The Guru The Guru

Overview of the Computer Science Curriculum

This is a computer science curriculum I designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in web development, advanced frontend and backend development, mobile app development, integration and API usage, security considerations, and project management. The curriculum is structured to progressively build knowledge and skills, starting with the basics of web development and advancing to more complex topics like responsive design, frontend frameworks, server-side scripting, and secure communications.

Summary of the Computer Science Curriculum

1. Introduction to Web Development

This module introduces the fundamental concepts of web development, including HTML5 for structure and semantics, CSS3 for styling and layout, and JavaScript for creating interactive web pages.

  • HTML5: Students learn the basics of HTML5, focusing on the structure and semantics of web documents.
    • Resource: Mozilla Developer Network (MDN) HTML Guide
  • CSS3: Students explore CSS3 to style and layout web pages effectively.
    • Resource: MDN CSS Guide
  • JavaScript: The fundamentals of JavaScript are covered to enable students to create dynamic and interactive web pages.
    • Resource: MDN JavaScript Guide

2. Advanced Frontend Development

This module delves deeper into frontend development, emphasizing responsive design and the use of CSS frameworks, as well as popular frontend JavaScript frameworks.

  • Responsive Design and CSS Frameworks: Students learn to create responsive web designs using frameworks like Bootstrap.
    • Resource: Bootstrap Documentation
  • Frontend JavaScript Frameworks: Students are introduced to frameworks such as React and Vue.js to build modern web applications.
    • Resource: React Documentation, Vue.js Guide

3. Backend Development

This module covers server-side scripting and database management, equipping students with the skills needed to develop robust backend systems.

  • Server-side Scripting: Students learn server-side programming using technologies like Node.js.
    • Resource: Node.js Documentation
  • Database Management: Students explore database management systems such as MySQL and MongoDB.
    • Resource: MySQL Documentation, MongoDB Manual

4. Mobile App Development

This module introduces the basics of mobile app development for both Android and iOS platforms.

  • Basics of Mobile App Development: Students learn the foundational concepts of developing mobile applications.
    • Resource: Android Developer Guide, iOS Developer Guide

5. Integration and APIs

This module focuses on integrating web services and APIs, including RESTful APIs and AJAX, as well as authentication protocols like OAuth.

  • RESTful APIs and AJAX: Students learn how to interact with web services using RESTful APIs and AJAX.
    • Resource: MDN AJAX Guide
  • OAuth and Authentication: Students explore authentication methods and protocols such as OAuth.
    • Resource: OAuth Documentation

6. Security Considerations

This module addresses the fundamentals of web security, including best practices and secure communication protocols.

  • Web Security Fundamentals: Students learn about common web security threats and how to mitigate them.
    • Resource: OWASP Top Ten
  • HTTPS and Secure Communications: Students understand the importance of HTTPS and learn how to implement secure communications.
    • Resource: Let's Encrypt Documentation

7. Project Management and Version Control

This module covers essential project management techniques and version control systems, focusing on Git and agile development principles.

  • Git and GitHub/GitLab: Students learn how to use Git for version control and collaborate on projects using platforms like GitHub and GitLab.
    • Resource: Git Handbook
  • Agile Development Principles: Students explore agile methodologies to manage and deliver projects effectively.
    • Resource: Agile Manifesto

This curriculum equips students with a solid foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of computer science, preparing them for various roles in the tech industry.

1. Introduction to Web Development Article Count:  8

Course Overview:

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to web development. It covers the fundamental concepts and skills needed to create and maintain websites. Students will learn both front-end and back-end development, gaining practical experience with the tools and technologies used by professional web developers.

Course Duration:

  • Duration: 10 weeks
  • Frequency: 2 sessions per week
  • Session Length: 1.5 hours each

Lesson Breakdown:

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Understand the Structure and Functionality of the Web

    • Comprehend how the internet works, including web servers and browsers.
    • Recognize the role and components of a website.

  2. Build and Style Web Pages Using HTML and CSS

    • Use HTML to create well-structured web pages.
    • Apply CSS to style web pages, including layout, colors, fonts, and responsive design techniques.

  3. Develop Dynamic and Interactive Websites Using JavaScript

    • Understand the fundamentals of JavaScript programming.
    • Manipulate the DOM to create interactive web pages.
    • Utilize JavaScript to handle events and perform basic animations.

  4. Work with Front-End Frameworks

    • Gain familiarity with popular front-end frameworks (e.g., React, Vue, Angular).
    • Build simple applications using a chosen framework.
    • Manage state and components effectively.

