Containers with Docker, Kubernetes, and OpenShift
Course

Containers with Docker, Kubernetes, and OpenShift
Learn the fundamentals of containerization and explore technologies such as Docker, Kubernetes, OpenShift, and Istio. Gain hands-on experience building, deploying, and scaling containerized applications in the cloud.
Flexible Schedule
Intermediate Level
Mentor Support
Estimated Time
4 weeks
3–4 hours/week
3–4 hours/week
Containerization plays a critical role in modern cloud application development by enabling portability, consistency, scalability, and DevOps efficiency. This course introduces learners to containers and the ecosystem of technologies that support containerized applications, including Docker, Kubernetes, OpenShift, and Istio.
You will begin by understanding the need for containerization and how containers differ from traditional deployment models. The course then explores Docker concepts, container images, and container registries, followed by container orchestration using Kubernetes. You will learn how Kubernetes manages deployments, scaling, updates, and configuration of containerized applications.
Through hands-on labs, you will work with container platforms in the cloud, deploy applications using Kubernetes, and explore OpenShift as an enterprise-grade container platform. The course concludes with a final project in which you build and deploy a containerized application, allowing you to apply your learning in a practical, real-world scenario relevant to cloud and DevOps roles.
This course comprises 5 purposely designed modules that take you on a carefully defined learning journey.
It is a self-paced course, which means it is not run to a fixed schedule with regard to completing modules.It is anticipated that if you work 3-4 hours per week, you will complete the course in 4 weeks. However, as long as the course is completed by the end of your enrollment, you can work at your own pace. And dont worry, youre not alone! You will be encouraged to stay connected with your learning community through the course discussion space.
The materials for each module are accessible from the start of the course and will remain available for the duration of your enrollment. Methods of learning and assessment will include discussion space, videos, reading material, quizzes, hands-on labs, quizzes and final assignment.
Once you have successfully completed the course, you will earn your IBM Certificate.
You will be able to:
- Explain containerization concepts and benefits for cloud-native applications.
- Build and manage container images using Docker.
- Deploy and orchestrate applications using Kubernetes.
- Manage containerized workloads using OpenShift.
- Apply Kubernetes architecture concepts for container management.
- Deploy and scale container-based applications in the cloud.
- Developers new to containerization and cloud-native technologies
- Professionals pursuing cloud, DevOps, or platform engineering roles
- Learners preparing to work with Kubernetes and container platforms
- Individuals seeking hands-on experience with modern application deployment
- Basic computer skills
- General understanding of cloud computing concepts
- Familiarity with command-line tools, shell commands, and introductory cloud environments
Course Outline
Video: Course Introduction (3:45)
General Information
Course Learning Objectives and Syllabus
Grading Scheme
Module Introduction and Learning Objectives
Video: Introduction to Containers (6:12)
Video: Introduction to Docker (3:35)
Video: Building and Running Container Images (2:32)
Video: Docker Objects (4:49)
Video: Docker Architecture (4:02)
Hands-on Lab: Introduction to Containers, Docker, and IBM Cloud Container Registry
Reading: Summary & Highlights
Module 1 Cheat Sheet: Docker CLI
Module 1 Glossary: Containers Basics
Practice Quiz: Containers and Containerization
Graded Quiz: Containers and Containerization (10 Questions)
Module Introduction and Learning Objectives
Video: Container Orchestration (7:13)
Video: Introduction to Kubernetes (7:49)
Video: Kubernetes Architecture (6:19)
Video: Kubernetes Objects Part 1 (7:07)
Video: Kubernetes Objects Part 2 (7:24)
Video: Using Kubectl (7:56)
Hands-on Lab: Introduction to Kubernetes (45 min)
Reading: Summary & Highlights
Module 2 Cheat Sheet: The kubectl CLI
Module 2 Glossary: Kubernetes Basics
Practice Quiz: Kubernetes Basics
Graded Quiz: Kubernetes Basics (10 Questions)
Module Introduction and Learning Objectives
Video: ReplicaSet (6:36)
Video: Autoscaling (7:54)
Reading: Deployment Strategies
Video: Rolling Updates (6:48)
Video: Config Maps and Secrets (7:04)
Video: Service Binding (5:36)
Hands-on Lab: Scaling and Updating Applications (45 min)
Reading: Summary & Highlights
Module 3 Cheat Sheet: Managing Applications with Kubernetes
Module 3 Glossary: Managing Applications with Kubernetes
Practice Quiz : Managing Applications with Kubernetes
Graded Quiz: Managing Applications with Kubernetes (10 Questions)
Module Introduction and Learning Objectives
Video: Introduction to Red Hat OpenShift (8:27)
Video: Builds (7:28)
Video: Operators (6:58)
Video: Istio (8:10)
Hands-on Lab: Introduction to OpenShift
Reading: Summary & Highlights
Module 4 Cheat Sheet: OpenShift CLI
Module 4 Glossary: OpenShift Basics
Module 4 Glossary: OpenShift Basics
Practice Quiz: The Kubernetes Ecosystem: OpenShift, Istio, etc.
Graded Quiz: The Kubernetes Ecosystem: OpenShift, Istio, etc. (10 Questions)
Module Introduction and Learning Objectives
Reading: Introduction to the Final Project
Final Project: Scenario and Review Criteria
Hands-on Lab: Build and Deploy a Simple Health Application
Final Project Submission Checklist
Why Learn with SkillUp Online?
We believe every learner is an individual and every course is an opportunity to build job-ready skills. Through our human-centered approach to learning, we will empower you to fulfil your professional and personal goals and enjoy career success.
Reskilling into tech? We’ll support you.
Upskilling for promotion? We’ll help you.
Cross-skilling for your career? We’ll guide you.

Personalized Mentoring & Support
1-on-1 mentoring, live classes, webinars, weekly feedback, peer discussion, and much more.

Practical Experience
Hands-on labs and projects tackling real-world challenges. Great for your resumé and LinkedIn profile.

Best-in-Class Course Content
Designed by the industry for the industry so you can build job-ready skills.

Job-Ready Skills Focus
Competency building and global certifications employers are actively looking for.
Type of certificate
IBM Certificate
About this course
05 Modules
05 Skills
Includes
Discussion space
05 Hands-on labs
04 Practice quizzes
04 Graded quizzes
01 Final project
Create
Simple Health Application
Exercises to explore
Introduction to Containers, Docker, and IBM Cloud Container Registry
Introduction to Kubernetes
Scaling and Updating Applications
Introduction to OpenShift
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