Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - IAT 882 G100

Special Topics II (3)

Mobile computing & app development

Class Number: 6439

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

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

Description

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.

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
  • Final 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).

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.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

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.