Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing - 2024 entry

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

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.

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.

- 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.

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.

Basic reading:

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

Web based and Electronic Resources:

Other Resources:

Reading list for this module: