 29 September - 5 October Configuring the AWS CLI

Assessment 2 overview

AWS CLI basics

Configuring AWS CLI

AWS CLI and CloudFormation
Week 12 6-12 October Troubleshoot CloudFormation Lab - Troubleshoot CloudFormation
Week 13 13-19 October Version control, CI/CD pipes

Git, CodeCommit, CodePipeline

Lab - Automating Infrastructure Deployment
Week 14 20-26 October Preparation for Assessment 2

Knowledge Quiz 2 is due

Lab - Automating Infrastructure Deployment (cont.)
Week 15 27 October- 2 November In class - Project Demonstrations

Assessment 2 submission

Mandatory class attendance

Testing workshop and project demonstrations
Week 16 3-9 November Re-submit if required Re-submit if required

*Please note that this timeline is subject to change based on semester requirements. We recommend checking your Canvas course shell regularly to stay updated with the latest schedule.

Student directed hours involve completing activities such as reading online resources, assignments, individual student/teacher course-related consultation. Students are required to self-study the learning materials and complete the assigned out of class activities for the scheduled non-teaching hours.


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

You will need laptop with charger for each class

  • Windows laptops we do recommend an i5 or better machine with a minimum of 4 GB of RAM.
  • Macs you will need a minimum of 8 GB of RAM

You may also refer to various media, websites, textbooks and e-books as indicated in Canvas such as

  • USB or external hard drive for backup
  • Text editor such as Visual Studio Code
  • PuTTY SSH and telnet client for Windows users


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises and various types of assessments.

Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.


Assessment Tasks

Performance Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, and to:

  • deploy, update and remove cloud infrastructure using cloud platform templates
  • create, run and update at least one own template required to deploy and modify cloud infrastructure.

In the course of the above, the candidate must:

  • use cloud management console, cloud software development kits or command line tools
  • create user documentation.

Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit. This includes knowledge of:

  • industry technology standards used in cloud computing solutions and services
  • industry standard hardware and software products, their general features, capabilities and application, including storage technology
  • benefits of deploying infrastructure as code compared to manual provisioning in a console
  • different infrastructure as code services that can be used on a cloud platform
  • syntax of selected infrastructure as code service templates
  • tooling required to execute cloud infrastructure templates
  • testing and debugging techniques, including common issues and errors relating to deploying cloud infrastructure as code
  • parameterisation of templates to support configuration and code reuse
  • industry standard practices to define infrastructure as code
  • uses and methods to create, manage, provision and update cloud resources and templates
  • techniques, methods and industry standard metrics used to leverage cloud platform capabilities and deploy and manage templates.

Assessment Conditions

Skills in this unit must be demonstrated in a workplace or simulated environment where the conditions are typical of those in a working environment in this industry.

This includes access to:

  • cloud vendor service provider
  • cloud vendor or 3rd party infrastructure as code service
  • specific requirements and industry standards, organisational procedures and legislative requirements, including business and functionality requirements, as required
  • information and data sources required to design and implement cloud infrastructure
  • integrated development environment (IDE)
  • internet and web browser
  • secure shell (SSH) or remote desktop protocol (RDP) client to connect to cloud-hosted instances
  • cloud management console, cloud software development kit or command line tools.

Feedback

Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions. You are encouraged to ask and answer questions during class time and online sessions so that you can obtain feedback on your understanding of the concepts and issues being discussed. Finally, you can email or arrange an appointment with your teacher to gain more feedback on your progress.

You should take note of all feedback received and use this information to improve your learning outcomes and final performance in the course.

Assessment Tasks

You will have two assessment tasks.

Practical Assessment Task 1

Summary and Purpose of Assessment

The purpose of this practical assessment is to assess your ability to deploy and edit cloud infrastructure as code templates.

There are 4 parts to this task, you will be required to complete:

Part 1: Prepare to update cloud infrastructure as code

Part 2: Deploy cloud infrastructure as code templates

Part 3: Edit predefined template

Part 4: Stack deletion

Practical Assessment Task 2

Summary and Purpose of Assessment

The purpose of this practical assessment is to assess your ability to create and implement cloud infrastructure as code using cloud platform templates.

There are 2 parts to this task, you will be required to complete:

Part 1: Develop and update infrastructure as code templates

Part 2: Finalise cloud infrastructure as code

For a given client brief, you will build, deploy and edit a CloudFormation project using the AWS CLI.


Assessment Matrix

Element

Performance criteria

Assessment

Task 1: Practical

Assessment

Task 2: Practical

1. Prepare to update cloud infrastructure as code

1.1 Identify and review benefits of infrastructure as code according to business needs

Part 1

1.2 Determine ways automation leverages cloud platforms according to business needs

Part 1

1.3 Determine and assess potential issues and errors when implementing infrastructure as code

Part 1

1.4 Evaluate and select infrastructure as code service compatible with selected cloud platform and business requirements

Part 1

2. Deploy cloud infrastructure as code templates

2.1 Learn template syntax of selected cloud infrastructure as code service

Part 2, Part 3

Part 1, Q4

2.2 Review pre-defined templates and determine what resources they create and any dependencies

Part 2

2.3 Utilise the cloud infrastructure as code service tools to deploy, update and delete resources using predefined templates as required

Part 2

2.4 Confirm deployments of cloud resources and configure resources using cloud platform console or command line tools

Part 2, Part 3

Part 1, Q4

2.5 Remove deployed resources using cloud infrastructure as code tools and delete templates as required

Part 4

2.6 Test and troubleshoot template errors as required

Part 3

Part 1, Q3

3. Develop and update infrastructure as code templates

3.1 Learn template syntax of selected cloud infrastructure as code service

Part 2, Part 3

Part 1, Q4

3.2 Create and deploy template to provision a set of related cloud resources according to business needs

Part 1, Q1, Q3, Q4

3.3 Update and redeploy template to modify previously deployed resources and add new resources

Part 1

3.4 Confirm deployment of cloud resources and configure resources using the cloud platform console or command line tools

Part 1, Q3, Q4

3.5 Parameterise and deploy template to reuse configuration with a modified resource configuration

Part 1, Q2

3.6 Remove deployed resources using cloud infrastructure as code tools and delete templates as required

Part 4

3.7 Test and troubleshoot template errors

Part 1, Q3

4. Finalise cloud infrastructure as code

4.1 Create user documentation including cloud infrastructure as code templates

Part 2

4.2 Obtain final sign off from required personnel

Part 2

Foundation Skills – This section is only completed when foundation are explicitly stated in the unit of competency. In most Training Packages the foundation skills are integrated into the unit of competency and this is clearly stated.

Foundation skill

Description

Describe how each foundation skill is demonstrated through the relevant assessment

Oral communication
  • Uses listening and questioning techniques to confirm requirements and articulate complex concepts and matters using relevant industry for intended audience

Oral communication demonstrated in:

  • AT2 Students consult with the client to confirm the requirements of the client brief.

Reading
  • Interprets complex technical and operational documentation to determine and confirm job requirements

Reading demonstrated in:

  • AT2 Students review a client brief, detailing the scope and objectives of the project.

Writing
  • Prepares user documentation detailing developed cloud infrastructure in a logical manner using required syntax and language

Writing demonstrated in:

  • AT1 Conducting research and responding to theoretical questions on IaC.
  • AT2 Students prepare user documentation

Problem solving
  • Uses a mix of intuitive and formal processes to identify key information and issues, evaluates alternative strategies, anticipates consequences and considers implementation issues and contingencies
  • Uses knowledge of context to address common problems in cloud computing applications and cloud-based environments

Problem solving demonstrated in:

  • AT1 Testing and troubleshooting template errors.
  • AT2 Creating template required to deploy and modify cloud infrastructure.
  • AT2 Testing and troubleshooting template errors.

