Course coordinator
Dr Aneesha Bakharia
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2026 (23/02/2026 - 20/06/2026)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Elec Engineering & Comp Science School
This course is to introduce aspects of Web-based information systems (WIS). It has a focus on the latest technologies for WIS development. It covers concepts & fundamentals of WIS (Python based MVC frameworks, Databases, HTML, CSS), recent advances of server-side technologies (AJAX, Web Security, Web Search, Web Services), and current trends in WIS.
Students will learn about MVC frameworks and their importance in web development, design relational databases essential for data-driven sites, and explore cloud deployment techniques for scalable web and mobile applications. The course also includes practical training in server-side development and emphasises the development of responsive websites and mobile applications, ensuring an accessible and user-friendly experience across different devices.
Course Changes in Response to Previous Student Feedback:
- In 2025, the course was updated and run for the first time using Python and the Django framework, replacing the previous PHP and CodeIgniter implementation. This modernization enhanced the course by leveraging Django’s full MVC architecture, its built-in Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) for efficient database interactions, and libraries for building modern RESTful APIs. These changes aligned the course with current industry standards and best practices, providing students with up-to-date skills in contemporary web development. In 2026, based on student feedback, additional content and learning resources will be introduced with a stronger focus on Linux skills required for web application deployment, as well as core Pythonic concepts needed to understand and apply the design patterns used within the Django framework.
- Previously, students were required to pass the final examination to meet the identity-verified course hurdle. This requirement has changed, and students must now achieve a minimum of 50% across the combined Exam and Project Demonstration and Code Review to satisfy the secure identity-verified course assessment hurdle.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students taking this course are expected to have:
- experience in client-side development (e.g, HTML5, CSS & Javascript)
- knowledge of designing relational database applications
- adequate programming skills
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
(CSSE1001 or ENGG1001) and INFS1200 and DECO1400
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
INFS7202
Jointly taught details
This course is jointly-taught with:
- INFS7202
Lectures and Applied Classes are jointly delivered for both INFS3202 and INFS7202.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Aneesha Bakharia
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Note: Applied Classes begin in Week 2 (i.e. No Applied Classes will be run in Week 1).
Aims and outcomes
The primary aim of this course is to introduce aspects of Web-based information systems (WIS). It has a focus on the latest technologies for WIS development. It covers fundamental concepts of WIS and recent advances in server-side technologies. By taking this course, students are expected to be capable of building up sophisticated web systems including both frontend and backend functionalities.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Apply system architecture principles to design and deploy Web Information Systems (WIS) solutions.
LO2.
Evaluate and articulate the scope, complexity, and key considerations in the design and implementation of Web Information Systems.
LO3.
Design and program Web Information Systems (WIS) with server-side functionalities.
LO4.
Develop responsive, accessible and secure Web-based, database-driven applications using efficient and effective technologies.
LO5.
Evaluate and justify the suitability of Web Information Systems solutions in various contexts, considering factors such as user needs and technical constraints.
LO6.
Critically analyze current issues and emerging trends in Web Information Systems development, and predict potential impacts on future practices and technologies.
LO7.
Critically integrate AI into web applications, applying effective prompting strategies and principles of responsible AI.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Code, Participation/ Student contribution, Quiz |
Weekly Activities
|
14% |
6/03/2026 - 22/05/2026
Due weekly at 5pm on Friday from Week 2 - 9, except in Week 6 where the due date is Thurs 2/4/25. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project | Design Document | 18% |
14/04/2026 5:00 pm |
| Computer Code, Project | Web Project | 24% |
15/05/2026 5:00 pm |
| Computer Code, Practical/ Demonstration, Project |
Web Project Demonstration and Code Review
|
8% |
17/05/2026 - 22/05/2026 |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
36% |
End of Semester Exam Period 6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Weekly Activities
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Computer Code, Participation/ Student contribution, Quiz
- Weight
- 14%
- Due date
6/03/2026 - 22/05/2026
Due weekly at 5pm on Friday from Week 2 - 9, except in Week 6 where the due date is Thurs 2/4/25.
