Module Identifier
CS15020
Module Title
WEB DEVELOPMENT TOOLS
Academic Year
2008/2009
Co-ordinator
Dr Adrian D Shaw
Semester
Semester 2
Co-Requisite
None
Mutually Exclusive
CS15820, CS25910
Pre-Requisite
None
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Exam 2 Hours   2 hour written exam  60%
Semester Assessment Assessed coursework - 2 assignments worth 20% each  40%
Supplementary Assessment Will take the same form under the terms of the Department's  100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Describe the architecture of the web and the distinction between client and server side processing.

Explain the distinction between structure, content and presentation of web material and the benefits of maintaining that distinction.

Describe the main features of XML in the context of the web.

Describe main features of content management systems and online payment systems.

Build simple web pages by writing HTML, control presentation using CSS, embed ECMAScript code, and write simple animations.

Build a simple database driven web site using WYSIWYG editors.

Brief description

This module introduces the crucial technologies and architectures for the production of web material. The communications basis of the web, structure and presentation of content, client-side code are covered. Students will have the opportunity to develop their technical understanding and their practical skills

Content

Each item represents approximately 1 week, comprising 4 one-hour lectures and up to 2 hours of practical.

1. Introduction

Outline of the architecture of the web and the associated technologies: HTTP; servers; server environments; browsers, browser helper applications; static and dynamic content. Importance of standards, 'browser wars'. Introduction of a running case study. Version control. Information architectures.

2. Content, structure and presentation HTML, CSS. HTML as XML. Documents as trees.

3. Client-side code - EcmaScript: interaction with browsers; content generation; input checking.

4. Client-side code ¿ Applets

5. Server-side code Content generation.

The server-side environment: HTTP methods; HTTP parameters.

6. Code embedded in HTML Server-side includes. A suitable general language.

7. WYSIWYG Web Page Editors ¿ Web development tools and simple database linking.

8. Graphics tools ¿ Graphics Editors and Animation software.

9. Content Management Systems ¿ Online editors.

10. Ecommerce systems ¿ Shopping carts and payment systems.

11. Main features of XML in the context of the Web

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number No
Communication The web is a communication medium. Many feature for effective communication are covered and good application of them will be emphasised.
Improving own Learning and Performance Detail of technologies will have to be learned from professional technical sources, give strategic guidance in lectures. Effective use of these resources requires good browsing/reading strategies.
Information Technology Whole module concerns IT
Personal Development and Career planning Time management skills will be needed to enable students to complete course work.
Problem solving Many aspects of web functionality can be provided in more than one way or are intrinsically complex to develop. Students will need to apply knowledge to effective solutions.
Research skills The students will need to search for and use relevant technical information while completing practical and assessed course work.
Subject Specific Skills Students will develop detailed knowledge of client side internet technologies and have an appreciation of modern tools.
Team work No

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4