Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Mobile Computing
Code COMP327
Coordinator Mr P Jimmieson
Computer Science
Phil@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 6 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

To provide guidelines, design principles and experience in developing applications for small, mobile devices, including an appreciation of context and location aware services.

To develop an appreciation of interaction modalities with small, mobile devices (including interface design for non-standard display surfaces) through the implementation of simple applications and use cases.

To introduce wireless communication and networking principles, that support connectivity to cellular networks, wireless internet and sensor devices.

To understand the use of transaction and e-commerce principles over such devices to support mobile business concepts.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) At the end of the module, the student will have a working understanding of the characteristics and limitations of mobile hardware devices including their user-interface modalities.

(LO2) The ability to develop applications that are mobile-device specific and demonstrate current practice in mobile computing contexts.

(LO3) A comprehension and appreciation of the design and development of context-aware solutions for mobile devices.

(S1) Problem Solving - Numeracy and computational skills

(S2) Problem solving – analysing facts and situations and applying creative thinking to develop appropriate solutions.

Syllabus
 

Introduction to Mobile Computing (1 lecture)  
Mobile Application Development  (15 lectures)             
Introduction to iOS and development frameworks (11 lectures)
Interface Development, including Storyboards and Generic Design for changing sizes/orientations (4 lectures)  
Interacting with the User (14 lectures)        
Mobile EcoSystem and the Internet of Things (3 lecture)  
User data sharing/exploitation, and ethics        
Telecommunication Mechanisms (2 lectures)         
Human Computer Interaction (3 lectures)    
Interaction modalities - touch/swipe interaction, accelerometers, predictive texting (T9)        
Context and Location (2 lectures)        
M-Commerce, Mobile Payment and Business Models(4 lectures)  
E-Commerce on Mob ile Devices, Payment Systems, Enterprise Issues

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lecture material will be delivered covering the whole syllabus, and will include practical examples and code fragments to illustrate how different issues pertinent to Mobile Computing can be addressed when developing mobile applications.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Laboratory Work
Description: A series of lab tutorials in increasing levels of autonomy will walk the students through the development of several apps that illustrate different aspects of Mobile App development
Attendance Recorded: No

Due to Covid-19, in 2021/22, one or more of the following delivery methods will be implemented based on the current local conditions.
(a) Hybrid delivery
Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Mix of on-campus/on-line synchronous/asynchronous sessions
Teaching Method 2 - Laboratory Work
Description: Mix of on-campus/on-line synchronous/asynchronous sessions

(b) Fully online deliv ery and assessment
Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: On-line synchronous/asynchronous lectures
Teaching Method 2 - Laboratory Work
Description: On-line synchronous/asynchronous sessions

(c) Standard on-campus delivery
Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Mix of on-campus/on-line synchronous/asynchronous sessions
Teaching Method 2 - Laboratory Work
Description: On-campus synchronous sessions

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 30

     20

     50
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 100
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
(327) Final Exam Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 1  150 minutes.    60       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
(327.3) Collection of three pieces of lab work Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 1  10 hours    15       
(327.2) Assessment 2 Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 1  20 hours    15       
(327.1) Assessment 1 Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :1  20 hours    10       

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.