COM4002 - Introduction to Tech Stack

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate a broad understanding of the frameworks, elements, and languages of operating systems;
Demonstrate an understanding of operating systems, development tools and open source software;
Acquire a broad understanding of common types of database technology and their suitability in relation to different applications;
Model and query application data in a non-relational database;
Use this knowledge to implement and appraise a data-driven web application.

Content:

The module provides an introduction to the elements of a Technology Stack for Web and Mobile application development and how to choose an appropriate solution for a given task.

The content covers:
- client-side programming (HTML, CSS, JavaScript);
- server-side languages (e.g. Python);
- web server technology (e.g. node.js, Nginx);
- database technology (e.g. MongoDB);
- version management software (e.g. git);
- operating systems (e.g. Unix CLI);
- outline of security and data protection (including the implications of the new General Data Protection Regulation).

Learning and Teaching Information:

In order to develop deep understanding the module uses enquiry-based learning methods to combine taught with practical elements. The taught element outlines the components of common technology stacks for web and mobile applications, along with some aspects of database theory. Students also use essential development tools that will enable them to setup and manage their environments (e.g. CLI, version control).

The practical aspect of the teaching involves comparing and evaluating contrasting solutions in relation to specific tasks: both to analyse the purpose and functionality of their respective elements, and to tackle the process of combining them as part of the design and delivery of a product that fulfils pre-determined functions.

Student evaluation of their project outlines and reflects upon the choices made within the complex practical aspects of managing this integration, such as version control, parallel performance, and regulations around data capture and protection.

Workshops
Hours: 50
Intended Group Size: Cohort

Guided independent study
Hours: 150

Further details relating to assessment
Directed activities: these consist of weekly tasks that must be completed and submitted for inspection at timetabled sessions each week. The assessment will be assessed on a pass/fail basis with a pass requiring at least 75% of all weekly tasks to be completed successfully. A pass will lead to the full award of 10% towards the final module mark. A fail in directed activities will contribute 0% to the final mark.

Project: the assessment focuses on the students' ability to: research and choose their tech stack; consider compatibility of their choices; and aim for consistency and for their stack to 'gel'. This can be done through an implementation plan or a proposal for a given scenario. Also assessed is their ability to produce a partial implementation of the application based on their implementation plan. The partial implementation should succeed in establishing the basic architecture and design pattern of the application, while providing minimal functionality.

Assessment:

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Sorrel Harriet
Level - 4
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 4S1

Click here to go back to previous page