City University of Hong Kong offered by Department of Computer Science with effect from Semester A 2016/17 Part I Course Overview Course Title: Mobile Computing Course Code: CS4284 Course Duration: One semester Credit Units: 3 credits Level: Proposed Area: (for GE courses only) Medium of Instruction: Medium of Assessment: Prerequisites: Precursors: Equivalent Courses: Exclusive Courses: B4 Arts and Humanities Study of Societies, Social and Business Organisations Science and Technology English English CS3201 Computer Networks or CS3270 Fundamentals of Computer Networks and the Internet or EE3009 Data Communication Protocols or EE3016WANs and Communication Protocols or equivalent Nil Nil EE4316 Mobile Data Networks
Part II Course Details 1. Abstract (A 150-word description about the course) This course studies introductory and emerging topics in mobile computing and networking. The topics are grouped into four main areas: basic communication and networking, architectures and technologies of wireless and mobile networks, software development for mobile devices and newly-emerging areas of mobile computing. Mobile communication theories, algorithms and architectures will be introduced involving wireless cellular networks, mobile/wireless TPC, wireless LAN, and mobile device technologies such as smartphones and tablets. Simple software development tools of mobile apps will be introduced. Newly-emerging mobile applications that capitalize mobile computing and cloud computing will be discussed. 2. Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs) (CILOs state what the student is expected to be able to do at the end of the course according to a given standard of performance.) No. CILOs # Weighting* (if applicable) 1. Identify the basic problems, limitations, strengths and current trends of mobile computing. 2. Explain the current wireless networking mechanisms for mobile computing. 3. Create novel mechanisms and systems for supporting mobile computing and communications including wireless communication architectures, mobile/wireless TCP and wireless LAN; wireless cellular networks and mobile device technologies like smartphones and tablets. 4. Analyse and critique the performance of different networks and algorithms for mobile computing. Discovery-enriched curriculum related learning outcomes (please tick where appropriate) A1 A2 A3 5. Develop an attitude to solve mobile computing problems with analytical solution and software programming development for mobile devices such as mobile apps for smartphones and tablets. * If weighting is assigned to CILOs, they should add up to 100%. 100% # Please specify the alignment of CILOs to the Gateway Education Programme Intended Learning outcomes (PILOs) in Section A of Annex. A1: Attitude Develop an attitude of discovery/innovation/creativity, as demonstrated by students possessing a strong sense of curiosity, asking questions actively, challenging assumptions or engaging in inquiry together with teachers. A2: Ability Develop the ability/skill needed to discover/innovate/create, as demonstrated by students possessing critical thinking skills to assess ideas, acquiring research skills, synthesizing knowledge across disciplines or applying academic knowledge to self-life problems. A3: Accomplishments Demonstrate accomplishment of discovery/innovation/creativity through producing /constructing creative works/new artefacts, effective solutions to real-life problems or new processes.
3. Teaching and Learning Activities (TLAs) (TLAs designed to facilitate students achievement of the CILOs.) Teaching pattern: Suggested lecture/laboratory mix: 2 hrs. lecture; 1 hr. tutorial. TLA Brief Description CILO No. Hours/week 1 2 3 4 5 (if applicable) Lecture The lectures will present selected networking technologies such as 2 hours/week Internet, mobile cellular networks, WiFi networks, and the intuition and theory behind them. The algorithms will be illustrated with both toy and real-world examples to motivate the students' understanding. Implementation details will also be discussed. Tutorials The students will work on problem sets during the tutorial sessions to gain better understanding of the lecture material. 1 hour/week Assignments Students will implement selected mobile computing network algorithms, apply them to small test problems, and interpret the results. Students can then observe the effectiveness of the algorithm, and evaluate the differences between various algorithms. 2 hours/week 4. Assessment Tasks/Activities (ATs) (ATs are designed to assess how well the students achieve the CILOs.) Assessment Tasks/Activities CILO No. Weighting* Remarks 1 2 3 4 5 Continuous Assessment: 40% Tutorial 10% Midterm exam 10% Project 20% Examination^: 60% (duration: 2 hours) * The weightings should add up to 100%. 100% ^ For a student to pass the course, at least 30% of the maximum mark for the examination must be obtained.
5. Assessment Rubrics (Grading of student achievements is based on student performance in assessment tasks/activities with the following rubrics.) Assessment Task Criterion Excellent (A+, A, A-) Good (B+, B, B-) Adequate (C+, C, C-) Marginal (D) Failure (F) 1. Tutorial Assignment may include short High Significant Moderate Basic Not even reaching factual questions and design exercises regarding the various principles of mobile computing. Assignment may include simple project / exercises. There would also be hands-on exercises. 2. Midterm Exam The mid-term quiz will include questions assessing the students understanding on networking and mobile computing. 3. Project There would be hands-on and case study on network design in the project. Tasks may include mini programming project. 3. Final Exam The final exam and mid-term quiz will include questions assessing the students understanding on mobile computing. High Significant Moderate Basic Not even reaching High Significant Moderate Basic Not even reaching High Significant Basic Not even reaching Jan 2015 4
Part III Other Information (more details can be provided separately in the teaching plan) 1. Keyword Syllabus (An indication of the key topics of the course.) Mobile computing. Wireless communications and networks. Multiplexing methods. Cellular networks. Cell design and frequency reuses. Mobility management. Telecommunication systems and architectures. Wireless LAN. Medium access control. Mobile/wireless TCP. Wireless power control algorithms. Software development tools for mobile apps in mobile devices. Syllabus 1. Basic issues in mobile computing: Supports for mobile communications and mobile computing. Limitations and characteristics of mobile networks. Development tools and devices. Balance between performance, energy-efficiency and quality of services. Latest development and current trends of mobile computing. 2. Mobile communications: Wireless transmission. Coding schemes and multiplexing. FDMA, CDMA and TDMA. Multipath propagation. Cell design and area planning for cellular networks. Frequency reuses and channel designs. 3. Networking technologies: The Internet, Telecommunication systems. Wireless LAN. IEEE 802.11 protocol. 4. Wireless cellular network and architectures: 2G, GPRS and 3G/4G networks, and current trends of mobile communications. System components and architectures. Mobility management. 5. Communication protocols: Mobile/wireless TCP. Media access control. Power control algorithms. 6. Mobile device technology: Mobile app programming, QR Code applications, Simple software development tools for mobile apps. 2. Reading List 2.1 Compulsory Readings (Compulsory readings can include books, book chapters, or journal/magazine articles. There are also collections of e-books, e-journals available from the CityU Library.) Jan 2015 1. Mischa Schwartz, Mobile Wireless Communications 1 st Edition, Cambridge University Press, 2005 5
2.2 Additional Readings (Additional references for students to learn to expand their knowledge about the subject.) 1. David Holber, Hal Abelson, Ellen Spertus and Liz Looney. App Inventor, O Reilly Media, 2014, 2 nd edition. Online resources: http://appinventor.mit.edu 2 William Stallings. Wireless Communications & Networks. Pearson, 2 nd edition. Jan 2015 6