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Introduction to Systems Architecture

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BeginnerCourse

This course offers a foundational introduction to systems architecture and the essential principles behind designing robust, scalable IT systems. Learners will explore the role of the systems architect, gaining insight into how they bridge business needs with technical solutions. Through a combination of videos, expert insights, and hands-on activities, the course covers core topics such as system components, system development life cycle (SDLC) models, software design, and architectural patterns.

4.9 (18 Reviews)

Language

  • English

Topic

  • Systems Analysis

Enrollment Count

  • 4.07K

Skills You Will Learn

  • Solutions Architect, Systems Analysis, Systems Architecture, Systems Design, Systems Fundamentals, Systems Thinking

Offered By

  • IBMSkillsNetwork

Estimated Effort

  • 9 Hours

Platform

  • Coursera

Last Update

  • March 17, 2026
About this Course
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!

What will you learn?

  • Explore the exciting world of systems architecture and learn the fundamentals to design scalable, reliable system solutions 
  • Explain the solutions architect’s role, required skills, career paths, certifications, and how they use systems thinking and SDLC to meet business needs 
  • Gain hands-on experience by applying systems design fundamentals and tools to design IT systems and solutions
  • Utilize requirement-gathering, prototyping, and modeling tools to analyze business needs and develop documented solutions for real-world applications 

Course Syllabus

This course comprises the following four modules: 

Module 1: Introducing the Systems & Solutions Architect Roles 
  • Lesson 0: Welcome 
  • Lesson 1: Getting Started with the Systems Architect Role 
  • Lesson 2: Module Glossary and Assessment 
Module 2: Introduction to Systems Analysis and Architecture 
  • Lesson 1: What is a System? 
  • Lesson 2: Understanding Systems and the Analyst's Role in Business 
  • Lesson 3: Module Glossary and Assessment  
Module 3: Software Architecture, Design, and Patterns 
  • Lesson 1: Software Architecture and Design 
  • Lesson 2: Software Architecture Patterns and Deployment Technologies 
  • Lesson 3: Module Glossary and Assessment 
Module 4: Module 4: Tools Used by Systems Architects 
  • Lesson 1: Tools Used by Systems Architects 
  • Lesson 2: Applying Systems Architect Tools in Practice 
  • Lesson 3: Module Glossary and Assessment 
Module 5: Final Project, Final Quiz, and Course Wrap-Up 
  • Lesson 1: Final Project 
  • Lesson 2: Course Glossary, Final Quiz, and Wrap-Up