Designing Sensor-Based Systems
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| COMP4104 | Computer Science | 4 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- COMP4104
- School
- Computer Science
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
Sensors and sensing systems are increasingly embedded into our everyday lives. We carry a vast range of sensors around in mobile devices, but also we encounter them in all sorts of places: in cities, workplaces, cars and homes. This module focusses on exploring the impact of nascent ideas of ubiquitous computing in the 1990s (in which digital materials appear embedded into the everyday physical world), and how this relates to more recent notions like the Internet of Things (IoT) and cyber-physical systems. A core feature of all these ideas in computing is the use of sensor and actuation technologies to embed the digital into the physical, social world, as well as representing that physical, social world in digital systems.
You will learn to analyse and critically assess existing and anticipated developments in ubiquitous computing technologies. You will gain knowledge and hands-on experience of design and technical development of sensor-based systems. You will learn about the Human-Computer Interaction challenges that need to be considered when designing and implementing ubiquitous computing systems, so as to create effective, appropriate and compelling user experiences.
Target Students
Available to Level 3 and 4 students in the School of Computer Science. This module is not available to students not listed above without explicit approval from the module convenor(s). This module is part of the Human-Computer Interaction theme in the School of Computer Science.
Assessment
- 40% Coursework 1: Via a series of essays, critically examine research literature, IoT products and services, and future visions of technology. Reassessment for the module will be 100% coursework.
- 60% Coursework 2: Design, build and reflect on an example of ubiquitous computing/IoT systems. Document this in a 2000-word individual report.Reassessment for the module will be 100% coursework.
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
To develop an understanding of the nature and scope of the field of ubiquitous computing, the IoT, and the design of cyber-physical systems and their relevance to a variety of market sectors for computing.To develop core design, data analysis and programming skills required for the design and prototyping of engaging, effective, appropriate ubicomp applications.To appreciate and evaluate the real-world interactional, social and ethical impacts upon humans in the design and application of ubiquitous computing systems.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
- Knowledge and understanding of the definition and techniques of ubiquitous computing, IoT and sensing systems design.
Intellectual Skills
- The ability to analyse which kinds of ubiquitous computing and sensing systems design is appropriate to a given application and setting.
- To design, prototype and reflect on human experiences with ubiquitous computing and sensing systems to choose and integrate appropriate technologies, and to identify and resolve key challenges concerning human-computer interaction.
Professional Skills
- To design and implement prototype ubiquitous computing and sensor-based systems, taking into account user, task, system requirements, and constraints.
- To recognise the ethical issues involved in the design, prototyping, development and deployment of such systems.
- To understand choice of sensors and analysis of sensor data for ubiquitous interaction.
Transferable Skills
- To think independently while giving due weight to the arguments of others.
- To understand complex ideas and relate them to specific problems or questions.
- To communicate effectively in writing (reports, proposals, etc.).
Conveners
- Dr Stuart Reeves
- Dr Joseph Marshall