- Other conditions
- Peer assessed.
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
In the Weekly Activities assessment, students will regularly participate in a series of activities via the course Blackboard site. These activities will enable students to track their learning and receive regular feedback (prior to Census date) through regular quizzes with peer interaction.
You will submit these deliverables:
- From Week 2 to Week 9 (i.e. 8 weeks), students will be participating in an online platform where they create, moderate and answer questions.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
Submission guidelines
Submission details will be available via the assessment brief on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Because only the best 6 of 8 will contribute to the mark for this assessment item and results/answers are released soon after the due date, no extensions are permitted.
If you're unable to complete the required minimum 6 activities due to exceptional circumstances, please contact the School at studentenquiries@eecs.uq.edu.au
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Because the results/answers are released soon after the due date, and only the best 6 of 8 will contribute to the mark for this assessment item a 100% penalty will be applied to late submission.
This has been approved by the Associate Dean (Academic)
Design Document
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project
- Weight
- 18%
- Due date
14/04/2026 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05, L06, L07
Task description
- The assignment is designed to test your ability to design and document a WIS, with a focus on the database, web user interface design, security and web accessibility.
- Students will be able to select from one of three project topics. Students will be required to select ONLY ONE of the projects and author a comprehensive design document.
- For students who have extensive experience in Web system development, you have the option to propose a new custom project topic. However, you must submit a project proposal by the end of Week 2 and seek pre-approval from the Course Coordinator.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submission details will be available via the assessment brief on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Web Project
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Computer Code, Project
- Weight
- 24%
- Due date
15/05/2026 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L04, L07
Task description
- The assignment is designed to test your ability to develop a WIS based on a specification and design document, with a focus on the technology part of this course.
- The implemented project must match the project from your Design Document. Students will not be allowed to change project topics.
- This assessment item has two parts:
- Part one is an online code submission. All code will be required to be compressed into one file and submitted via Blackboard. The submission will also need to include a link to the online deployment of the web project on your UQCloud Zone.
- Part two is an in-person Project Demonstration and Code Review of your submitted code, which will be completed with a demonstrator during a scheduled timeslot in Week 12, after the code submission. In the meeting with the demonstrator, students will demonstrate all implemented functionality, explain their approach and answer questions specific to their code implementation. All oral assessments must be given live. In accordance with UQ Assessment Policy, your presentation will be recorded.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submission details will be available via the assessment brief on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extensions are limited to 7 days as the Web Project is required for the Web Project Demonstration and Code Review (a verified assessment hurdle), and feedback is provided within 14 days. This result must be available prior to the Exam, because students must achieve at least 50% across the combined total of the Exam and the Web Project Demonstration and Code Review to meet the secure identity verified course assessment hurdle. If you do not attend the a Web Project Demonstration and Code Review session, the mark for this assessment item and the Web Project Demonstration and Code Review will be 0.
If you are approved an extension for the Web Project, you do not automatically receive an extension for the Demonstration and Code Review. Students must apply for an extension to the Web Project Demonstration and Code Review separately.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Web Project Demonstration and Code Review
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Computer Code, Practical/ Demonstration, Project
- Weight
- 8%
- Due date
17/05/2026 - 22/05/2026
- Other conditions
- Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L04, L07
Task description
Students are required to complete a Web Project Demonstration and Code Review for the Web Project assessment item. This will take place during Week 12, where students will demonstrate and explain their completed Web Project. The weighting for the Web Project Demonstration and Code Review is 8%.
This assessment is a component of the course Identity Verified Assessment Hurdle and involves a comprehensive code review, including questions that assess conceptual understanding. Students will be expected to:
- Explain and identify key segments of their code
- Answer questions on how they would implement new features or modify existing functionality
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of their design decisions and problem-solving approaches
The grading of the Web Project assessment item will also occur within these sessions. Students must submit their Web Project assessment items prior to attending a Web Project Demonstration and Code Review session. If less than 50% of the required functionality, based on the assessment brief and rubric, is implemented, the Project Demonstration and Code Review grade will be capped at 50%.
