Understand how backend systems power modern applications.
School of EngineeringBackend EngineeringBeginner to Intermediate
Backend Software Engineering with Python & Django
Build the server-side systems that power real web, mobile, and desktop applications.
Learn backend engineering through APIs, databases, authentication, permissions, file handling, background jobs, testing, deployment, and production-ready workflows used to build real software products.
Duration
24 weeks - 6-8 hours/week
Project
Understand how backend systems power modern applications.
Support
Mentorship and review options available
Overview
A practical Short Course built around a visible project.
Learn how to build the server-side systems behind modern web, mobile, and desktop applications, including APIs, databases, authentication, permissions, testing, deployment, and production workflows.
Build APIs that frontend and mobile apps can consume.
Design and work with relational databases.
Create user accounts, authentication, and authorization workflows.
Protect routes, resources, and user data.
Validate data and handle errors properly.
Work with files, media, and storage workflows.
Use background jobs for emails, notifications, and scheduled tasks.
Write tests for important backend features.
Debug backend issues with confidence.
Deploy backend services to a production environment.
Build portfolio-ready backend projects.
Prepare for junior backend and full-stack engineering roles.
Course roadmap
What you will work through.
The sequence below is specific to this course. It shows the phases, modules, lessons, and page outlines that move you toward Understand how backend systems power modern applications..
1Phase 1 - Engineering FoundationsBuild engineering mindset, client-server understanding, API thinking, Git/GitHub workflow, terminal confidence, and professional development habits.2 modules10 lessonsWeeks 1–2
Module 1: Introduction to Software EngineeringUnderstand software engineering, backend responsibilities, client-server architecture, APIs, SaaS architecture, and the software development lifecycle.6 lessons
Lesson 1: What Software Engineering IsUnderstand software engineering as the disciplined practice of building, shipping, maintaining, and improving software systems that solve real problems.85 minarticle4 pages
Welcome and Learning Objectives
Introduces software engineering as a professional discipline.
8 min
Coding vs Engineering
Differentiates small coding tasks from engineering work.
18 min
Software Engineering Lifecycle
Explains the software development lifecycle.
18 min
Exercise - Backend Responsibility Audit
Students identify backend responsibilities in common apps.
23 min
Lesson 2: Types of Software EngineersUnderstand common software engineering roles and where backend engineering fits inside product and platform teams.75 minarticle3 pages
Welcome and Learning Objectives
Introduces common software engineering roles.
8 min
Engineering Roles
Explains common engineering roles.
22 min
Exercise - Engineering Role Classifier
Students classify engineering responsibilities by role.
45 min
Lesson 3: Frontend vs BackendUnderstand the separation between frontend clients and backend systems, including responsibilities, data flow, APIs, and collaboration boundaries.80 minarticle4 pages
Welcome and Learning Objectives
Introduces frontend-backend boundaries.
8 min
Responsibilities and Boundaries
Explains separation of work.
20 min
Feature Breakdown Example
Breaks down a feature by responsibility.
18 min
Exercise - Feature Responsibility Split
Students split features into frontend/backend tasks.
34 min
Lesson 4: Client-Server Architecture and APIsUnderstand client-server architecture, APIs, request-response flow, HTTP concepts, and how SaaS products connect clients to backend services.90 minarticle4 pages
Welcome and Learning Objectives
Introduces client-server and API concepts.
8 min
Request Response Lifecycle
Explains client-server communication.
22 min
APIs Explained Visually
Explains APIs with examples.
20 min
Exercise - SaaS Architecture Breakdown
Students analyze product architecture.
40 min
Lesson 5: How Modern SaaS Products WorkConnect product features, users, data, APIs, permissions, background jobs, external services, deployment, and monitoring in real SaaS systems.85 minarticle4 pages
Welcome and Learning Objectives
Introduces SaaS product architecture.
8 min
SaaS Building Blocks
Explains core SaaS backend components.
20 min
From Product Idea to Backend Modules
Shows decomposition into backend modules.
20 min
Exercise - SaaS Feature to Backend Map
Students map a SaaS idea into backend modules.
