Computer Science (COMP) 409

Overview

COMP 409: Mobile Computing and Commerce is a three-credit course that examines the technology and business aspects of mobile and wireless applications.

Mobile computing has become a key technology in today's world; cell phones, text messaging, and mobile PDAs such as the Blackberry have led to significant—some would say fundamental—changes in our lives. Mobile computing has also created, and will continue to create, significant changes for organizations. Understanding these changes and the opportunities and challenges that result is an important undertaking for those in today's organizations. As you explore mobile computing technologies in this course, you will come to understand the impact of mobile computing on organizations and the implications for management.

This course has two primary objectives. The first deals with the fundamentals of mobile technology, including radio, network and wireless communication, mobile computing applications, platforms and middleware, wireless LANs and PANs, wireless security, wireless positioning, and wireless management and support. The second primary objective, addressed mainly through readings and case studies, is to consider the impact of mobile technologies on organizational strategy, product and service offerings, and strategy execution.

Outline

COMP 409 consists of the following 10 lessons of study. Each lesson is designed to teach you the concepts, principles, and case-study skills that will enable you to learn the course objectives.

• Lesson 1: Introduction and Overview
• Lesson 2: Mobile Computing Applications
• Lesson 3: Mobile Computing Platforms
• Lesson 4: Wireless Network Principles
• Lesson 5: Wireless LAN and PAN
• Lesson 6: Cellular and Satellite Networks
• Lesson 7: Wireless Architectures
• Lesson 8: Wireless Security
• Lesson 9: Mobile Computing Strategic Planning
• Lesson 10: Mobile Computing Management and Support

Evaluation

To receive credit for COMP 409, you must achieve a mark of at least “D” (50 percent) on the Final Examination, and a composite course mark of at least a “D” (50 percent). The composite mark is weighted as follows:

The midterm and final examinations for this course must be taken online with an AU-approved exam invigilator at an approved invigilation centre. It is your responsibility to ensure your chosen invigilation centre can accommodate online exams. For a list of invigilators who can accommodate online exams, visit the Exam Invigilation Network.

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.