Unit rationale, description and aim
Web and mobile applications have become integral to daily life due to their unique benefits, such as efficiency and connectivity across personal, social, and professional domains. As demand for skilled IT professionals continues to grow, the ability to develop robust, user-focused applications is a critical asset. This unit builds upon prior programming knowledge to advance students’ capabilities in developing industry-standard web and mobile applications. It introduces essential concepts, tools, techniques, and modern development frameworks for designing, implementing, and testing interactive applications. Students will gain both theoretical and hands-on experience with a broad range of contemporary technologies used in web and mobile development. In alignment with the principles of social responsibility, the unit also emphasises the role of technology in addressing real-world challenges. It encourages students to create inclusive and impactful applications that benefit individuals and communities alike.
The aim of this unit is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical awareness required to design and deliver innovative web and mobile applications that are technically robust, socially responsible, and responsive to real-world needs.
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.
Apply advanced knowledge of foundational web techn...
Learning Outcome 01
Analyse web programming structures, code, and tool...
Learning Outcome 02
Design ethical, responsive, and dynamic web applic...
Learning Outcome 03
Content
Topics will include:
· ASP.NET Core and Web Application
· Designing Simple Web Pages
· Working with ASP.NET Server Controls
· ASP.NET Programming
· Creating User-friendly Web Layouts
· Managing Navigation
· Reusable User Control
· Input Validation
· ASP.NET Validation Controls
· Implementation of Data-bound Controls
· Introduction to Mobile Web Development (Brief overview, responsive design concepts)
Assessment strategy and rationale
A range of assessment procedures will be used to meet the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes consistent with university assessment requirements.
The first online engagement-based assessment consists of a series of activities and submissions that reinforce students’ understanding of the learning modules. The second assessment task requires students to progressively develop a basic website by completing individual lab activities submitted on a fortnightly basis. The final assessment item is an individual project that requires students to develop a dynamic, data-driven website and then extend it into a responsive mobile website. Any use of AI tools must be appropriately acknowledged.
The assessment tasks for this unit are designed for students to demonstrate their achievement of each learning outcome. To pass this unit, students are required to achieve an overall mark of at least 50%.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1: In-class Test This assessment c...
Assessment Task 1: In-class Test
This assessment consists of small coding tasks that test students’ understanding of the web development in ASP.NET consisting of the questions from week 1 to week 5. SEB (Safe Exam Browser) will be implemented during the test.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Practical Tasks + Online Viva
Artefact: Website code + Online Viva
20%
Assessment Task 2: Website Development Practical S...
Assessment Task 2: Website Development Practical
Students are required to develop a functional website by completing a series of biweekly lab tasks. Students should provide the specified website functionality according to the lab instructions. The developed website should also have a consistent look and feel. The development practices gradually build up web development skills. Students will receive constructive feedback on each lab submission via Canvas within two weeks of submission.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Cumulative assessment
Artefact: Website code
Word limit: N/A
35%
Assessment Task 3: Mobile Website Development Proj...
Assessment Task 3: Mobile Website Development Project
Students will demonstrate adherence to ethical programming practices by developing a dynamic, data-driven website that responds to user input. The website must be built using fundamental web technologies (HTML, CSS), with interactive functionality implemented using ASP.NET. It should include robust input validation to ensure data integrity and error handling. The final product must also be designed to be fully responsive, ensuring usability across a range of devices, including smartphones and tablets, thereby supporting broader accessibility for users with limited access to traditional computing resources. Students will submit a brief report, including annotated screenshots, to document the website's features and functionality.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Practical and Presentation and Online Viva
Artefact: Website code, documentation and live/speaker view webcam overlay recorded presentation(8 mins) + Online Viva
Word limit: N/A
45%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit uses a collaborative and practice-based learning approach and will be delivered in attendance mode over a twelve-week semester or equivalent study period. Students will have access to all primary learning materials online, along with formative and summative assessments, to provide a learning experience beyond the classroom. While there are no formal classroom lectures for this unit, students will be required to attend weekly two-hour workshops and fortnightly two-hour labs, which will include a seminar, problem-solving exercises and specific tasks related to the achievement of the unit learning outcomes.
Online mode
The online mode designed to facilitate students’ exploration of knowledge fundamental to the discipline. Students are provided with choice and variety in their learning and are encouraged to participate in asynchronous weekly discussions. Active learning opportunities in both synchronous and asynchronous formats enable students to practice and apply theoretical concepts in contexts that reflect professional practice. Learning activities promote the demonstration of understanding and application through constructive engagement with peers.
Students receive regular and timely feedback throughout the semester to support their progress and ongoing academic development.
Students should anticipate undertaking 150 hours of study for this unit, including class attendance, readings, online forum participation and assessment preparation.