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 emphasizes 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.
Campus offering
No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.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 high-level working knowledge and under...
Learning Outcome 01
Apply modern current architectures, frameworks and...
Learning Outcome 02
Develop responsive mobile app applications using i...
Learning Outcome 03
Critically and effectively examine, using technica...
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: Guided Website Development Student...
Assessment 1: Guided Website Development
Students are required to develop a functional website through following a series of tutorial tasks. Students should provide the functionality specified, according to tutorial instructions. The developed website should also have a consistent look and feel. The development practices gradually build up web development skills.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Cumulative assessment
Artefact: website code
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 write a brief report with screenshots to introduce the operation of website.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: code and report submission
Artefact: website code and report
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.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: project code and report submission
Artefact: mobile app code and report
40%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
his unit adopts a flexible, inclusive learning strategy designed to support diverse student needs and maximise engagement, especially for isolated or marginalised learners. Across all delivery modes, the unit emphasises active, student-centred learning, supported by structured preparation, peer interaction, and timely feedback.
In Attendance Mode, students engage in weekly face-to-face classes (on-campus or online), with an expectation of preparatory study before workshops and post-class review. Most students report spending at least one hour before and one or more hours after each session on practice and revision.
In ACU Online, learning is fully asynchronous, offering students flexibility while maintaining structure through guided weekly modules, peer discussion forums, and applied tasks that connect theory to professional contexts. Regular feedback supports progress and self-regulation.
Students are expected to commit approximately 150 hours to this unit, including class engagement, readings, forum participation, and assessments.