Ubiquitous Computing

Ubiquitous Computing - 3 year (G404)
Ubiquitous Computing - 4 year (G405)

Ubiquitous Computing

The Ubiquitous Computing degree concerns emerging technologies for mobile and very lightweight computing systems. Mobile phones and PDAs form the backbone of this revolution, but the emergence of personal area networks of extremely lightweight (physically and computationally) components makes possible completely new applications and technologies.

Application areas include distributed enterprise systems that exchange important information between mobile phones/PDAs and corporate databases, games for mobile devices and personal networks of wearable components based on short-range wireless (Bluetooth) enabled micro-controllers. This degree scheme explores these technologies and organisational challenges at the software and network levels. It focuses on technological solutions but also emphasises ethical considerations and user interaction.

This combines a rounded view of new technologies with realistic and responsible attitudes to their deployment.

The Ubiquitous Computing degree will give you a firm foundation in computing skills, including:

• Software design and Java programming
• Web programming
• An introduction to operating systems, including Unix
• Database management systems

It also emphasises specialised skills in the following areas:

• C and C++ programming for mobile devices
• Communications and telematics
• Hardware (including Bluetooth and other wireless technologies)
• Mobile, embedded and wearable programming
• Small real-time systems
• Ubiquitous computing

Final year projects: 

Some of our previous students have recently completed the following final year projects:

• “Grobbits” mobile phone game: a Pac-man like game with innovative graphics and sound to download from the Web and run on a mobile phone
• Fitness planning software: a web-based system to generate individual fitness plans based on readings from a Bluetooth enabled heart rate monitor and send daily exercises to clients by mobile phone

Career Opportunities

The Ubiquitous Computing degree will provide you with the appropriate skills for any typical job in the software industry. Its particular emphasis will also give you a head start when applying for jobs in areas like:

• Programming applications/games for mobile phones
• Building distributed enterprise systems linked to phones or PDAs
• Building lightweight distributed computing applications such as sensor networks and wearable computer systems.