When will I receive my Course Certificate?

If you complete the course successfully, your electronic Course Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Course Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Why can’t I audit this course?

This course is currently available only to learners who have paid or received financial aid, when available.

What is the refund policy?

You will be eligible for a full refund until two weeks after your payment date, or (for courses that have just launched) until two weeks after the first session of the course begins, whichever is later. You cannot receive a refund once you’ve earned a Course Certificate, even if you complete the course within the two-week refund period. See our full refund policy.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

System Design Fundamentals

System Design Fundamentals

Instructor: Pearson

Included with Coursera Plus

Learn more

1 module

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

5 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

1 module

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

5 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Learn to identify and overcome the real hurdles architects face.
Discover a structured approach for defining the components of architecture.
Future proof your system and make it easier to develop and maintain.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

There is 1 module in this course

Over the past 20 years, Juval Löwy has led the industry in architecture and project design. Some of his ideas, such as microservices, serve as the foundation of software design and development. In this course, Löwy explains his approach to system analysis and design, using volatility to decompose a system into its comprising services. Löwy contrasts it with the most common mistake done in architecture, using functionality to identify services. This engaging course discusses both what not to do and how to correctly define the architecture of software systems. The objective is to future proof your system and make it drastically easier to develop and maintain.

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to system design fundamentals, challenging prevailing approaches and emphasizing correct design practices. It covers the pitfalls of functional decomposition, introduces effective structures and taxonomies, and guides learners through validation, composition, and essential design attributes. Through practical techniques and insights, the module aims to transform participants’ understanding of software architecture, equipping them with the tools to create robust, adaptable systems and laying the groundwork for further exploration in project design.

What's included

27 videos5 assignments

27 videosTotal 185 minutes

Specialization Introduction2 minutes
Topics0 minutes
Avoid Functional Decomposition7 minutes
Problems with Functional Decomposition3 minutes
Architecture and Value17 minutes
Functional Decomposition Example11 minutes
Topics0 minutes
Decompose Based on Volatility13 minutes
The Volatility Challenge11 minutes
System Design Example26 minutes
Decomposition and Business13 minutes
Topics0 minutes
Using Layers2 minutes
Taxonomy in Layers10 minutes
Topics0 minutes
Architecture Validation1 minute
Call Chain Diagrams2 minutes
The Design Mission8 minutes
Composable Design15 minutes
Containing Changes6 minutes
Topics0 minutes
Volatility and Reuse5 minutes
Managers and Engines4 minutes
Open and Closed Architectures11 minutes
Design Don'ts7 minutes
Next steps0 minutes
Course Summary0 minutes

5 assignmentsTotal 150 minutes

What Not to Do Quiz30 minutes
What to Do Quiz30 minutes
Structure Quiz30 minutes
Composition Quiz30 minutes
End of Assessment Quiz30 minutes

Instructor

Pearson

236 Courses6,035 learners

Offered by

Pearson

Explore more from Software Development

Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Introduction to Systems Engineering
Specialization
Status: Preview
MathWorks
Systems Engineering
Course
Status: Free Trial
University of Maryland, College Park
Platform Product Management
Specialization
Status: Free Trial
Adobe
Design Fundamentals with AI
Course

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Learner since 2018

"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."

Jennifer J.

Learner since 2020

"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."

Larry W.

Learner since 2021

"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."

Chaitanya A.

"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription

Learn more

Advance your career with an online degree

Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online

Explore degrees

Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy

Learn more

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can preview the first video and view the syllabus before you enroll. You must purchase the course to access content not included in the preview.

If you decide to enroll in the course before the session start date, you will have access to all of the lecture videos and readings for the course. You’ll be able to submit assignments once the session starts.

Once you enroll and your session begins, you will have access to all videos and other resources, including reading items and the course discussion forum. You’ll be able to view and submit practice assessments, and complete required graded assignments to earn a grade and a Course Certificate.