Course Brief

The Internet has emerged as one of the leading platforms for IT development. The ever expanding range of Web based applications has meant that the Internet, and its associated technologies are rapidly growing, and require in-depth knowledge as well as a wide range of ever changing skills. While vendor based technologies such as .Net play a role as development tools for a number of Web applications, "Open Source" projects and technologies such as MySQL, power some of the largest Web based applications in the world. In addition to the technologies, usability and the user experience are critical determinants of the success of a web application and the aim of this course is to develop the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively use modern, Open Source Web technologies to create database driven web applications, within the context of the user experience. Specific aims are: To encourage a critical assessment of the issues affecting the design and development of Web based applications in relation to the users¿ needs. To develop practical skills in developing advanced web applications using current and emerging web technologies. To develop understanding of the legal, professional, social and ethical issues involved in the development of usable and accessible web applications.
  • This course is offered in 60 hours

On completing this course successfully you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate a clear and critical understanding of a User Centred Design (UCD) development methodology and question its principles and boundaries.
  • Appreciate the importance of gathering user requirements and the impact of these on site design.
  • Demonstrate a critical awareness of current trends in Web based interface design and user experience.
  • Appreciate how the web can be used to communicate clearly and effectively with different audiences.
  • Utilise current (e.g. HTML/CSS/JavaScript) and emerging Web technologies (e.g. HTML5, CSS3 and jQuery) to create Web based applications for a range of devices.
  • Develop database connectivity for Web based applications using a variety of technologies, specifically PHP and MySQL.

The User Centred Design (UCD) Methodology.
Requirements Gathering and Information Architecture.
Web usability, accessibility and interface design for users from diverse backgrounds.
HTML and CSS.
CSS based layouts and frameworks.
Adding Interactivity to Web Applications using JavaScript and frameworks such as jQuery.
Developing server side applications using PHP.
Developing database-driven web sites using PHP and MySQL.
Evaluation, testing and promotion of web based applications taking account of different audiences.

In the lectures, students will be introduced to the technical and methodological concepts needed for the development of Web based applications. In lab sessions, students will learn how to develop web-based applications by completing a set of tutorials.

Coursework – 100%
5000 words.

A web application using HTML, CSS, PHP & JavaScript and a set of weekly tutorials.

Pass Mark – 50%