37 min
Lesson 6: Project Deliverable - SaaS Architecture Breakdown DocumentStudents produce a professional architecture breakdown for a real or proposed SaaS product.100 minarticle2 pages
Project Brief
Explains the project scenario and expected output.
20 min
Review Checklist
Checklist for project quality.
20 min
Module 2: Developer Environment and Professional WorkflowSet up professional tooling and workflow with terminal, VS Code, Git, GitHub, branching, pull requests, debugging, and commit standards.4 lessons
Lesson 1: Terminal FundamentalsUse the terminal for navigation, file operations, running programs, and backend project workflows.60 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
30 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
22 min
Lesson 2: VS Code for Backend EngineersConfigure VS Code for Python, Django, linting, debugging, extensions, and project navigation.55 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
27 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
20 min
Lesson 3: Git and GitHub WorkflowUse Git and GitHub for version control, repositories, branches, commits, pull requests, and collaboration.75 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
37 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
30 min
Lesson 4: Project Deliverable - Personal Engineering Portfolio RepositoryCreate the student professional engineering portfolio repository.90 minarticle2 pages
Project Brief
Explains the project scenario and expected output.
20 min
Review Checklist
Checklist for project quality.
20 min
2Phase 2 - Python EngineeringDevelop Python fluency for backend engineering, including fundamentals, OOP, advanced language features, logging, packaging, and clean reusable code.3 modules11 lessonsWeeks 3–6
Module 1: Python FundamentalsBuild strong Python basics through many small exercises and a grade calculator mini challenge.4 lessons
Lesson 1: Variables Data Types and StringsUse variables, numbers, strings, booleans, comments, naming, and formatting.65 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
32 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
25 min
Lesson 2: Lists Tuples Dictionaries and SetsUse Python data structures for user lists, records, settings, roles, and structured responses.75 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
37 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
30 min
Lesson 3: Conditions Loops and FunctionsUse conditions, loops, and functions to process records and build reusable backend logic.85 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
42 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
35 min
Lesson 4: Mini Challenge - Student Grade CalculatorBuild a Python program that calculates student grades and produces a summary.100 minarticle2 pages
Project Brief
Explains the project scenario and expected output.
20 min
Review Checklist
Checklist for project quality.
20 min
Module 2: Intermediate PythonUse object-oriented Python to model business domains and reusable backend concepts.4 lessons
Lesson 1: Object-Oriented Programming BasicsUse classes, objects, attributes, methods, and constructors.70 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
35 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
27 min
Lesson 2: Inheritance Composition and EncapsulationUse inheritance, composition, encapsulation, and object relationships carefully.75 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
37 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
30 min
Lesson 3: Dataclasses and Type HintsUse dataclasses and type hints to make Python code clearer and safer.65 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
32 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
25 min
Lesson 4: Mini Challenge - Library Management SystemBuild a reusable object-oriented library management system.110 minarticle2 pages
Project Brief
Explains the project scenario and expected output.
20 min
Review Checklist
Checklist for project quality.
20 min
Module 3: Advanced Python for Backend EngineersUse advanced Python features for clean backend utilities, error handling, logging, packages, and dependency management.3 lessons
Lesson 1: Decorators Context Managers Generators and IteratorsUse advanced Python patterns for reusable behavior, resource management, and batch processing.85 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
42 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
35 min
Lesson 2: Error Handling Logging Packages and DependenciesHandle errors gracefully, log useful runtime information, organize packages, and manage dependencies.85 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
42 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
35 min
Lesson 3: Milestone Project 1 - Inventory and Warehouse Management APIBuild the first milestone backend API for inventory and warehouse management.160 minarticle2 pages
Project Brief
Explains the project scenario and expected output.
20 min
Review Checklist
Checklist for project quality.
