Course Overview
This hands-on course replaces COMP 3916 –Docker for DevOps as of April 2023. It is aimed at web software developers who want to use current DevOps standards to reduce service downtime. Software developers who can create web-based applications, are introduced to best practices and techniques to create software services resilient to failures. COMP 4016 starts with an overview of DevOps. Labs and exercises cover the basics of Docker including creating Docker images and debugging containers. Participants are then introduced to Kubernetes, an open source platform for managing containerized workloads and services. Assignments focus on best practices to automate DevOps operations to reduce on-call work, and how to leverage Kubernetes self-healing features. There is a focus on the use of automatic scalers to react to bursts of traffic and monitor the current state of the service. YAML (a data-serialization language) is used configure Kubernetes and to program running services. Students practice how to automate typical human elements and inputs to apply different DevOps concepts to a running service. COMP 4016 is an elective course the CST FLEX Diploma and several BCIT Computing Associate Certificates. DevOps students should also consider completing COMP 2833 - Agile Scrum Methods, for additional skills. Upon completion, successful students will have working knowledge of DevOps. They will be able to use Docker and Kubernetes to orchestrate automation, to reduce costs and downtime for software as a service. Students without the specific BCIT prerequisites, who have equivalent knowledge of Web Software Application Development with PHP, and or Java Web or ASP are welcome to apply. COMP 4016 will be offered once a year in the fall (September) term.
Credits
3.0
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Domestic fees
$539.20
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Use Docker-Desktop and the command line to develop Docker images and Kubernetes containers.
- Debug containers and manage the cycle of a container with Docker.
- Work with a container registry to push and pull images.
- Create a local cluster to run containerized applications.
- Use Kubernetes Deployments to deploy and run software.
- Describe running services using Kubernetes Service and Ingress.
- Use Kubernetes Stateful Sets and Volumes to manage persistent data stores.
- Create Horizontal Pod AutoScalers to scale up resources required for bursts of traffic.
- Define logging and metrics for monitoring software services.
- Create monitors and alarms for a smooth on-call experience.
- Automate human input out of DevOps operations to reduce on-call time.
- Describe techniques for secure management using Kubernetes Secrets.
- Use command line to explore Kubernetes issues and debug running services.
Effective as of Winter 2023
Related Programs
Applied DevOps with Kubernetes (COMP 4016) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Computing and Academic Studies
- Computer Systems
Diploma Part-time
- Web and Mobile Application Development
Associate Certificate Part-time
Course Offerings
Fall 2026
Below is one offering of COMP 4016 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 50336
Dates
Sep 12 - Dec 05 Loading
- CRN 50336
- $539.20 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Mike Mulder
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Please email cstflex@bcit.ca for Departmental approval. Include your Student number (A0#) and COMP__ and preferred CRN __ and Program Declaration____. This course is delivered online synchronously with exams on-campus. The course is 36 hours of synchronous online classes. Final exam: December 5, 1800-2100, at Burnaby campus SE12 320. Please Note: Attendance, participation in class and the BCIT Learning Hub are mandatory. You should prepare to spend 2-3 hours on homework for every 1 hour of class time. This course may require an average total time commitment of 9-12+ hours per week. 3 hours of synchronous class time and 6-9+ hours per week for homework. Late registration is not permitted. BCIT Computing is primarily a Microsoft Windows environment. Students must provide their own current model Windows-compatible PC. i5 or higher equivalent processor, with 8 GB of RAM minimum, and 256 GB minimum storage. Highspeed internet access is needed for online sections and for homework. Mac users must have the ability to manage and support their iOS computer. They may need to create a virtual Windows environment using Parallels or VMWare Fusion. COMP instructors may not be able to assist Mac users with software compatibility issues. BCIT does not provide access to Parallels or support for students to use a Mac to run Windows. No class October 10 (Thanksgiving).
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.