This unit will build on database knowledge that students have previously developed to investigate the various approachs to creating web based database applications. The unit will examine the available web server technologies on which such applications can be mounted and compare the strengths and weakness of the different technologies. The structure of an XML document is investigated and the manner in which such a document can be converted to HTML or other formats. The range of language tools that are available to develop WWW applications is rapidly increasing - XHTML, Javascript, XML, CSS, Perl and PHP just to name a few. Some of these are programming languages in their own right with full Object Oirented support; others are various forms of mark up languages. This unit will look at a range of these languages as practical tools for web based application development. This unit will also build on database knowledge that students have previously developed to investigate the various approachs to creating web based database applications.
Objectives
Knowledge and Understanding
the technology on which web based applications are operated
good application design principles in the client/server environment
the components of a client-server database application system, the different server platforms which may be utilised and the protocols used to communicate within such systems
the special issues for database applications as they relate to the Internet
the manner in which HTTP and CGI are used to process a XHTML forms request
the fundamental principles of web scripting languages
Attitudes, Values and Beliefs
appreciation for the power and flexibility of web application approaches
flexibility toward selection of scripting languages for a particualar situation, rather than viewing them as 'separate' languages
Practical Skills
evaluating a suitable web server/language platform for a particular application requirement
designing, coding and testing web based applications using a variety of scripting approaches for reporting and maintaining data stored in a database
managing the 'stateless' nature of web interactions via common approaches such as cookies and server side storage of session information
Prerequisites
Before attempting this unit you must have satisfactorily completed MMS2801 or equivalent.
Unit relationships
MMS2802 is a core unit in the Bachelor of Multimedia Systems(Enterprise) and Bachelor of Information Technology(MultimediaBerwick), and it is also an elective unit for any other students in Faculty of Information Technology.
You may not study this unit if you have taken one of the following units in your degree: GCO2811, GCO3823, CPE3002 or CSE2030.
Texts and software
Required text(s)
'Programming the World Wide Web', Second Edition (2003) by Robert Sebesta, Addison-Wesley (Pearson), ISBN 0-321-14945-9.
The third edition of this book is an alternative, if it is available.
Textbook availability
Text books are available from the Monash University Book Shops. Availability from other suppliers cannot be assured. The Bookshop orders texts in specifically for this unit. You are advised to purchase your text book early.
Software requirements
Oracle Client 10 - Latest version of full Oracle SQL for Windows XP Client or its altertive
ChilliSource Database Design Studio (DDS)
Macromedia Dreamweaver 2004
NetBeans IDE
ActiveState Perl
PHP 5
Monash VPN Client
SmartFTP or its equivalent
Hardware requirements
Students may use the facilities available in the computing labs. Information about computer use for students is available from the ITS Student Resource Guide in the Monash University Handbook. You will need to allocate up to 8 hours per week for use of a computer, including time for newsgroups/discussion groups.
Recommended reading
A list of other recommended books and journals (where appropriate) and Internet references (URL's) will be advised through the unit pages at MUSO from time to time after the commencement of your study.
Library access
You may need to access the Monash library either personally to be able to satisfactorily complete the subject. Be sure to obtain a copy of the Library Guide, and if necessary, the instructions for remote access from the library website.
Study resources
Study resources for MMS2802 are:
The MMS2802 web site on MUSO, where lecture slides, weekly tutorial requirements, assignment specifications, sample solutions and supplementary material will be posted.
Structure and organisation
Week
Topics
Key Dates
1
Unit Introduction, Client/Server
2
XHTML & CSS
3
Formatting XML with CSS
4
Introductory Javascript
5
Further Javascript
6
Introductory PHP
7
Object-oriented PHP
Ass#1 Due
8
Further PHP
9
DTD's (Document Type Definitions)
10
XML Schemas and Namespaces
Non teaching week
11
XSLT
12
Introductory Perl: CGI
Ass#2 Due
13
Revision
Timetable
The timetable for on-campus classes for this unit can be viewed in Allocate+
Assessment
Assessment weighting
Assessment for the unit consists of 2 assignments with a weighting of 40% and an examination with a weighting of 60%. Read this section VERY carefully.
Assessment Policy
To pass this unit you must:
get an average result 40% at least from all assignments
and
get at least 50% in your exams.
Your score for the unit will be calculated by:
Final grade = (R*A*E)/(((R-1)*A)+E) Where A = overall assignment percentage E = examination percentage R = 100/assignment weighting (100/40 = 2.5)
Assessment Requirements
Assessment
Due Date
Weighting
Assignment 1
01/09/06
15%
Assignment 2
13/10/06
25 %
The exam is [3] hours long and is closed book.
Exam period (S2/06) starts on 23/10/06
60 %
Assignment specifications will be made available on the MMS2804 Unit Web Site Assignment Page (MUSO).
Do not email submissions. The due date is the date by which the submission must be received/the date by which the the submission is to be posted. The due date for each assignment will be specified on each assignment's requriement specification on MUSO.
Extensions and late submissions
Late submission of assignments
Assignments received after the due date will be subject to a penalty --- Penalties are incurred from the due date at the rate of a 10 % reduction in grade for each day (including weekends) the assignment is late.
Assignments received later than one week after the due date will not normally be accepted.
This policy is strict because comments or guidance will be given on assignments as they are returned, and sample solutions may also be published and distributed, after assignment marking or with the returned assignment.
