Azure Data Engineer Master's Program Curriculum (Duration: 70 hours)

An "Azure Data Engineer Master's Program" is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of

data engineering concepts and tools in the context of Microsoft Azure. Below is a suggested curriculum
outline for Azure Data Engineer Master's Program Curriculum.

Getting started with Azure Data Engineer Master's Program (1 hour)

• 05 mins: Welcome, introductions, and understanding participants' backgrounds
• 10 mins: Overview of Data Engineering
• 20 mins: Overview of Azure services for Data Engineering
• 10 mins: Data Engineering Jobs Roles and Responsibilities
• 05 mins: Getting Started with Azure’s Subscriptions and Account
• 05 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 1: Creating an Azure account
• 05 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 2: Azure Subscriptions and Resource Groups

Azure Administrator Detailed Trainer Curriculum (24 hours)

Introduction and Setting Up (2 hours)
1. Introduction to Azure (1 hour)

• 10 mins: Overview of the Azure platform, its evolution, and core components.
• 05 mins: Real-world case studies and discussions.
• 15 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 3: Navigating the Azure portal and exploring basic features.

2. Azure's Importance and AZ-104 Exam (1 hour)

• 05 mins: Discussing the significance of Azure in the modern IT landscape.

• 10 mins: Introduction to the AZ-104 exam, its objectives, and benefits.
• 05 mins: Real-world implications of Azure certifications.
• 10 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 4: Exploring Azure's documentation and resources for the AZ-104
exam.

Core Azure Services (8 hours) Commented [KJ1]: Consider each of these phases as a
milestone, as modifying based on exact category may invite
3. Azure Compute Services (2 hours) a lot of rework. Doing this will give us about 8-10 Capstone
including final
• 75 mins: Deep dive into Azure VMs and Azure Functions.
• 10 mins: Real-world applications and benefits of Azure compute services.
• 30 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 5: Setting up a basic VM and deploying a simple function.
• 05 mins MEA: Quiz

4. Azure Storage Solutions (1.5 hour)

• 40 mins: Overview of Blob, File, Disk, and Queue storage.

• 10 mins Case studies on effective storage solutions.

30 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 6: Creating Blob storage and uploading files.
 • 10 mins Assignment – Project

5. Azure Storage Explorer (30 minutes)

• 05 mins: Overview of Azure Storage Explorer

• 10 mins: Installation and basic usage
• 10 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 7: Managing Azure Storage resources through Azure Storage
Explorer
• 05 mins: MEA Quiz

6. Storage Access Keys and SAS Tokens (30 minutes)

• 05 mins: Understanding Storage Access Keys

• 10 mins: Generating and using Shared Access Signatures (SAS)
• 10 mins: Security best practices
• 05 mins: MEA Quiz

7. Azure Key Vault (30 minutes)

• 05 mins: Introduction to Azure Key Vault

• 10 mins: Use of Azure Key Vault for securely managing storage access keys, secrets, and
certificates
• 10 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 8: Creating and using an Azure Key Vault for storing secrets in
Azure.
• 05 mins: MEA Quiz

8. Azure Active Directory and Management (1 hour)

• 20 mins Basics of Azure Active Directory and user management.

• 10 mins: Importance of identity management in enterprises.
• 20 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 9: Setting up a new user and assigning roles in Azure AD.
• 10 mins Assignment – Project or MEA Quiz.

9. Azure Governance (1 hour)

• 20 mins Introduction to Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and Azure policies.

• 10 mins: Real-world implications of improper governance.
• 20 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 10: Assigning a role to a user and setting up a basic policy.
• 10 mins: MEA Quiz.

Milestone End Capstone Project 1: Identity and Access Management (1 hour)

Scenario: You are positioned as Cloud Architects at "DataGuard Innovations," a fictitious organization
renowned for its innovative data-driven solutions.

Your mission is to create a robust Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) authentication and authorization
system. Your key tasks involve designing and implementing essential security features, including role-
based access control (RBAC), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and conditional access policies. The
ultimate goal is to enhance the security of Azure resources, aligning with DataGuard Innovations'
dedication to safeguarding sensitive data and upholding a robust digital security framework.

Assignment 1:
Assignment Topic: "Optimizing Cloud Resources for a Digital Marketing Agency"

Description: Imagine you are working as Azure Solutions Architect for a digital marketing agency. You
need to recommend and implement core Azure services to optimize resource allocation, performance,
and cost-effectiveness in the agency's cloud environment. This includes virtual machines, databases,
storage solutions, and identity and access management.

