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CMU529: Advanced Web Development

Birmingham Newman University | Lecturer: James Williams

Module Overview

Credits: 20 credits | Level: Undergraduate | Focus: Full-stack Web Development with PHP & MySQL

This advanced module builds on basic HTML/CSS knowledge to create full-stack web applications. Students will learn PHP, MySQL, Bootstrap, and modern web development practices, culminating in a complete e-commerce website project.

1
Introduction to Full-stack Development
Overview of client-server architecture, web development stack, and project planning for e-commerce
25 slides • 3 hours • 2 tasks
2
Bootstrap Framework Fundamentals
Introduction to Bootstrap 5, responsive grid system, components, and utility classes
28 slides • 3 hours • 2 tasks
3
Bootstrap Components & Customization
Advanced Bootstrap components, custom styling, and responsive design patterns
26 slides • 3 hours • 2 tasks
4
PHP Fundamentals & Server Setup
PHP basics, server environment setup, variables, functions, and control structures
27 slides • 3 hours • 2 tasks
5
PHP Forms & Data Processing
Form handling, data validation, file uploads, and security considerations
26 slides • 3 hours • 2 tasks
6
MySQL Database Design
Database fundamentals, SQL queries, table design for e-commerce applications
25 slides • 3 hours • 2 tasks
7
PHP Database Connectivity
Connecting PHP to MySQL, CRUD operations, prepared statements, and data management
25 slides • 3 hours • 2 tasks
8
Session Management & User Authentication
User registration, login systems, session handling, and security best practices
26 slides • 3 hours • 2 tasks
9
E-commerce Core Features
Product catalogues, shopping cart implementation, and order management systems
25 slides • 3 hours • 2 tasks
10
Advanced PHP Features & Security
Object-oriented PHP, input validation, SQL injection prevention, and security hardening
25 slides • 3 hours • 2 tasks
11
Modern JavaScript Libraries
Introduction to jQuery, AJAX, and modern JavaScript frameworks for enhanced interactivity
25 slides • 3 hours • 2 tasks
12
Final E-commerce Project Development
Complete e-commerce application development, testing, deployment, and project presentation
25 slides • 3 hours • 2 tasks

Assessment Overview

CMU529: Advanced Web Development focuses on building complete e-commerce applications using PHP, MySQL, Bootstrap, and modern web technologies.

E-commerce Web Application (100%)

Project Type: Individual full-stack e-commerce application

Technology Stack: PHP, MySQL, HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, Bootstrap

Requirements: Complete online store with product catalogue, shopping cart, user accounts, and payment system

Due: End of module (consultation with tutor required)

Project Requirements

  • Front-end Framework: Bootstrap 5 for responsive design and modern UI components
  • Back-end Development: PHP for server-side logic and database operations
  • Database: MySQL for data storage and management
  • Product Catalogue: Complete product management system with categories and search
  • Shopping Cart: Session-based cart functionality with add/remove items
  • User Accounts: Registration, login, and user profile management
  • Order System: Complete order processing and tracking system
  • Payment Integration: Mock payment system (no real payment data)
  • Admin Panel: Product and order management interface
  • Security: Input validation, SQL injection prevention, and secure practices
  • Documentation: Comprehensive code comments with Harvard Newman format references

Learning Outcomes Assessed

  • Plan and design contemporary web-based interfaces using digital tools and techniques
  • Design usable interfaces for web-based environments across mobile, tablet, and desktop browsers
  • Examine and interpret how interactive and responsive websites are designed, organised, and managed through contemporary code and frameworks
  • Write and manipulate efficient code to problem solve, develop interactive technologies, and manage digital web-based content
  • Have an awareness of the process by which front-end webpages are delivered to users
  • Reflect on the professional, moral, legal and ethical issues associated with a computer science professional working within the field of web application development

Technical Requirements

  • Server Environment: XAMPP, WAMP, or similar local development environment
  • Code Editor: Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text, or similar
  • Version Control: Git for project management and version control
  • Database Management: phpMyAdmin for MySQL administration
  • Browser Testing: Cross-browser compatibility testing required
  • Responsive Design: Must work across mobile, tablet, and desktop devices

Module Quizzes

Test your knowledge with interactive quizzes covering multiple sessions. Each quiz contains questions based on the lecture content and practical exercises.

Quiz 1: Introduction to Full-stack Development

Test your understanding of full-stack development concepts, LAMP stack, and project planning fundamentals.

Questions: 15 | Time: 20 minutes | Session: 1

Quiz 2: Bootstrap Framework Fundamentals

Assess your knowledge of Bootstrap 5, responsive grid system, components, and utility classes.

