University of Westminster | MSc Multimedia Handbook

1. MODULE PROFORMAS

1.1. MULTIMEDIA SCRIPTING FOR INTERACTIVITY

Short Module Title: Multimedia Scripting
Module Code: ECMM701
Credit Value: 20
School and Department: FST - Computer Science
Module Leader(s): Ashif Tejani

Credit Level: 7
Length: 1 semester
Extension:

Email: ashif@westminster.ac.uk

Host course:
MSc Multimedia
Status: Core
Subject Board:
Multimedia
Pre-requisites:
None
Co-requisites:
None
Assessment:
100% coursework
Special features: None
Access restrictions: None
Summary of Module content:
The student will learn how to develop and implement an interactive application using an industry standard development
environment and object oriented scripting language. Students will organise and plan the production of the prototype and
an emphasis will be made on the approach taken to coding
NB: Information above this line will be used for SIT
Module Aims:
! To provide students with a critical awareness of typical multimedia toolsets and languages enabling
appropriate selection
! To provide a firm grounding in using key developmental concepts with particular focus on developing
and understanding programming competencies.
! To demonstrate critical and independent understanding of the development and scripting process.
! To develop workflow, flowcharting , modelling and planning skills.
Learning outcomes: (see Section 43 of the QA & E Handbook)
At the end of the module students should be able to:
LO1. Demonstrate the application of development toolsets used in the field;
LO2. Apply practical competencies in object-oriented development and the scripting language paradigm;
LO3. Plan, organise and assess the workflow for the efficient production of a prototype and the scripting needed
to execute it;
LO4. Apply methods to increase efficiency in both coding and in media elements;
LO5. Present ideas by oral, visual and written means.

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Indicative syllabus content:
The tools, functions and user interface paradigms for multimedia application toolsets and development
environment.
The Scripting paradigm
Methods to produce and manipulate frameworks, assets and temporal media.
The key elements of a scripting language for application development including OOP approaches, expressions,
classes, functions, arrays, components and asset/memory management.
An overview of Object orientated fundamentals through active demonstration, workflow and flowcharting
techniques.
Standard flowcharting/modelling methods.
Teaching and Learning Methods:
12 one hour lectures and 12 two hour hands on tutorial sessions supported by the training videos on
www.multimediatrainingvideos.com. This should be complimented by at least 60 hours of independent study
Assessment Rationale:
By setting the students the requirement of developing a working prototype, the students are required to work
with the development tool and use the scripting language to create the specific components required in the
coursework. Students will also be required to plan and organise their product before producing it by producing
workflows and evidence of planning. The completion of the prototype will require complex scripting and
encourage students to learn the key elements of the language taught on the module.
Assessment criteria:
Ability to organise and plan a product from a specification provided by a client (LO3 LO4);
Ability to produce a working prototype with all the required components using the interactive development tool
and scripting language (LO1 LO2 LO3, LO4);
Ability to present and explain the development process (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4);
Assessment Methods and Weightings:
Coursework1 (LO1, LO3, LO4) 20% Production workflow and planning.
Coursework 2 (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5) 70% A functional prototype built to specific specifications supported
by a viva and presentation detailing coding and developmental choices.

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Sources
Essential reading

Foundation ActionScript 3
Darren Richardson Paul Milbourne; Jason Sturges
Apress 2014
ActionScript 3.0 for Adobe Flash Professional CS5 classroom in a book : CS5.5 update
Adobe Press 2011 (online)
Further Reading
Periodical References

IEEE Multimedia, IEEE Computer Society

Multimedia Tools and Applications, Springer
Journal of Multimedia (JMM), Academic Publisher
On-line References

www.multimediatrainingvideos.com
www.lynda.com
Additional References

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1.2. USER CENTRED INTERFACE DESIGN

Short Module Title: User Centred Interface Design
Module Code: ECMM702
Credit Value: 20
School and Department: FST - Computer Science
Module Leader(s): Ashif Tejani

Credit Level: 7
Length: 1 semester
Extension:

Email: ashif@westminster.ac.uk

Host course:
Multimedia
Status: Core
Subject Board:
Multimedia
Pre-requisites:
None
Co-requisites:
None
Assessment:
Weightings: 60% coursework 40% Examination
Special features: None
(e.g. Study Abroad prior knowledge; fieldwork; placement; facilities)
Access restrictions: None
(e.g. limit on student numbers; dis-requisite modules)
Summary of Module content:
(short summary with key words)
User Interaction, Representations, Interface Design, Evaluation
The module will explore the foundations of user centred interface design and the user experience through applied theory.
Students will be introduced to the importance of the Human Computer Interaction discipline and the need to consider both
the cognitive and interaction perspective. Building from this the module will explore related issues such as design,
interaction, globalisation, accessibility and navigation.
NB: Information above this line will be used for SITS.
Module Aims:
The module aims to provide students with an overview of the concepts of user centred interface design and
further develop their knowledge and be able to identify and understand changes in interface paradigms. The
module also aims to give students skills necessary in the production of user interfaces.
Learning outcomes:
At the end of the module students should be able to:
LO1.Explain the importance of User Centred Design, interactivity, look and feel, users and the underlying
concepts of the field;
LO2.Analyse the interface design of existing interactive systems and applications;
LO3.Apply the concepts and theories to practical interface design and development;
LO4.Select and apply appropriate prototyping methods and techniques including evaluation and heuristics;
LO5.Recognise the issues and concepts of representations and the implications of these for design;
LO6.Present ideas by oral, visual and written means;
LO7.Report critically and with justification on the decisions taken;
LO8.Work effectively as a part of a group.

