Module: App Development

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	App Development
Module Code	CSC1113 (ITS: CA4094)
Faculty	Computing	School	Engineering & Computing
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5

Description

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the development of apps and the use of appropriate technologies. Students will consolidate their existing development knowledge and skills in the context of app development, and develop prototype apps as part of a team.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe and distinguish between the architectures and development environments of popular desktop and mobile platforms.
2. Design, implement and deploy apps.
3. Select and use appropriate tools in the development and marketing of apps.
4. Work collaboratively in a small apps development team.
5. Explain the role of the Cloud in app development as it applies to app development.
6. Explain the unique aspects of mobile user interfaces and context awareness, and their use in achieving quality user Pre-requis

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Directed learning	36	Weekly workshops and presentations
Group work	65	Apps development project
Independent Study	86	Individual study
Total Workload: 187

Section Breakdown
CRN	10611	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Dongyun Nie	Module Teacher	Denise Freir, Michael Scriney

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Presentation	Individual presentation to the class of a major aspect/feature of their chosen apps platform.	10%	n/a
Presentation	Team demonstration of the chosen app.	20%	Sem 1 End
Project	Design and implementation of a prototype web app as part of a team	70%	Sem 1 End

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Apps Development Platforms
Overview of major apps ecosystems.

Considering whether to use native or web-based development ecosystems

considerations of desktop and mobile development

Group Project
Team formation, project requirements and platform selection.

Overview of Development tools
Overview of programming languages (Python, Java,Objective-C, Javascript... ) and development environments (Xcode, Android Studio, Visual Studio Code, ...) used in apps development.

User interface and User Experience
UI principles, patterns and platform guidelines. Unique features of mobile HCI and the user experience (UX). Tools for designing user interfaces. Accessibility.

Data Management
Local databases and file storage.

Leveraging cloud technologies.

Security
Consideration of Platform security and "sandboxes". Cryptography, cryptographic keys and security protocols.

Multimedia
Images, videos and audio. Using canvases and 3D graphics. Multimodal interaction in mobile apps.

Location Based Services
Using location information and context awareness. Maps and other location-based services.

Version Control and Testing
use of appropriate version control methods.

testing on various devices and platforms.

App deployment
Deploying to app stores and marketing.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None