Extensions
It is your responsibility to structure your study program around assignment deadlines, family, work and other commitments. Factors such as normal work pressures, vacations, etc. are seldom regarded as appropriate reasons for granting extensions.
Requests for extensions must be made by submitting anextension application form at least two days before the due date. Extensions may be granted for medical or personal reasons supported by appropriate documentary evidence. Students will be provided with a reply slip documenting the extension, a copy of which should be submitted with the assignment.
Grading of assessment
Assignments, and the unit, will be marked and allocated a grade according to the following scale:
Grade
Percentage/description
HD High Distinction -
very high levels of achievement, demonstrated knowledge and understanding, skills in application and high standards of work encompassing all aspects of the tasks.
In the 80+% range of marks for the assignment.
D Distinction -
high levels of achievement, but not of the same standards. May have a weakness in one particular aspect, or overall standards may not be quite as high.
In the 70-79% range.
C Credit -
sound pass displaying good knowledge or application skills, but some weaknesses in the quality, range or demonstration of understanding.
In the 60-69% range.
P Pass
acceptable standard, showing an adequate basic knowledge, understanding or skills, but with definite limitations on the extent of such understanding or application. Some parts may be incomplete.
In the 50-59% range.
N Not satisfactory
failure to meet the basic requirements of the assessment.
Below 50%.
Assignment return
We will aim to have assignment results made available to you within two weeks after assignment receipt.
Feedback
Feedback to you
You will receive feedback on your work and progress in this unit. This feedback may be provided through your participation in tutorials and class discussions, as well as through your assignment submissions. It may come in the form of individual advice, marks and comments, or it may be provided as comment or reflection targeted at the group. It may be provided through personal interactions, such as interviews and on-line forums, or through other mechanisms such as on-line self-tests and publication of grade distributions.
Feedback from you
You will be asked to provide feedback to the Faculty through a Unit Evaluation survey at the end of the semester. You may also be asked to complete surveys to help teaching staff improve the unit and unit delivery. Your input to such surveys is very important to the faculty and the teaching staff in maintaining relevant and high quality learning experiences for our students.
And if you are having problems
It is essential that you take action immediately if you realise that you have a problem with your study. The semester is short, so we can help you best if you let us know as soon as problems arise. Regardless of whether the problem is related directly to your progress in the unit, if it is likely to interfere with your progress you should discuss it with your lecturer or a Community Service counsellor as soon as possible.
Plagiarism and cheating
Plagiarism and cheating are regarded as very serious offences. In cases where cheating has been confirmed, students have been severely penalised, from losing all marks for an assignment, to facing disciplinary action at the Faculty level. While we would wish that all our students adhere to sound ethical conduct and honesty, I will ask you to acquaint yourself with Student Rights and Responsibilities and the Faculty regulations that apply to students detected cheating as these will be applied in all detected cases.
In this University, cheating means seeking to obtain an unfair advantage in any examination or any other written or practical work to be submitted or completed by a student for assessment. It includes the use, or attempted use, of any means to gain an unfair advantage for any assessable work in the unit, where the means is contrary to the instructions for such work.
When you submit an individual assessment item, such as a program, a report, an essay, assignment or other piece of work, under your name you are understood to be stating that this is your own work. If a submission is identical with, or similar to, someone else's work, an assumption of cheating may arise. If you are planning on working with another student, it is acceptable to undertake research together, and discuss problems, but it is not acceptable to jointly develop or share solutions unless this is specified by your lecturer.
Intentionally providing students with your solutions to assignments is classified as "assisting to cheat" and students who do this may be subject to disciplinary action. You should take reasonable care that your solution is not accidentally or deliberately obtained by other students. For example, do not leave copies of your work in progress on the hard drives of shared computers, and do not show your work to other students. If you believe this may have happened, please be sure to contact your lecturer as soon as possible.
Cheating also includes taking into an examination any material contrary to the regulations, including any bilingual dictionary, whether or not with the intention of using it to obtain an advantage.
Plagiarism involves the false representation of another person's ideas, or findings, as your own by either copying material or paraphrasing without citing sources. It is both professional and ethical to reference clearly the ideas and information that you have used from another writer. If the source is not identified, then you have plagiarised work of the other author. Plagiarism is a form of dishonesty that is insulting to the reader and grossly unfair to your student colleagues.
Communication
Communication methods
Students can make appointments to see their lecturer/tutor by email / by phone call.
Philip F. Xue, Berwick School of Information Technology, Monash University Clyde Road, Berwick, Victoria, 3806 Australia
Students can also communicate with their teaching staff and classmates through the discussion forum avaialble on MUSO.
Notices
Notices related to the unit during the semester will be placed on the Notices Newsgroup in the Unit Website. Check this regularly. Failure to read the Notices newsgroup is not regarded as grounds for special consideration.
Consultation Times
2PM-4PM Wednesday
Preferablly By Appointment.
If direct communication with your unit adviser/lecturer or tutor outside of consultation periods is needed you may contact the lecturer and/or tutors at:
Mr Philip Xue Assistant Lecturer Phone +61 3 990 47164
All email communication to you from your lecturer will occur through your Monash student email address. Please ensure that you read it regularly, or forward your email to your main address. Also check that your contact information registered with the University is up to date in My.Monash.
