Course Information
Important Dates
- Withdrawal with refund: 28 January 2026
- Withdrawal without instructor permission (no refund): 11 March 2026
Time Expectations
Instructional Contact Hours
This is a three (3) credit-hour lecture/lab course. Plan to spend 2.5 hours per class period.
Minimum Weekly Study Time
Plan to spend at least 3 hours per week on coursework. Because this is an accelerated (8-week) course, you may need additional time in some weeks to stay on track.
Required Texts, Materials, and Technology
Course Materials
All required learning materials for this course are provided online by Amazon Web Services at no cost to you.
Computer and Internet Access
Because most work is completed online, you will need an up-to-date computer and a reliable internet connection. If you need access to a computer on campus, the college provides computers in the Multi-Use Computer Lab (BA 40).
Course Competencies
You can view official course competencies on the Maricopa CCTA Program & Course page.
Third-Party Learning Tools
AWS Canvas LMS
You will complete course videos, quizzes, and labs in the AWS Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). Please note: AWS Canvas is separate from MCC’s Canvas.
- Your AWS Canvas grades do not automatically transfer to MCC Canvas.
- I will export grades from AWS Canvas and import them into MCC Canvas at least once per week.
- Your most up-to-date quiz/lab scores are always available in AWS Canvas.
Zoom Video Conferencing
I use Zoom for video conferencing. There will be a link in Canvas to connect to our regular Zoom meetings. If you are new to video conferencing you can join a test meeting to try out your camera and microphone.
About Your Instructor
Dennis Kibbe
I'm passionate about helping students build the skills they need for today's tech careers.
In my AWS Academy courses, you'll learn the same cloud computing skills used by industry leaders. These courses align with industry recognized AWS certifications.
Outside the classroom, I'm a Quality Matters Peer Reviewer, a certified AWS Instructor, and hold blockchain credentials from MIT's Sloan School of Management and the University at Buffalo. I also hold a Certificate of Completion in Generative AI from Purdue University, reflecting my commitment to staying current with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
How to Contact Me
- Instructor: Dennis Kibbe
- Email: dennis.kibbe@mesacc.edu
- Teleconferencing: Request a Zoom meeting.
- Office location: BA 40, Room BA 025
- Office hours: Posted on my faculty contact page.
- Office phone: (480) 461-7246
Faculty Regular and Substantive Interaction
In alignment with U.S. Department of Education requirements for online courses, you can expect regular and substantive interaction through Canvas. Your instructor will:
- Monitor your engagement and progress and contact you through the Canvas Inbox as needed.
- Provide explanations, examples, and additional course guidance using Canvas tools to support your learning.
- Give detailed, individualized feedback in the Canvas gradebook in a timely manner.
- Respond to questions via Canvas Inbox within 24 hours, except on weekends and holidays.
Course Schedule
Modules and dates may shift if needed; you will be notified of any changes.
Week 1 (19 January)
- Module 0: Introduction
- Module 1: Welcome to AWS Academy Cloud Architecting
Week 2 (26 January)
- Module 2: Introducing Cloud Architecting
Week 3 (2 February)
- Module 3: Securing Access
Week 4 (9 February)
- Module 4: Adding a Storage Layer with Amazon S3
Week 5 (16 February)
- Module 5: Adding a Compute Layer Using Amazon EC2
Week 6 (23 February)
- Module 6: Adding a Database Layer
Week 7 (2 March)
- Module 7: Creating a Networking Environment
Week 8 (9 March)
- Module 8: Connecting Networks
Week 9 (16 March)
- Module 9: Securing User, Application, and Data Access
Week 10 (23 March)
- Module 10: Implementing Monitoring, Elasticity, and High Availability
Week 11 (30 March)
- Module 11: Automating Your Architecture
Week 12 (6 April)
- Module 12: Caching Content
Week 13 (13 April)
- Module 13: Building Decoupled Architectures
Week 14 (20 April)
- Module 14: Building Serverless Architectures and Microservices
Week 15 (27 April)
- Module 15: Data Engineering Patterns
Week 16 (4 May)
- Module 16: Planning for Disaster
Week 17 (11 May)
- Module 17: Bridging to Certification
- Course Assessment: Course Assessment
Grading Standards and Practices
How Your Final Grade Is Determined
Your final letter grade is based on the percentage of points you earn from graded knowledge checks and labs. You can always see your most current scores in AWS Canvas.
