Authorization with OAuth 2.0 in Python Course Syllabus

An in-depth, lab-driven course that equips Python developers with the knowledge and hands-on experience to build and secure OAuth 2.0-powered applications. This 8-week course features weekly modules with a mix of foundational concepts and practical implementation, combining theory with realistic labs using Python libraries like Authlib and Flask-Dance. Learners will progress from OAuth fundamentals to securing APIs, managing tokens, and integrating social logins, culminating in a capstone project that ties all components together. Estimated time commitment: 6–8 hours per week.

Module 1: OAuth 2.0 Fundamentals

Estimated time: 6 hours

• Understand OAuth roles: client, resource owner, authorization server, resource server
• Explore grant types: Authorization Code, Client Credentials, Implicit, Resource Owner Password
• Analyze OAuth 2.0 flow diagrams and security boundaries
• Simulate OAuth flows using Postman for visualization

Module 2: Setting Up a Python Auth Server

Estimated time: 7 hours

• Choose and configure Python OAuth libraries (Authlib, OAuthLib)
• Set up an issuer and configure client registration
• Build a minimal Flask-based authorization server
• Issue access and refresh tokens using OAuth 2.0 standards

Module 3: JWT & Token Management

Estimated time: 7 hours

• Decode and analyze JWT structure: header, payload, signature
• Implement signing algorithms (e.g., HS256, RS256)
• Encode and decode JWTs in Python applications
• Implement token revocation and introspection endpoints

Module 4: Securing APIs with Scopes & Claims

Estimated time: 6 hours

• Define and enforce custom scopes for access control
• Add custom claims and audience restrictions to tokens
• Protect Flask-RESTful API endpoints using middleware

Module 5: Refresh Tokens & Token Rotation

Estimated time: 7 hours

• Implement the refresh token grant flow
• Design secure token rotation strategies
• Detect and prevent refresh token reuse

Module 6: Integrating Social Logins

Estimated time: 6 hours

• Use OAuth 2.0 as a client for third-party providers
• Implement "Log in with Google" using Flask-Dance or Authlib
• Handle redirect flows and provider-specific quirks

Module 7: Advanced Security & Best Practices

Estimated time: 7 hours

• Implement PKCE for public clients to prevent code injection
• Configure CORS and enforce HTTPS in production
• Apply rate-limiting and secure cookie storage practices

Module 8: Capstone Project – Full OAuth Integration

Estimated time: 8 hours

• Design and implement a microservice architecture with auth server and resource APIs
• Integrate a React/Angular frontend with complete OAuth 2.0 setup
• Test and document end-to-end authentication flow

Prerequisites

• Familiarity with Python programming and Flask framework
• Understanding of REST APIs and HTTP methods
• Basic knowledge of web security concepts

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Implement secure OAuth 2.0 authorization servers in Python
• Validate JWTs and enforce scope-based access in APIs
• Manage token lifecycle with refresh tokens and revocation
• Integrate social login providers like Google and Facebook
• Apply security best practices including PKCE and token introspection