IFN582 Rapid Web Development with Databases


To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.


Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Gardens Point, Internal

Unit code:IFN582
Credit points:12
Pre-requisite:(192cps in SV03 or SV04 or IV04 or IV05 or MV05 or MV06 or BV06 or BV07 or EV08 or EV07) OR (admission into IV53 or IV57 or IV54 or IV59 or IV55 or IV52 or IV56 or IV51 or IV58 or IV60) OR (admission into IN18 or IN19 or IN20 or IN25 or IN30 or IN31 or IN27 or IN26 or DE99 or BS11 or KC88)
Anti-requisite:IFN554 or IFN557 or IFQ554 or IFQ557
Coordinators:Babar Shahzaad | babar.shahzaad@qut.edu.au
Mythreyi Velmurugan | m.velmurugan@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

This foundational unit covers both database management and web application development. It explores core concepts, principles, and skills essential for understanding, designing, and effectively managing databases. You will learn how to transform a conceptual model into a relational database design as well as how to use database querying techniques for data retrieval and manipulation. You will apply your data skills by designing and building an interactive dynamic web application using well-known frameworks such as Bootstrap, and Python-Flask while generating effective, ethical, and culturally sensitive solutions.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Apply knowledge of database management systems and conceptual data modelling principles to understand, analyse, and capture abstractions of complex data aspects in a business domain.
  2. Apply standard querying techniques to retrieve and manipulate data.
  3. Use existing frameworks to develop and implement web applications with a rigorous database design to meet given requirements including being an ethical, and culturally sensitive.
  4. Apply visual and written communication techniques to explain how the proposed design and solution meets user and data management needs
  5. Collaborate and work effectively in a team environment, apply teamwork concepts critically reflecting upon personal performance, and the performance of others.

Content

This foundational unit covers both database management and web application development.

In the database component, you will be exposed to the core concepts, principles, techniques, and practices required to model an abstraction of complex data aspects of business domains, to design, develop and manage database in the context of database management systems, and to establish ethical and culturally sensitive solutions to database management problems. This includes:

  • Conceptual data modeling: You will learn to develop a conceptual data model of the data aspect of business domains using Object Role Modeling (ORM) technique, and then translate such conceptual data model to a relational database schema.

  • Database design, development and management: You will learn to design a database from a relational database schema, and then retrieve and manipulate data in the database via creating, reading, updating, and deleting (CRUD) operations realised by SQL query formulation.

  • Societal and ethical issues: You will explore topics addressing societal and ethical concerns related to databases, such as data privacy, access control, data ethics, Indigenous Data Sovereignty, etc., which are required for developing ethical and culturally sensitive solutions to database management problems.

In the web application development component, you will follow a guided process to design and develop a dynamic web application that utilises well known frameworks and your own database design. This includes:

  • MVC design pattern: You will gain hands-on experience at designing and building an application that separates three key logical components Model, View, and Controller. MVC is one of the most frequently used industry-standard web development frameworks to create scalable and extensible projects.

  • Rapid development using frameworks: You will employ well established frameworks such as Bootstrap, and Python-Flask to fast track the development of an effective interactive dynamic web application that uses a relational database of your own design.

The knowledge and skills involved in developing databases and web applications are indispensable for all IT professionals. This applies not only for programmers but also for roles such as business analyst and solution architect, which require a strong understanding of development for systems analysis and design practices.

Learning Approaches

This unit includes weekly content (stimulus material) and workshop exercises. The content will focus on the dissemination of the core body of knowledge, where theoretical and technical concepts and principles will be introduced and explained using working examples. You will also be given detailed instructions for learning about databases and Web application development.

Learning in this unit is predominantly through practice in the workshops that builds directly on the stimulus material presented. In some weeks, you will also be provided with additional readings and practices expected to complete as homework for further reinforcement or advancement of the knowledge and skills learned during the lectures and workshops. Throughout the teaching period, you will be guided through practical activities and assessment tasks and encouraged to use online facilities such as online discussion boards for questions and answers in addition to face-to-face and email communication with the teaching team.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

The opportunity to receive feedback on your learning and progress is avaialble in a variety of ways:

  • A range of formative exercises will be discussed and ongoing feedback will be provided during workshops
  • Consultation times can be booked with members of the teaching team throughout the teaching period
  • Guidance and constructive comments to assessment tasks will be provided during the workshops
  • You will be given opportunities reflect on assessment tasks and receive formative feedback during some workshop sessions
  • A marking guide will be available for the assessment
  • A detailed marking of and individualised written feedback will be provided on your assessment items
  • Feedback will also be provided to the cohort based on common areas for improvement identified throughout the workshops, consultations and Q&A discussions.