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Indicative syllabus content
Overview of the subjects. Context and Scope. Users. Mental models, representations, mapping, artefacts.
Usability concepts and principles. Common guidelines.
Memory. An introduction to memory theories including working memory; the importance of meanings in memory
and associative networks; priming effects and interference; recall v recognition. The relevance of memory to
interface design and issues to consider in the development of the interface.
Perception. An introduction to the sensory systems and an investigation into the visual perception system;
Theories of perception; Principles of perception including the role of Gestalt. The processes and variations in
perception; Population stereotypes; the application of these issues to the interface and visual design.
Skill Acquisition and Learning. Skill Acquisition theories will be considered and the importance of supporting the
user through learning; Skill transfers and the importance of help systems and metaphors.
Design Strategies. Lo-fi and Hi-fi Prototyping, Task Analysis, Dialogue Notation. Wire framing, agile
development.
Analogy and Metaphors. Concepts of metaphorical design and the alternatives to these. This will consider the
problems of such representations.
Design for Interactivity. Concepts of information architectures, home pages, maps, navigational aids and
techniques. Writing for the web, inverted pyramids, micro content, visual design .
International Design. Concepts of global and local design issues, cultural and national issues in the design of
user interfaces.
Accessibility. Issues of impairments, rationale of accessibility, WAI, DDA, Design Implications.
Evaluation. Goals and strategies. Walkthroughs, User Testing, Heuristic Evaluation.
Teaching and Learning Methods:
The module typically consists of about 170 hours of student independent study (including guided) and 30 hours
of lectures, workshops, seminars, VLE, and GIS activities. The teaching and learning strategy is based on an
interactive and flexible lecture and tutorial block to enable discussions and exercises to be interlinked with
taught topics. The nature of the module is such that students are expected to undertake significant self directed
learning and co-ordinated group based learning. Both tutorials and lectures will be co-ordinated together to build
the students knowledge and will be delivered over 12 weeks including GIS periods.
Assessment Rationale:
The assessment is composed of 60% coursework and 40% examination.
The Coursework will be composed of a Group work worth 40% and the remaining 20% will be composed of
individual exercises and progress quizzes which will support students throughout the module (one individual
exercise worth 10% and two progress quizzes worth 5% each).
The Group Coursework rationale is to introduce the students to the practical nature of interface design through
producing a prototype interface addressing the requirements for a given brief. The design would require the
consideration of basic concepts of usability, design methodologies, the application of issues such as task
analysis and evaluation, representations and considerations such as globalisation and metaphor. Groups will
be expected to submit a progress presentation in week four and make a final presentation of their submitted
design in week 12.
The Progress presentation will assess the students ability to undertake necessary evaluation of existing
systems and designs as well as perform analysis of requirements. The prototype will assess the students skills
in producing an interface and application framework that offers suitable design considerations and usability. The
final presentation will be used to assess the ability to make a clear and focused presentation of the work as well
as to be able to respond to questions.
The examination will assess the students grasp of the key concepts and their ability to relate this to problems
and contexts.

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Assessment criteria:
Have critical knowledge and application of the theoretical and practical issues of the field. (LO1, LO3, LO5);
Criticise the interface design of existing systems (LO1, LO2);
Identify and justify the requirements for the design of an interface for a given brief (LO2, LO3, LO4);
Produce an interface and application framework that offers suitable design considerations and usability (LO1,
LO3, LO4, and LO5);
Make a clear and focus presentation and be able to justify the design process and techniques (LO6, LO7).
Assessment Methods and Weightings:

Progress Quizzes (LO 1, 2, 5) 10% Two Progress Quizzes worth 5% each to be taken during module.
Exercise (LO 1, 2, 3, 6, 7) 10% An Individual exercise that would require a quick review of a design
and proposed improvements.
Group Design (LO 1,2, 3, 4, 5,,6, 7, 8) 40% A Group design and presentation of an interface design
based on a given brief. Students will also be expected to keep a blog of learning which can feed into
their PDP and which will also be used to review the contribution made to the group work.
Examination (LO 1,2,3,5) 40% Closed Book examination.

Sources
Essential Reading
Designing for Interaction: Creating Innovative Applications and Devices (Voices That Matter)
Saffer D
New Riders; 2 edition (27 Aug 2009)
About Face 3: The Essentials of Interaction Design
Cooper A
John Wiley & Sons; 3rd revised edition 2007
The Design of Everyday Things
Norman D
Basic Books 2002
Interaction Design: Beyond Human-computer Interaction
Sharp et al
John Wiley & Sons; 2nd Edition (12 Jan 2007)
Further Reading
Designing Interactions
B Moggridge
MIT Press 2006
Prioritizing Web Usability
Nielson J
New Riders; 1 edition (4 May 2006)
Measuring the User Experience: Collecting, Analyzing, and Presenting Usability Metrics
Tullis T & and Albert B
Morgan Kaufmann; 1 edition (28 April 2008)
Periodical References
Human-Computer Interaction
International Journal of Human Computer Studies
Interfaces Magazine (British HCI Group)
International Journal of Human Computer Interaction
Interacting with Computers
ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction

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1.3. WEB DEVELOPMENT

Short Module Title: Web Development
Module Code: ECMM703
Credit Value: 20
School and Department: FST - Computer Science
Module Leader(s): Wendy Purdy

Credit Level: 7
Length: 1 semester
Extension:

Email: purdyw@westminster.ac.uk

Host course:
Multimedia
Status:
Option
Subject Board: Multimedia
Pre-requisites:
None
Co-requisites:
None
Assessment:
Weightings: 60% coursework 40% Examination
Special features:
Access restrictions:
Summary of Module content:
The student will learn the foundations of modern web development languages and environments with an emphasis on
efficient client side development as well as an overview of database connectivity.
NB: Information above this line will be used for SITS.
Module Aims:
This module aims to provide a solid understanding of web development, efficient client side coding and tagging
with consideration of accessibility, interactivity and flexibility.
Learning outcomes:
At the end of the module students should be able to:
LO1. Demonstrate detailed and critical knowledge of website development, organisational context and the
importance of writing well organised and coherent code;
LO2. Effectively apply scripting languages that allow greater interactivity as well as data base connectivity,
including as appropriate PHP, JavaScript, AJAX and XML;
LO3. Account for the compatibility issues of different browsers and platforms;
LO4. Make efficient use of CSS; its role in organisation, separation of content and update ability. CSS for
accessibility;
LO5. Applied knowledge of XML, XLST and the context of XML based languages.

