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Study information

Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing - 2023 entry

MODULE TITLEMobile and Ubiquitous Computing CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEECM2425 MODULE CONVENERDr Haozhe Wang (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 0 11 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 45
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

Computers and computing devices are rapidly becoming ubiquitous and we are in the transition from one model of computing to another, with the demise of general-purpose fixed devices, and the emergence of a new generation of personal, mobile “consumption devices” – everyone has their own digital hub. This module will prepare you for working with and creating applications for these architectures and devices.   You will learn about the architectures inherent in the “always on” nature of these devices and gain hands-on experience of development on current devices.

Pre-requisites: ECM2419, ECM2414

AIMS - intentions of the module

The aim of this module is to give you first-hand knowledge of building applications for mobile devices. Specifically, the module introduces you to the capabilities and limitations of current mobile platforms and the software development paradigms used for building applications on them. The human interface is markedly different from that of fixed devices, so current touch-screen and gesture recognition techniques are demonstrated and used to build applications. The physical characteristics of in-built sensors (e.g, accelerometers, GPS) are examined and demonstrated. Mobile devices are not examined in isolation, and interconnection architectures and network protocols essential for ubiquitous computing are explored.

The module gives you practical hands-on experience of building mobile applications through workshops and continuous assessments.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

 

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1 Demonstrate appreciation of the hardware and software capabilities and constraints of mobile devices;

2 Demonstrate a knowledge of the current connection architectures and protocols for networks of mobile devices;

3 Describe the evolution of computing and mobile devices from mainframe to device commoditisation;

4 Demonstrate a knowledge of the physical limitations of mobile sensors;

5 Demonstrate a knowledge of touch-based human interface design and programming using current devices;

6 Build an application utilizing the hardware capabilities and software characteristics of a current mobile device.

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

7 Show an awareness of the effect of hardware constraints on software design; 

8 Demonstrate good design skills.

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:

9 Demonstrate practical knowledge of current devices and SDKs.

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

- current mobile devices: hardware and software capabilities;

- introduction to software development on mobile devices;

- building an application;

- mobile sensors;

- touch and gesture recognition;

- network interaction;

- data handling on mobile platforms;

- connecting to external hardware;

- integration of applications into mobile operating systems services;

- distribution and distribution models;

- ubiquitous computing: past, present and future.

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 42 Guided Independent Study 108 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities 22 Lectures
Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities 20 Workshops/tutorials
Guided independent study 50 Individual assessed work
Guided independent study 58 Guided independent study and exam preparation

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Formative online/class test 1 hour All except 6 and 9 Oral

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 40 Written Exams 60 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Written exam - closed book 60 2 hours - Summer Exam Period All except 6 and 9 Oral on request
Coursework - Practical programming assignment 40 50 hours All Written

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Written exam - closed book Written exam (60%) All except 6 and 9 August Ref Def Period
Coursework 1 - Practical programming assignment Coursework - Practical programming assignment (40%) All Completed over summer with a deadline in August

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Reassessment will be by coursework and/or written exam in the failed or deferred element only. For referred candidates, the module mark will be capped at 40%. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:

 

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk

 

Web based and Electronic Resources:

 

Other Resources:

 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Kurose and Ross Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach Featuring the Internet 6th Addison Wesley 2013 000-0-321-26976-4
Set Phillips B, Stewart C, Hardy B, Marsicano K Android Programming, Big Nerd Ranch Guides 2015
Set Brossier V Developing Android Applications with Adobe AIR 1st O'Reilly 2011
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES ECM2419, ECM2414
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 5 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 10th July 2018 LAST REVISION DATE Wednesday 8th February 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH Mobile; ubiquitous; android.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.