Networking, Monitoring, and Backup (7 hours) Commented [DP2]: Need assignments after each of the
projects
10. Azure Virtual Network (2 hours)

• 20 mins: Basics of Azure Virtual Network, subnets, and IP addressing.

• 10 mins: Case studies on effective network management.
• 20 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 11: Setting up a virtual network and configuring subnets.
• 10 mins: MEA Quiz.

11. Advanced Networking (1.5 hours)

• 20 mins: Deep dive into VNET peering, network security groups, and application security groups.
• 10 mins: Real-world scenarios of network security breaches.
• 20 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 12: Implementing VNET peering between two networks.
• 10 mins: Assignment - Project.

12. Azure Monitoring (1.5 hours)

• 20 mins: Introduction to Azure Monitor and its features.

• 10 mins: Importance of proactive monitoring in businesses.
• 20 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 13: Setting up basic monitoring for a VM and exploring metrics.
• 10 mins: MEA Quiz.

13. Backup and Recovery (1 hour)

• 20 mins: Implementing Azure Backup and understanding backup policies.

• 10 mins: Real-world implications of not having a backup strategy.
• 20 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 14: Setting up a backup for a VM.
• 10 mins: Assignment - Project.

Milestone End Capstone Project 2: Virtual Network Design and Secure Connectivity (1 hour)

Scenario: You work as Network Architect in “SecureTech Corporation”.

Your objective is to develop a virtual network architecture that ensures secure connectivity between on-
premises and Azure resources in a multi-region setup. Your responsibilities include the implementation
of essential networking and security elements such as virtual network peering, VPN gateways, and
network security groups. This project is designed to demonstrate your proficiency in network design and
security practices, emphasizing your capability to establish and oversee a secure and interconnected
infrastructure.

Assignment 2:
Assignment Topic: "Enhancing Network Security for a Financial Institution"

Description: You are the Azure Network Engineer in a financial institution. Design and implement secure
network configurations using Azure Virtual Network, VPN gateways, and Network Security Groups. Also,
set up Azure Monitor for continuous network monitoring and configure Azure Backup for disaster
recovery.

Azure Services and Functions (4 hours)

14. Azure Kubernetes Service and App Services (1.5 hours)

• 20 mins Introduction to Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) and its benefits.

• 10 mins: Real-world applications of container orchestration.
• 20 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 15: Deploying a basic containerized application in AKS.
• 10 mins: MEA Quiz.

15. Azure Functions and Advanced Services (1.5 hours)

• 20 mins Deep dive into Azure Functions and their triggers.

• 10 mins: Real-world scenarios where serverless computing made a difference.
• 20 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 16: Deploying a timer-triggered Azure Function.
• 10 mins: Assignment - Project.

Milestone End Capstone Project 3: Multi-Tier Application Deployment and Management (1 hour)

Scenario: You are Data Engineering Associate at “Tech Innovations Inc.”, and your current role requires
you to take on a challenging project.

You need to deploy and manage a multi-tier application within the Azure cloud environment,
strategically incorporating diverse Azure services and functions. Your responsibilities include
provisioning virtual machines (VMs) in Azure, configuring load balancers, establishing Azure Functions
for serverless compute, implementing Azure App Service for web applications, and seamlessly
integrating with Azure Database services. Your main objectives are to design robust and secure
architecture with a strong emphasis on achieving high availability and scalability to cater to the
organization's specific requirements.

Assignment 3:
Assignment Topic: "Building a Serverless E-commerce Website"

Description: Imagine you are the Azure Developer in an e-commerce startup. Design and build a
serverless e-commerce website using Azure Functions, Azure Logic Apps, and Azure App Service. The
project should include real-time order processing and email notifications using serverless functions.
Exam Prep, Mock Test, Interview Tips and Tricks, Interview Prep and Conclusion (3 hours)
17. AZ-104 Exam Preparation (30 minutes)

• 10 mins: Overview of the exam format, understanding the types of questions, and time
management tips.
• 15 mins Trainer Guided Lab 17: Exploring Azure's documentation, resources, and sample
questions.
• 05 mins Review and Q&A session.

18. Mock Test and Review (1 hour)

• 45 minutes: Conducting a mock test simulating the actual exam environment.

• 15 minutes: Reviewing answers, discussing commonly made mistakes, and clarifying doubts.

19.Interview Tips and Tricks for Azure Administrator (30 minutes)

• 15 mins: Frequently Asked Azure Administrator Interview Questions.

• 15 mins: Tips for Azure Administrator Technical Interview Preparation.

20. Scenario Based Questions for Azure Administrator Interview (1 hour)

• Scenario based questions involving Azure resource management.

• Scenario based questions involving security and compliance in Azure Environment.
• Scenario based questions on Networking and Connectivity.

Azure Data Engineer Detailed Trainer Curriculum (45 hours)

Introduction to Azure Data Solutions (4 hours)
1. Azure Data Ecosystem Overview (2 hours)

• 50 mins: Introduction to Azure's data solutions, their evolution, and core components.
• 30 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 18: Navigating the Azure portal and exploring data services
• 30 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 19: Setting up a basic Azure SQL Database.
• 10 mins: MEA Quiz

2. Importance of Data Engineering in Azure (2 hours)

• 50 mins: Discussing the significance of data engineering in the modern IT landscape.

• 30 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 20: Creating Azure Data Factory Account
• 30 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 21: Creating a simple data pipeline.
• 10 mins: MEA Quiz

Azure Data Storage Solutions (9 hours)

3. Azure Blob Storage (2 hours)
 • 50 mins: Deep dive into Azure Blob Storage, its configurations, and use cases.
• 30 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 22: Setting up a Blob Storage account
• 30 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 23: Uploading and managing data in Blob Storage Account.
• 10 mins: MEA Quiz

4. Azure Data Lake Storage (2 hours)

• 30 mins: Introduction to Azure Data Lake Storage and its benefits.

• 40 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 24: Creating a Data Lake Storage account and exploring hierarchical
namespace.
• 40 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 25: Storing and managing data in Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2.
• 10 mins: MEA Quiz

5. Azure Cosmos DB (2 hours)

• 50 mins: Overview of Azure Cosmos DB, its global distribution, and multi-model capabilities.
• 30 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 26: Setting up a Cosmos DB account.
• 30 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 27: Creating a database and inserting data.
• 10 mins: Assignment - Project

6. Azure SQL Family (2 hours)

• 50 mins: Introduction to Azure SQL Database, Managed Instance, and Azure Synapse Analytics.
• 40 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 28: Deploying an Azure SQL Database and executing basic SQL
operations.
• 40 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 29: Working with real-time data in Azure SQL Database.
• 40 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 30: Managing data in Azure SQL Data Warehouse or Azure Synapse
Analytics.
• 10 mins: MEA Quiz

Milestone End Capstone Project 4: Data Warehousing and Performance Optimization (1 hour)

Scenario: You are a vital member of the team within your organization, and your specific assignment
involves optimizing an Azure SQL Data Warehouse to cater to the distinct needs of your business
scenario. Your responsibilities include delving into key areas such as data partitioning, indexing, query
optimization, and workload management within the Azure SQL Data Warehouse environment. The
ultimate goal is to significantly enhance query performance and overall efficiency, ensuring a seamless
alignment with your organization's specific requirements and objectives.

Assignment 4:
Assignment Topic: "Modernizing Data Storage for a Healthcare Provider"

Description: Imagine you work as Azure Data Engineer for a healthcare provider. To enhance data
management, scalability, and security, you need to evaluate the current data storage infrastructure and
propose Azure data storage solutions, such as Azure Blob Storage, Azure Data Lake Storage, and Azure
SQL Database.
Data Integration, Transformation and Ingestion (14 hours)
7. Azure Data Factory (3 hours)

• 45 mins: Deep dive into Azure Data Factory, its components, triggers, and data integration
capabilities.
• 40 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 31: Creating real-time data pipelines in Azure Data Factory.
• 40 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 32: Transforming raw data into structured formats using Data Flow.
• 15 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 33: Creating a Schedule trigger in Azure Data Factory for
automating data integration tasks.
• 15 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 34: Creating a Tumbling Window Trigger in Azure Data Factory for
automating data integration tasks.
• 15 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 35: Creating Event Trigger in Azure Data Factory for automating
data integration tasks.
• 10 mins: MEA Quiz

8. Azure Databricks (2 hours)

• 35 mins: Introduction to Azure Databricks, its integration with other Azure services, and
benefits.
• 20 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 36: Setting up a Databricks workspace.
• 20 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 37: Creating a notebook and running Spark jobs.
• 20 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 38: Batch and real-time data processing using Azure Databricks.
• 20 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 39: Integrating Azure Data Factory and Azure Databricks.
• 5 mins: MEA Quiz

