Introduction to Systems Architecture

IBM via Coursera

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Provider

Coursera
Pricing

Paid Course
Languages

English
Certificate

Paid Certificate Available
Duration & workload

12 hours 6 minutes
Sessions

On-Demand
Subtitles

English

Found in

Part of

Overview

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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 12-13% job growth for computer systems and network architects in the coming years. This course is your first step toward entering the field of IT systems architecture. You’ll begin looking at systems and solutions architects’ roles, responsibilities, and skills, and exploring career paths with certifications to enhance your expertise. You'll then explore systems thinking, identify key system components, and learn how they interact within an organization. You'll also analyze business processes and apply the systems development life cycle (SDLC) to guide project planning. Next, you’ll analyze systems/software architecture and design principles to visualize system structure with tools like UML, apply object-oriented analysis, and grasp architectural patterns such as layered, client-server, and microservices. Plus, you’ll examine deployment models and production environments to learn how real-world systems are delivered. You’ll work with tools like data flow diagrams (DFDs), entity-relationship diagrams (ERDs), and prototyping software to support documentation and stakeholder communication. Through hands-on labs and a project, you'll start to design scalable, maintainable systems tailored to business needs.  Enroll today to kickstart your journey to becoming a successful systems or solutions architect!

Syllabus

Introducing the Systems & Solutions Architect Roles

In this module, you'll be introduced to the roles of Systems and Solutions Architects and the foundational skills required to succeed in the field. You'll explore what these Architects do, the technical and soft skills needed, common career paths, progression, and industry certifications. Through videos, readings, and a hands-on lab, you'll evaluate real job listings to identify key qualifications and trends in the profession. By the end of this module, you'll have a clear understanding of the Systems and Solutions Architects roles in designing effective, scalable IT solutions.

Introduction to Systems Analysis and Architecture

This module provides an overview of systems analysis, its importance in business and technology, and the role of a systems architect in organizations. It introduces key concepts, including information systems, system components, and the relationship between business processes and technology solutions. Students will explore the fundamentals of system development, the challenges faced in systems analysis, and the critical thinking skills required to solve complex problems. By the end of this module, students will have a clear understanding of how systems analysis contributes to the development of efficient and effective information systems.

Software Architecture, Design, and Patterns

In this module, you will explore the role of software architecture in managing system complexity and supporting quality attributes such as scalability, reliability, and maintainability. You'll learn to apply object-oriented analysis and design principles, use modeling tools such as UML to visualize system structure and behavior, and create architectural diagrams to represent component interactions. The module also introduces common architectural patterns, such as layered, client-server, and microkernel, and compares application architecture approaches such as monolithic, microservices, and serverless. Additionally, you will examine the characteristics of different deployment environments and identify key components required for reliable production deployment.

Tools Used by Systems Architects

This module introduces the essential tools and techniques used by systems architects to analyze, design, and document information systems. Students will explore modeling tools such as data flow diagrams (DFDs), entity-relationship diagrams (ERDs), and Unified Modeling Language (UML). The module also covers requirement-gathering techniques, prototyping, and various software tools that aid in systems analysis and design. Emphasis is placed on how these tools help streamline communication between stakeholders, improve system documentation, and support decision-making. By the end of this module, students will be equipped with practical knowledge of the tools necessary for effective systems analysis and design.

Final Project and Course Wrap-Up

In this final module, you will apply your learning through a final project in which you will design and architect a basic information system for a small business, specifically, an online ordering system for a local bakery. This project will help you apply what you learned about the role of a systems architect, systems analysis, SDLC, and software architecture patterns. The module includes a course glossary to reinforce key terminology and concepts. The course concludes with a wrap-up that summarizes key takeaways and guides you on how to apply your learning in real-world scenarios, career advancement, or further studies in systems architecture and design.