Internet of Things: An Introduction - Online short courses

Program Overview

This program provides a comprehensive introduction to the Internet of Things and Pervasive Computing. It covers the principles, technologies, and applications of these emerging fields. Students will develop transferable skills through discussion forums and assess their knowledge through coursework, including essays, research reports, and practical exercises. The program also offers opportunities for real-world application through design and construction exercises or research-informed case studies.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This course provides a practical, interdisciplinary introduction to the Internet of Things and to the broader area of Pervasive Computing. It adopts a research-infused curriculum and expects regular contributions to the virtual classroom's Discussion Forum. This fosters the acquisition of a broad range of highly transferable skills.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate competence in understanding the principles, techniques, protocols, and technologies underpinning the Internet of Things.
• Critically appraise the strengths and weaknesses of the concepts and potential social and ethical ramifications of the Internet of Things and Pervasive Computing in general.
• Critically evaluate the benefits that the Internet of Things and Pervasive Computing offer in advancing indicative areas of application.

Assessment:

This course is assessed through 100% coursework with a range of methods, such as essays, research reports, presentations, group work, and practical reports. These are handed in and assessed at the end of the 10-week trimester. There will be 1/2 virtual classrooms over the 10-week trimester, and if you are unable to attend, you can download the session to view in your own time.

Other:

• The concept of an ‘Internet of Things’ (often discussed within the framework of ‘Pervasive’ and ‘Ubiquitous’ forms of computing) relates to the development, deployment, and operation of a broad spectrum of Internet-connected devices that can communicate with applications, with each other, and with the environment.
• The pervasive use of interconnected and intercommunicating sensory technologies offers great opportunities for business, governmental agencies, and individuals.
• There are a number of ongoing challenges, including reliability, data handling, security, and impact on personal privacy.
• As part of the assessment for this course, you will have the opportunity to carry out a design and construction exercise in which you will develop and program one or more Internet-connected devices (usually based on the Arduino or Raspberry Pi technologies).
Alternatively, you will undertake a research-informed case study involving research into specific topics.
• For this short online course, we recommend about 20 hours of study per week to complete one 20-credit module over a 10-week trimester.