Module Code: H9MAS
Long Title Mobile Architecture and Security
Title Mobile Architecture and Security
Module Level: LEVEL 9
EQF Level: 7
EHEA Level: Second Cycle
Credits: 10
Module Coordinator:  
Module Author: Margarete Silva
Departments: School of Computing
Specifications of the qualifications and experience required of staff  
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Analyse the challenges associated with the development of mobile applications and determine architectural solutions to overcome these challenges
LO2 Devise and implement technical strategies to support secure mobile application requirements.
LO3 Investigate and evaluate design patterns and architectural patterns for mobile applications
LO4 Investigate and evaluate infrastructural requirements to facilitate the deployment, performance, and security of mobile applications.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is required before enrolment on this module. While the prior learning is expressed as named NCI module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Entry requirements  
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Mobile Application Architecture (15%)
• Key mobile application components • Design considerations for mobile applications • Performance considerations • Architectural patterns and design patterns applicable to mobile solutions • Implementation technologies.
Architectural Components (15%)
• Design principles of application architecture • Architectural reference frames and exploration of key application components • Strategies to support application requirements (e.g., caching, message-based communications, exception management, instrumentation) • Authentication and authorisation • Mapping requirements to patterns • Layered architecture.
Presentation Layer (10%)
• Presentation layer requirements • Choice of UI technology • MVC, MVP, Presentation Model architectural patterns • Input validation • Presentation layer security.
Business Logic Layer (10%)
• Business layer requirements • Business entities • Business layer architectural patterns • Workflow and business rules implementation • Business layer security.
Data Access Layer (10%)
• Data Access layer requirements • Local and non-local storage of data • Structured, semi-structured, non-structured data • External service integration • Approaches to performance optimisation and data transfer strategies • Data access layer security.
Service Layer (15%)
• Service interface types • Web service technologies (e.g., REST, SOAP) • Service oriented architecture • Service layer patterns (e.g., messaging patterns, application integration patterns) • Service design considerations (e.g., handling requests idempotently, handling loss of connection) • Service layer security.
Mobile Communications (15%)
• Distributed applications and communication infrastructure requirements • Direct communication vs. Message based communication • Data formats, serialisation and communication protocols • Synchronisation • Security considerations • Performance and reliability considerations.
Deployment (10%)
• Factors influencing deployment • Physical environments • Security and performance • Deployment of application components to mobile devices • Distributed and non-distributed deployment options • Scale-up vs. Scale-out • Load-balancing • Network infrastructure • Cloud based deployment options.
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Assessment50.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Coursework
Assessment Type: Project (0050) % of total: 50
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
Learners will be assessed through a project with both practical and research elements
End of Module Assessment
Assessment Type: Terminal Exam % of total: 50
Assessment Date: End-of-Semester Outcome addressed: 1,4
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
End-of-Semester Final Examination
No Workplace Assessment
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

NCIRL reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Module Target Workload Hours 0 Hours
Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture No Description 2 Every Week 2.00
Tutorial No Description 2 Every Week 2.00
Independent Learning No Description 17 Every Week 17.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture No Description 2 Every Week 2.00
Tutorial No Description 2 Every Week 2.00
Independent Learning No Description 17 Every Week 17.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 

Module Resources

Recommended Book Resources
  • Dino Esposito. (2012), Architecting Mobile Solutions for the Enterprise, Microsoft Press.
  • Robert Daigneau. (2011), Service Design Patterns: Fundamental Design Solutions for SOAP/WSDL and RESTful Web Services, Addison-Wesley Professional.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Brian Fling. (2009), Mobile Design and Development: Practical Concepts and Techniques for Creating Mobile Sites and Web Apps, O’Reilly Media.
  • Anup Kumar, Bin Xie. (2012), Handbook of Mobile Systems Applications and Services, Auerbach Publications.
  • Martin Fowler. (2003), Patterns of Enterprise Application Architecture, Addison-Wesley Professional.
  • Microsoft Patterns and Practices Team. (2009), Microsoft Application Architecture Guide (Note: available for free download at http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=16236), 2nd Edition. Microsoft Press.
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
This module does not have any other resources
Discussion Note: