All University Information Services - Digital Literacy Skills courses

The Get Connected course provides an introduction to the digital world with networks as a foundation for connecting people and things. The curriculum helps students understand how to use computers and connect to the Internet. Get Connected also explores the human network and introduces students to the world of social media.

If you already have an active Cisco account you can join the course by clicking here.

Intro to IoT introduces the concept of a network foundation connecting billions of things and trillions of gigabytes of data to enhance decision making and interactions. Course modules describe how IoE drives the convergence between an organization’s operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) systems, and the business processes for evaluating a problem and implementing an IoE solution. Machine-to-machine (M2M), machine-to-people (M2P), and people-to-people (P2P) connections in an IoE solution are also covered.

If you already have an active Cisco account you can join this course by clicking here

Introduction to Packet Tracer is a 10-hour self-paced course which highlights the basic features of the simulation tool for new users and how to use the package to include, connect, and program IoT devices into a network. A series of short and lively videos will guide you through the steps to create new networks, modify existing networks, and verify device connectivity within the network. Short labs that follow the videos in each section are an integral component to the learning process.

If you already have an active Cisco account you can join the course by clicking here.

Architectures and processes of the past are making way for more modern, real-time applications thanks to IoT (Internet of Things) systems and the data they collect. Dynamic data platforms are being built, and our ability to extract data using the latest analytics techniques is growing. So why not gain an edge and increase your employability by learning new skills? Skills such as collecting, storing, and visualizing data obtained from IoT sensors are in high demand. Be one of the few who know how to use data analytics to gain amazing insights from the intelligence produced. Insights that can help businesses make more-informed decisions. Prerequisite: IoT Fundamentals: Connecting Things is recommended.

• The Big Data & Analytics course builds on Connecting Things, teaching you how to collect, store, and visualise data obtained from IoT sensors. You’ll develop the ability to extract data and use data analytics to gain insights, an extremely valuable skill to employers.

Nearly every object can now be connected to the Internet -- from washing machines to sophisticated components of an airplane’s jet engine, even organic items like crops and cows. The ability to connect things and capture useful data is transforming organizations in every industry and opening doors for new career specializations. Discover the basis of this exciting and emerging field using fun, hands-on activities to model securely connecting sensors to cloud services over IP networks and collecting data in an end-to-end IoT (Internet of Things) system. Basic programming (such as PCAP: Programming Essentials in Python), networking and electronics knowledge is recommended.

After you've completed Connecting Things or Big Data & Analytics, it's time to create your own IoT solution using your new skills. Here you’ll form a Hackathon team and use professional tools and templates to define, design, and prototype an IoT solution. What really dials up the heat is that your team’s project will find a new way to solve a real-world problem! Not only will you prototype an IoT solution, but you'll also learn how to present it to a panel of industry experts and peers! Prerequisite IoT Fundamentals: Connecting Things and/or Big Data & Analytics is recommended.

• In the hackathon, you’ll apply the multidisciplinary skills learned in Connecting Things and Big Data & Analytics to identify and solve a real-world problem.

The explosive growth of connected IoT devices enables the world’s digitization, but also dramatically increases the amount of security threats. You’ll use the latest technologies to perform vulnerability and risk assessments, then research and recommend risk mitigation strategies for common security threats in IoT systems. More than ever, the world needs more skilled cybersecurity professionals. Adding IoT Security to your skillset differentiates you from all the other job candidates. Pair IoT Security with CyberOps Associate or CCNA Security courses and increase your employability with a deeper understanding of the anatomy of an attack and how to mitigate it.

The IT Essentials (ITE) course introduces students to the fundamentals of computer hardware and software, mobile devices, security and networking concepts, and the responsibilities of an IT professional. The latest release includes mobile devices, Linux, and client side virtualization, as well as expanded information about Microsoft Windows operating systems, security, networking, and troubleshooting.

The Linux Essentials course, developed and supported by Networking Academy partner NDG, teaches students the fundamentals of the Linux operating system and command line, and basic open source concepts.

If you already have an active Cisco account you can join this course by clicking here

This course is offered by Network Development Group (NDG). The content will help you develop the basic professional skills that are common to major distributions of Linux. The course is aligned to both the Linux Professional Institute LPIC-1 102 exam and CompTIA Linux+ vendor-neutral exam. After completing Linux I and the companion Linux II the courses you may elect to take either or both exams. The exam fee is not included in this course.

This course is part two in a series of two courses that provides the skills and knowledge necessary to perform maintenance tasks with the command line, install & configure a computer running Linux and be able to configure basic networking.

There are 6 Modules which include 19 chapters with assessments, 19 lab exercises, and midterm and final assessments.

The external LPI and CompTIA exams are optional, read how to book exams below.

If you do not have any Linux skills or you want to start from the basics you may wish to take the entry-level Linux Essentials course, which is an optional first step, to enrol please contact training@uis.cam.ac.uk.

If you already have an active Cisco account you can join the course by clicking here.

This fee based online course is offered by Network Development Group (NDG). The content will help you develop the basic professional skills that are common to major distributions of Linux. The course is aligned to both the Linux Professional Institute LPIC-1 101 exam and CompTIA Linux+ vendor-neutral exam. After completing Linux I and the companion Linux II the courses you may elect to take either or both exams. The exam fee is not included in this course.

This course is part one in a series of two courses that provides the skills and knowledge necessary to perform maintenance tasks with the command line, install & configure a computer running Linux and be able to configure basic networking. There are 8 Modules which include 26 chapters with assessments, 25 lab exercises, and midterm and final assessments.

The external LPI and CompTIA exams are optional, read how to book exams below.

If you do not have any Linux skills or you want to start from the basics you may wish to take the entry-level Linux Essentials course, which is an optional first step, to enrol please contact training@uis.cam.ac.uk.

If you already have an active Cisco account you can join this course by clicking here. However you will need to pay by credit card the first time you access the course.

The NDG Linux Unhatched exposes new learners to the basics of Linux software installation and configuration, and introduces the Linux command line in a short 8-hour, self-paced course. Aligned to the Linux exam objectives found on the CompTIA A+ certification, learners develop basic Linux knowledge and whet appetite to further build Linux expertise by continuing with either NDG Linux Essentials or NDG Linux I.

If you already have an active Cisco account you can join this course by clicking here.

Networking Essentials is designed for self-paced learning. There are twenty modules in the course.

Networking is at the heart of the digital transformation. The network is essential to many business functions today, including business critical data and operations, cybersecurity, and so much more. A wide variety of career paths rely on the network -- so it's important to understand what the network can do, how it operates, and how to protect it.

If you already have an active Cisco account you can join the course by clicking here and using the "sign up today" button. Select English as the course language.

Python is a general-purpose programming language used to build just about anything. Python is key for backend web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence and scientific computing, all of which are key for pursuing IT careers.

With PCAP: Programming Essentials in Python you learn to design, write, debug, and run programs encoded in the Python language. No prior programming knowledge is required. The course begins with the very basics guiding you step by step until you become adept at solving more complex problems.

If you already have an active Cisco account you can join the course by clicking here.

Computers are everywhere! It is because the term “computers” refers to more than just a personal computer or laptop. Your smartphone is a mini-computer. A server is a super-computer. Cars, smart TVs, your game console – they all have a computer. Having a basic understanding for these devices and how they work is critical for success in today's digital world. This course is a great starting point for any IT career.

Computer Hardware Basics explores the fundamentals of computers and mobile devices, the components that comprise them, how they work, and basic troubleshooting tools and techniques.

Develop advanced knowledge that you will use in the workplace as a Junior Cybersecurity Analyst. This course explores governance in cybersecurity and threat management. Learn to develop policies and ensure your organization complies with ethics standards and legal and regulatory frameworks. You will also gain skills for managing threats, such as how to assess a network for vulnerabilities, manage risks, and respond to security incidents.