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Indicative syllabus content:
Overview of web fundamentals: SGML, DTDs and HTML, standards , business paradigms, Web development
and delivery methodologies, accessibility and the role of Information Architecture (IA).
Introduction to HTML 5.
Basic CSS (Inline, Internal / Embedded, Linked / External, Classes, IDs, Divs and Spans, Selectors, Pseudo
Classes, Inheritance).
Designing Using CSS (Multi-Column Layouts, Navigation Menus, Styling Lists and Forms, CSS3, consideration
of standards and WAI).
Introduction to JavaScript (Static vs. Dynamic Pages, JavaScript Uses, Document Object Model, Functions),
Javascript frameworks (Prototype and Scriptaculous, Dojo, JQuery ). Applications of JavaScript (Event
Handlers, Rollovers, Form Validation)
AJAX building web applications.
PHP fundamentals, Connecting PHP with Databases (simple MySQL databases, and SQL Queries).
XML and XSLT; format, syntax and usage, overview of XML variants.
Teaching and Learning Methods
The module typically consists of about 170 hours of student independent study (including guided) and 30 hours
of lectures, workshops, seminars, VLE, and GIS activities.
Assessment Rationale:
The assessment is composed of 60% coursework and 40% examination.
The coursework assessment will consist of one piece of work. It will assess the students critical ability to
produce a functional website prototype related to the conceptual and practical topics covered during the module
using appropriate and relevant languages, tools and systems. The coursework in addition to the practical
development work will also usually require the submission of a report and a presentation offering an evaluation
model and rationale for the work undertaken..
The examination will assess the students grasp of the key concepts and their ability to relate this to problems
and contexts.
Assessment criteria:
Coursework: Students are assessed on their ability to develop the application website in relation to the
client/user requirements purpose of the site and associated IA issues using the taught mark-up/scripting
languages; present and discuss effectively their site and implementation decisions in the final oral examination
(viva).
The examination will assess the students grasp of the key concepts and their ability to relate this to problems
and contexts.
Assessment Methods and Weightings: (This section should indicate the full range of assessment formats as
well as providing the % weightings for coursework and examinations)

Coursework 1: Practical, (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5) 60% of total module assessment, on applying
the technologies and the concepts currently involved in the field of web development, and in a given
scenario.

Exam: Essay-based, (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5) 40% Closed Book examination.

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Sources:
Essential Reading
CSS: The Missing Manual
David Sawyer McFarland
Pogue Press; 2 edition (24 Aug 2009)
Sams Teach Yourself Ajax, JavaScript, and PHP All in One
Phil Ballard
Sams; 1 Pap/Cdr edition (17 July 2008)
Further Reading
HTML5: Designing Rich Internet Applications (Visualizing the Web
Matthew David
Focal Press (15 Aug 2010)
Beginning HTML5 And CSS3: Next Generation Web Standards
Christopher Murphy
APRESS; 1 edition (20 Aug 2010)
Designing with Web Standards (Voices That Matter)
Jeffrey Zeldman
New Riders; 3 edition (22 Oct 2009)
JavaScript: The Definitive Guide
David Flanagan
O'Reilly Media; 6 edition (15 Aug 2010)
Practical JavaScript, DOM Scripting, & Ajax Projects (Paperback)
Frank Zammetti
APRESS (18 April 2007)
Periodical References
IEEE Internet Computing
World Wide Web (Springer)
ACM Communications
ACMQUEUE
On-line References
Up-to-date information about this module, including the module schedule, can be found on the Blackboard
(under this module's code). The site will contain additional material and/or links to further information.
Additional References
Date of Initial Validation: 2010
Dates of approved modifications:

Date of re-validation/review:

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1.4. WEB MARKETING AND ANALYTICS

Short Module Title: Web Marketing And Analytics
Module Code: ECMM705
Credit Value: 20
School and Department: FST - Computer Science
Module Leader(s): Maria Margeti

Credit Level: 7
Length: 1 semester
Extension:

Email: M.Margeti@westminster.ac.uk

Host course:
Multimedia
Status:
Option
Subject Board:
Multimedia
Pre-requisites:
(Recommended that student take Web Development ECMM703
Co-requisites:
None
Assessment:
Weightings: 100% coursework
Special features:
(e.g. Study Abroad prior knowledge; fieldwork; placement; facilities)
Access restrictions:
(e.g. limit on student numbers; dis-requisite modules)
Summary of Module content:
Search Engines, Analytics, Web 2.0
The student will learn the fundamental concepts and strategies of web and digital marketing and will develop critical
knowledge and skill of the current technologies and techniques used including SEO, analytics and Buzz Web 2.0
marketing.
NB: Information above this line will be used for SITS.
Module Aims:
To provide the students with a clear understanding of web marketing and to provide them with the technical
skills to incorporate a variety of techniques
Learning outcomes:
At the end of the module students should be able to:
LO1. Employ the strategies required to maximise the effectiveness of marketing on the web with particular
reference to social media, search engines, emails and analytics;
LO2. Apply appropriate technical skills to effectively implement and evaluate a range of strategies and
techniques;
LO3. Select resources and techniques available to track and measure the effectiveness of a web and digital
marketing campaigns;
LO4. Present ideas by oral, visual and written means;
LO5. Report with justification of decisions taken.

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Indicative syllabus content:
Marketing. Marketing as a business tool; basic overview of marketing strategies; e-marketing concepts and
strategies, website designs to support brands and campaigns including products, events and entertainment.
Web Marketing Techniques. Email Marketing techniques to implement email marketing with consideration of
both general and user driven campaigns through website analysis. Online advertising using ad words, click
throughs, videos and other techniques. The use of copy in enhancing effectiveness including consideration of
assets.
Buzz marketing, Use of web 2.0 technologies, concepts and services including Blogs, Wikis, Facebook, Twitter
and other social networks, video and games. Social bookmarking and its role in SEO and Links.
Search Engine Optimisation. Search fundamentals, Keyword, stop lists and structures (links, website, meta tags
etc). Different search engines and multiple registry devices, XML maps. The role of usability and accessibility in
SEO.
Web Analytics and metrics. Overview of approaches available including cookies and Google analytics, Basic
integration and analysis of reports, advanced tracking (email and mutichannel, on-lines, events and ecommerce), Measuring web 2.0 traffic, Competitive intelligence analysis. Using analytics to design the website
and support personalisation.
Evaluation of cost benefits and effectiveness of approach.
Teaching and Learning Methods
The module typically consists of about 170 hours of student independent study (including guided) and 30 hours
of lectures, workshops, seminars, VLE, and GIS activities.
Assessment Rationale:
The Coursework will be composed of a two assignments. The first normally worth 30% will be an evaluation of
an existing website to assess its effective use of SEO and marketing technologies. The second normally worth
70% will require the student to develop a strategy and implement a promotion website or digital campaign for a
given brief addressing the issues of marketing, SEO and analytics.
Assessment criteria: (The assessment criteria should serve as a guide to students, all FT and PT teaching
staff, external examiners and external reviewers on how achievement of the module learning outcomes will be
measured and assessed. Criteria should be balanced between being useful and informative whilst at the same
time not being overly binding or restrictive)
Have critical knowledge and application of the theoretical and practical issues of the field. (LO1, LO3, LO5);
Evaluate and offer solutions or recommendations for an existing website (LO1, LO2);
Identify and justify the requirements for a given brief (LO2, LO3, LO4);
Produce a strategy and solution that offers suitable marketing considerations and optimisation (LO1, LO3, LO4,
and LO5).
Assessment Methods and Weightings:

Evaluation (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5) 30% Evaluation and recommendations for existing website
given to students.

