Mobile Application Design & Development
Overview
Mobile application development is quickly evolving and growing to meet the demand of today’s marketplace. The Mobile Application & Design Development Ontario College Graduate Certificate program will allow students the opportunity to develop a wide variety of skills in applications for mobile and tablet devices. Curriculum focuses on mobile application development topics, and becomes increasingly in-depth to allow students to develop the skills employers demand.
Initial curriculum focuses on platform-based development including iOS and Android applications. Various client-side development tools are introduced such as HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript, as well as server-side programming to complement mobile application development. The focus will be on open source development based on PHP and MySQL.
In the second term, curriculum is based on various applied courses and team projects to ensure the continued development of critical skills in publishing their native, game and cross-platform mobile applications on both the App Store and Android Market. The third term curriculum focuses on user-experience design, web security, online mobile marketing, user interface design and native smartphone application development utilizing the latest standard web technologies. To synthesize all student learning outcomes, the co-op work term or the applied project provides the components necessary to improve graduate employability competencies.
In this program, graduates develop their problem solving skills to analyze business requirements and design, develop and implement real-life mobile applications. In addition, students expand their business and communication skills through participating in collaborative team projects.
Admission Requirements
- A university degree
The admissions process is competitive and meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.
Lambton College reserves the right to alter information including admission requirements and to cancel a program or course at any time; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies or changes in the job market; to change the pathways to third-party certification bodies; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations or over-acceptance of offers of admission. In the event Lambton College exercises such a right, Lambton College's sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to Lambton College.English Language Requirements
- IELTS of 6.5
- or -
- TOEFL iBT 79
- or -
- Passed Lambton Institute of English placement test
Meeting the minimum English requirements does not guarantee admission. Students with higher English proficiency scores will receive priority in the admission assessment process.
Costs
Technology Requirements
In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, Lambton College requires that each student have access to a laptop while studying at our college.
Courses
Database Design
The concepts and design methodologies for modeling relational databases are introduced. Students analyze user requirements and construct conceptual, logical, and physical data models; employ Data Definition Language (DDL) to create, modify, and remove database objects; employ Data Manipulation Language (DML) to perform CRUD (Create, Read, Update, and Delete) operations on a database; and prepare technical documentation for a database project.
Programming Java
Various components of Java object -oriented programming language are introduced. Students (1) develop solutions using data types, I/O, control structures, methods, and objects; (2) work with arrays, reference types, inheritance, polymorphism, GUI applications and recursion; and (3) documents solutions with javadoc comments.
Introduction to Swift Programming
Swift is an exciting and dynamic approach to object-oriented programming. It is the latest approach adopted by Apple as the foundation for programming on Mac platform. In addition to covering the essentials of Swift syntax, this course introduces students to important facets of the language such as memory management, dynamic loading, distributed objects, and exception handling. During the course students will develop various small applications based on Swift
iOS Programming Fundamentals
This course guides students through the essential concepts, tools, and techniques for developing iOS applications. Students start with the Model-View-Controller (MVC) development paradigm, and visually design and implement interfaces using Xcode Storyboards, Segues, and the iOS Object Library. Students also build advanced UIs with Tables, Split Views, Navigation Controllers, and other tools. During the course students will build basic applications using the latest iOS SDK for iPhone, iPod and iPad.
Android Development Fundamentals
This course covers a wide range of topics starting from building applications for embedded devices, phones, and tablets to more advanced concepts such as multi-tasking. In this course, students also explore and use the Android APIs, including APIs for the improved UI across all Android platforms, packages, handlers, the AsyncTask, and integration with services. This will equip students with the skills to create cutting-edge applications, while also keeping them agile to respond to changes in the future. During the course students will build basic mobile applications using the latest Android SDK for Android phones and tablets.
Mobile Browser Application Development
This hands-on course provides the skills and knowledge necessary to create mobile web applications for today's most popular smart phone devices. This course focuses on working with HTML5, one of the best advancements to hit the web since its inception. CSS and JavaScript are also covered in detail. The course will also focus on the mobile web by covering more complex features, including multimedia and interactive functionality. Students will also learn how to validate HTML form fields, create a JavaScript quiz, build a mobile search page, implement a mobile blogging interface, and create a shopping cart.
Advanced iOS Application Development
This Advanced iOS course goes beyond programming fundamentals and delves into more advanced topics such as developing database applications using Core data, pulling data from web servers, and building advanced location-based feature sets. The course also focuses on mobile security, online payment, and explores the options available to incorporate in-app purchasing or drive users to a third party platform. The process of deploying applications to physical devices and testers, and publishing them on the App Store is also covered.
Advanced Android Application Development
This course goes beyond programming fundamentals and explores more advanced topics of the Android platform. Students will explore GPS functionality, accelerometers, communication abilities, user-hardware interaction, location-based services, and background services to help them construct increasingly complex and innovative mobile applications for Android phones and tablets. We will also discuss mobile security and online payment processing as it relates to the Android platform, including its limitations, and what security parameters are required. During this course, students will deploy their applications on a physical device and also go through the process of application publishing to the Android Market by publishing their own application.
