Building Web Applications in PHP Course Syllabus

Overview: This course provides a practical introduction to building dynamic web applications using PHP, HTML, CSS, and MySQL. You'll gain hands-on experience with the core components of the web application stack, learning how browsers and servers interact through the request-response cycle. The course is designed for beginners and spans approximately 14 hours, featuring step-by-step tutorials, interactive exercises, and a final project. By the end, you’ll have a functional development environment and a foundational understanding of server-side scripting and dynamic content delivery.

Module 1: Introduction to Dynamic Web Content

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Request–response cycle
• HTTP basics
• Browser–server interaction
• Overview of web application structure

Module 2: HTML Fundamentals

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Basic HTML tags
• Document structure
• Code walkthroughs
• Interactive coding exercises

Module 3: CSS Styling Basics

Estimated time: 4 hours

• CSS selectors
• Styling webpages
• Combining CSS with HTML
• Hands-on styling exercises in Runestone

Module 4: Installing PHP & MySQL

Estimated time: 4 hours

• Setting up XAMPP or MAMP
• Running PHP scripts
• Integrating MySQL
• Launching your first PHP/MySQL-powered webpage

Module 5: PHP Programming Basics

Estimated time: 4 hours

• PHP variables and data types
• Logic and iteration
• Arrays and error handling
• Superglobals and form processing

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 4 hours

• Build a dynamic web application using HTML, CSS, and PHP
• Connect to MySQL for data storage
• Submit autograded project for feedback

Prerequisites

• Familiarity with basic computer operations
• No prior programming experience required
• Access to a computer for installing development tools

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Explain how web applications work and the role of PHP in server-side scripting
• Set up a local development environment with PHP and MySQL
• Create structured and styled web pages using HTML and CSS
• Write basic PHP scripts to handle user input and generate dynamic content
• Build and deploy a simple database-driven web application