PE7045 - Secure Web Development

What will I learn on this module?

Through the completion of this module you will learn the requirements for developing secure web applications to industry standards, including the technical and architectural components of the web, considering accessibility issues. You will also learn how to apply the tools and techniques required for secure web development and develop practical skills to build a web application that interacts with a database. Issues associated with the deployment of a web application will also be discussed, including how to audit and correct security deficiencies by following leading industrial practice.

The syllabus of the module will include:
• The technical and architectural components of the web
• HTML and CSS and their application to building a web site
• Client and Server programming to deploy a secure web application that interacts with a database• Security issues in the deployment of a web application that is both usable and accessible

How will I learn on this module?

Each module session follows a similar structure of Learn, Explore Further and Apply. All learning materials and resources are accessible via
our virtual learning environment. Indeed, through the e-learning portal you will be provided with resources in the form of scanned articles, links of books/articles/journals, PowerPoint lectures, word document, video lectures etc. relevant to your module. You will be given an on-line reading list, but will also be required to create your individual reading resource as well. You will be using a discussion board to share your work and create a knowledge base for your peers. You will be also using Wiki (a learning tool on e-learning portal) to form focus groups on module submission and assessment criteria.

Your learning will take place using a variety of methods. Recorded lecture materials will provide core knowledge and understanding of topics. This will be followed by practical exercises which you will complete on your own computer, using remote access to resources as appropriate. You will also communicate with peers and the teaching team through a discussion board on the eLearning Portal and by email contact with the module team.
You will also conduct independent study, as it forms an important element of the module. Independent learning will centre upon identification and pursuit of areas of interest, by providing deeper/broader knowledge and understanding of the subject through a range of learning activities that might include extended reading, reflection, research etc.
You will access virtual classrooms (available on the e-learning portal) for live discussions and virtual taught sessions, which will be recorded and stored on the e-learning portal. These online sessions are timetabled at key points in the module and will deliver relevant knowledge, information and direction for you to fulfil the learning outcomes.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

A range of approaches are adopted to accelerate your learning in this module.

During the first week of this module, you will receive information about the module and Teaching & Learning Plan. The teaching and learning plan (TLP) sets out
• Learning outcomes and overall module and programme aims
• Teaching, learning and assessment strategy
• Teaching schedule
• Directed reading references (text and journals) and core texts for the module

During this module your module tutor will provide academic support including:
• Delivering online materials
• Providing guidance in relation to assignments
• Development of key resources, made available through the VLE
• Assessing assignments and assess or review any other agreed summative or formative outputs as appropriate

Your work will also be reviewed at a checkpoint mid-semester and formative feedback will be provided.

You will also have opportunities to receive formative feedback from your tutor in response to opinions you express and issues you raise during workshop sessions and face-to-face or online tutorials. These formative feedback sessions are formally scheduled at key points throughout the module.

Where appropriate, students may also be directed to engage with Study Skills +, or other resources offered through the University Student Support Services such as Dyslexia Support.

The Library is open 24 hours a day and E-Learning Portal houses all your module documents including your timetable. These services can be accessed on a range of devices

The module will also have an e-reading list which directs learners to specific reading for each session. This includes direct access to repositories, journal articles and other academic sources. You will also be provided with access to a significant set academic research sources via the Northumbria University library portal.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of secure standards compliant web applications that interact with databases.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. Systematically analyse a web development problem
3. Apply key web, security, and web design principles to create an appropriate web application to solve a problem, considering specified user requirements
4. Critically appraise web applications with reference to current security issues

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Effectively communicate findings from a critical appraisal of web security issues in written form.

How will I be assessed?

There is one summative assignment, which comprises a piece of practical web development including a technical assessment web page. The assignment will assess all of the MLOs.

For the practical coursework you will develop a secure, standards compliant web application that interacts with databases.

For the technical assessment web page, you will write a concise critical appraisal of potential security issues associated with the web development and how they were addressed.

You will be provided with written, electronic, feedback for the summative assignment.

Formative assessment will take place through the practical workshop exercises. Your tutors will provide feedback on your work and progress on request. Your progress will also be reviewed at a checkpoint mid-semester.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

Through the completion of this module you will develop your knowledge and practical skills in web development and security to develop and deploy a professional web application that interacts with a database. You will also learn the requirements for creating web applications following industry web standards, including web security principles, effective practical skills and the implementation of accessible designs.

Issues associated with the deployment of a secure web application will also be discussed, including how to audit and correct security deficiencies by following leading industrial practice. The subsequent assessment for this module will require you to create and deploy a web application that considers these issues, whilst applying relevant tools and techniques.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 2 years Distance Learning

Department Computer and Information Sciences

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start Upcoming Intakes: April 2024, July 2024

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

Full time Courses starting in 2023 are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but may include elements of online learning. We continue to monitor government and local authority guidance in relation to Covid-19 and we are ready and able to flex accordingly to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with additional restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors, potentially to a full online offer, should further restrictions be deemed necessary in future. Our online activity will be delivered through Blackboard Ultra, enabling collaboration, connection and engagement with materials and people.

 

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