module specification

This module will introduce to an object oriented programming language and a leading mobile platforms (eg. Android) to develop interactive mobile applications, toaddresses key mobile application development issues, techniques and technologies.

None

This module aims to give students the opportunity to develop
- skills to use an object oriented programming language to develop interactive mobile applications.
- a good understanding of current mobile technology, application architecture, platforms and tools.
- an awareness of various issues in the development of mobile applications.
- a good understanding of key principles of software engineering for mobile applications.
- a good understanding of HCI design principles for mobile devices.

1. One mobile platforms and software development SDK (eg. Google Android, iOS,Windows Mobile) and its mobile technologies (eg. Core Location Framework, Map Kit Framework, Communication and storage)
2. One mobile application development environment (eg. IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, XCode, Virtual Studio)
3. Modern programming languages used for mobile applications development (eg. Java, Objective C, C#, HTML5)
4. Mobile application architecture (eg. MVC)
5. Software development methodology for mobile applications development (eg. agile software development)
6. HCI design principles, design lifecycles and design patterns for mobile applications.
7. Key principles of software engineering for mobile applications
• Code reviews
• Source version control
• Unit tests.
8. Professional and ethical issues

The distance learning delivery of the module allows the student the flexibility of studying for the module in their own time in their own style at their own location, while receiving effective guidance and support throughout the module. The University’s state-of-art Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is used to provide a highly interactive, supportive and collaborative learning experience for the students. A wide range of synchronous and asynchronous facilities are used where appropriate for the effective delivery and assessment of the module. Among these facilities are WebLearn learning materials, video lectures, discussion board and online forum, and online presentation, viva and feedback.  Students are encouraged to become active participants, rather than passive recipients, of this learning process.

The topics in the module syllabus are grouped into a number of learning units. Normally each module has four learning units. Each learning unit lasts for three weeks. Each unit is designed to cover selected topics. 

For each learning unit, the following materials are typically provided to students via the VLE (e.g. WebLearn):
• clear description of required learning activities including required reading list and exercises
• lecture slides and/or other supporting materials
• a clear description of the study tasks for the learning unit, submission instruction, submission deadlines, assessment and marking criteria
• exercise questions posted on the discussion forum on the VLE which facilitates discussion among students.

Students are strongly encouraged to:
• Complete required learning activities
• Post questions related to the module to the relevant Forum in discussion board and engage in online discussion with peers and the tutor
• Submit solutions to study tasks and the required assessment by the given deadline in accordance with published procedures
• regularly check mail boxes, notice boards, e-mails for update on the module.
• complete 200 hours of study.

Formative feedback for student work in the learning unit will be provided.

There will be a final assignment at the end of the module. Timely summative feedback for the final assessment will be provided.

Students are expected to complete a total of 200 learning hours for this module. This includes:

• 48 hours – guided learning, teaching and related activities (synchronous & asynchronous), including 12 hour online communication with the tutor;
• 152 hours – guided independent study.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

LO1. Design an interactive mobile prototype to meet the real needs.
LO2. Develop a mobile application using appropriate methodology, techniques, technologies and tools.
LO3. Demonstrate a good understanding of key principles of software engineering for mobile applications.
LO4. Demonstrate a good understanding of HCI design principles for mobile devices.
LO5: Develop skill to deal with professional and ethical issues.

The module is assessed 100% through coursework. There will be one small task for each learning unit for students to complete by the end of the unit. All these small tasks will contribute toward the final assignment.

The final assignment involves the development of a mobile application together with a supporting technical documentation, video demo, and a research report in a chosen area. Deliverables include:
1. Source code of the mobile application (at least 4 pages).
2. Create a small video demo of the mobile application.
3. A technical design report will be around 1000 words.
4. A 1500 word research report on a topic within the given theme.
5. Students are required to demonstrate their mobile app and to give a 10 minutes oral presentation on the chosen research topic via online conference facilities such as Skype.

Darcey L., Conder S., 2012, Sams Teach Yourself Android Application Development in 24 Hours (Sams Teach Yourself...in 24 Hours), ISBN-10: 0672335697, Sams, (e-textbook is available online via university library)
Mednieks Z.,Dornin L., MeikeG. B., Nakamura M., 2012, Programming Android, 2nd Edition, O'Reilly Media, Inc, ISBN-13: 978-1-4493-1664-8, (e-textbook is available online via university library)

Android Developer Homepage, http://developer.android.com/index.html (last accessed on 12/04/2013)