University of Technology Sydney

31748 Programming on the Internet

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Information Technology: Computer Science
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Undergraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): (31268 Web Systems AND (31267 Programming Fundamentals OR 31465 Object-oriented Programming OR 31488 Programming Foundations OR 31508 Programming Fundamentals OR 48023 Programming Fundamentals OR 41039 Programming 1))
Anti-requisite(s): 31336 Internet Middleware Programming AND 32516 Internet Programming

Recommended studies: basic knowledge of programming languages and Unix systems

Description

This subject introduces students to the specifics of the World Wide Web (WWW) and internet-based programming. The evolution of the internet and its technical foundation is studied as well as basic techniques for presenting data, text and pictures on the WWW. The subject focuses on PHP (hypertext preprocessor), MySQL (backend database), JavaScript, AJAX, XML and Object Oriented PHP. This subject provides a sound basis for understanding how the WWW functions, how to construct websites and how to write software for the WWW using advanced scripting techniques.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. Understand the general concepts pertaining to the Internet and World Wide web such as TCP/IP, protocols, domain names, IP addresses and n-tier architecture. In addition students will understand the roles of browsers, web servers and scripting languages in the general context of the Internet and World Wide Web. (general level of understanding) (D.1)
2. Possess an insight into what is involved in the developing and securing of non-trivial websites. (general level). (D.1)
3. Have a good working knowledge of DHTML, JavaScript, AJAX and the principles of website design. (expert’s level) Have an insight into how Javascript Libraries such as JQuery can be used to enhance web pages. (general level). (D.1)
4. Have an introductory knowledge of how XML documents can be used on the Web. (general level) (D.1)
5. Gain experience in the use of PHP as a server side scripting language as well as the principles involved in using server side scripting languages in general. (expert’s level) Have an insight into advanced PHP, such as Object Oriented PHP and other PHP functions. (general level) (D.1)
6. Gain a sufficient knowledge of Unix so they can effectively manage websites hosted on sites running on any variety of the Unix Operating System. (expert’s level) (D.1)

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

  • Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies

This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies:

  • 1.1. Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
  • 1.2. Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.
  • 2.1. Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
  • 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.

Teaching and learning strategies

Subject presentation includes lectures (1 hour/week), laboratory sessions (2 hours/week), and research and development
work for the assignments. Lectures will present the theoretical aspects of Internet programming and web development, including client-side and server side scripting for webpage development. The laboratory sessions are conducted in the lab and require substantial preparation from the students. They will focus on hands-on experience in internet programming and web development. Practical assignments can be performed anywhere, the labs will provide the software necessary to complete these assignments.

Content (topics)

  1. The Internet and World Wide Web – General Principles;
  2. Introduction to dynamic web programming; PHP; JavaScript;
  3. MySQL database; extending the power of PHP;
  4. Javascript Libraries and AJAX;
  5. XML (data); XML Schema (code structure); XSL (presentation);
  6. Website Management and Security;
  7. Object Oriented PHP.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Online Web Interface to a Database System

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

1, 2, 3 and 6

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

D.1

Type: Project
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 45%

Assessment task 2: XML/AJAX Processing

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

D.1

Type: Project
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 35%

Assessment task 3: Class quizzes

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

D.1

Type: Quiz/test
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 20%

Minimum requirements

In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.

References

The following books may be helpful on specific topics.

Welling, Thomson: PHP and MySQL Web Development, Sams Publishing 2005, ISBN 0-672-32672-8

Hadlock, Kris: Ajax for Web Application Developers, Sams Publishing 2006, ISBN 0-672-32912-3

Zeldman, Jeffrey : Designing with Web Standards (3rd Edition) 978-0321616951

Keith, Jeremy : DOM Scripting: Web Design with JavaScript and the Document Object Model 978-1590595336

Holzner, Steven. Teach Yourself XML in 21 Days. 3nd Edition (or later) Sams Publishing 2004 ISBN 0672-325-764.

Bibeault, Bear : JQuery in Action Manning 2008 : ISBN 1-933988-353

Online material will be available to support aspects of the subject.

Other resources

The Canvas website provides online support for teaching and learning in this subject:

The support includes online curriculum, online tutorial, online notice/news, online assignment submission and online mark checking.