  5. Understand Server-Side Programming

    • Grasp the basics of server-side programming concepts.
    • Set up a server using Node.js and Express.js.
    • Handle HTTP requests and responses.

  6. Work with Databases

    • Understand the differences between SQL and NoSQL databases.
    • Perform basic CRUD operations in both SQL (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and NoSQL (e.g., MongoDB) databases.
    • Integrate databases with server-side applications.

  7. Implement Version Control Using Git

    • Utilize Git for version control in development projects.
    • Manage repositories and collaborate with others using GitHub.
    • Understand branching, merging, and resolving conflicts in Git.

  8. Deploy Websites and Applications

    • Prepare web applications for deployment.
    • Deploy applications to hosting platforms (e.g., Heroku, AWS, Netlify).
    • Understand the basics of continuous integration and deployment.

  9. Work with APIs

    • Understand the principles of RESTful APIs.
    • Fetch and manipulate data from APIs using JavaScript.
    • Integrate third-party services into web applications.

  10. Implement Basic Security Practices

    • Understand the importance of web security.
    • Implement basic security measures, such as input validation and data sanitization.
    • Use HTTPS and understand the basics of securing web applications.

  11. Develop Problem-Solving and Debugging Skills

    • Identify and fix common issues in web development.
    • Use browser developer tools to debug and test web applications.
    • Write clean, maintainable code following best practices.

These objectives aim to equip students with the foundational skills and knowledge necessary to build and maintain functional and aesthetically pleasing websites, preparing them for further study or entry-level positions in web development.

Course Outline

Week 1: Introduction to the Web and HTML Basics

Session 1: Introduction to the Web

  • Objective: Understand the basics of the web and web development.
  • Activities:
    • Introduction to the course and its objectives.
    • Overview of the internet, web, and web browsers.
    • Discussion on how websites work.
  • Assessment:
    • Q&A session.
    • Short quiz on web basics.

Session 2: Introduction to HTML

  • Objective: Learn the basics of HTML and create a simple webpage.
  • Activities:
    • Introduction to HTML and its role in web development.
    • Basic HTML structure: <!DOCTYPE html>, <html>, <head>, <body>.
    • Creating a simple webpage with headings, paragraphs, and lists.
  • Assessment:
    • Create a basic HTML page as homework.

Week 2: HTML Continued and Introduction to CSS

Session 3: HTML Elements and Attributes

  • Objective: Understand more HTML elements and attributes.
  • Activities:
    • Working with links (<a>), images (<img>), and tables (<table>).
    • Using HTML attributes (e.g., href, src, alt).
  • Assessment:
    • Enhance the previous HTML page with links, images, and tables.

Session 4: Introduction to CSS

  • Objective: Learn the basics of CSS and how to style a webpage.
  • Activities:
    • Introduction to CSS and its syntax.
    • Inline, internal, and external CSS.
    • Basic CSS properties: color, font, background.
  • Assessment:
    • Style the previous HTML page using basic CSS.

Week 3: Advanced HTML and CSS Layouts

Session 5: Forms and Multimedia

  • Objective: Understand HTML forms and multimedia elements.
  • Activities:
    • Creating forms with different input types.
    • Embedding videos and audio.
  • Assessment:
    • Create a webpage with a form and embedded multimedia.

Session 6: CSS Layouts

  • Objective: Learn about CSS layouts and positioning.
  • Activities:
    • Introduction to the box model.
    • CSS display property, float, and positioning (relative, absolute, fixed).
    • Flexbox and Grid basics.
  • Assessment:
    • Create a webpage layout using Flexbox or Grid.

Week 4: Introduction to JavaScript

Session 7: JavaScript Basics

  • Objective: Understand the basics of JavaScript and its role in web development.
  • Activities:
    • Introduction to JavaScript syntax and data types.
    • Basic operations and functions.
  • Assessment:
    • Write a simple JavaScript program that performs basic operations.

Session 8: JavaScript in the Browser

  • Objective: Learn how to manipulate the DOM using JavaScript.
  • Activities:
    • Introduction to the Document Object Model (DOM).
    • Selecting and manipulating DOM elements.
  • Assessment:
    • Create a webpage with interactive elements using JavaScript.

Week 5: Advanced JavaScript and Web APIs

Session 9: Advanced JavaScript Concepts

  • Objective: Understand advanced JavaScript concepts.
  • Activities:
    • Introduction to events and event handling.
    • Introduction to objects and arrays.
  • Assessment:
    • Enhance the previous interactive webpage with event handling.

Session 10: Working with Web APIs

  • Objective: Learn how to use Web APIs.
  • Activities:
    • Introduction to AJAX and Fetch API.
    • Making API requests and handling responses.
  • Assessment:
    • Create a webpage that fetches and displays data from a public API.

Week 6: Project Work

Session 11 & 12: Project Planning and Initial Development

  • Objective: Start working on a web development project.
  • Activities:
    • Brainstorm project ideas and plan the project structure.
    • Start initial development: setting up HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files.
  • Assessment:
    • Submit a project proposal and initial setup for review.

Week 7: Continued Project Development

Session 13 & 14: Project Development and Troubleshooting

  • Objective: Continue developing the project and troubleshoot issues.
  • Activities:
    • Implementing project features and functionality.
    • Code review and debugging sessions.
  • Assessment:
    • Progress check and feedback on project development.

Week 8: Finalizing Projects and Responsive Design

Session 15: Responsive Web Design

  • Objective: Learn about responsive web design and make projects responsive.
  • Activities:
    • Introduction to media queries.
    • Techniques for making websites responsive.
  • Assessment:
    • Ensure the project is responsive across different devices.

Session 16: Final Touches and Optimization

  • Objective: Finalize and optimize projects for performance.
  • Activities:
    • Best practices for web performance optimization.
    • Final touch-ups and code cleaning.
  • Assessment:
    • Submit the final project for review.

Week 9: Project Presentations

Session 17 & 18: Project Presentations

  • Objective: Present completed projects to the class.
  • Activities:
    • Each student presents their project.
    • Peer review and feedback sessions.
  • Assessment:
    • Evaluate projects based on presentation, functionality, and design.

Week 10: Course Review and Future Learning Paths

Session 19: Course Review

  • Objective: Review key concepts covered in the course.
  • Activities:
    • Recap of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
    • Q&A session to clarify any remaining doubts.
  • Assessment:
    • Comprehensive quiz on course topics.

Session 20: Future Learning Paths and Resources

  • Objective: Provide guidance on next steps and additional resources.
  • Activities:
    • Discussion on advanced topics (e.g., frameworks, backend development).
    • Sharing resources for further learning.
  • Assessment:
    • Create a personal learning plan for continued development.

 

 

2. Advanced Frontend Development Article Count:  0

Course Overview:

This course aims to deepen students' understanding of advanced frontend development techniques. It covers modern JavaScript frameworks, performance optimization, advanced CSS, and best practices in responsive design.

Course Duration:

  • Duration: 12 weeks (3 months)
  • Frequency: 2 sessions per week
  • Session Length: 1.5 hours each

Lesson Breakdown:

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Master Advanced HTML and CSS Techniques

      • Utilize advanced HTML5 elements for semantic web development.
      • Implement complex layouts using CSS Grid and Flexbox.
      • Create responsive designs using media queries and modern CSS frameworks (e.g., Bootstrap, Tailwind CSS).

    2. Develop Proficiency in JavaScript

      • Write clean and efficient JavaScript code following best practices.
      • Understand and use advanced JavaScript concepts such as closures, promises, and async/await.
      • Manipulate the Document Object Model (DOM) efficiently.

    3. Work with Frontend Frameworks

      • Understand the architecture and core concepts of modern frontend frameworks (e.g., React, Angular, Vue.js).
      • Build and manage state in complex applications using frameworks' state management tools (e.g., Redux for React).
      • Create reusable components and manage component lifecycle in a chosen framework.

    4. Implement Client-Side Routing

      • Set up client-side routing for single-page applications (SPAs).
      • Manage navigation and dynamic content loading using routers (e.g., React Router, Vue Router).

    5. Enhance User Experience with Modern Tools

      • Improve performance and load times using lazy loading and code splitting.
      • Implement progressive web app (PWA) features for offline capabilities and enhanced user experiences.
      • Use animations and transitions to create engaging and dynamic interfaces.

    6. Optimize Frontend Performance

      • Analyze and improve web performance metrics (e.g., page load time, time to interactive).
      • Optimize images, fonts, and other assets for faster loading.
      • Apply caching strategies and use service workers to enhance performance.

    7. Ensure Web Accessibility

      • Follow web accessibility standards and guidelines (e.g., WCAG).
      • Use ARIA roles and attributes to improve accessibility.
      • Test and validate web accessibility using automated tools and manual testing.

    8. Leverage Modern Development Tools and Workflows

      • Set up and use build tools and task runners (e.g., Webpack, Gulp) for efficient development workflows.
      • Implement version control and collaborative workflows using Git and GitHub.
      • Use package managers (e.g., npm, Yarn) to manage project dependencies.