The Business of Mobile Application Development
The design and development of mobile websites and applications eventually needs to move beyond the classroom. This course discusses the mobile landscape from a business point of view. Mobile application marketplaces, online marketing, locating funding and becoming an entrepreneur are just a few of the topics this course covers. Students work together to explore how all these topics impact mobile development projects.
Mobile Development and Design Capstone Project I
This capstone course is for students completing the Mobile Application Design and Development program. It is an opportunity for participants to integrate concepts learned throughout the courses into a final capstone project. Small groups of students work as a team to design and document a complete mobile solution (back-end database coupled with mobile application, etc.). The design must be supported by documented market research, a marketing plan and a business plan. A faculty advisor will meet regularly with the group to ensure the process is properly managed and a plan is followed.
Co-op Preparation and Success
This course provides students with an introduction to work-integrated learning paths (Co-op and WIL Project) and assists with the preparation for successful transitioning from the classroom to the professional workplace. Students are introduced to the services and support systems available through the Co-op and Career Services Department as well as the Work Integrated Learning Policy. The process of career planning and development is introduced with a focus on the design of preliminary job search strategies. Emphasis is placed on valuable self-assessment and reflection that allows for skills discovery and personal development. Topics including teamwork, interpersonal expectations, intercultural communication as well as navigating conflict in the workplace are introduced to assist in the development and enhancement of in-demand soft skills. Learners will develop marketing materials including a cover letter and resume, and practice interview techniques.
Software Quality Assurance Testing
This course is an introduction to the principles of software quality assurance. The course addresses the concepts and practices of a software quality assurance function, as well as those aspects of project management, software design, and testing and configuration management, as applicable to the development of quality software products.
Mobile Development and Design Capstone Project II
This course is the culmination of the all material learned in the program. In this project-based course, students design, develop, and publish an app that showcases the knowledge and skills gained throughout the program. All students must produce a ready-to-publish mobile application in a platform of their choice such as iOS, Android or cross platform.
Mobile Frontend Development
This course exposes students to client-side mobile app development using JavaScript. Students learn the principles of WORE (write once, deploy everywhere), develop their skills in modern frameworks, and contrast the differences between native and cross platform mobile application development.
Mobile Backend Development
In this course, students explore how to architect the backend component of a mobile application using server-side JavaScript frameworks. Topics covered include Node.js, Express.js, No-SQL databases, and API integration.
Javascript Fundamentals
In this course students gain fundamental skills necessary to develop mobile and web applications using JavaScript. This course exposes students to JavaScript programming language, from variables to data structures. Students develop their problem solving and algorithm development abilities in an event-based environment. Course also covers aspects of object oriented programming, event handling, and debugging.
Work Term Full-Time
Co-operative education provides students with the opportunity to apply classroom learning to the workplace, undertake career sampling and gain valuable work experience that may assist students in leveraging employment after graduation.
WIL Project
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Project is aimed at enriching students by connecting different program areas of study, cutting across subject-matter lines, and emphasizing unifying concepts. The focus of the WIL Project is to make connections between study and industry by engaging students in relevant and meaningful activities that are connected to and practiced within the professional workplace. WIL Project allows students to enhance and strengthen their employability prospects post-graduation by fine tuning skills and knowledge and meeting the expectations of today's employers. Students are required to attend the scheduled shifts in the WIL office, reporting to the WIL Supervisor. Weekly real-world challenges are presented in the WIL office, designed by industry professionals. In addition to the weekly assigned deliverables, students are also offered professional development sessions, and exposed to industry guest speakers, enhancing their opportunity to develop their professional network.
Contact
Centre for Global Engagement
LAMBTON COLLEGE SARNIA
1457 London Road
Sarnia ON N7S 6K4
After Graduation
Co-op
More Information
Technology Requirements
It is recommended that you use a Windows laptop for your coursework. While other devices like MacBooks or Chromebooks might work for some tasks, they may not support all the software required for your program. If you're unsure, check with your professors before buying.
Internet Speed Requirements
To get the best experience while learning online, we recommend having an internet connection with at least 40 Mbps download speed and 10 Mbps upload speed. This will help you use video calls, attend online lectures, and access other learning tools smoothly.
Because students live in many different areas, we can't suggest a specific internet provider. You'll need to check with local companies to find one that works best for you.
Laptop Requirements
In order to access the internet and virtually-delivered software and courseware, student laptops should include the following at a minimum. By meeting the following specifications, students will be equipped to access software and courseware on their laptop through the internet:
- Intel i5 8th Gen Processor or equivalent
- 8GB of RAM
- 100 GB HDD or more
- Webcam with a microphone
- Wi-Fi capable (802.11n/ac 5GHz)
- Windows 11 operating system
Mobile Device
Students will require a mobile device (smartphone) for:
- Accessing your digital student ID
- Using campus applications and services
Software
To ensure students are getting the most our of their classroom experience, some software will be required.
Lambton College has made this software easily accessible online. Students can leverage our Microsoft Office 365 software packages and services. In addition, much of the software you require for your courses will be available on demand for use on any device - on or off campus.