Self-management
  • Demonstrates a sophisticated knowledge of principles, concepts, language and practices associated with cloud computing and the digital world and uses them to troubleshoot and understand the uses and potential of new technology

Self-management demonstrated in:

  • AT1 Testing and troubleshooting template errors.
  • AT2 Creating template required to deploy and modify cloud infrastructure.
  • AT2 Testing and troubleshooting template errors.

Performance Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, and to:

Assessment

Task 1: Practical

Assessment

Task 2: Practical
  • Deploy, update and remove cloud infrastructure using cloud platform templates

Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

Part 1
  • Create, run and update at least one own template required to deploy and modify cloud infrastructure.

Part 1
  • Use cloud management console, cloud software development kits or command line tools

Part 2, Part 3

Part 1
  • Create user documentation.

Part 2

Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit. This includes knowledge of:

Assessment

Task 1: Practical

Assessment

Task 2: Practical

Industry technology standards used in cloud computing solutions and services

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Part 1, Part 2, Q2, Q3, Q4

Industry standard hardware and software products, their general features, capabilities and application, including storage technology

Part 1, Part 2, Q1, Q2, Q5, Q6

Benefits of deploying infrastructure as code compared to manual provisioning in a console

Part 1

Different infrastructure as code services that can be used on a cloud platform

Part 1

Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4

Syntax of selected infrastructure as code service templates

Part 1, Part 3

Part 1, Q3

Tooling required to execute cloud infrastructure templates

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Part 1, Q4

Testing and debugging techniques, including common issues and errors relating to deploying cloud infrastructure as code

Part 3

Part 1, Q3

Parameterisation of templates to support configuration and code reuse

Part 1, Part 2, Q2

Industry standard practices to define infrastructure as code

Part 1, Part 2, part 3

Part 1, Part 2, Q3

Uses and methods to create, manage, provision and update cloud resources and templates

Part 1

Part 1, Part 2, Q3, Q4

Techniques, methods and industry standard metrics used to leverage cloud platform capabilities and deploy and manage templates.

Part 1

Other Information

Credit Transfer and/or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

You may be eligible for credit towards courses in your program if you have already met the learning/competency outcomes through previous learning and/or industry experience. To be eligible for credit towards a course, you must demonstrate that you have already completed learning and/or gained industry experience, that is:

• Relevant
• Current
• Satisfies the learning/competency outcomes of the course

To find more information about credit transfer and RPL, please refer to the following link: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/my-course/enrolment/apply-for-credit

Study and Learning Support:

RMIT University Library provides free study support services and resources to help you build your academic skills.

Study and Learning Centre (SLC) provides free learning and academic development advice to you. Services offered by SLC to support your numeracy and literacy skills are:

• Assignment writing, thesis writing and study skills advice
• Math and science developmental support and advice
• English language development

To find more information about Study and Learning Support, please refer to the following link: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-services/study-support

Equitable Learning Services (ELS):

The Equitable Learning Services team (ELS team) supports and creates equal opportunities for students with a disability, long-term illness and/or mental health condition. We also support primary carers.

ELS works in partnership with students to create an Equitable Learning Plan. Your plan is tailored to you, supports your needs and establishes how RMIT can provide ongoing assistance so you can access and participate in your studies. The ELS team can assist you to manage your Equitable Learning Plan.

To find more information about services offered by Equitable Learning Services (ELS), please refer to the following link: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-services/equitable-learning

Extensions and Special Consideration

Extensions:

• Extensions are available for unforeseen circumstances of a short-term nature.

• Applications must be submitted to the school at least one working day before the due date of the assessment.

• Extensions can be approved for up to 7 days past the due date for an assessment. (Where students need an extension exceeding 7 days, they must instead apply for special consideration.)

Special Consideration:

• An application for special consideration is made in advance of an assessment wherever possible, but will normally be accepted within five working days after the assessment date. For more information, see the Special Consideration page of the RMIT website.

Plagiarism:

Plagiarism is a form of cheating and it is very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University.

Please Refer: www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity to find more information about plagiarism.

Email Communication:

All email communications will be sent to your RMIT email address and you must regularly check your RMIT emails

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