Campaign (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4) 70% Production of a strategy and a website for a given campaign
with presentation and blog.

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Sources
Essential Reading
Digital Marketing: Strategies for Online Success
Godfrey Parkin
New Holland Publishers Ltd 2009
ISBN-10: 1847734871
eMarketing eXcellence: Planning and Optimising Your Digital Marketing
Dave Chaffey and PR Smith
Butterworth-Heineman 2008
ISBN-10: 0750689455
The New Rules of Marketing and PR: How to Use Social Media, Blogs, News Releases, Online Video, and Viral
Marketing to Reach Buyers Directly, 2nd Edition
David Meerman Scot
John Wiley & Sons 2008
ISBN-10: 0470547812
Inbound Marketing: Get Found Using Google, Social Media, and Blogs (The New Rules of Social Media)
Brian Halligan and Dharmesh Shah
John Wiley & Sons
ISBN-10: 0470499311
Web Analytics 2.0: The Art of Online Accountability and Science of Customer Centricity
Avinash Kaushik
John Wiley & Sons 2009
ISBN-10: 0470529393
Advanced Web Metrics with Google Analytics
Brian Clifton
John Wiley & Sons 2010
ISBN-10: 0470253126
Further Reading
Marketing 2.0: Bridging the Gap between Seller and Buyer through Social Media Marketing (Paperback)
Bernie Borges
Wheatmark Inc (15 Aug 2009)
ISBN-10: 1604942886
Social Network Analysis (Quantitative Applications in the Social Sciences) (Paperback)
David Knoke and Dr. Song Yang
Sage Publications, Inc; Second Edition edition (15 Jan 2008)
ISBN-10: 1412927498
Periodical References
Web Analytics Association
On-line References
Up-to-date information about this module, including the module schedule, can be found on the Blackboard
(under this module's code). The site will contain additional material and/or links to further information.
Additional References
eMetrics Marketing Optimization Summit
X Change 2010 Web Analytics Conference

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1.5. MULTIMEDIA MANAGEMENT

Short Module Title: Multimedia Management
Module Code: ECMM707

Credit Level: 7

Credit Value: 20
School and Department: FST - Computer Science
Module Leader(s): Ashif Tejani

Length: 2 semesters
Extension:

Email: ashif@westminster.ac.uk

Host course:
MSc Multimedia
Status: Core
Subject Board:
Multimedia
Pre-requisites:
None
Co-requisites:
None
Assessment:
70% coursework 30% Examination
Special features: briefs typically set by external companies whenever possible
Access restrictions: None
Summary of Module content:
The module gives the students a board understanding of the planning and organisation that goes into developing a product.
The students work with a real client and take the process right through from an initial meeting to the execution of a
prototype, providing students with practice in many of the key tools ands concepts used in project management.
NB: Information above this line will be used for SITS.
Module Aims:

To give students an overall understanding of the processes and stages involved in taking a product
from initiation right through to the prototype;

To practice and evaluate the key tools and methods used in the planning process;

To understand the role of key stakeholders and their influence on the processes and outcomes of a
product;

To develop an understanding of the legal, social and political context in which multimedia operates

To understand the role of marketing, branding and corporate identity.
Learning outcomes:
At the end of the module students should be able to:
LO1. Apply a range of tools used by for project management to organise, plan, review and complete a project
and demonstrate critical awareness of issues and risks;
LO2. Employ the process of taking an initial inquiry, requirement or brief from a client through to the delivery of
the final product including the documentation, prototyping, wire framing and presentations that may be required;
LO3. Discuss and show consideration of the context in which the multimedia industry sits including the legal,
ethical, contractual obligations as well as the economic and social factors that shape the industry;
LO4 Incorporate within the project lifecycle critical consideration of the design process, focus groups, and
testing with feedback from a user centred perspective;
LO5. Defend and communicate ideas by oral, visual and written means.

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Indicative syllabus content:
Context and current state of the multimedia industry, concepts of interactivity, different applications, services
and business context.
Project management. Scoping, Task Breakdown GANTT Charts, Pert Charts, Float Calculations and the
common tools used by project managers to organise, plan and review the project management process.
Stakeholders and teams: the role of different stakeholders with particular emphasis on focus groups, clients and
the project management team.
Budgeting and scheduling. Common approaches to derive a suitable budget schedule, the notions of floats,
risks, critical paths and milestones, cash flow.
Reviewing and updating projects. The role of reporting, versioning, change management agreements.
The legal context. The laws regarding copyright, contracts with clients and accessibility. Contract types within a
team and their related rights.
The role of Presentation: the role of professional presentation in relation to scopes, meetings, presentations and
documentation.
Testing. The nature and approach for testing throughout the project stages and feeding this back to product
development lifecycle.
Design Process. Design ideas and concepts, focus groups, design, lo and hi fidelity protoptypes, storyboards,
wire frames, flowcharts, testing, feedback.
Teaching and Learning Methods:
The module typically consists of about 170 hours of student independent study (including guided) and 30 hours
of lectures, workshops, seminars, VLE, and GIS activities.
Assessment Rationale:
The assessment is composed of 70% coursework and 30% examination.
The coursework requires that the students demonstrate clear understanding of the production cycle and the
tools required to effectively manage a multimedia project and produce a prototype on a proposed time
schedule. The assessment examines the students ability to work in groups, solve problems independently and
timely, to effectively communicate with clients and colleagues and promote group ideas through presentation.
The coursework will require students to develop prototypes using technologies that they propose, usually those
taught on other modules within the Host course or in the School.
The examination will assess the students grasp of the key concepts and their ability to relate this to problems
and contexts in a time constrained context.
Assessment criteria:
Ability to organise and plan a product from a spec provided by a client (LO3 and LO4);
Ability to produce a working prototype with all the required components using proposed environments,
applications and languages (L01 L02, L03 and LO4);
Ability to present and explain the development process (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4 and LO5).
Assessment Methods and Weightings:

Coursework1 (LO1, LO2, LO3 LO4, LO5) 25% An in-house document proposing a design concept to a
client based on their brief, including all the background analysis of the market, the client, the project
planning and budget. A presentation of the key points of the document.
Coursework 2 (LO2, LO4) 15% A set of storyboards or wireframes that highlights the look and feel,
functional outlines and interactivity of the proposed concept design . Again this is to be presented to the
client.
Coursework 3 (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5) 30% Production of a prototype and its presentation, Updated
project plan.
Examination (LO2, LO3, LO4) 30% Closed Book examination.

