Mobile social networks (aka. MSN) such as Twitter, Instagram and Foursquare have experienced exponential growth in recent years.  These MSNs offer attractive means, such as online service, platform, or site that focuses on facilitating the building of social networks or social relations among people who, for example, share interests, activities, backgrounds, or real-life connections.

This course aims to provide introduction level knowledge about the phenomenal “social” trend.  The wide spectrum materials to be covered include: different levels of service models of MSN; the major underlying technologies and driving forces that support MSN, including both the technological and business perspectives; obstacles that might inhibit the growth and monetisation of MSN. The legal, ethical and societal aspects of social network security and privacy will also be discussed.  Learning activities include lectures, group projects, case studies, hands-on assignment, and tutorial sessions.