This data analytics essentials course teaches you the fundamental tools of a data analyst. You will learn to transform, organize, and visualize data with spreadsheet tools such as Excel. You will also learn how to query data from a relational database using SQL and how to improve your data presentations using powerful business intelligence tools like Tableau. By the end of the course, you will have an analytics portfolio complete with an analysis of the popular movies dataset, showcasing your skills in Excel, SQL and Tableau.

Build entrepreneurial skills and develop a solution-oriented approach to problem solving through real-world examples and interactive branching activities.

This course covers entrepreneurship fundamentals, including the entrepreneurial perspective, identifying opportunities, and crafting your entrepreneurial story. Offering a solid foundation for anyone interested in developing entrepreneurial skills.

Gain the foundational knowledge you will use in the workplace as a Junior Cybersecurity Analyst. Each day billions of devices are connected to the network, and each one needs to be protected. Build the skills to secure your network all the way to the edge, including hardware, software, and media.

In this course, you will learn how to assess the network, operating systems, and endpoints for vulnerabilities, and how to secure the network. You will also gain skills to maintain the integrity, confidentiality, and availability in your network and your data.

The digital landscape is evolving at an unprecedented rate and cyber threats lurk around every corner. Cybersecurity resilience in the modern world cannot be just an add on - it's a necessity. Offensive security professionals like ethical hackers and penetration testers can help proactively discover unknown threats and address them before the cybercriminals do.

This course is designed to prepare you with an Ethical Hacker skillset and give you a solid understanding of offensive security. You will become proficient in the art of scoping, executing, and reporting on vulnerability assessments, while recommending mitigation strategies. Follow an engaging gamified narrative throughout the course and get lots of practice with hands-on labs inspired by real-world scenarios.

After completing this course, continue your cybersecurity career in offensive security as an ethical hacker or penetration tester. Or use this course to strengthen your defensive security knowledge. By understanding the mindset of threat actors, you will be able to more effectively implement security controls and monitor, analyze, and respond to current security threats.

In today’s digital world, more and more devices are connecting to the network than ever before. A smart home, city, or grid can have hundreds of Internet of Things (IoT) devices! The possibilities are endless. In this course, use your Cisco Packet Tracer skills to make a smart home network. Learn how to add IoT devices to a home network and connect, configure, and monitor them. You will also become more familiar with IoT devices, including what they are, what they can do, and how they are programmed. You will even create your own IoT device and use it in your smart home network.

Practice networking skills from your own computer. In this course, you will create and explore a branch office network in Cisco Packet Tracer. The Getting Started with Packet Tracer course introduced you to a home office network. Now let’s try something a little more complex to expand your networking knowledge. This course shows you how to connect and configure devices in your network, including wireless devices, and how to verify their connectivity. You will learn about packets and how they travel across a network. Plus, get introduced to a network controller and why it is so powerful to monitor and manage the devices in your branch office network.

Meet our innovative network simulation and visualization tool, Cisco Packet Tracer. This virtual lab is an interactive way to practice networking, IoT, and cybersecurity – no hardware required! This course introduces you to the Cisco Packet Tracer simulation environment. Learn how to use Cisco Packet Tracer to visualize and simulate a network using everyday examples. Practice your skills with interactive virtual lab activities, and hone your problem-solving skills, too. Get valuable tips and best practices and gain confidence to use this powerful tool in later courses or for your own practice.

This introductory course takes you inside the world of cybersecurity. You will learn cybersecurity basics to protect your personal digital life and gain insights into the biggest security challenges companies, governments, and educational institutions face today. Cybersecurity professionals who can protect and defend an organization’s network are in high demand.

This introductory course takes you inside the world of data science. You will learn the basics of data science, data analytics, and data engineering to understand how machine learning is shaping the future of business, healthcare, education, and more. Data science professionals who can provide actionable insights for data-driven decisions are in high demand all over the world.