SDA-3 Back-end, APIs & Data
SDA-3 Back-end, APIs & Data
- Course description
- Course CodeSDA-3
- Level of Study5.1
- Program of StudySoftware Development with AI
- Credits10
- Study Plan CoordinatorMonde Sineke
This course introduces students to server-side development, the part of an application that users never see. Students learn how server-side applications, APIs and databases work together, and build back-end applications with authentication and persistent data storage. The course covers data modelling and relational databases, with an introduction to non-relational database approaches, as well as integrating external APIs and services. Security principles are integrated throughout, including authorisation, input validation, secure management of credentials and protection of personal data.
Students test what they build, and gain practical experience deploying a backend application to a hosting environment. They use an AI coding assistant in their work and learn to check the code it suggests for errors and security weaknesses before they use it.
The candidate...
- has knowledge of how server-side applications, APIs and databases work together, including relational and non-relational database approaches to storing data
- has insight into security requirements for server-side applications, including authentication, authorisation, input validation and the handling of secrets and personal data
The candidate...
- can apply data modelling to design a relational database for a given problem, and query and change its data
- can apply relevant techniques to build, test and deploy a server-side application with an API, authentication and persistent data
- can find and use the documentation of an external API to integrate it into an application
- can assess back-end code, including code suggested by an AI coding assistant, identify errors and security vulnerabilities, and determine what measures need to be implemented
The candidate...
- has developed an ethical attitude to handling data, and takes responsibility for protecting the personal data and sensitive information that their applications store and process
Students use a combination of written content, videos and practical learning activities designed to help them achieve the course learning outcomes.
Industry Relevance
Course content, learning activities and tools reflect industry standards and are developed in collaboration with industry partners and experts from the field.
Practical Work
The course includes regular practical activities where students apply their knowledge and practise relevant skills.
Collaboration
Collaboration is facilitated through the LMS and Teams, and students are encouraged to work together for peer support and shared learning.
Guidance
Teachers are available for guidance at scheduled times. Students are encouraged to share work in progress and use feedback from teachers and fellow students to develop their work further.
| Form of assessment | Grading scale | Grouping | Duration of assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
Course Assignment | Pass / Fail | Individual | 1 Week(s) |