    9. Conduct Testing and Debugging

      • Write unit tests and integration tests for frontend code using testing frameworks (e.g., Jest, Mocha).
      • Debug complex issues using browser developer tools and other debugging tools.
      • Ensure code quality and reliability through continuous integration and automated testing.

    10. Deploy and Maintain Frontend Applications

      • Deploy frontend applications to various hosting platforms (e.g., Netlify, Vercel).
      • Monitor and maintain deployed applications using performance monitoring and logging tools.
      • Implement continuous deployment (CD) practices for smooth and automated releases.

Course Outline

Week 1-2: Introduction to Modern JavaScript Frameworks

Lesson 1: Overview of Modern JavaScript Frameworks

  • Introduction to React, Angular, and Vue.js.
  • Comparison of frameworks.
  • When and why to use each framework.

Lesson 2: Setting Up Development Environment

  • Setting up Node.js and npm.
  • Installing development tools (VSCode, Git, etc.).
  • Introduction to package managers (npm, yarn).

Lesson 3: Introduction to React

  • Understanding JSX.
  • Creating a basic React app.
  • Components, Props, and State.

Lesson 4: Advanced React Concepts

  • Lifecycle methods.
  • Hooks.
  • Context API and state management.

Week 3-4: Advanced CSS Techniques

Lesson 5: CSS Preprocessors

  • Introduction to Sass and LESS.
  • Setting up and using a CSS preprocessor.
  • Variables, nesting, and mixins.

Lesson 6: CSS Grid and Flexbox

  • Understanding CSS Grid layout.
  • Advanced Flexbox techniques.
  • Building complex layouts.

Lesson 7: Responsive Design

  • Media queries and responsive units.
  • Mobile-first design principles.
  • Responsive typography.

Lesson 8: CSS Animations and Transitions

  • Keyframes and animation properties.
  • Creating smooth transitions.
  • Using animation libraries.

Week 5-6: Performance Optimization

Lesson 9: JavaScript Performance Optimization

  • Understanding the call stack and event loop.
  • Debouncing and throttling.
  • Lazy loading and code splitting.

Lesson 10: CSS Performance Optimization

  • Minimizing and compressing CSS.
  • Critical CSS and async loading.
  • Avoiding common performance pitfalls.

Lesson 11: Image Optimization

  • Image formats and compression techniques.
  • Using responsive images (srcset and picture elements).
  • Image loading strategies.

Lesson 12: Web Performance Tools

  • Using Lighthouse for performance audits.
  • Analyzing and interpreting performance reports.
  • Improving performance based on audit results.

Week 7-8: Advanced JavaScript

Lesson 13: Advanced ES6+ Features

  • Destructuring, spread/rest operators.
  • Promises and async/await.
  • Modules and import/export.

Lesson 14: TypeScript Basics

  • Introduction to TypeScript.
  • Setting up a TypeScript project.
  • Benefits of using TypeScript in large projects.

Lesson 15: Testing in JavaScript

  • Introduction to Jest and other testing frameworks.
  • Writing unit tests and integration tests.
  • Test-driven development (TDD).

Lesson 16: Advanced State Management

  • Introduction to Redux.
  • Setting up a Redux store.
  • Using middleware (Thunk, Saga).

Week 9-10: Backend Integration and APIs

Lesson 17: RESTful APIs

  • Understanding REST principles.
  • Making API requests using fetch and Axios.
  • Handling responses and errors.

Lesson 18: GraphQL Basics

  • Introduction to GraphQL.
  • Setting up a GraphQL client.
  • Writing queries and mutations.

Lesson 19: Authentication and Authorization

  • Implementing JWT-based authentication.
  • Protecting routes and resources.
  • Best practices for secure frontend applications.

Lesson 20: WebSockets and Real-Time Communication

  • Introduction to WebSockets.
  • Setting up a WebSocket connection.
  • Building a real-time application.

Week 11-12: Final Project and Best Practices

Lesson 21: Project Setup and Planning

  • Choosing a project idea.
  • Planning the project structure.
  • Setting up version control with Git.

Lesson 22: Building the Project (Part 1)

  • Creating the initial components and layout.
  • Implementing core functionality.
  • Integrating with APIs.

Lesson 23: Building the Project (Part 2)

  • Adding advanced features.
  • Ensuring responsive design.
  • Optimizing performance.