9. Azure Stream Analytics (2 hours)

• 50 mins: Overview of real-time analytics, Stream Analytics components, and use cases.
• 25 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 40: Setting up a Stream Analytics job.
• 40 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 41: Ingesting data from IoT Hub and visualizing in Power BI.
• 05 mins: MEA Quiz

10. Azure Synapse Analytics (2 hours)

• 50 mins: Introduction to Synapse Analytics, its integration capabilities, and analytics runtime.
• 25 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 42: Exploring Synapse Studio.
• 40 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 43: Creating a data integration project and analysing data using
serverless SQL pool.
• 05 mins: MEA Quiz

11. Azure HD Insights (2 hours)

• 50 mins: Introduction to HD insights, its features, benefits and use cases, and overview of big
data processing frameworks (e.g., Hadoop, Spark, Hive)
 • 1 hour: Trainer Guided Lab 44: Real-time data processing with Azure HD Insight (e.g., Spark or
Hadoop).
• 10 mins: MEA Quiz

12.Azure Logic Apps (2 hours)

• 40 mins: Introduction to Azure Logic Apps, connectors and triggers, and real-world use cases of
Azure Logic Apps
• 30 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 45: Creating Azure Logic App.
• 30 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 46: Real-world data integration scenarios with Azure Logic Apps.
• 10 mins: MEA Quiz

Milestone End Capstone Project 5: Complex Data Transformation and Workflow Automation (1 hour)

Scenario: You work as Data Engineering Analyst in “CloudGen Solutions”, and your current mission is to
spearhead the development of a detailed project. This project centres around the intricate realm of data
transformations and orchestrations, utilizing Azure Databricks, Azure Data Factory, and Azure Logic
Apps. Your primary responsibilities encompass mastering the handling of unstructured data,
implementing advanced data transformation techniques, and automating data workflows through
event-driven triggers. The ultimate goal is to optimize data processing efficiency and streamline
automation, aligning seamlessly with your organization's data management needs.

Assignment 5:
Assignment Topic: "Optimizing Data Pipelines for an IoT Manufacturer"

Description: You are the Azure Data Engineer in an IoT device manufacturer. Design and implement data
pipelines using Azure Data Factory, Azure Databricks, and Azure Stream Analytics to efficiently ingest,
transform, and analyze real-time data from IoT devices.

Data Security and Compliance (5 hours)

13. Data Security in Azure (2 hours)

• 50 mins: Introduction to security components, network security, and access control in Azure
data services.
• 30 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 47: Setting up Virtual Network Service Endpoints.
• 30 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 48: Implementing Managed Private Endpoints.
• 30 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 49: Configuring firewall rules.
• 10 mins: MEA Quiz

14. Data Compliance and Best Practices (2 hours)

• 50 mins: Overview of Azure's compliance offerings, data residency, and sovereignty.

• 45 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 50: Implementing data classification in Azure SQL Database.
• 45 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 51: Setting up Azure Purview for data cataloguing.
• 10 mins: MEA Quiz

Milestone End Capstone Project 6: Azure Security and Compliance Assessment (1 hour)
Scenario: You are a vital member of a professional team within “DataCraft Innovations”, and your
current mission is to undertake an in-depth security and compliance assessment within an Azure
environment. Your responsibilities encompass conducting comprehensive security audits, critically
reviewing access control configurations, setting up Azure Policy and Azure Security Center, and
meticulously assessing compliance in line with relevant regulations and standards. As part of this
project, you are also expected to implement top-tier security best practices, resolve vulnerabilities, and
compile a comprehensive security and compliance report featuring actionable recommendations for
overall improvement.

Assignment 6:
Assignment Topic: "Ensuring Data Security and Compliance in a Legal Firm"

Description: Imagine you are positioned as Azure Security Specialists for a legal firm. You need to
configure Azure Security Center, Azure Key Vault, and Azure Policy to ensure data security and
compliance with legal regulations. This includes data encryption, access controls, and compliance
monitoring.

