Unit rationale, description and aim
In a digital world increasingly reliant on mobile and web technologies, there is strong industry demand for professionals who can build secure, scalable, and user-centric applications. These applications not only drive business efficiency but also hold the potential to address pressing societal challenges.
This unit builds on foundational programming knowledge to develop advanced skills in designing and developing industry-strength web and mobile applications. It introduces essential concepts, modern frameworks, development environments, and testing practices relevant to contemporary application development. Students will gain both theoretical understanding and hands-on experience in implementing responsive, interactive, and maintainable applications using a wide range of technologies. The unit emphasises the integration of back-end and front-end systems and introduces techniques for improving usability, performance, and accessibility. Through practical project work, students also explore how web and mobile technologies can be leveraged to support social impact—for example, by creating applications aimed at improving the lives of the poor, vulnerable, or otherwise disadvantaged.
The aim of this unit is to develop students' ability to design, build, and test modern web and mobile applications that meet professional standards while contributing to the common good.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Demonstrate working knowledge of foundational web ...
Learning Outcome 01
Apply contemporary architectures, frameworks, and ...
Learning Outcome 02
Develop responsive mobile app applications using i...
Learning Outcome 03
Critically analyse complex technical issues in web...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
- Getting Started with ASP.NET 4.5
- Building an ASP.NET Website
- Designing Web Pages
- Working with ASP.NET Server Controls
- Programming ASP.NET Web Pages
- Creating Consistent Looking Websites
- Navigation and User Control
- Validating User Input
- ASP.NET validation Controls
- JQuery and AJAX
- Data-bound Controls
- Android Development 1: Fundamentals, Activities and Intents
- Android Development 2: User interface and layouts
- Android Development 3: Lists and adapters
- Android Development 4: APIs and libraries
- How web and mobile applications can assist poor or vulnerable populations
Assessment strategy and rationale
This unit employs a progressive assessment strategy designed to scaffold student learning and skill development in web and mobile application development. The assessments are structured to build upon each other, fostering the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical application, and aligning with the unit's learning outcomes.
- Assessment 1: Guided Website Development. Students follow structured tutorials to develop a basic website, reinforcing foundational skills in web technologies.
- Assessment 2: Dynamic Data-Driven Website. Building on the first assessment, students create a dynamic website that interacts with data sources, accompanied by a report detailing website operations and functionalities.
- Assessment 3: Android App Development Project. Students design and develop a mobile application, demonstrating their ability to apply advanced concepts in mobile development, along with effective communication of their development process and outcomes.
This tiered approach ensures that students progressively acquire and apply complex skills, mirroring real-world development processes. It caters to diverse learning styles and promotes deep learning through continuous engagement and reflection.
To successfully complete this unit, students must achieve an overall mark of at least 50%.
Overview of assessments
Assessment 1: Website Development Test This as...
Assessment 1: Website Development Test
This assessment validates students competence in the foundational web technologies before they progress to larger web and mobile development projects. It checks that student can work confidently with technologies such as HTML, CSS, ASP.NET server controls, page layout, validation controls and the ASP.NET page life cycle without relying on generative AI tools. Demonstrating these skills prepares students for the later dynamic website and mobile application assessments.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Examination including Computer Code
Artefact: Exam responses
30%
Assessment 2: Dynamic Data-Driven Website Studen...
Assessment 2: Dynamic Data-Driven Website
Students are required to develop a dynamic, data-driven website. The website will demonstrate the use of HTML, CSS and ASP controls, including user input validation, error handling, server-side authentication and so on. Students are required to create a presentation including screenshots/codes to introduce the operation of website.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method:
Computer Code and Presentation
Artefact: documented website code and Live / Recorded with face-overlay Presentation (8 minutes) + Online Viva
30%
Assessment 3: Android App Development Project St...
Assessment 3: Android App Development Project
Students will develop a real-life responsive mobile app. The app can help stakeholders improve the life experience. The app will also be useful for assisting disadvantaged populations. Students are required to write a brief project report with screenshots to introduce the operation of the mobile app.
Students use Generative AI tools for mobile application development and reflect on the effectiveness and limitations of them.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Computer code with documentation and Presentation
Artefact: mobile app documented code and Live / Recorded with face-overlay Presentation (8 minutes) + Online Viva
40%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit is delivered through Attendance and Online modes using a single, integrated learning and teaching strategy designed to ensure equivalent learning outcomes and a comparable learning experience for all students, while supporting diverse learning needs and maximising access.
Across both modes, learning activities are intentionally aligned to the unit learning outcomes and assessment tasks, and are underpinned by active learning, guided engagement with disciplinary knowledge, opportunities for peer interaction, and regular, timely feedback. While the mode of delivery shapes how students participate, the pedagogical intent, expectations and standards remain consistent.
In Attendance mode, students engage in weekly face-to-face classes at designated locations, supported by preparatory activities prior to workshops and opportunities for consolidation following classes. Online learning platforms are used to complement face-to-face teaching through additional resources and learning activities.
In Online mode, students engage with the same core content and learning outcomes through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous activities, including structured discussions and applied learning tasks that support learning in professional contexts