Lesson 24: Project Presentation and Review

  • Presenting the project to the class.
  • Peer reviews and feedback.
  • Final code review and best practices.
3. Backend Development Article Count:  0

Course Overview:

Here's a structured outline for a comprehensive lesson plan that spans over several weeks. This plan assumes a basic understanding of programming.

Course Duration:

  • Duration: 12 weeks (3 months)
  • Frequency: 2 sessions per week
  • Session Length: 1.5 hours each

Lesson Breakdown:

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Set up a development environment.
  2. Understand and use SQL and NoSQL databases.
  3. Build and secure backend applications with Node.js and Express.
  4. Implement user authentication and authorization.
  5. Test, debug, and deploy backend applications.

Course Outline

Week 1: Introduction to Backend Development

  • Session 1: Overview of Backend Development

    • What is backend development?
    • Difference between frontend and backend.
    • Role of a backend developer.
    • Overview of common backend languages (Python, JavaScript, Java, Ruby, PHP).

  • Session 2: Setting Up Development Environment

    • Installing necessary software (e.g., text editor, IDE, version control systems).
    • Introduction to the command line.
    • Setting up Git and GitHub.

Week 2: Basic Concepts of Programming

  • Session 3: Variables, Data Types, and Operators

    • Basic programming concepts.
    • Different data types and how to use them.

  • Session 4: Control Structures and Functions

    • Control structures (if-else, loops).
    • Functions and scope.

Week 3: Introduction to Databases

  • Session 5: Understanding Databases

    • What is a database?
    • Types of databases (relational vs. non-relational).
    • Overview of SQL and NoSQL.

  • Session 6: SQL Databases

    • Setting up a local database (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL).
    • Basic SQL commands (SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE).

Week 4: Advanced SQL and NoSQL Databases

  • Session 7: Advanced SQL Concepts

    • Designing a simple database schema.
    • Joins and relationships in SQL.

  • Session 8: NoSQL Databases

    • Introduction to NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB).
    • Basic CRUD operations in NoSQL.

Week 5: Introduction to Node.js

  • Session 9: Basics of Node.js

    • What is Node.js?
    • Setting up Node.js environment.
    • Basic concepts (modules, npm, asynchronous programming).

  • Session 10: More on Node.js

    • Building a simple server.
    • Handling requests and responses.

Week 6: Introduction to Express.js

  • Session 11: Basics of Express.js

    • What is Express.js?
    • Setting up an Express project.
    • Creating basic routes and handling requests.

  • Session 12: Building RESTful APIs

    • What is a RESTful API?
    • Creating RESTful routes in Express.
    • Handling different HTTP methods.

Week 7: User Authentication

  • Session 13: Basics of Authentication

    • Introduction to user authentication.
    • Implementing user registration and login.

  • Session 14: JSON Web Tokens (JWT)

    • Using JSON Web Tokens (JWT) for authentication.

Week 8: Middleware and Security

  • Session 15: Middleware

    • What is middleware?
    • Creating and using middleware in Express.
    • Common middleware (e.g., body-parser, cors).

  • Session 16: Securing the Backend

    • Basic security practices (e.g., hashing passwords, validation).
    • Protecting routes with authentication middleware.

Week 9: Advanced Database Operations

  • Session 17: Advanced SQL Operations

    • Transactions and migrations.
    • Aggregation and indexing in SQL.

  • Session 18: Advanced NoSQL Operations

    • Aggregation and indexing in NoSQL.

Week 10: Testing and Debugging

  • Session 19: Introduction to Testing

    • Unit tests, integration tests.
    • Using testing libraries (e.g., Mocha, Chai, Jest).

  • Session 20: Debugging Techniques

    • Debugging techniques and tools.

Week 11: Deployment

  • Session 21: Preparing for Deployment

    • Preparing the application for production.

  • Session 22: Deployment to Cloud Platforms

    • Deploying to cloud platforms (e.g., Heroku, AWS).
    • Continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD).

Week 12: Capstone Project

  • Session 23-24: Building a Full-Stack Application
    • Combining frontend and backend.
    • Implementing CRUD operations.
    • Adding user authentication.
    • Deploying the application.

Resources

  • Books: "You Don't Know JS" by Kyle Simpson, "Eloquent JavaScript" by Marijn Haverbeke.
  • Online Courses: FreeCodeCamp, Codecademy, Udemy.
  • Documentation: MDN Web Docs, Node.js, Express.js, PostgreSQL, MongoDB.

Assessment

  • Weekly quizzes and coding assignments.
  • Mid-term project after Week 6.
  • Final capstone project presentation and code review.