20 min
3Phase 3 - Databases and SQL MasteryBuild database design, SQL fluency, PostgreSQL production awareness, query optimization, transactions, and backend data modeling skills.3 modules6 lessonsWeeks 7–8
Module 1: Relational Database DesignDesign relational models for real backend systems.2 lessons
Lesson 1: Tables Relationships Constraints and NormalizationUnderstand tables, relationships, constraints, normalization, data integrity, and model assumptions.80 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
40 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
32 min
Lesson 2: Backend Schema ReviewReview schema designs for integrity, query needs, and maintainability.70 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
35 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
27 min
Module 2: SQL for Backend EngineersUse SQL for CRUD, joins, aggregations, subqueries, windows, and transactions.2 lessons
Lesson 1: CRUD SQLWrite SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE with safe filters and data integrity awareness.70 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
35 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
27 min
Lesson 2: Aggregations Joins Subqueries and Window FunctionsUse SQL for reporting, validation, latest-record logic, and transactional thinking.90 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
45 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
37 min
Module 3: PostgreSQL in ProductionUnderstand PostgreSQL architecture, indexing, EXPLAIN, backups, transactions, and query optimization.2 lessons
Lesson 1: PostgreSQL Architecture Indexes and EXPLAINUse PostgreSQL concepts, indexes, and EXPLAIN to inspect and improve backend queries.85 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
42 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
35 min
Lesson 2: Backups Transactions and Production SafetyUnderstand backups, transaction safety, locks at a high level, migrations risk, and production data care.75 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
37 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
30 min
4Phase 4 - Django EngineeringBuild Django foundations, models/ORM mastery, authentication/authorization, architecture, service layers, configuration, signals, and reusable apps.4 modules8 lessonsWeeks 9–12
Module 1: Django FundamentalsBuild internal tools and understand Django architecture.2 lessons
Lesson 1: Django Architecture Project Structure URLs Views and MiddlewareUnderstand Django project/app structure, settings, URLs, views, templates, middleware, and request flow.90 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
45 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
37 min
Lesson 2: Django Debugging and Project HabitsRead errors, debug settings, use environment configs, and improve Django project hygiene.65 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
32 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
25 min
Module 2: Models and ORM MasteryMaster Django models, relationships, managers, QuerySets, migrations, and complex modeling.2 lessons
Lesson 1: Models Relationships Managers QuerySets and MigrationsCreate models, relationships, migrations, managers, QuerySets, optimized ORM queries, and schema changes.100 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
50 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
42 min
Lesson 2: Migration Safety and ORM ReviewHandle migrations safely and review ORM code for performance and maintainability.75 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
37 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
30 min
Module 3: Authentication and AuthorizationImplement authentication, custom user models, groups, permissions, and role-based access control.2 lessons
Lesson 1: Authentication Custom User Model and SessionsUnderstand users, passwords, sessions, custom user model decisions, and login/logout workflows.80 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
40 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
32 min
Lesson 2: Permissions Groups and Role-Based Access ControlUse permissions, groups, roles, and access checks for backend systems.90 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
45 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
37 min
Module 4: Django Architecture and Best PracticesOrganize business logic using services, reusable apps, configuration, and clear architecture.2 lessons
Lesson 1: Service Layer Business Logic and Reusable AppsMove business logic out of views where appropriate and create maintainable app boundaries.90 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
45 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
37 min
Lesson 2: Signals Configuration and Code ReviewUse signals responsibly, configuration safely, and review Django code for maintainability.75 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
37 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
30 min
5Phase 5 - API Engineering with Django REST FrameworkDesign, build, secure, document, and ship production-style REST APIs using Django REST Framework.4 modules8 lessonsWeeks 13–16
Module 1: REST API DesignDesign APIs before implementation using resource modeling, URL design, status codes, filters, pagination, errors, and versioning.2 lessons
Lesson 1: REST Principles Resource Modeling URL Design and Status CodesDesign APIs around resources, actions, HTTP methods, status codes, and business behavior.85 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
42 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
35 min
Lesson 2: Pagination Filtering Sorting Errors and VersioningDesign list endpoints, error responses, filters, ordering, pagination, versioning, and API standards.85 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
42 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
35 min
Module 2: DRF Core ConceptsBuild DRF APIs with serializers, validation, views, ViewSets, routers, permissions, and reusable components.2 lessons
Lesson 1: Serializers Validation Generic Views ViewSets and RoutersUse DRF serializers, validation, generic views, ViewSets, routers, actions, and reusable API patterns.100 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
50 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
42 min
Lesson 2: DRF Permissions Filtering Pagination and Query OptimizationApply permissions, filtering, pagination, ordering, and optimized querysets.90 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
45 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
37 min
Module 3: API SecuritySecure APIs with JWT, OAuth concepts, rate limiting, CORS, secrets, and common API security practices.2 lessons
Lesson 1: JWT OAuth Concepts CORS and Rate LimitingSecure APIs with token auth, OAuth concepts, CORS, throttling, and abuse prevention.90 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
45 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
37 min
Lesson 2: API Security AuditReview APIs for broken access control, data leakage, weak validation, and insecure defaults.75 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
37 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
30 min
Module 4: API DocumentationDocument APIs using OpenAPI, Swagger, Redoc, standards, examples, and developer-friendly docs.2 lessons
Lesson 1: OpenAPI Swagger Redoc and API Usage GuidesGenerate and improve API documentation with examples, authentication docs, error docs, and standards.85 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
42 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
35 min
Lesson 2: Milestone Project 2 - Multi-Tenant CRM BackendBuild a real SaaS-style CRM backend with multi-tenancy, authorization, audit trails, and API documentation.180 minarticle2 pages
Project Brief
Explains the project scenario and expected output.
