Web Development using HTML and CSS

This course teaches you how to build a website using modern techniques and principles with HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language), CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) and jQuery (Javascript).

It is a HTML and CSS coding course and all classwork and coursework will be coded by hand without the use of any drag/drop functionality or tools such as DreamWeaver or WordPress. Minimal jQuery coding will be covered as pre-built jQuery components such as sliders, accordions, drop-down menus and slideshows will be used.

Course content includes adding headers, text, links, images, tables, lists, menus, Google maps, YouTube videos, forms and other common web page elements and components to web pages.

It also includes an introduction to responsive web design and to the principles of SEO (search engine optimisation). No prior knowledge of HTML, CSS or jQuery is required.

This course is designed for students who want to learn HTML and CSS to enable them to design and build their own websites, or those wishing to develop their skills base in website management.

No prior knowledge of HTML and CSS is required, but students should be familiar with Windows and have experience of browsing the internet.

Learning and teaching

This module includes a mix of tutor-led explanation and demonstration with practical sessions.

Each meeting opens with a brief demonstration; the main portion of the session comprises tutor-led practical work. Class sessions are supported by a multimedia website within the Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment.

The syllabus covers:

• what is HTML and making a web page
• adding links and images
• file referencing and publishing to the web server
• creating and applying cascading style sheets (CSS)
• using tables for display and page layout
• fundamentals of website design and accessibility
• creating web forms
• adding Google maps
• further CSS
• web page validation and search engine optimisation

Coursework and assessment

To award credits we need to have evidence of the knowledge and skills you have gained or improved.

Some of this has to be in a form that can be shown to external examiners so that we can be absolutely sure that standards are met across all courses and subjects.

Assessed work will include assignments and the creation of a website.

The most important element of assessment is that it should enhance your learning. Our methods are designed to increase your confidence and we try very hard to devise ways of assessing you that are enjoyable and suitable for adults with busy lives.

Reading suggestions

• World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)
• W3 Schools
• Castro, Elizabeth, HTML, XHTML, and CSS: Visual QuickStart Guide: With XHTML and CSS (Visual QuickStart Guides), sixth edition (Berkeley, CA: Peachpit, 2006)
• Meyer, Eric A, CSS: The Definitive Guide, third edition (Sebastopol, CA: O’Reilly, 2007)

Library and computing facilities

As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University’s library and computing facilities. Find out more about using these facilities.

Accessibility

Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and dyslexia screening.