Assessment

Overview

The assessment will be in two parts. In the first assignment, you will be asked to design a web application that meets specific requirements and develop a conceptual model for an associated database. You will submit an ORM model and a number of sample web pages that depict key parts of your web application front end i.e. the M and V in the MVC (Model View Controller design pattern). In the second assignment, you will go on to develop the Web Application solution while working in a team. This will involve the implementation of all of the MVC components using the frameworks covered in the unit and your knowledge of databases.

This unit employs authentic assessment in that it focuses on students using and applying knowledge and skills to the real-life development of a software artifact: a web application using frameworks that includes a database related to an actual business domain.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Prototype Web Application Design with Conceptual Database Design

The project is a practical task that requires you to design a solution to a real-world use case and reflect on an organisation's requirements. You will develop a Web application design that includes a conceptual schema for a database and a web front-end prototype. The solution will demonstrate how you address user and data management requirements of a web application case study.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Weight: 50
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 6
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 3, 4

Assessment: Fully Developed Web Application

Develop a working web application, including a fully functional front-end and an associated SQL database. This will involve the implementation of MVC components. Frameworks covered in the unit and knowledge of databases will be used to build the web application. As part of this assessment you will be required to undertake a self and peer evaluation.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Weight: 50
Individual/Group: Group
Due (indicative): Week 13
Related Unit learning outcomes: 2, 3, 4, 5

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Costs

There are no out-of-the-ordinary costs associated with the study of this unit.

Resources

This unit makes use of a variety of software, which is either FREE or will be made available in computer labs. You may find the recommended textbook a useful to support your learning in this unit and a great addition to your own professional library. Additional resources to support your learning in this unit will be available in your IFN582 Canvas site.

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

The online and provided resources may be deemed as sufficient. However, the recommended textbook for this unit is Flask Web Development: Developing Web Applications with Python - Miguel Grinberg

Software

Software required by this unit is either free or will be made available in the computer labs. Online resources recommended include: 

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with the study of this unit.

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

IN18 Graduate Certificate in Information Technology

  1. Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of information technology disciplines.
    Relates to: ULO1, Prototype Web Application Design with Conceptual Database Design, Fully Developed Web Application
  2. Critically analyse complex IT problems and opportunities and use creativity and problem-solving skills to generate solutions.
    Relates to: ULO1, Prototype Web Application Design with Conceptual Database Design, Fully Developed Web Application
  3. Employ industry-best practice, IT methods, tools and techniques to develop and implement IT systems, processes and/or software.
    Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Prototype Web Application Design with Conceptual Database Design, Fully Developed Web Application
  4. Communicate effectively in IT professional contexts using written, visual and oral formats.
    Relates to: ULO4, Prototype Web Application Design with Conceptual Database Design, Fully Developed Web Application
  5. Critically reflect on the social, cultural, ethical and diversity issues related to the IT field.
    Relates to: ULO3, Prototype Web Application Design with Conceptual Database Design, Fully Developed Web Application

IN19 Graduate Diploma in Information Technology

  1. Demonstrate advanced IT knowledge in one or more IT disciplines.
    Relates to: ULO1, Prototype Web Application Design with Conceptual Database Design, Fully Developed Web Application
  2. Critically analyse complex IT problems and opportunities and use creativity and problem-solving skills to generate solutions.
    Relates to: ULO1, Prototype Web Application Design with Conceptual Database Design, Fully Developed Web Application
  3. Apply advanced, industry-best practice, IT methods, tools and techniques to develop and implement IT systems, processes and/or software.
    Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Prototype Web Application Design with Conceptual Database Design, Fully Developed Web Application
  4. Communicate effectively in IT professional contexts using written, visual and oral formats.
    Relates to: ULO4, Prototype Web Application Design with Conceptual Database Design, Fully Developed Web Application
  5. Demonstrate developed values, attitudes, behaviours and judgement in professional contexts.
    Relates to: ULO1, Prototype Web Application Design with Conceptual Database Design, Fully Developed Web Application
  6. Critically reflect on the social, cultural, ethical and diversity issues related to the IT field including how they realte to First Nations Australians and diverse populations.
    Relates to: ULO3, Prototype Web Application Design with Conceptual Database Design, Fully Developed Web Application