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Sources
Essential reading

Managing Multimedia (3rd Edition)

England and Finney
Addison-Wesley
Managing Interactive Media Projects (Paperback)
Tim Frick
Delmar; 2007
Further Reading

Management Principles and Practices for Technical Communicators (Part of the Allyn & Bacon Series in
Technical Communication) (Paperback)
Handbook of Usability Testing: How to Plan, Design, and Conduct Effective Tests (Paperback)
J Spool
John Wiley & Sons; 2nd Edition 2008
Real Web Project Management: Case Studies and Best Practices from the Trenches
Thomas J. Shelford
Addison Wesley 2002
Designing for the Digital Age: How to Create Human-Centered Products and Services
Kim Goodwin
Wiley 2009

Periodical References

Journal of Management Information Systems

Journal of management studies
Journal of management
ACM Multimedia
IEEE International Conference on Multimedia & Expo
On-line References

Additional References

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1.6. MULTIMEDIA PROJECT

Short Module Title: Multimedia Project
Module Code: ECMM799

Credit Level: 7

Credit Value: 40
School and Department: FST - Computer Science
Module Leader(s): Ashif Tejani

Length:
Normally 3 months full time or
6 months part time
Extension:

Email: ashif@westminster.ac.uk

Host course:
MSc Multimedia
Status: Core
Subject Board:
Multimedia
Pre-requisites: Students must have passed at least four modules and have attempted Research Methods and
Professional Practice (CSSE98)
Co-requisites:
(None
Assessment:
100% coursework
Special features: None
(e.g. Study Abroad prior knowledge; fieldwork; placement; facilities)
Access restrictions: None
(e.g. limit on student numbers; dis-requisite modules)
Summary of Module content:
The project is an extended piece of supervised independent work relevant to the field. This can be either undertaken as a
work based project or on a topic proposed by the student or faculty. The project should enable the student to draw on and
extend the knowledge, skills and techniques of the field covered by the taught modules and show independent work that
whilst not original demonstrates development of skills and knowledge and an appreciation of context..
NB: Information above this line will be used for SITS.
Module Aims:
The project module plays a unifying role within the course and it aims to encourage and reward individual
inventiveness and application of effort. It also aims to allow students to:

investigate / explore in depth a particular field / topic of interest related to the subject of their studies;

combine previously acquired knowledge and techniques with newly researched ideas;

assimilate existing knowledge in the chosen field and extend this knowledge to a new application or
solution;

produce a comprehensive piece of work covering a variety of activities related to a single theme, bringing
together the academic content of and skills developed in a range of modules;

changes plans and or direction depending on the effects of altered circumstances as the work proceeds;

deploy appropriate tools and technologies to implement artefacts that satisfy specified requirements and
test their use in a target domain;

analyse experimental and other findings and to relate them to an appropriate theoretical analysis;

manage the work by confining the problem within limits, which will allow useful work to be done despite the
constraining effects of time and other limited resources;

evaluate/analyse current standards, processes, principles of quality, the reasons for their relevance to the
discipline and / or professional practice in the discipline including any legal, ethical and professional issues;

communicate effectively the work to others using appropriate means.

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Learning outcomes:
At the end of the module students should be able to:
LO1.Undertake an individual piece of work without close supervision producing a report and an artefact;
LO2.Show creative thinking in approaching tasks and problems;
LO3.Justify the methods, techniques and processes used in carrying out a project;
LO4.Undertake appropriate background investigation to place their work within the context of the field and
demonstrate critical awareness of the specific project domain;
LO5.Write critical evaluations of their own and others work;
LO6.Enhance their professional and transferable skills of academic/professional report writing; referencing;
presentation; critical, creative and innovative thinking; practice; and self-management;
LO7.Present and discuss their work to a Masters standard both orally and in structured and coherent report;
LO8.Communicate and be able to defend the project and choices made at a viva voce examination or
presentation
Indicative syllabus content:
Projects will be carefully chosen on an individual basis to suit the students requirements, but must be from
topics which are closely related to the subject matter of the student's MSc course.
The Project may be linked to industry. In the case of the industrial students, it will be carried out at the student's
workplace, jointly supervised by the University and the employing company.
Generic postgraduate skills:
Professional skills for research and industry e.g. scientific analysis, knowledge re-use and referencing, group
work, intellectual property rights and commercial exploitation, ethics, plagiarism;
Information skills e.g. Use of research tools, record keeping and bibliography software, critically evaluating
sources
Career skills e.g. career opportunities and professional bodies, interview techniques, managing life-long
learning through a personal development plan, workload management, team work, presentation skills.
Domain-specific postgraduate skills
Selecting an area to contribute to knowledge e.g. Reviewing current field, comparison of research and
industry proposals, problem identification, definition of objectives, selecting methodology
Research skills e.g. data gathering and analysis, designing experiments, use of questionnaires,
quantitative/qualitative data analysis, selecting evaluation criteria, evaluation of experimental results
Project skills e.g. project planning and management, structure of required documentation, thesis structure,
Teaching and Learning Methods:
The project is a supervised independent study; thus, students are expected to work independently; the role of
the supervisor is that of an advisor/mentor who should guide students away of problems and prompt them with
questions that can allow them to exercise initiative and to develop further their technical and research skills.
General information about the project deliverables and a project guide on how students need to approach their
projects will be made available through Blackboard. Students who embark on the project should be capable of
identifying an area of interest that they want to work on and to put forward a proposal detailing the content of
the proposed work, a plan of activities, and possible outcomes and deliverables.
Although it is anticipated that the majority of the students will use the project proposal they developed and
submitted for the ECMM798 module as the starting block for this module, this should not be considered as a
requirement. Students may embark on a project in an area different from that detailed in their ECMM98 project
proposal. If this is the case, a new project proposal should be submitted and approved before a student is
allowed to start work on the new project. Any such new project proposal would have to be evaluated using
criteria similar to those used for the evaluation of the ECMM798 module and approved by the projects coordinator and the students supervisor.

