Run by School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering

20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1 & 2

Organiser: Dr David Edward Perkins

This module will introduce learners to various aspects of mobile technology. The learners will gain an understanding of the process involved in developing applications for mobile devices using suitable software development tools for example: Xamarin, Phone Gap, Corona SDK, Windows C# Mobile Developer. The module will allow the students to develop a greater understanding of the primary concepts, physical constraints and final solutions, culminating in a clearer comprehension of developing for mobile technology.

Indicative content includes:

● Understanding the nature of mobile content and development.

● Understand the legal and ethical elements of mobile development.

● Understand the rapidly changing environment and choices that face a mobile developer.

● Understanding the range of platforms and compatibility between software tools.

● Understand the HCI guidelines applicable to mobile devices.

● Interpreting a business scenario and to create a design and final solution.

● Using suitable software development tools to develop mobile applications.

● User interface (screens, imagery text boxes, labels, buttons etc.)

● User interaction (input using swipe, tap and touch control, events handlers, triggers, etc.)

● Use of suitable validation and error handling.

● The use of debugging tools.

● Devising and using a valid test plan to test the final solution.

● Review and justify design and development decisions made.

good

Equivalent to the range 60%-69%. Is able to analyse a task or problem to decide which aspects of theory and knowledge to apply. Solutions are of a workable quality, demonstrating understanding of underlying principles. Major themes can be linked appropriately but may not be able to extend this to individual aspects. Outputs are readily understood, with an appropriate structure but may lack sophistication.

excellent

Equivalent to the range 70%+. Assemble critically evaluated, relevent areas of knowledge and theory to constuct professional-level solutions to tasks and questions presented. Is able to cross-link themes and aspects to draw considered conclusions. Presents outputs in a cohesive, accurate, and efficient manner.

threshold

Equivalent to 40%. Uses key areas of theory or knowledge to meet the Learning Outcomes of the module. Is able to formulate an appropriate solution to accurately solve tasks and questions. Can identify individual aspects, but lacks an awareness of links between them and the wider contexts. Outputs can be understood, but lack structure and/or coherence.

1. Develop a design of a mobile application for a given scenario.

2. Discuss the nature and context of mobile development including the rapidly changing technology.

3. Justify the design, methods and choices made.

4. Develop a mobile application to a given scenario.

5. Devise and use a test plan to carry out application testing.

6. Review the strengths and weaknesses of the completed solution.

Type	Name	Description	Weight
	Mobile Application Design		30.00
	Development Report		20.00
	Mobile Application		50.00

		Hours
Lecture	60 of the 200 notional learning hours - 60 hours demonstrations, lectures and support workshop.	60
Tutorial	140 of the 200 notional learning hours - 140 hours tutor directed student learning.	140

• Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
• Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
• Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
• Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
• Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.

• Knowledge and understanding of facts, concepts, principles & theories
• Use of such knowledge in modelling and design
• Problem solving strategies
• Deploy theory in design, implementation and evaluation of systems
• Recognise legal, social, ethical & professional issues
• Knowledge and understanding of commercial and economic issues
• Specify, design or construct computer-based systems
• Evaluate systems in terms of quality and trade-offs
• Deploy tools effectively
• Development of general transferable skills
• Deploy systems to meet business goals
• Methods, techniques and tools for information modelling, management and security
• Knowledge of systems architecture
• Defining problems, managing design process and evaluating outcomes
• System Design
• Knowledge and/or understanding of appropriate scientific and engineering principles
• Knowledge and understanding of computational modelling
• Principles of appropriate supporting engineering and scientific disciplines

Reading list

Fling, B., 2009. Mobile Design and Development, Practical concepts and techniques for creating mobile sites and web apps . O'Reilly Media

McWherter, J. and Gowell, S., 2012. Professional Mobile Application Development , John Wiley & Sons.

Neil, T., 2014. Mobile Design Pattern Gallery: UI Patterns for Smartphone Apps . O'Reilly Media

Olson, S. and Hunter, J., 2012. Professional Cross-Platform Mobile Development in C# . John Wiley & Sons.

Compulsory in courses:

• H300: BSc Applied Software Engineering (Deg Apprenticeship GLlM) year 2 (BSC/ASE)