Monitoring, Management, and Troubleshooting (7 hours)

15. Monitoring Data Solutions in Azure (3 hours)

• 50 mins: Introduction to monitoring tools, metrics, and alerts in Azure data services.
• 30 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 52: Setting up monitoring for Azure Data Factory.
• 30 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 53: Analysing metrics in Azure Monitor.
• 30 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 54: Setting up real-time alerts for data anomalies.
• 10 mins: MEA Quiz

16. Managing and Troubleshooting Data Solutions (3 hours)

• 50 mins: Best practices for managing data solutions, cost management, and performance
tuning.
• 30 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 55: Troubleshooting common issues in Azure Databricks.
• 30 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 56: Optimizing Azure SQL Database performance.
• 30 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 57: Analysing cost in Cost Management + Billing.
• 10 mins: MEA Quiz

Milestone End Capstone Project 7: Performance Optimization and Troubleshooting for Azure Data
Warehouses (1 hour)

Scenario: You are positioned as Azure Data Solutions Associate at “Visionary Data Solutions” and are
tasked with a demanding project.

Your mission is to dive into the intricacies of troubleshooting and fine-tuning the performance of Azure
Data Warehouses. This entails working with real-world data and grappling with the complexities of a
data warehousing architecture. Your primary responsibility is to tackle issues related to slow queries,
data distribution, indexing, and query optimization. To aid in this endeavour, you will utilize essential
tools like Azure SQL Data Warehouse Query Performance Insights and Query Store. The ultimate goal is
to identify performance bottlenecks and implement effective solutions to elevate data warehouse
performance. This project is a testament to your ability to excel in troubleshooting and optimizing data
warehousing solutions, ensuring the smooth and efficient processing of data.

Assignment 7:
Assignment Topic: "Proactive Monitoring and Troubleshooting for a Cloud Service Provider"

Description: Imagine you are working as Azure Cloud Administrator for a cloud service provider. Set up
Azure Monitor and Azure Log Analytics for proactive monitoring, configure Azure Automation for
management tasks, and develop a troubleshooting plan to address common cloud service issues.

Generative AI and Final Capstone Project (3 hours)

17.Generative AI with Azure Data Engineering (1 hour)

• 20 mins: Overview of how Azure data engineering services helps in building AI

• 40 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 58: Building solutions that uncover patterns, anomalies, and trends
in your data, by combining data engineering and Generative AI

18.Final Capstone Project 8: (2 hours)

• Title: End-to-End Data Engineering and Administration

Scenario: You work as Associate Data Engineer at “DataFlow Systems”, you have been entrusted with a
significant project.

Your objective is to lead the creation of a comprehensive end-to-end data platform, covering data
ingestion, storage, and transformation. Your responsibility is to address a complex, real-world data
engineering scenario, providing evidence of your skills in designing, implementing, and sustaining data
solutions using Azure services. This project serves as an all-encompassing showcase of your ability to
craft and oversee intricate data solutions that meet the company's specific needs.

Assignment 8:
Assignment Topic: "Designing a Scalable Data Platform for an E-commerce Giant"

Description: You are the Azure Data Architect in a major e-commerce company. Design an end-to-end
data platform covering data ingestion, storage, transformation, analytics, and reporting. This includes
Azure Data Lake Storage, Azure Databricks, Azure Synapse Analytics, and Power BI. Demonstrate your
ability to manage data solutions from end to end.

DP-203 Exam Preparation and Mock Test, Interview Tips and Tricks and Interview Preparation
(3 hours)
19. DP-203 Exam Overview and Tips (30 minutes)

• 15 mins: Detailed overview of the DP-203 exam format, domains covered, and types of
questions.
 • 15 mins: Trainer Guided Lab 59: Exploring Microsoft Learn modules for DP-203, discussing
sample questions, and sharing preparation strategies.

20. Mock Test, Review, and Feedback (1.5 hours)

• 1.5 hours: Conducting a mock test simulating the actual exam environment.
• 20 mins: Reviewing answers, discussing commonly made mistakes, and clarifying doubts.
• 10 mins: Collecting feedback, discussing next steps, and concluding the training.

21.Interview Tips and Tricks for Azure Data Engineering (30 minutes)

• 10 mins: Tips for Resume and Portfolio Optimization

• 10 mins: Frequently Asked Azure Interview Questions
• 10 mins: Tips for Azure Technical Interview Preparation

22. Scenario Based Questions for Azure Data Engineering Interview (30 minutes)

• Scenario based questions involving Data Ingestion and Integration.

• Scenarios based questions involving Data Transformation and Processing.
• Scenario based questions involving Data Storage and Management.
• Scenario based questions involving Security and Compliance.
• Scenario based questions involving Monitoring and Troubleshooting.