Module ICE-3501:
Internet of Things

Module Facts

Run by School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering

20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 2

Organiser: Dr David Edward Perkins

Overall aims and purpose

Understand the technologies behind the buzzword. Provide the learner with the knowledge and skills necessary to prototype Internet of Things deployments for real environments.

Course content

Indicative content includes:

  • Behind the buzzword, the 'what' and the 'why' of IoT.
  • Architecture of an IoT deployment.
  • Information at different scales, from single data points to sensor networks for big data.
  • Looking at a range of communication options.
  • Security, influences and impact.
  • Exploring the server side, prototyping with open platforms.
  • Prototyping devices with a network connection.
  • Prototyping lower cost, low bandwidth, low power devices for scale.

Assessment Criteria

excellent

Equivalent to the range 70%+. Assemble critically evaluated, relevent areas of knowledge and theory to constuct professional-level solutions to tasks and questions presented. Is able to cross-link themes and aspects to draw considered conclusions. Presents outputs in a cohesive, accurate, and efficient manner.

threshold

Equivalent to 40%. Uses key areas of theory or knowledge to meet the Learning Outcomes of the module. Is able to formulate an appropriate solution to accurately solve tasks and questions. Can identify individual aspects, but lacks an awareness of links between them and the wider contexts. Outputs can be understood, but lack structure and/or coherence.

good

Equivalent to the range 60%-69%. Is able to analyse a task or problem to decide which aspects of theory and knowledge to apply. Solutions are of a workable quality, demonstrating understanding of underlying principles. Major themes can be linked appropriately but may not be able to extend this to individual aspects. Outputs are readily understood, with an appropriate structure but may lack sophistication.

Learning outcomes

  1. Illustrate the processing flow of information from IoT devices to an end-user.

  2. Construct a server to act as a conduit between an IoT device and it's user.

  3. Understand the why and the what of Internet of Things [IoT]. Be able to describe a typical architecture for an IoT deployment.

  4. Differentiate methods of communications in an IoT deployment, and their possible pros/cons.

  5. Contrast the costs, in time and effort, of securing IoT deployments.

  6. Prototype simple IoT devices using common development boards.

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
COURSEWORK Internet of Things Infographic

Produce a single page, graphic rich description of the Internet of Things.

 10.00
LOGBOOK OR PORTFOLIO IoT Solutions Portfolio

Using the tools provided, respond to three briefs exploring the Internet of Things. Briefs will demand variety in the approach used to solve each problems presented. Each problem will require an end to end solution from IoT device, through network infrastructure to a human centred interface.

 90.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Private study

Tutor-directed private study including individual assessments.

 152
Seminar

Seminars explaining a principle leading to a technical workshop.

 12
Laboratory

Practical workshops.

 36

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.

Subject specific skills

  • Identify emerging technologies and technology trends;
  • Apply underpinning concepts and ideas of engineering;
  • Assess and choose optimal methods and approaches for the specification, design, implementation and evaluation of engineering solutions, especially ones that include embedded microprocessors
  • Formulate and analyse requirements and practical constraints of products, processes and services, place them in an engineering context and manage their implementation;
  • Solve problems logically and systematically;
  • Systematically review factors affecting the implementation of a project, including safety and sustainability;
  • Appreciate the importance of designing products with due regard to good laboratory practice, health and safety considerations and ethical issues.
  • Use both verbal and written communication skills to different target audiences;
  • Communicate proposals persuasively and respond positively to feedback;
  • Analyse and display data using appropriate methods and mathematical techniques;
  • Demonstrate familiarity with relevant subject specific and general computer software packages.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of current advances and contemporary approaches in the discipline and have strategies for keeping that awareness current;
  • Demonstrate an awareness of the need to work safely and comply within relevant legislative and regulatory frameworks;
  • Knowledge and understanding of facts, concepts, principles & theories
  • Use of such knowledge in modelling and design
  • Problem solving strategies
  • Analyse if/how a system meets current and future requirements
  • Deploy theory in design, implementation and evaluation of systems
  • Knowledge of information security issues
  • Specify, design or construct computer-based systems
  • Evaluate systems in terms of quality and trade-offs
  • Recognise risk/safety for safe operation of computing equipment
  • Deploy tools effectively
  • Development of general transferable skills
  • Deploy systems to meet business goals
  • Methods, techniques and tools for information modelling, management and security
  • Knowledge of systems architecture
  • Specify, deploy, verify and maintain information systems
  • System Design
  • Specify, deploy, verify and maintain computer-based systems

Courses including this module

Optional in courses: