Module Details

Module Code: SOFT8034
Title: Front End Frameworks
Long Title: Front End Frameworks
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4814 - Computer Software
Module Delivered in: 3 programme(s)
Module Description: The use of third party frameworks in conjunction with web-standards has been prevalent in the development of web applications' front-ends and interfaces. This module gives the student the skills necessary to select the most appropriate Web Standards frameworks for a specific front-end project, and to learn how best to integrate these frameworks properly into those projects. They will also learn the advanced software techniques used by many of the most popular frameworks so that they can derive maximum benefit from their use. They will also learn how to use frameworks and other reusable components to improve their development workflows.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Assess how front end frameworks can improve the development workflow for front end applications.
LO2 Identify appropriate criteria in evaluating web frameworks and select the most appropriate front end framework based on an applications requirements.
LO3 Apply an appropriate front end framework technology to enhance layouts and functionality within an application.
LO4 Employ software techniques and practices commonly used by reusable software so that they can maximise the benefits of widely used frameworks.
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).
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
Development workflow
Web framework overview. Advantages and disadvantages. Features - Version Control, CSS Preprocessing: variables, operators, interpolations, functions, mixins. Extensions. Case Studies: Sass, Less, Stylus.
Layout
HTML boiler plate, CSS Reset stylesheets, Grids, Responsive Design, Case Studies: Bootstrap, Boilerplate, Pure
Software Practices/Techniques
Design Patterns: Routing, Databinding, Templates, Data Access, Models, MV*
Selecting Frameworks
Assessing Frameworks. Security, licensing, maintenance, performance, size, standards compliance, browser compatibility, obtrusiveness
Researching and Using Frameworks
Documentation, Components, packages, persistence, controllers, templates, scope. Case Studies: E.g. Ember, React, AngularJS, Backbone.JS
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 35
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Assess and select the most appropriate front end framework to meet the functional requirements of a web application interface.
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 9 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
An example title of the essay would be to critically evaluate an appropriate front end framework for a dynamic web application.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 3,4
Assessment Description
Create a specified interactive web application using your chosen web standards front-end frameworks (applying more advanced software techniques).
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 in class. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent Study. 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
Lecture Contact Lecture underpinning learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Lab supporting content delivered in class. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent Study. 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
  • Pam Selle, Tim Ruffles, Christopher Hiller, Jamie White. Choosing a JavaScript Framework: A comparison of pros, cons, and trade-offs, 2014. Bleeding Edge Press, [ISBN: 9781939902085].
  • Addy Osmani. (2012), Learning JavaScript Design Patterns, O'Reilly, [ISBN: 9781449331818].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Addy Osmani. (2014), Developing Backbone.js Applications, O'Reilly, [ISBN: 9781449328252].
  • Stoyan Stefanov. (2016), React: Up & Running: Building Web Applications, O'Reilly, [ISBN: 9781491931820].
  • Shyam Seshadri, Brad Green. (2014), AngularJS: Up and Running: Enhanced Productivity with Structured Web Apps, O'Reilly, [ISBN: 9781491901946].
  • Stoyan Stefanov. (2010), JavaScript Patterns: Build Better Applications with Coding and Design Patterns, O'Reilly, 9780596806750, [ISBN: 9780596806750].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_KSDEV_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Software Development 7 Elective
CR_KDNET_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Systems 7 Elective
CR_KWEBD_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Web Development 7 Mandatory