FIT1044 is a core unit in the Mobile Communications major being introduced by the South Africa School of IT, as part of the new Bachelor of IT degree.

Introduced as part of course architecture programs. Effective Semester 1, 2016.

5 April 2017: Examination hours updated to meet new University Examination Procedures. Effective S2 2017.

25/06/2018: Admin - adding reasons for change - Update to assessment removing the 30 minute reading and noting time from the exam.

19/9/2019: Admin - updating exam duration to include additional 10 minutes as per University requirement.

03/02/20: Admin - minor amendment to wording of workload activity. Removing mention of practical, as they do not run in this unit.

4/5/2020: As the MSA course 4307 Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences is in teach-out, the MSA offering of this unit has been re-coded to FZA1044 effective Semester 2, 2020. These units will be managed by South Africa and therefore no separate Monatar entries will be made

30/09/2020 Admin: Update to include new assessment and teaching approach fields as per Handbook requirements.

19/11/2020: Admin - this unit was disestablished at FEC 5/20 on 12/11/2020 as it is no longer required.

This unit is a level 1 requirement for the Mobile Communications major. It will introduce students to the basic concepts and knowledge of mobile communication and mobile computing, and provides a background for FIT2089 Mobile networks and FIT3160 Mobile data management.

At the completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Define and Demonstrate the basic concepts of mobile communications
2. Identify and describe the implications and evolution of wireless communication and pervasive and ubiquitous computing
3. Identify, describe and illustrate the components and concepts of wireless communication technologies
4. Identify, define and differentiate the operation and processes of wireless communication
5. Differentiate, classify and distinguish between existing wireless network standards
6. Identify, classify and distinguish between different types of mobile devices
7. Identify, describe and illustrate the benefits and challenges of mobile communications e.g. propagation issues, interference, security etc.
8. Define and explain the use of data in mobile communications I
9. Discriminate benefits and challenges relating to the storage of mobile data
10. Appraise social aspects of mobile communication
11. Interpret and report on the impact of mobile communications

020300

This unit introduces the basic concepts and knowledge of mobile communication and mobile computing, and the principles of pervasive and ubiquitous computing. Mobiles in this unit does not only refer to phones, but to any connected artifact that is not fixed to a location. The Internet-of-Things is an important aspect. Themes covered include the evolution of wireless communication technology, and the nature and types of mobile devices and smart clients. Fundamental operational concepts of wireless communication, mobile data, mobile operating systems and mobile applications will be introduced. An overview of mobile standards and protocols will be covered, as well as an introduction to wireless languages.

An approach of Student Created Content (SCC) will be used as a tool to find resources that will be shared among students. The resources will become part of the student portfolios. The following steps will be implemented:

An eReader will be compiled with the assistance of the MSA Library.

Recommended resources

Both lecture and tutorial sessions will be conducted in PC Labs. Students are encouraged to use their own personal laptops.

On-campus, Blended.

The dominant method of teaching will be the flipped classroom, while Student Created Content (SCC) will be presented in e-portfolios that will be assessed.

Lecture and tutorials or problem classes:

This teaching and learning approach provides facilitated learning, practical exploration and peer learning. Given a social-constructivist approach to learning, students are expected to take the lead in their learning, while the lecturer will serve in the role of guide and facilitator of the learning experience. This approach differs from traditional teaching in several aspects. Learning is based on enquiry and exploration, often in group context.

Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes): 50%: In-semester assessment: 50%

1. Class activities and exercises: 25%
2. Class test: 25%
3. Examination: 50%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

(a.) Contact hours for on-campus students:

(b.) Additional requirements (all students):

Lectures should precede tutorials in each week.