The aim of this unit is to enable a learner to understand web architecture and the factors that affect its performance and to be able to design and create interactive websites. The number of websites on the worldwide web has increased dramatically and competition is very high. This means that designers must use increasingly sophisticated techniques to capture interest, as well as ensuring that an appropriate company image is presented. Usability issues, such as navigation methods, must be considered carefully. A poorly-designed structure could result in users becoming confused or frustrated and
navigating away from the website.
The need for good web designers and developers continues to grow as more and more companies realise they must develop a web presence and keep it maintained and updated. This unit starts by exploring web architecture and the factors that influence website performance. Learners investigate the web development process from identification of need, design, build, and test through to review.
| Course Code: | NE41 | Fee €350 |
Exam fee:€25 |
| Duration: | Six classes |
Awarding Body |  |
| Start Dates: 2 intakes/yr | January/February | Next Starts Date: 10th of October |
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| Entry Requirement: | Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years old |
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| University Progression Route | |||
| Award |
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Learning outcomes:
On completion of this unit a learner should:
Unit Content
Understand web architecture and components
Web architecture: Internet Service Providers (ISP); web hosting services; domain structure; domain name
registrars; worldwide web
Components: hardware eg web, mail and proxy servers; routers; software eg browser, email; Protocols:
transport and addressing eg TCP/IP; application layer eg HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP
Web functionality: Web 2.0; blogs; online applications; cloud computing
Understand the factors that influence website performance
User side factors: download speed; PC performance factors eg browser, cache memory, processor speed
Server side factors: web server capacity eg available bandwidth, executions to be performed before page
load, number of hits; file types eg bitmap, vector, jpg, gif, wav, mp3; avi, swf
Security: risks eg hacking, viruses, identity theft
Security protection mechanisms: firewalls; Secure Socket Layers (SSL); adherence to standards eg strong
passwords
Be able to design websites
Identification of need: nature of interactivity eg online transactions, static versus dynamic; client needs and
user needs eg image, level of security, development timescales, support, maintenance contracts, costs,
visibility on search engines; end user need eg appropriateness of graphics, complexity of site, delivery of
content
Design tools: concept designing eg mood boards, storyboarding; layout techniques eg frames, tables, block
level containers (DIV), inline containers (SPAN); templates; colour schemes; screen designs; other eg
outline of content
Software: markup languages eg HTML; client side scripting languages eg JavaScript, VBScript; features and
advantages of software languages; software development environments
Be able to create websites
Structure: layout of pages; navigation; format of content and cascading style sheets (CSS); interactive
features eg catalogue of products, shopping cart; images; animation
Content: proofed, correct and appropriate; information source; structured for purpose eg prose, bullets,
tables.
Tools and techniques: navigation diagram eg linear, hierarchy, matrix; building interactivity tools eg pseudocode
for client-server scripting; animation; audio/visual elements; ensuring compliance with W3C; metatagging;
cascading style sheets
Review: functionality testing eg user environments, links, navigation; content; check against user
requirements; user acceptance; audit trail of changes
The table below shows the number of points scored per credit at the unit level and grade
| Level | Points per credit | ||
| Pass | Merit | Distinction | |
| 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
Learners who achieve the correct number of points within the ranges shown in the 'qualification grade' tables below will achieve the qualification Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction* grades (or combinations of these grades appropriate to the qualification).
