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There are 5 modules in this course
This foundational course introduces learners to key concepts in big data, cloud computing principles, and Microsoft Azure technologies. Learners will understand the characteristics of big data, explore the big data ecosystem within Azure, and gain practical experience with key tools, including Azure services and Databricks. The course includes cost comparisons between major cloud providers and introduces key concepts in cluster computing.
Course Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain the fundamental concepts and characteristics of big data
- Describe cloud computing principles and their relevance to big data solutions
- Navigate and utilize the Microsoft Azure platform for big data workloads
- Understand cluster computing concepts and implement basic Azure Databricks clusters
- Compare costs across major cloud providers (Azure, AWS, GCP) for big data scenarios
- Set up and configure basic resources in Azure for big data implementations
Introduction to Big Data Concepts introduces learners to the core ideas that define big data and shape today’s data-driven landscape. The module explores the Five V’s—volume, velocity, variety, veracity, and value—and demonstrates how each one influences technology choices, business opportunities, and analytical approaches. Learners compare traditional data practices with modern big data workloads, examine the challenges and opportunities across various industries, and review real-world examples of how organizations apply big data to solve complex problems. Through videos, readings, case studies, interactive dialogues, and scenario-based assessments, this module builds a strong foundation for recognizing big data patterns and understanding how they enable new business capabilities.
What's included
3 videos4 readings5 assignments
Show info about module content
3 videos•Total 9 minutes
Why Big Data Matters in Today's World•3 minutes
From Challenge to Competitive Advantage•3 minutes
Big Data Success Stories That Changed Industries•3 minutes
4 readings•Total 40 minutes
The Five V's of Big Data•10 minutes
Big Data in Action: Real-World Stories•10 minutes
Big Data Challenges and Business Opportunities•10 minutes
Industry-Specific Big Data Applications•10 minutes
5 assignments•Total 150 minutes
Big Data Concepts Mastery Assessment•30 minutes
Big Data Fundamentals Assessment•30 minutes
Big Data Challenge-Opportunity Analysis•30 minutes
Challenges and Opportunities Assessment•30 minutes
Industry Applications Assessment•30 minutes
Cloud Computing for Big Data
Module 2•4 hours to complete
Module details
Cloud Computing for Big Data guides learners through the essential cloud concepts that power modern data processing, helping them understand how cloud models, deployment options, and platform capabilities support large-scale workloads. The module explores Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS) within real-world big data scenarios, comparing these approaches to traditional on-premises solutions to highlight the cost, scalability, and operational trade-offs. Learners investigate cloud-native features, including elasticity, managed services, global distribution, and automated scaling, and then apply these concepts to evaluate workload requirements and design effective architectures. Through videos, readings, hands-on labs, and coach-led discussions, the module equips learners to make informed decisions about cloud adoption and build scalable, resilient big data solutions.
What's included
6 videos4 readings6 assignments
Show info about module content
6 videos•Total 27 minutes
Why Cloud Computing Transformed Big Data•3 minutes
Mapping Big Data Solutions to Cloud Models•6 minutes
The Great Migration: From On-Premises to Cloud•3 minutes
Evaluating Migration Scenarios•4 minutes
Cloud Superpowers for Big Data•3 minutes
Designing Scalable Cloud Architecture•7 minutes
4 readings•Total 40 minutes
Cloud Service Models for Big Data•10 minutes
On-Premises vs. Cloud Big Data Solutions•10 minutes
Essential Cloud Capabilities for Big Data•10 minutes
Cloud Architecture Principles for Scalable Big Data Solutions•10 minutes
6 assignments•Total 180 minutes
Cloud Computing for Big Data Mastery Assessment•30 minutes
Cloud Service Model Decision Matrix •30 minutes
Cloud Models Understanding Assessment•30 minutes
Infrastructure Comparison Analysis•30 minutes
Cloud vs. On-Premises Decision Factors Assessment•30 minutes
Microsoft Azure Platform for Big Data equips learners with the practical skills needed to work confidently within Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem for large-scale data solutions. The module introduces key Azure services, demonstrates how to navigate the Azure portal, and guides learners through creating and managing resources that support big data workloads. Learners explore major Microsoft tools, including Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Data Lake Storage, Azure Data Factory, and Microsoft Fabric, building an understanding of how these services connect to form an integrated analytics platform. Through hands-on labs, guided videos, and scenario-based activities, this module helps learners apply core Azure capabilities, effectively organize cloud resources, and select the right services to meet real-world big data requirements.