In accordance with UQ Assessment Policy, your Web Project Demonstration and Code Review will be recorded.
Students must present their work and show their project in a Code Editor. The use of AI-enabled code assistants, searching the code-base or web, or machine translation tools during the review is not allowed. The goal is to assess each student’s individual understanding of their submitted work.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
The Web Project Demonstration and Code Review assessment item and the Examination are identity-verified assessment hurdles. To pass the course, students must achieve at least 50% across the combined total of the Project Demonstration and Code Review and the Examination (i.e. 22/44). If you do not attend the a Web Project Demonstration and Code Review session, the mark for this assessment item and the Web Project will be 0.Submission guidelines
The Project Demonstration and Code Reviews may not take place during your regular scheduled Applied Class in Week 12. Students will be required to book a time slot from those made available during the week. Due to the number of students and the time required for each review, it is not possible to accommodate everyone during their scheduled Applied Class. Booking details and available time slots will be made available on the Course Blackboard site. If you do not attend the a Project Demonstration and Code Review sesson, the mark for this assessment item and the Web Project will be 0.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extensions are limited to 7 days for the Web Project Demonstration and Code Review (a verified assessment hurdle), and feedback is provided within 14 days. This result must be available prior to the Exam, as students are required to achieve a minimum of 50% across the combined Exam and Web Project Demonstration and Code Review to satisfy the verified course hurdle (i.e. 22/44). If you do not attend the a Web Project Demonstration and Code Review session, the mark for this assessment item and the Web Project Demonstration and Code Review will be 0.
If you were approved an extension for the Web Project, you do not automatically receive an extension for the Demonstration and Code Review. Students must apply for an extension to the Web Project Demonstration and Code Review separately.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Consistent with industry practice around presentations to clients/industry partners, no late submissions will be accepted and a 100% late penalty applies.
This has been approved by the Associate Dean (Academic
Final Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 36%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026
- Other conditions
- Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
This course will have one final exam that is designed to test theoretical concepts and programming skills introduced in this course. The exam will address all materials covered by lectures and applied classes.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
The Final Examination and the Web Project Demonstration and Code Review are identity-verified assessment hurdles. To meet the identity-verified course hurdle, students must achieve at least 50% across the combined total of these two assessments (i.e. 22/(8+36)). If this requirement is not met, the final grade will be capped at 3, even if the overall course mark is 50% or higher.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 19 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 46 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes |
Additional course grading information
Note that the final marks are calculated as a simple accumulation of all marks obtained in this semester.
Mark Rounding:ﾠAssessment marks will not be rounded up. Overal course marks will be rounded to the nearest whole number before application of grade cut-offs.
Moderation:ﾠThe course coordinator reserves the right to moderate marks.
When Submitting Assessments Online:
Please allow plenty of time for online submission, as many students are attempting the same task at the same time. Be sure to allow enough time for uploading of assessment files. It is your responsibility to check that submissions have been uploaded correctly.
Identify Verified Assessment:
The identity-verified assessment hurdle for this course requires students to achieve at least 50% across the combined total of the Project Demonstration and Code Review and the Exam (i.e. 22/44). If this requirement is not met, the final grade will be capped at 3, even if the overall course score is 50% or higher
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Having Troubles?
If you are having difficulties with any aspect of the course material, you should seek help and speak to the course teaching staff. If external circumstances are affecting your ability to work on the course, you should seek help as soon as possible. The University and UQ Union have organisations and staff who are able to help; for example, UQ Student Services are able to help with study and exam skills, tertiary learning skills, writing skills, financial assistance, personal issues, and disability services (among other things).
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Most materials and samples can be found on the Web, such as http://www.w3schools.com.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Lectures Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 13 |
Practical |
Applied Class Weekly labs will be used for: - step-by-step code walkthroughs available as a download from the course Blackboard site - individual project development and consultation - project demonstration/code review Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L07 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
- AI for Assessment Guide
- Recording of Teaching Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: