Mobile Application Design and Development
15 Credits
Module code: COMP1786
Level: 6
Credits: 15
School: Liberal Arts and Sciences
Department: Computing and Mathematical Sci.
Module Coordinator(s): ACH TBA
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Pre and co requisites
COMP 1752 OO Programming. Sound knowledge of a programming language.
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Aims
Because of the enabling technology of faster processing miniature computing devices, the whole paradigm of mobile application design and development goes through frequent changes. While there is certainly a necessity of native applications targeted at mobile devices’ operating environments, Web applications that can run on a browser of a mobile device have also gained significant attention. This trend is becoming even more prevalent by enabling the transformation of the developed Web applications to be installed just like a native mobile application.
This course will address the current trends of mobile application design and development, and analyse the unique design and deployment issues that must be taken into consideration when developing applications for mobile devices. It will focus on both native and Web-based approaches and also on the hybrid approach where a Web application is installed just like a native one. This will enable the student to develop an in-depth understanding of the different approaches concerning the mobile application development, and help to make informed design decisions while implementing such application. The coursework incorporating the design and development will consolidate the students' understandings, and further strengthen their problem solving and programming skills.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course a student will be able to:
Demonstrate understanding of mobile computing, and the different mobile application development approaches, and the associated challenges
Acquire hands-on experience by the design and development of a mobile application
Strengthen his/her programming, and problem solving skills
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Indicative Content
Introduction to Mobile Computing, various types of mobile devices, Internet of Things (IoT)
Native mobile application development: two main players - iOS and Android.
Web-based mobile application development - HTML5, CSS3, and DOM. Review of Javascript. Use of frameworks.
Cross-platform hybrid development - PhoneGap/Cordova.
Mobile Sensors – commonly available sensors in any smartphone, e.g., accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, camera and their incorporation inside a mobile application
Mobility and Location aware applications
Privacy and Security
Teaching and learning activity
Concepts will be introduced in lectures. Practical work will be through supervised laboratory sessions. Unsupervised, guided self-study will extend the amount of time students spend doing practical laboratory activities.
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Assessment
Individual Coursework - 70% weighting, 40% pass mark.
Learning outcomes 2, 3.
Outline Details - Design and development of a mobile application: practical product + a report.
Logbook - 30% weighting, 40% pass mark.
Learning outcomes 1, 3.
Outline Details - Executable programs + a one page report for each of the 5 tasks.
Students are not required to pass all elements of summative assessment in order to pass the course.
Formative Assessment - Each lab will comprise of tasks related to the various mobile application design and development challenges. The lab tasks will be designed in such way that the students will acquire understanding of the different approaches of the mobile application development that would directly feed into the student’s Summative 2 (Logbook) requirements. There will also be a final demonstration of the developed product of Summative 1 to provide feedback that can be incorporated inside the final coursework upload.