module specification

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
 
45 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
105 hours Guided independent study
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 20%   Program Assignment, Part 1 - Initial Application Proposal (500 words) and Presentation
Practical Examination 20%   Time-constrained lab-based Practical Test (1.5 hours)
Coursework 60%   Program Assignment, Part 2 - Final Application Report (2000 words excluding program code) and Presentation
Running in 2017/18

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Spring semester North Thursday Afternoon

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