Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - IAT 459 D100

Internet Computing Technologies (4)

Class Number: 6394

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Thu, 8:30–11:20 a.m.
    Surrey

  • Prerequisites:

    Completion of 48 units, including IAT 339 and IAT 359, with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Focuses on the server-side technologies for cross-platform applications. Students will design and implement relational databases to store and extract data to support the application. Server-client and service oriented architectures are examined from the perspective of building interactive systems. Technologies for the deployment of web applications on the internet are reviewed. Students apply conceptual knowledge by programming a web application using server-side scripting, AJAX, and a database, integrating it with the web or mobile front-end. Students with credit for IAT 352 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

The course provides students with an introduction to backend web development and the integration of server-side services with modern applications.
The areas that will be covered in the course are backend technologies, data management, and client–server interaction. Students will make use of backend platforms and frameworks to develop their own full-stack application and project, while reinforcing the concepts covered in the lectures. Topics covered include backend services, databases, authentication and application programming interfaces (APIs) as outlined in the weekly schedule.

Note: This outline is a draft. A detailed and finalized course outline, including the weekly schedule, readings, and assessment details, will be provided during the first week of class.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

After completing this course, students will be able to:

  • Design and implement web applications that integrate backend services in the context of modern web architectures
  • Apply development guidelines to ensure secure, reliable, and maintainable backend systems
  • Connect client applications to backend services to support interactive user experiences
  • Model, store, and query application data using managed backend platforms
  • Implement authentication, authorization, and security best practices to protect user data and privacy

Grading

  • Participation 10%
  • Assignments 20%
  • Course Project 25%
  • Quizzes 20%
  • Midterm Exam 25%

NOTES:

Learning Activities:
The course’s learning activities include:

  • Weekly lecturesCourse readings (textbook, online resources, documentation)
  • Workshop activities, coding exercises, and worksheets
  • Quizzes to reinforce core concepts
  • Assignments involving the application of theory, problem solving, and independent exploration
  • A programming project integrating backend services with a client application
  • Midterm exam

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Equipment - Laptop requirement: 
Students in this course will require access to a laptop. Each student should bring their laptop to each class.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.