Mobile Application Development
COMP2008
Option

Year 3, Sem 2 Option Elective Enabling Knowledge and Skills Technical Competence Practical and ‘Hands-on’ Experience Integrated Engagement with Professional Practice

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Code COMP2008
Credits 25
Graduate Attributes

Introduction

Welcome to Mobile Application Development (MAD), your gateway into the dynamic and rapidly evolving world of Android application development. In this course, you'll explore foundational concepts and practical skills essential for creating robust and user-friendly mobile applications on the Android platform.

Android, the most widely used mobile operating system globally, offers vast opportunities for innovation and creativity. Throughout this journey, you will learn to harness the power of Android Studio, master Java/Kotlin programming, and effectively utilize Android SDK tools and libraries to build real-world applications.

You'll gain hands-on experience with user interface design, data storage and management, networking, and best practices for enhancing user experience. By the end of this course, you will have the skills and confidence needed to design, implement, and deploy professional Android applications.

Let's dive into the exciting world of Android development and bring your app ideas to life!
Lecture 1 x 2 Hours Weekly 
Computer Laboratory 1 x 2 Hours Weekly 

Unit Learning Outcomes

  • 1 comprehend and articulate mobile platform architectures and capabilities, GC1, GC3, GC6
  • 2 design, implement and test mobile applications, GC1, GC2, GC3, GC6
  • 3 identify and implement solutions to security, usability and energy-consumption issues in mobile application, GC1, GC2, GC4, GC5, GC6
  • 4 integrate mobile applications with online services, GC1, GC3, GC6

Course Learning Outcomes

  • 1 Apply the theory of computer systems networking within the engineering design method, whilst remaining cognisant of network operational issues
  • 2 Define a problem and apply creative thinking to the formulation of a solution; verify and implement the solution
  • 5 Use appropriate tools to design, analyse and verify computer systems networks and their components

Assessment Breakdown

Recent Unit Changes & Response to Student Feedback

Students are encouraged to provide feedback through student surveys (such as Insight and the annual Student Experience Survey) and interactions with teaching staff.

Listed below are some recent changes to the unit as a result of student feedback.

To enhance the learning experience and ensure alignment with current industry standards, the following updates have been implemented in the unit:
  1. Kotlin-based development has been adopted as the primary language, reflecting modern Android practices and enabling the use of tools such as Jetpack Compose for declarative UI development.
  2. Java is still taught alongside Kotlin to provide students with a solid understanding of legacy codebases and to support compatibility with existing enterprise applications. This dual-language approach ensures graduates are prepared to work across both modern and traditional Android environments.
  3. Updated sample code and examples in both Kotlin and Java are provided, illustrating key mobile development concepts in a way that accommodates a range of learning and industry needs.
  4. Workshops have been revised and expanded, with a focus on hands-on practice aligned with lecture content. These include tasks covering UI design, app structure, data handling, and performance optimisation using both contemporary and legacy tools.
  5. Lecture content has been enhanced to include emerging topics such as cross-application development and mobile application security fundamentals, ensuring students are exposed to critical areas of modern app development.