MA925-10 App development: From ideas to practical tools
Introductory description
The aim of the module is to extend, adapt and apply the student’s existing programming skill set to produce either a web-based interface or mobile app with functionality that is of relevance to real-world problems.
Module aims
Demonstrate proficiency in practical computing; including identifying a suitable problem, designing a user-friendly interface and selecting a suitable development platform for implementation.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Students create a mobile app or an interactive web interface that will address a real world need which they have identified. This can be related to their studies, from their personal interests or hobbies, or any other area they choose.
Several hours of training will be received. Topics typically include: best practices in sustainable software development, principles of graphical interface design and data presentation, an introduction to scripting, interactive web content.
Assessment will be based on a project designed individually with the course conveners. The ultimate submission will take the form of fully annotated source code and a short descriptive summary, a half to one page, explaining the reasoning behind the design. There will be an oral exam during which students will demonstrate a working copy of their application and answer questions on its design.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Draw on their existing knowledge of programming as well as make use of the wealth of web-based resources on browser or mobile application programming
- Plan and execute a project of writing a mobile application and write a short summary explaining decisions made.
- Understand and summarise the essential features of the work of others and evaluate its significance.
- Demonstrate an ability to present technical material verbally, including under questioning.
Interdisciplinary
Communicating across disciplines with module participants from different SEM departments.
Finished project can be from a wide range of fields, not necessarily the student’s primary subject.
Subject specific skills
Proficiency in practical computing, including user interface design, and writing and debugging source code.
Awareness of a range of suitable development platforms.
Ability to transfer skills to industrial applications of computation with particular emphasis on web related programming or mobile apps.
Transferable skills
Experience of identifying an unmet need and designing a solution.
Experience of planning and executing a project
Communicating to a non-specialist audience through the design of a user-friendly interface.
Understand and summarise the essential features of the work of others and evaluate its significance.
Ability to present technical material verbally, including under questioning.
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Seminars | 4 sessions of 1 hour 30 minutes (6%) |
| Project supervision | 2 sessions of 30 minutes (1%) |
| Other activity | 92 hours (92%) |
| Assessment | 1 hour (1%) |
| Total | 100 hours |
Private study description
No private study requirements defined for this module.
Other activity description
Practical Project
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A2
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| Practical Examination | 100% | 1 hour | Yes (extension) |
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The main part of the submission will consist of annotated source code, demonstrating the students' skills and understanding of application design. They will also supply a short, half to one page descriptive summary of the project in which they will describe the background, design principles and reflect on decisions taken. They may also include figures or screenshots if they wish. |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
Feedback will be directly provide during the practical examination. Written feedback will be provided to the student on their project report.
There is currently no information about the courses for which this module is core or optional.