Module Details

Module Code: COMP8001
Title: Server-side Web Frameworks
Long Title: Server-side Web Frameworks
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4811 - Computer Science
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: Server side web frameworks are software frameworks that make it easier to write, maintain and scale web applications. In this module students will learn how to design and develop web applications using a server-side web framework. Students will gain an appreciation for the techniques employed and how the tools and libraries provided by frameworks can simplify common web development operations.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Discuss how server side web frameworks ease the development of web applications.
LO2 Compare and contrast appropriate design patterns for the provisioning of server-side functionality.
LO3 Integrate third-party/remote services into a server-side application.
LO4 Evaluate technical solutions for increasing the scalability of server-side applications.
LO5 Create a scalable web application with a server-side web framework.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Student should have knowlege of (X)HTML, CSS, and a server-side scripting language (such as PHP Ruby or Python) (Modules: Server-side Web Development)
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Server-side web frameworks
Writing code with server-side web frameworks, classes (abstract/concrete), subclassing, extensions, naming conventions. Using a framework for a specific scripting language, e.g. PHP (Cake, Symfony, etc ), Ruby (Rails, Nitro, etc), Python (Django, Pylons, Zope, etc.), JavaScript (Express, Node.js).
Design Patterns and Architectural Paradigms
Model View Controller, Model-View-View-Model, Model-Template-View, Inversion of Control, Dependency Injection . Architectural approaches (MVC, Service Oriented Architecture, Event driven Architecture, Microservices, Redundancy, Partitions).
Connecting to Remote and Third Party Services
XML-RPC, REST, SOAP, Sockets, RDF, Mashups, APIs, Creating RESTful Services.
Integrating Data
Persistence, I/O, SQL/NoSQL; object relational mapping limitations and alternatives; extensible object; formats; REST API creation and consumption using JSON format. RDF, RSS, ATOM, XML schema, namespaces, enclosures, podcasting.
Data Formats
Text, XML, HTML, JSON, CSV.
Scaling server-side applications
Fast and scalable data access: Caches, Global Cache, Distributed Cache, Proxies, Indexes, Load Balancers, Queues. E.g. Node.js with Express, Socket.io, RabbitMQ & Redis.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 9 Learning Outcomes 1,2,4
Assessment Description
Detail a rationale for choosing a server-side web framework in the development of a specified web application. Outline any design patterns required in the design and development phases as well as any scalability issues/solutions present.
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 11 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
This SAQ will assess the theoretical content of the module.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Create a scalable web application using a server-side web framework. Utilise design patterns and integrate with third-party services where appropriate to do so. The application should incorporate means of scaling for high demand content or services. E.g. of web app - Photo sharing service that incorporates real time chat functionality for users.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture underpinning learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Lab supporting content delivered. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent & directed learning Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lab Contact Lab supporting content delivered. Every Week 2.00 2
Lecture Contact Lecture underpinning learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent & directed learning Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Amos Q. Haviv. (2014), MEAN Web Development, Packt Publishing, [ISBN: 1783983280].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Ben Hammersley. (2005), Developing Feeds with RSS and ATOM, O'Reilly, [ISBN: 0-596-00881-3].
  • Paul Hudson. (2005), PHP in a Nutshell, O'Reilly, [ISBN: 0-596-10067-1].
  • Shu Wai Chow. (2007), PHP Web 2.0 Mashup Projects, PACKT, [ISBN: 978-1-847190-88-8].
  • Cristian Darie, et al. (2006), AJAX and PHP: Building Responsive Web Applications, PACKT, [ISBN: 1-904811-82-5].
  • Dave Thomas, David Heinemeir Hansson. (2007), Agile Web Development with Rails, 2nd+. Pragmatic Bookshelf, [ISBN: 0-9776166-3-0].
  • Justin Williams. (2007), Rails Solutions, Friends of Ed, [ISBN: 978-1-59059-752-1].
  • Samisa Abeysinghe,. (2008), RESTful PHP Web Services, Packt, [ISBN: 1847195520].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_KWEBD_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Web Development 5 Mandatory