What's included
6 videos4 readings8 assignments
Show info about module content
6 videos•Total 19 minutes
Your Gateway to Enterprise Big Data•3 minutes
Azure Portal Tour for Big Data Professionals•4 minutes
Organizing for Success in Azure•3 minutes
Creating and Managing Azure Resources•3 minutes
The Microsoft Big Data Advantage•3 minutes
Service Selection for Big Data Scenario•3 minutes
4 readings•Total 40 minutes
Navigating the Azure Big Data Ecosystem•10 minutes
Microsoft Services Application Assessment•30 minutes
Introduction to Azure Databricks and Clusters
Module 4•5 hours to complete
Module details
Introduction to Azure Databricks and Clusters helps learners build a practical understanding of distributed computing and the core technologies that power large-scale data processing. The module introduces the principles of cluster computing, demonstrating how distributed systems allocate workloads across multiple machines to enhance speed, resilience, and efficiency. Learners explore Azure Databricks as a unified analytics platform, set up workspaces, run basic PySpark operations, and learn how Databricks integrates with Azure services. The module also guides learners through configuring and managing clusters, selecting compute options, applying auto-scaling, and optimizing performance and cost. Through hands-on labs, code exercises, demonstrations, and scenario-based activities, learners gain the foundational skills needed to work confidently with Databricks and cluster-based big data solutions.
What's included
6 videos3 readings9 assignments
Show info about module content
6 videos•Total 17 minutes
Breaking Down Big Problems•3 minutes
Visualizing Distributed Processing•3 minutes
Databricks: Where Data Teams Collaborate•3 minutes
Setting Up Your First Databricks Workspace•3 minutes
Right-Sizing Your Big Data Engine•3 minutes
Creating and Configuring Production Clusters in Azure•2 minutes
3 readings•Total 30 minutes
Fundamentals of Cluster Computing•10 minutes
Azure Databricks Platform Overview•10 minutes
Databricks Cluster Configuration Guide•10 minutes
9 assignments•Total 270 minutes
Databricks and Cluster Computing Mastery Assessment•30 minutes
Cluster Management Best Practices Assessment•30 minutes
Cost Management and Cloud Provider Comparisons
Module 5•6 hours to complete
Module details
Cost Management and Cloud Provider Comparisons gives learners the tools to understand, predict, and optimize the costs of big data workloads in the cloud. The module breaks down Azure’s pricing structures for compute, storage, and consumption-based models, while teaching learners how to estimate expenses using calculators and automation tools. It also provides a clear framework for comparing pricing across Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud, highlighting service equivalencies, hidden costs, and strategic considerations that extend beyond price alone. Learners explore practical optimization techniques—such as auto-scaling, lifecycle policies, and reserved instance planning—and apply them to real scenarios to create cost-effective designs. Through demonstrations, hands-on labs, and structured analysis activities, this module helps learners build the confidence and skill set needed to manage cloud spend responsibly and design efficient big data solutions.
What's included
6 videos3 readings10 assignments
Show info about module content
6 videos•Total 19 minutes
The True Cost of Big Data in the Cloud•3 minutes
Using Azure Pricing Calculator Effectively•5 minutes
The Great Cloud Cost Comparison•3 minutes
Building Fair Cost Comparisons•2 minutes
Optimization Strategies That Save Millions•4 minutes
Implementing Cost Controls in Azure•3 minutes
3 readings•Total 30 minutes
Azure Big Data Pricing Deep Dive•10 minutes
Multi-Cloud Cost Analysis Framework•10 minutes
Advanced Cost Optimization Techniques•10 minutes
10 assignments•Total 300 minutes
Cost Management and Optimization Expertise Assessment•30 minutes
Big Data Solution Design with Cloud Cost Analysis Assessment•30 minutes
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