Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - IAT 359 D100

Mobile Computing (4)

Class Number: 6366

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 8:30–11:20 a.m.
    Surrey

  • Prerequisites:

    Completion of 48 units, including IAT 265 with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to mobile computing and the development of applications for mobile environments. The three areas that will be covered in the course are mobile technologies, application development and user interaction in a mobile setting. Students will make use of mobile application frameworks and development environments to develop their own application and project, while reinforcing concepts covered in the lectures. Topics covered include mobile development environments, user interfaces, user experience and application development guidelines, gesture recognition, location, sensors, and graphics, and others, as will be outlined in the weekly schedule. Students with credit for CMPT 362 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

The course provides students with an introduction to mobile computing and the development of applications for mobile environments.

The three areas that will be covered in the course are mobile technologies, application development and user interaction in a mobile setting. Students will make use of mobile application frameworks and development environments to develop their own application and project, while reinforcing the concepts covered in the lectures. Topics covered include mobile development environments, user interfaces, user experience and application development guidelines, touch sensing, accelerometer-based gesture recognition, location, sensors, and graphics, and other, as will be outlined in the weekly schedule.

Note: This outline is a draft. A detailed and finalized course outline, including the weekly schedule, readings, and assessment details, will be provided during the first week of class.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

After completing this course, students will be able to:

  • Design and implement computing applications considering characteristics of mobile computing in the context of mobile architecture
  • Apply application development guidelines to ensure a smooth user experience
  • Integrate sensor capabilities of smartphones to support user experience

Grading

  • Assignments (individual) 25%
  • Participation (in-class short quizzes, exercises, discussions)) 10%
  • Quizzes (individual) 10%
  • Programming Project (pair or individual) 25%
  • Midterm Exam 30%

NOTES:

Learning Activities:
The course's learning activities include:

  • Weekly lectures
  • Course readings (textbook, canvas, electronic resources)
  • Workshop activities, exercises, worksheets
  • Quizzes
  • Assignments consisting of application of learned theory, problem solving and independent reading activities and research
  • Programming project
  • Midterm exam

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Reference Readings:

Course content (lecture slides, in-class activities, assignments, project) are available on Canvas.

Equipment:

 Mobile device and laptop requirement: 
 Students in this course will require access to a laptop and mobile device (Android or iOS phone). Each student should bring their laptop to each class. 

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.