Course Title: Search Engine Optimization

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Search Engine Optimization

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Coordinator: Vacant

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 2348

Course Coordinator Email: do-not-reply@rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

You may not enrol in this course unless it is explicitly listed in your enrolment program summary, and you have confirmed with your program coordinator that it is an appropriate choice for your study plan.
Fundamental knowledge of Web Programming is required as a prerequisite.


Course Description

Note: This course is not currently available. There are no plans to reintroduce it in the near future, as well.

Search Engine Optimization is about increasing the ranking of web pages in common used search engines, in order to increase traffic to a web search. This course will cover both white hat techniques (recommended techniques base around good web page design) and black hat techniques (such as spamdexing that should be avoided).


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Development of student graduate capabilities is an on-going process that takes place in all courses and over the period of the whole program. This course particularly addresses the following capabilities: knowledge (techniques for optimization of search engine rankings), and critical analysis (predicting performance of search engines).


On completion of this course you should have gained a good understanding of techniques used for improving ranking of webpages and be able to apply these concepts into practice. Specifically, you should be able to:

  • improve ranking of web pages on commonly used search engines
  • avoid use of black hat techniques which may result in websites being banned


Overview of Learning Activities

Syllabus material will be presented, explained and illustrated with demonstrations and examples in lectures, classes, or online. Completion of tutorial questions, and laboratory programming exercises and projects, are designed to give further practice in the application of theory and procedures, and to give feedback on your progress and understanding. Private study will consolidate your understanding of the theory and practice.


Overview of Learning Resources

You will make extensive use of computer laboratories and relevant software provided by the School. You will be able to access course information and learning materials through the Learning Hub (also known as online@RMIT) and may be provided with copies of additional materials in class or via email. Lists of relevant reference texts, resources in the library and freely accessible Internet sites will be provided.

Use the RMIT Bookshop’s textbook list search page to find any recommended textbook(s). 


Overview of Assessment

The assessment for this course consists of written summaries of reading material, an evaluation of participation in and leading class discussions, a short review paper and a major assignment.

For standard assessment details, including hurdle requirements, relating to Computer Science and IT courses see: http://www.rmit.edu.au/csit/cgi