CS6051 - Mobile Applications (2017/18)
Module specification | Module approved to run in 2017/18 | ||||||||||||||||
Module title | Mobile Applications | ||||||||||||||||
Module level | Honours (06) | ||||||||||||||||
Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||||||||
School | School of Computing and Digital Media | ||||||||||||||||
Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||||||||
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Assessment components |
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Running in 2017/18(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This module introduces a range of specialist programming techniques as applied to mobile platforms. Specific areas of study will include: programming strategies for resource-limited portable devices – including reviewing key components through the development of exemplar applications using an appropriate mobile-based programming platform such as Google Android.
Prior learning requirements
Successful Completion of level 5 of the BSc ( Hons) Computer Science or equivalent
Module aims
- Understanding theoretical concepts related to the work of software in wireless networks and the use of different protocols, frameworks and tools for building mobile applications
- Learning techniques for programming mobile applications using standard technological frameworks, development tools, mobile device emulators and handsets
- Acquiring practical skills in developing mobile applications which utilize wireless services and mobile Internet
- Applying analytical knowledge and practical skills for building typical mobile applications
- Developing ability to compare protocols, models and paradigms for mobile applications and estimate trade-offs during design using different design patterns, development frameworks and programming techniques
- Building professional competence and increasing the employability through the use of industrial standard technologies and tools for software development
Syllabus
- Introduction to Programming Mobile Devices with, for example, the Android platform
- Android Application Fundamentals
- Android Basics – Activities, Fragments and Intents - I
- Android Basics – Activities, Fragments and Intents - II
- Android Basics – Building User Interfaces - I
- Android Basics – Building User Interfaces - II
- Persistent Data Storage
- Web Connectivity and Networking
- Telephony and SMS
- Location-Based Services
- Personal Area Networking with Bluetooth
Learning and teaching
Combination of
- Lectures for defining concepts, describing methods and discussing alternatives
- Workshops for demonstrating software tools, configuring working environments, prototyping solutions, discussing alternatives and acquiring hands-on experience
- Individual coursework for programming and reporting technological solutions, comparing design alternatives and personal reflection
- Blended learning through the use of Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) for setting problem scenarios, providing prepared solutions, submitting assessment materials and obtaining feedback
- Demonstration of software solutions for evaluation and reflection of individual practice
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module the student should be able to:
LO1: | Develop mobile applications that meet business needs for typical mobile devices. |
LO2: | Integrate existing software components, wireless and Internet services for implementing distributed mobile systems using suitable frameworks, development tools and software APIs |
LO3: | Deploy mobile software applications to mobile devises running typical operating system such as Google Android |
LO4: | Use industrial IDE for development, integration, testing and deployment of mobile applications on mobile devices. |
LO5: | Compare alternatives for implementation of mobile applications using different application level protocols, software architectures, programming techniques and development tools |
LO6: | Estimate trade-offs, make justified decisions, and critically evaluate their consequences at all stages of mobile application development – modelling, design, implementation, testing and deployment, paying full attention to LSEP issues. |
Assessment strategy
The assessment strategy in the module is based on combining
- Practical lab-based test where students show how they can effectively program mobile devices by quickly developing a simple mobile application based on the material studied in the workshops. (LO1-LO4)
- Summative assessment of the practical skills acquired through a programming coursework dedicated to solving relatively large practical problems (LO1-LO6)
Bibliography
Core textbook:
Wei-Meng L., 2012, Beginning Android 4 Application Development, Wrox; ISBN: 978-1118199541
Other textbooks:
- Burnette E., 2010, Hello, Android: Introducing Google's Mobile Development Platform, Pragmatic Programmers; ISBN: 978-1934356562
- Conder S., Darcey L., 2010, Android – Wireless Application Development, Addison Wesley; ISBN: 978-0321627094
- Meier R., 2012, Professional Android 4 Application Development, Wrox; ISBN: 978-1118102275
Online resources