IITM BS App Dev Lab (BSCS4010): Syllabus and Tips

App Dev Lab (BSCS4010) is a 4 credit level 4 lab elective in the IITM BS in Data Science. It is a hands-on web development course: you build full stack apps with JavaScript, TypeScript, Node.js, Express, PostgreSQL and React, and practise data structures and algorithms along the way. The course page lists no prerequisite. The handbook lists the Diploma in Programming as the prerequisite.

App Dev Lab at a glance

The course page calls it "App Dev LAB", a "Degree Level Lab" of type "Elective". It does not name an instructor. The handbook calls it "Application Development Lab", lists it as "L4_DEGREE" with the tag "BP" and 4 credits, and marks it as offered in May 2026, September 2026 and January 2027.

The mismatch: the course page says the prerequisite is "None". The handbook's section on the two new lab electives says "Diploma in programming", while its course table leaves the box blank. In practice, you reach the degree level only after both diplomas, so most students meet it anyway.

What you learn in App Dev Lab

• Week 1: problem solving warm-up. Complexity analysis and the main data structures (arrays, hash tables, linked lists, stacks, queues, heaps, trees, graphs, union-find). Then recursion, backtracking, divide and conquer, greedy methods and dynamic programming.
• Weeks 2 and 3: JavaScript and tools. Modern JavaScript, including arrow functions, destructuring, promises and async/await. How the web works (client, server, HTTP, APIs), Git and GitHub, and npm.
• Weeks 4 and 5: the backend. Node.js with TypeScript, a basic HTTP server, then REST APIs with Express: routes, middleware, error handling and input checks. You build a small CRUD API.
• Weeks 6 to 8: data and security. SQL on PostgreSQL, including joins, filtering and pagination. Connecting Express to the database through an ORM (TypeORM or Prisma). Then login with hashed passwords (bcrypt), JWT tokens and protected routes.
• Weeks 9 to 12: the frontend and the full app. React with Vite: components, props, state, events, useEffect, routing and calling APIs. The last week joins React, Express and the database into one full stack feature, with a look at deployment.

How it is assessed

The course page does not list the assessment pattern. The handbook describes the two new lab electives as fully hands-on, with weekly graded assignments, a project and a viva. It also says seats are limited because of the project part.

Where it counts

It is a level 4 course tagged BP. BP appears to mean the programming stream, though the handbook does not spell it out. If so, it can be one of the two level 4 or higher programming courses the BS degree level needs. Confirm this with support. It is not part of any minor.

Who finds it hard and how to prepare

The stack is different from the diploma. Modern Application Development I used Python with MySQL, and MAD II used Vue. Here you switch to TypeScript on the server and React on the client. The syllabus packs a lot into 12 weeks, so falling behind early hurts.

• Revise JavaScript before the term. MAD II started with JavaScript basics. Go back to those notes, then practise promises and async/await.
• Get Git right in week 3. Commit small changes often, with clear messages. A clean history also helps you explain your work in the viva.
• Revise PDSA for week 1. Week 1 revisits many topics from PDSA (BSCS2002) in one go.
• Keep one running project. Add each week's topic (API, database, login, React page) to the same app. By week 12 the full stack project is mostly built.
• Register early. Seats are limited, so do not wait until the last day of registration.

Academic integrity: the project and viva test your own understanding. Copying code you cannot explain will show in the viva. For diploma projects, the handbook gives a U grade and possible disciplinary action for plagiarism. Treat this lab project with the same care.

Common questions

Is App Dev Lab the same as Application Development Lab?

Yes. Both names refer to BSCS4010. The course page says "App Dev LAB" and the handbook says "Application Development Lab".

Is it the same as the MAD projects?

No. The MAD I and MAD II projects are 2 credit diploma projects. App Dev Lab is a separate 4 credit level 4 course with its own weekly work, project and viva. See how the MAD projects work for the diploma side.

Do I need to know React already?

No. React starts from the basics in week 9. But the syllabus covers JavaScript, TypeScript, Node.js, SQL and React in 12 weeks, so any earlier practice helps.

Why might I not get a seat?

The handbook says enrolment is limited because of the project component. It does not give a number. Register as early as you can.