Unit outline_

ELEC3609: Internet Software Platforms

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study will focus on the design, the architecture and the development of web applications using technologies currently popular in the marketplace including Java and . NET environments. There are three key themes examined in the unit: Presentation layer, Persistence layer, and Interoperability. The unit will examine practical technologies such as JSP and Servlets, the model-view-controller (MVC) architecture, database programming with ADO. NET and JDBC, advanced persistence using ORM, XML for interoperability, and XML-based SOAP services and Ajax, in support of the theoretical themes identified. On completion the students should be able to: Compare Java/J2EE web application development with Microsoft . NET web application development; Exposure to relevant developer tools (e. g. Eclipse and VS. NET); Be able to develop a real application on one of those environments; Use XML to implement simple web services and AJAX applications.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit School of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
(INFO1103 or INFO1110 or INFO1910 or ENGG1810) and (INFO2110 or ISYS2110) and (INFO2120 or INFO2820 or ISYS2120)
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
EBUS4001
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Huaming Chen, huaming.chen@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Written exam
? 
Final exam
See Canvas for more details.
30% Formal exam period 2 hours AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO3 LO1 LO5
Creative work Individual task 1
See Canvas for more details.
1% Week 02 n/a AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1
Creative work Individual task 2
See Canvas for more details.
1% Week 03 n/a AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Creative work Individual task 3
See Canvas for more details.
1% Week 04 n/a AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Creative work group assignment System and Database Design
See Canvas for more details.
15% Week 06 n/a AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO7 LO6 LO8 LO4
Creative work Individual task 4
See Canvas for more details.
1% Week 06 n/a AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3
Creative work Individual task 5
See Canvas for more details.
1% Week 07 n/a AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4
Creative work Individual task 6
See Canvas for more details.
1% Week 08 n/a AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4
Creative work Individual task 7
See Canvas for more details.
1% Week 09 n/a AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4
Creative work Individual task 8
See Canvas for more details.
1% Week 10 n/a AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4
Creative work group assignment System implementation & testing
See Canvas for more details.
35% Week 11 n/a AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO7 LO8 LO2 LO4 LO1 LO5 LO9
Creative work group assignment System deployment and security
See Canvas for more details.
12% Week 13 n/a AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO7 LO2 LO3 LO9
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 1. Introduction; 2. Course mechanics; 3. Web fundamentals Lecture (1 hr) LO1
01 Project Overview & System/Database Design Individual study (3 hr) LO6 LO1
Intro review and preparation, covering topics in reading material and online resources Individual study (6 hr) LO1 LO9
Week 02 1. Web fundamentals (continued); 2. Use case modelling; 3. Wireframing; 4. Requirements analysis and requirements specification for web applications Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO1
02 RESTful API & Git/Python/Docker Recap Computer laboratory (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO1
Material reading and knowledge review, covering topics in lec&lab Individual study (6 hr) LO2 LO1
Week 03 Web servers and application architecture Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO1
03 Intro to Django & MVT in Django Computer laboratory (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO1
Material reading and knowledge review, covering topics in lec&lab Individual study (6 hr) LO2 LO1
Week 04 Front-end web technologies and development environments Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3
04 Database in Django & Django Advance 1 Computer laboratory (3 hr) LO7 LO8 LO4 LO3 LO1 LO9
Material reading and knowledge review, covering topics in lec&lab Individual study (6 hr) LO2 LO3 LO1
Week 05 1. Deliverable: project pitches; 2. Back-end web technologies, methods, and security Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO4 LO3
A1 Milestone Presentation Computer laboratory (3 hr) LO7 LO6 LO8 LO9
Material reading and knowledge review, covering topics in lec&lab Individual study (6 hr) LO2 LO3 LO9
Week 06 1. Deliverable: project document; 2. Deploying, configuring, and securing pre-packaged software Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO4 LO3 LO5
05 AWS Cloud & GraphQL Computer laboratory (3 hr) LO7 LO8 LO5 LO9
Material reading and knowledge review, covering topics in lec&lab Individual study (6 hr) LO2 LO4 LO3 LO9
Week 07 Cloud services and deployment Lecture (1 hr) LO5
06 Django REST Framework & Django Advance 2 Computer laboratory (3 hr) LO7 LO6 LO4 LO5 LO9
Material reading and knowledge review, covering topics in lec&lab Individual study (6 hr) LO4 LO3 LO9
Week 08 Web security introduction/overview and policies Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO5
07 Cookie, Session, Django Authentication & Backend Communication Mechanisms Computer laboratory (3 hr) LO7 LO6 LO4 LO5 LO9
Material reading and knowledge review, covering topics in lec&lab Individual study (6 hr) LO4 LO3 LO9
Week 09 Quality, Testing and Validation Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO1
08 System Security Computer laboratory (3 hr) LO7 LO3 LO5 LO9
Material reading and knowledge review, covering topics in lec&lab Individual study (6 hr) LO4 LO3 LO5 LO9
Week 10 Continuous integration and testing Lecture (1 hr) LO4 LO5
09 System Deployment & Linux Computer laboratory (3 hr) LO7 LO4 LO5 LO9
Material reading and knowledge review, covering topics in lec&lab Individual study (6 hr) LO4 LO5 LO9
Week 11 1. Deliverable: Working system demo; 2. Guest Lecture Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO4 LO3 LO1 LO5
A2 Project Demo Computer laboratory (3 hr) LO7 LO8 LO9
Material reading and knowledge review, covering topics in lec&lab Independent study (6 hr) LO6 LO4 LO5 LO9
Week 12 Guest Lecture Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO4 LO3 LO1 LO5
A2 Tech Interview Block teaching (3 hr) LO6 LO8
Material reading and knowledge review, covering topics in lec&lab Independent study (6 hr) LO6 LO4 LO5 LO9
Week 13 Exam review Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO4 LO3 LO5
A3 Tech Interview Block teaching (3 hr) LO7 LO6 LO8 LO9
Material reading and knowledge review, covering topics in lec&lab Independent study (6 hr) LO6 LO2 LO4 LO3 LO1 LO5 LO9

Attendance and class requirements

  • Project Work - own time: The project requires students to design and develop web services. It involves group meetings, discussions, and development sessions.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

  • Anders Moller and Michael Schwartzbach, An Introduction to XML and Web Technologies. Addison-Wesley, 2006. 0321269667.
  • Dean Leffingwell, Don Widrig, Managing Software Requirements: A Use Case Approach. Addison-Wesley, 2003. 032112247X.
  • Geoff Hulten, Building intelligent systems: a guide to machine learning engineering. Apress, 2018. 2018934680.
  • Chip Huyen, Designing machine learning systems: an iterative process for production-ready applications. O’Reilly, 2022. 1098107969.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Use Python and Django framework as the baseline programming tools.
  • LO2. Develop web based services from inception to design through to implementation, testing, and maintenance by using principles, techniques, and methodologies presented
  • LO3. Use tools and methods employed in web service design, implementation, and testing to the extent of the material and projects presented.
  • LO4. Develop real world web applications using web-based environments and the principles and techniques presented in the course
  • LO5. Deploy applications by using basic cloud services and DevOps practices with baseline security measures.
  • LO6. Instigate inquiry and knowledge development into the issues associated with designing and building a web based service, and synthesise the information to draw meaningful and useful conclusions in the context of the subject at hand
  • LO7. Work in a team and assuming different roles (stakeholders), while remaining receptive to other inputs and opinions, so as to deliver real-world web applications on time, and within scope
  • LO8. Proficiently write reports that convey complex and technical concepts, experiments, and present outcomes on web services projects in a clear and concise form
  • LO9. Demonstrate ethical and professional responsibility in software engineering practice, including awareness of privacy, legal issues, accessibility, and the societal impact of technology.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Update the unit with lab changes and assessments restructure.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.