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Assessment Rationale:
The project mainly tests students initiative, and ability to work independently, along with the above-specified
learning outcomes. The project will be assessed using two assessment instruments, a project report that
students would submit and a viva voce.
The project report and the artefact will be the main elements of assessment. These will be used to assess the
extent in which the above-specified learning outcomes have been achieved and students critical insight into the
workings and practices employed in using appropriate technologies and methods to devise / design / develop /
deploy / administer the product of their project topic.
The project will be assessed by the project supervisor and, independently, by another member of staff. Where
the project co-ordinator requests it (usually in cases where there is a significant disparity in the marks the two
examiners produced) the project report will be assessed by a third member of staff, who will act as moderator
and whose decision will be determine the projects mark; to reach this decision the moderator will review the
project report along with the evaluation reports of the other two examiners.
Typically a project report (excluding appendices) should be between 15,000 and 21,000 words long, but this
does not mean that project reports could not be shorter. To restrict the length of these reports an upper limit of
25,000 words has been set and normally no report should exceed it. In exceptional circumstances a supervisor
may allow a student to produce a longer report.
The viva voce, which will usually have the form of a presentation and oral examination, will be used to assess
students presentation and communication skills in front of an audience of peers, along with students ability to
defend their decisions and to demonstrate and explain clearly their work. Each viva voce/presentation will
normally be held in the presence of at least two members of staff, who will be assessing independently
students performance.
Assessment criteria:
The combination of a project report, artefact and a viva voce/presentation will allow assessing the extent in
which the above-specified learning outcomes have been achieved. Passing the project module indicates that all
the learning outcomes have been achieved, whereas a distinction class project indicates that the majority of the
above learning outcomes have been developed to an extent that the quality, contribution and originality of the
submitted work is close to publishable quality.
Assessment Methods and Weightings:
To pass the module students must achieve an overall pass in the Project Report and the Viva-Voce.
Assessment Method

Weighting

Assessed Learning Outcomes

Project Report, Atefact and Viva-Voce

100%

LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5, LO6, LO7, LO8,

LO9, LO10, LO11

No individual marks will be reported for these components.

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Sources
Essential reading

Professional Writing: The Complete Guide for Business, Industry and IT, 2nd Edition,
Marsen, S.
Palgrave, 2007, ISBN-13 978-0-230-54298-3.
Critical Thinking Skills: Developing Effective Analysis and Argument,
Cottrell, S.
Palgrave, 2005, ISBN-13 978-1-403-99685-5.
Writing for Computer Science The Art of Effective Communication
Justin Zobel 1997
Springer-Verlag, ISBN: 981-3083-22-0
Further Reading

Project Management Demystified

Geoff Reiss, 2007
Taylor & Francis Ltd; ISBN: 0415421632
Real Web Project Management: Case Studies and Best Practices from the Trenches
Thomas J. Shelford
Addison Wesley 2002

Periodical References

Journal of Management Information Systems

Journal of management studies
Journal of management
ACM Multimedia
IEEE International Conference on Multimedia & Expo
On-line References

Additional References

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1.7. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Short Module Title: Research Methods
Module Code: ECSE798

Credit Level: 7

Credit Value: 20
School and Department: FST - Computer Science

Length: 2 Semesters

Module Leader(s): Maria Chondrogianni

Host course:
Computer Science
Status: Core

Extension:

Email: M.N.Chondrogianni@westminster.ac.uk

Subject Board:
Pre-requisites:
None
Co-requisites:
None
Assessment:
100% coursework
Special features: None
Access restrictions: None
Summary of Module content:
The module strengthens student skills for the research and industry needs of the course, the final project, and future
career and study. It guides the student's personal development plan (PDP) towards the professional requirements of the
discipline, and covers methods of critical evaluation, gathering and analysing information, and preparing and defending a
project proposal.
NB: Information above this line will be used for SITS.
Module Aims:
The module aims to consolidate the students learning and extend it through the early proposal and planning
stages of their individual project preparation and to present the challenge of investigating and analysing a
problem relevant to the students course of study. The module will also create awareness of professional, legal
and ethical issues and also to support the students personal development planning (PDP).
Learning outcomes:
At the end of the module students should be able to:
LO1. critically evaluate and review the research and/or industry issues of an area within a project domain;
LO2. demonstrate critical reflection on the planning and management of their professional development;
LO3. use effectively appropriate methods of gathering and analysing information;
LO4. formulate a proposal that presents and defends research and/or business objectives and the
methods, schedule, and the resources required to meet these;
LO5. communicate an objective defence of research and/or business arguments;
LO6. demonstrate an awareness and understanding of the professional, ethical and legal issues.

Indicative syllabus content:

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Generic postgraduate skills

Professional skills for research and industry e.g. scientific analysis, knowledge re-use and
referencing, group work, intellectual property rights and commercial exploitation, ethics, plagiarism;
Information skills e.g. Use of research tools, record keeping and bibliography software, critically
evaluating sources
Career skills e.g. career opportunities and professional bodies, interview techniques, managing lifelong learning through a personal development plan, workload management, team work, presentation
skills.
Domain-specific postgraduate skills
Selecting an area to contribute to knowledge e.g. Reviewing current field, comparison of research
and industry proposals, problem identification, definition of objectives, selecting methodology
Research skills e.g. data gathering and analysis, designing experiments, use of questionnaires,
quantitative/qualitative data analysis, selecting evaluation criteria, evaluation of experimental results
Project skills e.g. project planning and management, structure of required documentation, thesis
structure,
Teaching and Learning Methods:
The module typically consists of about 170 hours of student independent study (including guided) and 30 hours
of lectures, workshops, seminars, on-line activities, and/or personal meetings with the course team. Part-time
students are expected to take the module in the year they take their final project but attend the generic lectures
and start their Personal Development Plan at the start of their course.
Students who will take the project module should be capable of identifying an area of interest that they want to
work on and to put forward a proposal detailing the content of the proposed work, a plan of activities, and
possible outcomes and deliverables. To do this, students will be encouraged to attend research
seminars/presentations and also to engage in discussions with potential supervisors to exploit project ideas.
Methods also include keeping of learning logs and the preparation of an MSc level project proposal. General
information about the project deliverables and a project guide on how students need to approach their projects
will be made available through Blackboard, the Universitys Virtual Learning Environment.

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Assessment Rationale:
The personal development plan, both guides and assesses the student to take ownership of the process of
learning and knowledge discovery, supported by the course modules and leading to the final project.
The literature/system review provides greater opportunity for critical consideration of the broader theoretical
issues raised in the module and to make connections across the course, disciplines and professional practice.
The project proposal and project presentation serve as the essential vehicle to demonstrate an
understanding of the conceptual bases of the module and provide progressive and concrete feedback on this.
This ensures that the project is of realistic size and complexity, well embedded in current research/industrial
needs, and that sufficient resources are available and the project can be completed successfully in the time
allocated. In addition, the project presentation would help students build their ability to defend an argument
against scrutiny and allow them to see others' work in order to gain a better idea of what is expected of a project
and for members of staff to discuss projects they are not personally supervising and perhaps to present further
ideas.
Assessment criteria:
7

To achieve a pass, the student will need to demonstrate competence in constructing and maintaining a
reflective personal development plan, show a good grasp of the research and industry issues in the
literature review, and present and defend effectively a complete project proposal that covers all required
elements.
8

To achieve a merit, the student will need to demonstrate an appreciation of the short-term and longterm learning goals in a reflective and self-critical personal development plan, show a good grasp of
the breadth and conflicts of research and industry issues in the literature review, and present and
defend effectively a project proposal that covers all required elements towards contribution to
knowledge with some degree of originality.