20 min
Review Checklist
Checklist for project quality.
20 min
6Phase 6 - Production Backend EngineeringAdd testing, background jobs, caching, performance, security hardening, file storage, media processing, payments, webhooks, and production readiness.6 modules6 lessonsWeeks 17–20
Module 1: Testing and Quality AssuranceTest Django and DRF applications with unit, integration, API, mocking, and coverage practices.1 lessons
Lesson 1: Unit Integration API Tests Mocking and CoverageWrite tests for models, services, serializers, APIs, edge cases, mocks, fixtures, factories, and coverage.100 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
50 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
42 min
Module 2: Background Jobs and Async ProcessingUse Redis, Celery, queues, scheduled jobs, and background workers.1 lessons
Lesson 1: Redis Celery Queues and Scheduled JobsUse Redis, Celery, queues, workers, retries, scheduled jobs, idempotency, and monitoring notes.100 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
50 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
42 min
Module 3: Performance and CachingOptimize API and database performance using caching, query optimization, pagination, and audits.1 lessons
Lesson 1: Query Optimization N+1 Problems and Redis CachingDetect and fix N+1 queries, slow queries, pagination issues, and add Redis caching with safe invalidation.100 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
50 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
42 min
Module 4: Security EngineeringHarden backend applications against common OWASP and deployment risks.1 lessons
Lesson 1: OWASP Top 10 Secure Settings and Secrets ManagementUnderstand OWASP risks, SQL injection, XSS, CSRF, broken auth, secrets, and secure deployment settings.100 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
50 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
42 min
Module 5: File Storage and Media ProcessingHandle file uploads, S3, presigned URLs, media storage, and image processing concepts.1 lessons
Lesson 1: File Uploads AWS S3 Presigned URLs and Media StorageImplement file uploads, validation, S3 storage concepts, presigned URL patterns, and media metadata.100 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
50 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
42 min
Module 6: Payments and WebhooksIntegrate payments, subscriptions, Paystack/Stripe concepts, webhooks, retries, and event processing.1 lessons
Lesson 1: Payment Gateways Subscriptions Webhooks and Event ProcessingHandle payment gateways, Stripe/Paystack concepts, webhooks, signatures, idempotency, retries, and audit logs.110 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
55 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
47 min
7Phase 7 - DevOps and Cloud DeploymentContainerize, test, automate, deploy, monitor, and operate backend applications using Docker, CI/CD, AWS, and observability tools.4 modules4 lessonsWeeks 21–22
Module 1: DockerContainerize Django applications with Dockerfiles and Docker Compose.1 lessons
Lesson 1: Containers Dockerfiles and Docker ComposeContainerize Django, PostgreSQL, Redis, Celery workers, ports, volumes, and environment variables.100 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
50 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
42 min
Module 2: CI CDAutomate tests and deployments using GitHub Actions and deployment pipelines.1 lessons
Lesson 1: GitHub Actions and Deployment PipelinesCreate CI workflows for linting, tests, coverage, environments, secrets, deployment, approvals, and rollback notes.100 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
50 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
42 min
Module 3: AWS DeploymentDeploy Django backend using AWS concepts: EC2, RDS, S3, CloudFront, environment management, and production settings.1 lessons
Lesson 1: AWS Backend Deployment ArchitectureUnderstand EC2, RDS, S3, CloudFront, environment variables, security groups, domains, migrations, health checks, and rollback.100 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
50 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
42 min
Module 4: Monitoring and ObservabilityAdd logging, structured logs, error tracking, health checks, Sentry, and monitoring fundamentals.1 lessons
