PE7045 - Secure Web Development

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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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.