Higher Diploma in Science in Web Development

The aim of this module is to teach the theoretical and practical application of basic computer programming techniques through to Object Oriented Programming and data structures and algorithms.  Learners are assumed to have no prior knowledge of programming and by the end of the module they should be relatively proficient in all three areas.

The objectives of the module are to teach the learner how to design high-quality programs in a systematic way.  They will be taught the basic control flow structures (conditionals, looping statements etc.) before being taught the techniques of object-oriented development.  This will then lead onto a brief introduction to data structures and algorithms.

The aim of this module is to teach the theoretical and practical underpinnings of modern database management systems by teaching the design and implementation of Relational Databases.  Learners study techniques such as entity-relationship modelling and normalisation in order to more effectively design a database.  Learners are also exposed to practical application of Structured Query Language (SQL) in order to implement, populate, query, and manipulate a database design into a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS)

The objectives of the module are to give learners the skills to model databases using E-R diagrams and ensure database designs do not have redundancy through the process of normalisation.  Through the practical application of SQL, learners are able to create, updated, retrieve, and delete data from databases that implement their database designs.  We also enable learners to integrate their databases with other components (self-developed programs) as part of the software development process.

The aim of this module is to provide the learner with the knowledge of how computers work.  There are two main strands to this module, Computer Architecture, and Operating Systems.  This module gives learners a grounding in how computers function at the gate/silicon level and also discusses and addresses the issues that must be handled by an operating system so computer users can concentrate on high level problems.

The objectives of this module are to introduce learners to computer hardware including the Von Neumann model of computation, the workings of number systems such as Binary and Hexadecimal through to the logic gates that make up a processor.  In the later part of the module fundamental issues of operating systems will be addressed.  These include dealing with processes, storage, and security

The aims of this module are to enable the learner to design, construct, and troubleshoot computer networks.  The learners will be given a grounding in the theoretical aspects of computer networks such that they could design and build a working web server environment and the knowledge necessary to investigate, assess and mitigate network-based issues that are experienced including issues relating to security practices and implementation as well as securing data at rest and in transit.

The objectives of the module are to give learners the skills to identify the appropriate LAN topology and knowledge of WAN protocols to correctly configure and maintain a web server in a production environment whether it be public-facing or internal only.

The aim of this module is to introduce the learner to client-side web development and UI design. Learners are given the skills of wireframing, UI design, responsive UI design and build in other to build appealing web pages.

The objectives of this module are to equip the learner with the knowledge to understand how the web works and the skills necessary to build compelling and usable web interfaces through the use of web standards for structure, presentation, and rich behaviour (HTML, CSS, and Javascript respectively).

This module aims to enable learners to design and build dynamic, database driven web application.

The objectives required to meet this aim are:

• To enable learners, building on the Web and UI Design module, to create ‘three-tier’ web applications, with server-side scripting languages, relational databases, and client side HTML front-ends.
• To enable learners to build stateless and asynchronous user experiences and consider the security implications of such architectures.

The aim of this module is to examine the social implications of a Web based technology, it studies broader topics on computer ethics and the challenges and implications of technology on society.  As the information revolution in reshaping economy and social life, organisations (governments, corporations, and NGOs) and individuals are coming to grips with a wide array of ethical dilemmas, legal/political complexities, and management challenges.  They also need to explore new opportunities offered by computing technology.  In the global high-tech world, the protection of intellectual property, especially software, is crucial.  Professional ethics must be emphasised more rigorously when the job market is fluid and computer technology is omnipresent.  Other topics include censorship, computer crimes, wiretapping, encryption, privacy, network reliability, and safety.  The course also examines risks from failures and malfunction of computer systems.  The instructor encourages learners to find solutions (technical, market-based, regulatory, or social) to cope with computer related challenges.

The module aims to introduce the learner to cloud computing infrastructure. Learners learn state-of-the-art solutions offered by major cloud providers.  Its main focus is on understanding the concepts and techniques which form the cloud infrastructure.  A significant part of the assessment involves the learner developing a cloud application, deploying it to the cloud and configuring for an evaluating performance post installation.  Assessment emphasises a collaborative group approach to equip the learners with the skills required to work in a successful agile software development team.

This module aims to give learners an understanding and knowledge of the PHP language, its syntax, features, and data structures, its use in server-side database backed web applications and security issues related to its use. The objectives required to meet this aim are to ensure learners reach competency in the material related to a chosen certification exam, the ZCE 2017-PHP exam.  Learners are in a position to take this examination having completed the module. Learners will achieve theoretical and practical skills in the PHP Basics, Functions, Data Format & Types, Web Features, Object Oriented Programming, Security, IO, Strings & Patters, Databases & SQL, Arrays, and Error Handling

The aim of the Project module is to get the learner to complete a large piece of Web Development work from scratch that encompasses the full three tier model of web application development (database, server side, and client side).  Learners are required to design and build the application from scratch and to research and document the process.

Learners get the opportunity to work closely with a member of the lecturing staff.  They are required to produce a complete software application and to document the process from inception and design, through to implementation and testing.  They not only learn new technical skills but also learn how to conduct valid academic research and develop a software produce to industry standards.

Teaching in this module is conducted mainly through one-to-one meetings between the learner and the supervisor.  However, in the early stages of the process the faculty organise a number of relevant seminars.  Topics for these include, writing a project proposal, referencing, report writing, research skills, online resources, etc.  The skills that the learners develop in the Project module benefits them in all areas of their chosen careers, either in the computing industry or in pursuing further studies.

The purpose of the industry placement is to provide the learner with an opportunity to consolidate all of the material taught in the previous modules by applying it to real problems within a Web Development based environment.  Given its central role in setting all of the other modules in the context of a working web development environment, many of the specific aims and objectives of the programme are considerably advanced by the industry placement module.

The placement involves a minimum of three months on the job training within a sponsoring company.  The learner is monitored both by their immediate company manager and by the faculty placement coordinator.  The learner is obliged to keep a record of their work experience during their placement.  It is expected that through their placement they gain experience in a number of challenging computing tasks and have to meet the normal deadline demands of the industry.

General Fee Information 

An Academic Administration Fee of EUR250.00 and a 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below. The fees below relate to Year 1 fees only.

Study Mode: Full-Time

Dublin 

Irish/EU living in Ireland: EUR 6,300.00

Cork

Irish/EU living in Ireland: EUR 4,000.00

Study Mode: Part-Time

Dublin 

Irish/EU living in Ireland: EUR 6,000.00

Limerick

Irish/EU living in Ireland: EUR 4,075.00