COMP06253 2018 Server-side Web Development
In this module, learners will be required to develop server-side web applications using a language such as PHP. Learners will understand the interactions between the client in the browser and the server and how this impacts on web application design. Learners will develop the application logic which will reside on the server and serve this up in web pages.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Design and develop web applications with a server-side scripting language
Describe the server side lifecycle
Apply and manage HTTP sessions in a web application
Build and deploy a web application to a hosting platform
Teaching and Learning Strategies
A practical approach to teaching and learning will be used. Problem-based learning will be used where possible. The one hour lecture will be used to introduce core concepts. The lab practicals will be used to learn key concepts by developing web applications.
Virtual Machines will be used to allow flexibility and enhance learning.
Module Assessment Strategies
60% continuous assessment. Students have to complete lab work and a number of formative and summative quizzes throughout the module. The lab work and in-class summative quizzes will make up 20% of the final mark. These quizzes will be carried out in weeks 4 and 8. Students will complete a project worth 40% and as part of this will be required to peer review and provide feedback to each other. This project will have staged submissions throughout the semester. This project will be aligned with a project students complete in the Cloud Computing module potentially enabling cross-module assessment.
40% end of term practical exam.
Repeat Assessments
Repeat exam covering all learning outcomes.
Indicative Syllabus
Design and develop web applications with a server-side scripting language
- Examine all features and characteristics of the PHP language such as data types, operators, loops, decisions, functions, arrays, OO principles and exception handling
- Determine how HTML and CSS integrate with the language
- Examine form handling and validation
- Examine methods for connecting and interacting with databases such as MySQL
Describe the server side lifecycle
- Describe the fundamental elements of the lifecycle of the application on the server side
- Consider how and when interactions with services/applications occur
Apply and manage HTTP sessions in a web application
- Examine Cookies and Sessions
- Persisting data with cookies
Build and deploy a web application to a hosting platform
- Examine continuous integration and build strategies
- Determine appropriate hosting solutions
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Develop a web application | Project | Project | 40 % | Week 12 | 1,3,4 |
2 | Multiple Choice Quizzes | Continuous Assessment | Multiple Choice | 20 % | OnGoing | 1,2,4 |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Lab exam | Final Exam | Open Book Exam | 40 % | End of Term | 1,3 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Computer Laboratory | Lecture | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
Laboratory Practical | Computer Laboratory | Lab practicals | 3 | Weekly | 3.00 |
Independent Learning | Not Specified | Independent Learning | 3 | Weekly | 3.00 |
Required & Recommended Book List

2017-10-01 Murach's PHP and MySQL (3rd Edition) Mike Murach and Associates, Inc.
ISBN 1943872384 ISBN-13 9781943872381

2016-12-20 PHP Objects, Patterns, and Practice Apress
ISBN 1484219953 ISBN-13 9781484219959

2016-06-29 PHP for the Web: Visual QuickStart Guide (Visual QuickStart Guides) Peachpit Press
ISBN 0134291255 ISBN-13 9780134291253
Module Resources
http://php.net/
IT Sligo Virtual Machines