To achieve a distinction, the student will need to demonstrate an ability to maintain a reflective and
self-critical personal development plan that is fully connected to all parts of study, compare objectively
a wide breadth of research and industry issues in the literature review, and present and defend
effectively a project proposal that covers all required elements towards an original contribution to
knowledge.

Assessment Methods and Weightings:

Personal Development Plan (10%). LO5, LO6
Literature Review (10%) LO1, LO3, LO5, LO6
Project Proposal and Presentation (80%) LO3, LO4, LO5

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Sources
Essential reading

Professional Writing: The Complete Guide for Business, Industry and IT, 2nd Edition,
Marsen, S.
Palgrave, 2007, ISBN-13 978-0-230-54298-3.
Critical Thinking Skills: Developing Effective Analysis and Argument,
Cottrell, S.
Palgrave, 2005, ISBN-13 978-1-403-99685-5.
Writing for Computer Science The Art of Effective Communication
Justin Zobel 1997
Springer-Verlag, ISBN: 981-3083-22-0
Further Reading

Project Management Demystified

Geoff Reiss, 2007
Taylor & Francis Ltd; ISBN: 0415421632
Real Web Project Management: Case Studies and Best Practices from the Trenches
Thomas J. Shelford
Addison Wesley 2002

Periodical References

Journal of Management Information Systems

Journal of management studies
Journal of management
ACM Multimedia
IEEE International Conference on Multimedia & Expo
On-line References

Additional References

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2. OPTION MODULES FROM OTHER COURSES

2.1. IPHONE APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT
Short Module Title: iPhone Application Development
Module Code:
Credit Level: 7
ECSC701
Credit Value: 20
Length: 1 semester
School and Department: FST - Computer Science
Module Leader(s): Philip Trwoga
Extension:
Host course:
MSc Computer Science
Status:

Email:
P.F.Trwoga@westminster.ac.uk

Subject Board:
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
none
Assessment:
100% coursework
Special features:
None
Access restrictions:
none
Summary of Module content:
This module shall give the necessary knowledge and practical experience to develop
applications for native platforms. It will give the student the necessary skills to produce
applications that take advantage on the underlying hardware features of contemporary
mobile devices such as smartphones and multi-touch surfaces, location features, and
natural gesturing though combination of accelerator and touch surfaces. The module shall
also give the student the necessary skills to transfer the knowledge gained from this module
to other native platform by emphasising good programming practice, design patterns and
strict resource management.

Module Aims
This module shall give the student the necessary background knowledge and practical skills
to develop native applications for a mobile operating system and to also extend that skill to
other native platforms. The module also aims to impart to the student the strict discipline of
native programming in terms of OOP patterns and resource management.
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module, the student will:
LO1 Be able to understand language features and programming practice required for native
development.
LO2 Be able to critically evaluate a set of requirements and be able to apply appropriate
OO patterns to a given problem
LO3 Be able to apply industry standard tools for design and development
LO4 Be able to implement, test, and deploy an application

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Indicative syllabus content:

Introduction to Native Platform Development
This section will introduce native code development concepts.
Mobile OS Architectures
This section will compare and contrast contemporary operating system architectures.
Development Tools
This section covers the development tools required for building, targeting and deploying
applications to both hardware and simulators.
Objective C language and features This section covers the Objective C programming
language. This includes; language constructs, fundamental types, naming conventions,
class creation, methods and selectors, and the foundation framework.
Design Patterns
Model View controller, delegates and protocols
UI controls and multi-touch event handling
The UIKit framework and event handling
Core Graphics
Understanding views, view handling and the core graphics framework
Hardware APIs
Accelerometer, GPS, and Compass
Data Storage
Core Data concepts and object relational mapping
Teaching and Learning Methods:
This module takes a hands-on approach and provides the student with ample opportunity
to practice the taught material. The contact sessions will consist of 4-hour laboratory
session that shall contain a mix of short lectures and practice tutorial sessions.
Concepts, features and techniques will be demonstrated by the use of live code examples
that will be further developed and refined through tutorial sessions.
Assessment Rationale:
The assessment will be entirely coursework based and consists of an individual
development project and two group-work practical pieces. Coursework 1 will be the
individual development of an application that makes use of standard controls and the MVC
pattern. (LO1, LO2). Coursework 2 will require the student group to develop a UML design
and a technical demonstration for an application (LO1, LO2, LO3).
Coursework 3 (LO2, LO3, LO4) will require the student group to fully implement the design
undertaken in Coursework 2, the students shall also required to write a short individual
report that critically evaluates the design and implementation process.
Assessment criteria:
To pass the module the student must be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of the
process of native application development. The student should also demonstrate an
understanding of the advantages and limitations of both native and non-native coding. The
student must have gained the necessary knowledge and skills to develop a native
application for a mobile platform.
Assessment Methods and Weightings:

Coursework 1: Application and design report (33%)

Coursework 2: Group work: UML design, technical investigation and partial
implementation (33%)
Coursework 3: Final group implementation and individual critical evaluation (33%)

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Sources:
Reading

Dave Mark, Jeff LaMarche. Beginning iPhone Development. Apress (2009)

Dave Mark, Jeff LaMarche. More iPhone 3 Development. Apress (2010)

Reza B Far. Mobile Computing Principles. Cambridge University Press
(2005)

Mark Dalrymple. Learn Objective C on the Mac. Springer Verlag (2009)
Further Reading
http://developer.apple.com
Source of documentation, development tools and code samples
http://developer.apple.com/Mac/library/documentation/Cocoa/Conceptual/ObjectiveC/
Introduction/introObjectiveC.html
Objective C and Cocoa Touch key concepts
Date of initial Validation:

Dates of approved modifications:

Date of re-validation/review:

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2.2. WEB ENABLED DATABASE APPLICATIONS

Short Module Title: Web Applications
Module Code: EBSY704
Credit Value: 20

Credit Level: 7
Length: 1 semester

School and Department: FST - Computer Science

Module Leader(s): Philip Trwoga
Extension:

Email:
P.F.Trwoga@westminster.ac.uk

Host course:
Business Information Systems Postgraduate Courses Portfolio
Status:
option
Subject Board:
Business Information Systems
Pre-requisites:
None but good understanding of programming and database advised
Co-requisites:
none
Assessment:
50% coursework, 50% Examination

Special features:
None
Access restrictions:
none
Summary of Module content:
A study in the field of server-side and client-side scripting Students will be presented with techniques for
creating dynamic web pages. A server-side language will be covered to the depth required for implementing
functional applications. Both of these programming skills can be directly related to developing business
applications for the Web.
Module Aims:
The module aims to

examine alternative methods for the development of dynamic web applications;

equip students with the ability to analyse, evaluate and implement Web-based business applications;

provide an introduction to using a server-side language for the development of web applications and to

enable them develop a theoretical and practical knowledge of the W3C.
Learning Outcomes:
After having completed this module, the student should be able to:
LO1 design, implement and critically evaluate sophisticated server-side applications;
LO2 build a Web application capable of interaction with databases;
LO3 identify and argue merits of alternative methods for creating dynamic webpages;
LO4 develop a user interface for the Web application using appropriate software tools, e.g. cascading style
sheets, HTML4/5, JavaScript and/or possibly Oracle application development suit;
LO5 discuss issues related to emerging web application technologies;
LO6 carry out research in the field and present and defend unbiased arguments.

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Indicative Syllabus Content:
Introduction:
structure of a simple commercial web-site; development of a database accessible from the Web and
implementation of tools to enhance the functionalities of the Web site
Communicating with the customer.
HTTP: the protocol. Mime-types; GET and POST; Solutions for statelessness: cookies, hidden fields.
Front end usability issues and DHTML. Practical introduction HTML and DHTML, W3C recommendations.
Introduction to cascading style sheets. Cascading style sheets basics style, look and feel, elements and
positioning. Practical examples of cascading style sheets absolute and relative positioning.
DHTML object model theory. Examples of object model object referencing, collections. DHTML event
model theory. Examples of event model DHTML events
Web application development:
Dynamic web sites - JavaScript, AJAX, server-side programming; Document design with UML modelling
techniques; Information Architecture.
Server-side languages (PHP):
Parameter passing; Handling forms; Strengthening security; Alternatives: server extensions, server-side
includes; File upload through forms.
Transactions and data:
Database access, Implementation of an access-restricted system through the use of username and
password controls;
Database transactions and error handling;
Providing a targeted search facility and performing a multiple selection;
Implementing a feature to allow a user to select one or more items available in the database, to retrieve their
details and to keep a track in the database of choices made;
Temporary data storage and shopping carts;
Keeping and interpreting usage statistics.
Improving customer interaction:
Running search engines; Incorporating customer-generated data in web sites.
Teaching and Learning Methods:
The module will be taught by a mixture of lectures, supervised computer laboratory / workshop sessions and
self-directed study.
The lectures will be used to introduce the various concepts of the modules topics. Most of the topics covered in
lectures will be associated with a number of supervised computer laboratory / workshop sessions during which
students will have the chance to work in smaller groups, to revisit material covered during lectures and/or to
practise topics covered using appropriate exercises and software tools. In addition to the above, students will be
aided by fixed surgeries, where they can raise and discuss with peers and/or their tutor questions to support
their understanding and augment their knowledge in the field.
Study material that will be made available on a weekly basis through the Univ. VLE will include copies of slides
used in the lectures and/or possible sets of notes, pointers to sources of additional information on the topics
covered. Usually the tutorials and laboratory / workshop sessions will be complemented by a number of selfdirected study exercises that will deepen students understanding of the topics covered enabling at the same
time students to revisit and to work through the covered material at their own pace. Overall, students are also
expected to spend time on unsupervised work in computer laboratories and in private study (including the
preparation of their coursework).
Assessment Rationale:
The assessment strategy involves an individual coursework and an unseen and time constrained exam. The
coursework will assess students technical skills gained in the module and ability to develop and implement web
applications capable of connecting to a web enabled database. The exam, which takes the form of a shortperiod research-based report, will require students to research further on areas introduced during the teaching
programme and then critically reflect on key issues relating to web application development.
It is stipulated that the in-course assessment will allow students to enhance further their abilities to organise and
manipulate data, think critically, evaluate models and designs, manage information using a variety of sources,
engage in research and communicate their findings effectively in a written form.
The exact assessment criteria that will apply on each assessment will be stated in the assessment specification;
normally these will also be available in the modules VLE page.
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Assessment Criteria:
All associated learning outcomes will be assessed at threshold level. The criteria used to determine students
performance will depend on the degree s/they are able to:

apply sound methods in the design and implementation of sophisticated server-side applications;
implement appropriate server-side functionality in electronic commerce applications;
practice linking of web-based systems to server-side databases;
present sound and complete arguments on the merits of alternative technologies used for creating
dynamic web pages;
show an awareness of current standards and emerging trends in the field of web application
development;
research in the field and present unbiased arguments.

Meeting the above criteria will mean a pass mark. Better students are expected to be able to fuller answers
reflecting more accurately the given specification; they should be able to demonstrate an insight into the topics
covered and to produce innovative answers to more challenging issues. Moreover, higher marks will be
obtained by students who use effectively appropriate tools to construct and communicate a solution and whose
submission is well structured with coherent and valid arguments are supported by correctly cited references.
Assessment Methods and Weightings:
To pass the module students must achieve the pass mark overall and also to achieve the threshold in the
coursework and in the exam.
Assessment Method
In-Course Assessment
Examination

Weighting
50%
50%

Assessed Learning Outcomes

LO1, LO2
LO3, LO4, LO5, LO6

Sources:
Essential Reading
Spainhour, S. and Quercia, V. Webmaster in a nutshell, 3rd Edition, OReilly, 2002
Further Reading
Ullman, L. PHP and MySQL for Dynamic Web Sites (Visual QuickPro Guides) Peachpit Press, 2005.
Periodical References
On-line References
www.w3.org/
www.oracle.com/technology/documentation
Other Sources
Oracle University materials:
Oracle Forms Developer 10g Build Internet Applications
Oracle Reports Developer 10g Build Reports
Up-to-date information about this module, including the module schedule, can be found on the Blackboard
(under this module's code). The site will contain additional material and/or links to further information.
Date of Initial Validation:
Dates of approved modifications:
Date of re-validation/review:

2010

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