IN20 Master of Information Technology

  1. Demonstrate advanced specialist IT knowledge in at least one information technology discipline.
    Relates to: ULO1, Prototype Web Application Design with Conceptual Database Design, Fully Developed Web Application
  2. Critically analyse complex IT problems and opportunities and use creativity and problem-solving skills to generate innovative and novel solutions that are convincingly justified.
    Relates to: ULO1, Prototype Web Application Design with Conceptual Database Design, Fully Developed Web Application
  3. Integrate advanced, industry-best practice, IT methods, tools and techniques to develop and implement complex IT systems, processes and/or software.
    Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Prototype Web Application Design with Conceptual Database Design, Fully Developed Web Application
  4. Employ leadership and initiative in both self-directed and collaborative contexts to create value for others.
    Relates to: Fully Developed Web Application
  5. Communicate effectively in IT professional and scholarly contexts to specialist and non-specialist audiences using written, visual and oral formats.
    Relates to: ULO4, Prototype Web Application Design with Conceptual Database Design, Fully Developed Web Application
  6. Demonstrate business acumen and well-developed values, attitudes, behaviours and judgement in professional contexts.
    Relates to: ULO1, Prototype Web Application Design with Conceptual Database Design, Fully Developed Web Application
  7. Create positive change through critically reflecting upon and actioning responses to the social, cultural, ethical, sustainability, legal and accessibility issues in the IT field, including how they relate to First Nations Australians and diverse populations.
    Relates to: ULO3, Prototype Web Application Design with Conceptual Database Design, Fully Developed Web Application

IN28 Master of Artificial Intelligence

  1. Demonstrate advanced specialist IT knowledge in Artificial Intelligence discipline.
    Relates to: Prototype Web Application Design with Conceptual Database Design, Fully Developed Web Application
  2. Critically analyse complex Artificial Intelligence problems and opportunities and use creativity and problem-solving skills to generate innovative and novel solutions that are convincingly justified.
    Relates to: Prototype Web Application Design with Conceptual Database Design, Fully Developed Web Application
  3. Integrate advanced, industry-best practice, Artificial Intelligence methods, tools and techniques to develop and implement complex Artificial Intelligence systems, processes and/or software.
    Relates to: Prototype Web Application Design with Conceptual Database Design, Fully Developed Web Application
  4. Employ leadership and initiative in both self-directed and collaborative contexts to create value for others.
    Relates to: Fully Developed Web Application
  5. Communicate effectively in Artificial Intelligence professional and scholarly contexts to specialist and non-specialist audiences using written, visual and oral formats.
    Relates to: Prototype Web Application Design with Conceptual Database Design, Fully Developed Web Application
  6. Demonstrate business acumen and well-developed values, attitudes, behaviours and judgement in professional contexts.
    Relates to: Prototype Web Application Design with Conceptual Database Design, Fully Developed Web Application
  7. Create positive change through critically reflecting upon and actioning responses to the social, cultural, ethical, sustainability, legal and accessibility issues in the Artificial Intelligence field, including how they relate to First Nations Australians and diverse populations.
    Relates to: Fully Developed Web Application

IN29 Master of Cyber Security

  1. Demonstrate advanced specialist IT knowledge in Cyber Security discipline.
    Relates to: Prototype Web Application Design with Conceptual Database Design, Fully Developed Web Application
  2. Critically analyse complex Cyber Security problems and opportunities and use creativity and problem-solving skills to generate innovative and novel solutions that are convincingly justified.
    Relates to: Prototype Web Application Design with Conceptual Database Design, Fully Developed Web Application
  3. Integrate advanced, industry-best practice, Cyber Security methods, tools and techniques to develop and implement complex Cyber Security systems, processes and/or software.
    Relates to: Prototype Web Application Design with Conceptual Database Design, Fully Developed Web Application
  4. Employ leadership and initiative in both self-directed and collaborative contexts to create value for others.
    Relates to: Fully Developed Web Application
  5. Communicate effectively in Cyber Security professional and scholarly contexts to specialist and non-specialist audiences using written, visual and oral formats.
    Relates to: Prototype Web Application Design with Conceptual Database Design, Fully Developed Web Application
  6. Demonstrate business acumen and well-developed values, attitudes, behaviours and judgement in professional contexts.
    Relates to: Prototype Web Application Design with Conceptual Database Design, Fully Developed Web Application
  7. Create positive change through critically reflecting upon and actioning responses to the social, cultural, ethical, sustainability, legal and accessibility issues in the Cyber Security field, including how they relate to First Nations Australians and diverse populations.
    Relates to: Prototype Web Application Design with Conceptual Database Design, Fully Developed Web Application

IN30 Graduate Certificate in Data Science

  1. Demonstrate general knowledge of the principles, concepts, techniques, and approaches in data science.
    Relates to: Prototype Web Application Design with Conceptual Database Design, Fully Developed Web Application
  2. Employ appropriate data science methods​ to derive insights from data to support decision-making.
    Relates to: Prototype Web Application Design with Conceptual Database Design, Fully Developed Web Application
  3. Communicate professionally in oral and written form for diverse purposes and audiences.
    Relates to: Prototype Web Application Design with Conceptual Database Design, Fully Developed Web Application
  4. Reflect on social and ethical data science issues, including how these relate to First Nations Australians.
    Relates to: Fully Developed Web Application