Lesson 1: Logging Error Tracking Health Checks and RunbooksAdd structured logging, health checks, Sentry concepts, monitoring signals, incident response, and operations runbooks.100 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
50 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
42 min
8Phase 8 - Architecture and CapstoneLearn backend architecture, system design, scaling fundamentals, and complete a production-ready backend capstone.3 modules5 lessonsWeeks 23–24
Module 1: Backend ArchitectureUnderstand monoliths, modular monoliths, microservices concepts, event-driven systems, and scaling fundamentals.1 lessons
Lesson 1: Monoliths Modular Monoliths Microservices and Event Driven SystemsCompare backend architecture styles, event-driven patterns, queues, service boundaries, and scaling tradeoffs.100 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
50 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
42 min
Module 2: System Design FundamentalsPractice backend system design with load balancing, caching, queues, database scaling, horizontal scaling, and tradeoffs.1 lessons
Lesson 1: Load Balancing Caching Queues Database Scaling and Horizontal ScalingUnderstand system design fundamentals and practice LMS, CRM, and marketplace architecture diagrams.110 minarticle3 pages
Overview and Learning Objectives
Introduces the lesson and expected outcomes.
8 min
Concepts and Professional Workflow
Explains the concept through a professional backend workflow.
55 min
Practice Activity
Applies the lesson through a guided engineering exercise.
47 min
Module 3: Final Capstone ProjectBuild and present one production-ready backend platform.3 lessons
Lesson 1: Capstone OptionsChoose a serious backend capstone option.70 minarticle1 pages
Choose Your Backend Capstone
Review approved capstone options.
70 min
Lesson 2: Final Project - Backend Software Engineering CapstoneStudents build, test, document, deploy, and present a production-ready backend platform.240 minarticle2 pages
Project Brief
Explains the project scenario and expected output.
20 min
Review Checklist
Checklist for project quality.
20 min
Lesson 3: Graduation Requirements and Portfolio OutcomeClarify completion requirements and portfolio outputs.60 minarticle1 pages
Requirements and Portfolio Checklist
Summarize graduation requirements and portfolio assets.
60 min
Tools and skills
Build skill with the tools used in the work.
Understand how backend systems power modern applications.Build APIs that frontend and mobile apps can consume.Design and work with relational databases.Create user accounts, authentication, and authorization workflows.Protect routes, resources, and user data.Validate data and handle errors properly.Work with files, media, and storage workflows.Use background jobs for emails, notifications, and scheduled tasks.Write tests for important backend features.Debug backend issues with confidence.Deploy backend services to a production environment.Build portfolio-ready backend projects.Prepare for junior backend and full-stack engineering roles.
Projects and exercises
- Understand how backend systems power modern applications.
- Structured exercises
- Portfolio practice
Resources included
- Course resources
- Project guidance
- Learners building practical tech skills
- A willingness to practice consistently
Career relevance
Backend Software Engineering with Python & Django supports practical career readiness.
Support options
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Three-Part Installment
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Related Professional Diploma
View Professional DiplomaFull Stack Software Engineering
Learn how to build complete web applications with backend APIs, databases, authentication, frontend interfaces, deployment, and full-stack product delivery.
FAQ
Questions about this Short Course.
Short Course answers about scope, projects, support, and next steps.
A backend engineer builds the server-side systems behind an application. This includes APIs, databases, authentication, permissions, business logic, background jobs, file handling, and deployment.
Short Course enrolment
Start with Backend Software Engineering with Python & Django.
Develop the skills to create secure APIs, manage databases, protect user access, automate background tasks, and deploy backend services that can power serious web, mobile, and desktop products.