01 Architecture

OUTR Ph.D. Platform: High-Level Architecture

Overview

This document describes the architecture for an online platform to automate and manage the Ph.D. process at OUTR.

Components

  • Frontend: HTML, CSS (Bootstrap or Tailwind), JavaScript (vanilla or with Alpine.js/React for dynamic parts)
  • Backend: Django (Python) for server-side logic, authentication, ORM, admin, REST APIs (if needed)
  • Database: PostgreSQL or MySQL (production), SQLite (development)
  • File Storage: Local or AWS S3 for thesis and documents
  • Email: Django email backend for notifications
  • Background Tasks: Celery (optional, for tasks like plagiarism checks)
  • Deployment: Gunicorn + Nginx/Apache, Docker (optional), HTTPS

Workflow

  1. User interacts with frontend (responsive web UI)
  2. Django backend processes requests, handles authentication, business logic
  3. Database stores user, process, and document data
  4. Files (e.g., thesis) are uploaded and stored securely
  5. Notifications sent via email or dashboard alerts
  6. Admin and committee workflows are automated

Extensibility

  • Modular Django apps for admissions, coursework, research, notifications, etc.
  • REST APIs can be added for integration with other university systems
  • Plagiarism checking and document signing can be integrated via APIs