Letter Grades
| Letter Grade | Percent |
|---|---|
| A | 90–100% |
| B | 80–89% |
| C | 70–79% |
| D | 60–69% |
| F | 0–59% |
Where You Will Complete Graded Work
The AWS curriculum (including quizzes and labs) is delivered in AWS Canvas, not the MCC Canvas. Because the two systems are not linked, you may not see updated grades in MCC Canvas until I import them (typically weekly). For the most accurate, up-to-date view of your progress, check AWS Canvas.
Late Assignments
This course moves quickly, so steady weekly progress is the key to success. Short study sessions spread across several days are usually more effective (and less stressful) than last-minute cramming. For study strategies, consider watching The Study Cycle.
Each lab includes a due date and submission instructions. You are strongly encouraged to submit work by the due date. If you submit an assignment late, you may still earn full credit; however, late work can make it harder to keep up with new material. Plan ahead and give yourself enough time each week.
Attendance and Participation
Attendance Policy (Online Engagement)
In an online course, “attendance” is measured by your participation—submitting work and staying engaged week to week. You may be withdrawn from the course if:
- You miss more than two weeks of assignments overall, or
- You miss two or more consecutive due dates/weeks without contacting the instructor in advance, or
- Your grade falls below 50% and you are no longer participating.
If you are at risk of withdrawal, you will receive an email notice. You will then have three (3) days to respond. If no response is received, you will be withdrawn.
Important: Withdrawals will not be issued during the final three weeks of the course plus finals week. At that point, students who remain enrolled will receive the final grade earned—even if it is non-passing. Continued engagement is expected throughout the term.
Exception: If you have actively participated for most of the term and your grade drops below 50% during the last three weeks, you will receive the final grade you earned rather than being withdrawn.
Excused Absences
MCC policies excuse absences due to college-sanctioned events, death of an immediate family member, jury duty, subpoenas, short-term military service, or religious holidays. Signed absence verification forms or accommodation forms are required prior to the absence when applicable. See the district regulation: MCCCD Administrative Regulations (2.3).
Accessibility and Student Support
Classroom Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Please request accommodations through the MCC Disabilities Resources and Services Office:
- Southern & Dobson: (480) 461-7447
- Red Mountain: (480) 654-7771
- Email: drsfrontdesk@mesacc.edu
Title IX: Addressing Incidents of Sexual Harassment
Learn more here: Addressing Incidents of Title IX Sexual Harassment.
Helpful Resources for Students
If you need support with academics or basic needs (for example, tutoring or transportation), resources are available. MCC has compiled a list in the Student Resource Referral Guide.
Academic Integrity and Student Conduct
Learning requires honesty, responsibility, and professional behavior. The college responds to academic misconduct and dishonesty whether it is committed intentionally or not.
Tuition Charges and Refunds
Please refer to the Course Information section above for refund-related dates specific to this course.
District policy is available here: District Refund Policy.
Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Student
You are responsible for understanding the policies in this syllabus, because these guidelines are used for grading, participation, and course procedures. You are also responsible for knowing relevant college and district policies in the catalog and student handbook, including policies that may apply to withdrawal or incomplete grades.
In addition to this syllabus, you should be aware of district Administrative Regulations that outline student rights and responsibilities:
Changes in the Syllabus or Course Policies
Course policies and the schedule may change to meet course needs, by agreement between the instructor and students, or as required by administration. If changes occur, you will be notified. By remaining enrolled, you agree to stay informed and follow updated course information as communicated.