Questions: 15 | Time: 20 minutes | Session: 2

Quiz 3: Bootstrap Components & Customization

Test your understanding of advanced Bootstrap components, custom styling, and responsive design patterns.

Questions: 15 | Time: 20 minutes | Session: 3

Quiz 4: PHP Fundamentals & Server Setup

Assess your knowledge of PHP basics, server environment setup, variables, functions, and control structures.

Questions: 15 | Time: 20 minutes | Session: 4

Quiz 5: PHP Forms & Data Processing

Test your understanding of form handling, data validation, file uploads, and security considerations.

Questions: 15 | Time: 20 minutes | Session: 5

Quiz 6: MySQL Database Design

Assess your knowledge of database fundamentals, SQL queries, and table design for e-commerce applications.

Questions: 15 | Time: 20 minutes | Session: 6

Quiz 7: PHP Database Connectivity

Test your understanding of connecting PHP to MySQL, CRUD operations, prepared statements, and data management.

Questions: 15 | Time: 20 minutes | Session: 7

Quiz 8: Session Management & User Authentication

Assess your knowledge of user registration, login systems, session handling, and security best practices.

Questions: 15 | Time: 20 minutes | Session: 8

Quiz 9: E-commerce Core Features

Test your understanding of product catalogues, shopping cart implementation, and order management systems.

Questions: 15 | Time: 20 minutes | Session: 9

Quiz 10: Advanced PHP Features & Security

Assess your knowledge of object-oriented PHP, input validation, SQL injection prevention, and security hardening.

Questions: 15 | Time: 20 minutes | Session: 10

Quiz 11: Modern JavaScript Libraries

Test your understanding of jQuery, AJAX, and modern JavaScript frameworks for enhanced interactivity.

Questions: 15 | Time: 20 minutes | Session: 11

Quiz 12: Final E-commerce Project Development

Assess your knowledge of complete e-commerce application development, testing, deployment, and project presentation.

Questions: 15 | Time: 20 minutes | Session: 12

Further Reading & Resources

Explore additional resources to deepen your understanding of full-stack web development. These carefully selected materials include official documentation, educational videos, and academic articles.

PHP Learning

PHP Official Manual – Getting Started

Official PHP documentation and getting started guide. Learn PHP fundamentals, syntax, and server-side development basics.

Visit PHP Manual
Database Learning

MySQL Reference Manual – Tutorial

Official MySQL tutorial covering database design, SQL queries, and database management for web applications.

Visit MySQL Tutorial
Front-End Framework

Bootstrap 5 Documentation – Getting Started

Complete Bootstrap 5 documentation with examples, components, and responsive design patterns for modern web development.

Visit Bootstrap Docs
Security Standards

OWASP Top 10 Web Application Security Risks

Essential security resource covering the most critical web application security risks and prevention strategies.

Visit OWASP Top 10
PHP Best Practices

PHP: The Right Way

Comprehensive guide to PHP best practices, coding standards, and modern PHP development techniques.

Visit PHP: The Right Way
E-commerce Design

Smashing Magazine – E-commerce Performance & Accessibility

In-depth articles on e-commerce web design, performance optimization, and accessibility best practices.

Visit Smashing Magazine
Deployment Guide

DigitalOcean Tutorials – How to Deploy a Web Application

Step-by-step tutorials for deploying web applications to production servers and cloud platforms.

Visit DigitalOcean Tutorials
Web Standards

A List Apart – Standards-Based Web Design

Influential web design and development publication focusing on web standards, accessibility, and best practices.

Visit A List Apart
Server-Side Development

MDN Web Docs – Server-Side Development Fundamentals

Comprehensive guide to server-side development covering PHP, databases, and backend web technologies.

Visit MDN Server-Side Guide
JavaScript Frameworks

MDN Web Docs – Using Modern JavaScript Frameworks

Guide to modern JavaScript frameworks and libraries for enhanced front-end development and interactivity.

Visit MDN JavaScript Frameworks

Additional Resources

  • Development Tools: VS Code, XAMPP, phpMyAdmin, Postman
  • Testing Tools: PHPUnit, Selenium, Postman, Browser Developer Tools
  • Deployment Platforms: cPanel, AWS, DigitalOcean, Heroku
  • Database Tools: MySQL Workbench, phpMyAdmin, HeidiSQL
  • Version Control: Git, GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket
  • E-commerce Tools: PayPal Sandbox, Stripe Test Mode, SSL Certificates
  • Design Resources: Bootstrap Themes, Font Awesome, Google Fonts
  • Code Quality: PHP CodeSniffer, ESLint, Prettier