module specification

CS6051 - Mobile Applications (2023/24)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2023/24
Module title Mobile Applications
Module level Honours (06)
Credit rating for module 15
School School of Computing and Digital Media
Total study hours 150
 
36 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
69 hours Guided independent study
45 hours Assessment Preparation / Delivery
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 20%   Program Assignment, Part 1 - Initial Application Proposal (500 words) and Presentation
Coursework 80%   Program Assignment, Part 2 - Final Application Report (2000 words excluding program code) and Demonstration/Presentation
Running in 2023/24

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

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 Java ME and Google Android.

The key skills and knowledge to be gained are:

•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, Android operation system. LO1, LO2

•Mobile Platform Fundamentals and Android Studio. LO1, LO4

•Mobile User Interface and eventing handling Programming. LO1, LO2, LO4

•Android Fragments, Activity Lifecycle, and intent programming. LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

•Multithreading Requirements. LO1, LO2, LO4

•Mobile Services Programming. LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

•Persistent Data Storage and SQLite database for Mobile Devices. LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

•Web Connectivity, Internetworking and integrate PHP and MYSQL. LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

•Android animation and text to speech programming. LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

•Deployment Strategies. LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

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 reporting technological research and technical 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.

•Public 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.

Assessment strategy

The assessment strategy in the module is based on combining:

•Regular formative assessment of the progression through demonstrating of the prepared solution of workshop tasks to be recorded at the end of the module (LO1-LO4)

•Summative assessment of the practical skills acquired through a coursework dedicated to solving relatively large practical problems (LO1-LO4)

Standard formative and summative feedback, provided in written form or by electronic means.

Bibliography