Module Details

Module Code: COMP6043
Title: Physical Computing
Long Title: Physical Computing
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2022/23 ( January 2023 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4811 - Computer Science
Module Delivered in: 7 programme(s)
Module Description: Physical computing refers to computer systems that can sense and respond to the analog world. This module studies the key elements that comprise such systems (e.g. sensors, actuators, microcontrollers, microprocessors, memory, and communication protocols), in addition to more general computer hardware topics such as storage and peripheral devices. Additionally, students will learn how to program such systems to interact with the physical environment and/or human interfaces.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe the operation and applications of fundamental electronic components.
LO2 Explain the process by which a digital computer system interacts with an analog physical environment.
LO3 Discuss the principal components that make up a computer system and how they are interconnected to achieve a level of functionality and performance.
LO4 Outline the common communication protocols used in computer systems, both over wired and wireless connections.
LO5 Design and build simple single-board computer and microcontroller-based applications that interact with the physical environment.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Electronic Circuits and Components
Basics of electricity, resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors.
Analog/Digital Interface
Analog/digital signals, ADCs, DACs, sensors (e.g. acoustic, accelerometers, gyroscopes, TPH, light, touchscreen, position, proximity), actuators (e.g. DC motors, servo motors, stepper motors, LCDs).
System Components and Architecture
Memory, CPUs, I/O systems, storage devices, firmware (e.g. BIOS).
Communication Methods
UART, SPI, I2C, WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee.
Physical Computing Applications
Development of single-board computer and microcontroller-based applications to sense and control physical devices (e.g. using Raspberry Pis and/or Arduino kits). Applications may also require students to interconnect computer systems (e.g. interface a Raspberry Pi with an Arduino board) to build a larger system.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 35
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
An in-class examination that will require the student to demonstrate understanding of electronic circuits and components, analog/digital interfaces, basic elements of a computer system and how a given microcontroller/SBC (e.g. Arduino and/or Raspberry Pi) may be used to sense and control physical devices.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 25
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,5
Assessment Description
Weekly assessed laboratory practicals developing physical computing applications. Laboratory practicals will require students to build input and output circuits to interface with a microcontroller and/or SBC, and program the microcontroller/SBC to achieve a given functionality.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
An end-of-semester in-lab exam that will require the student to develop a practical physical computing application (using, for example, Arduinos, Raspberry Pis and interfacing electronic circuits), and answer related theory questions to test their understanding of concepts covered throughout the module.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lectures delivering the theory underpinning the learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Lab supporting the learning outcomes and content delivered in lectures. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent study. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lectures delivering the theory underpinning the learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Lab supporting the learning outcomes and content delivered in lectures. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent study. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Paul Scherz and Simon Monk. (2016), Practical Electronics for Inventors, 4th. McGraw-Hill Education, [ISBN: 9781259587542].
  • Simon Monk. (2017), Electronics Cookbook: Practical Electronic Recipes with Arduino and Raspberry Pi, 1st. O'Reilly Media, [ISBN: 9781491953402].
  • David L. Tarnoff. (2006), Computer Organization and Design Fundamentals, 1st. Lulu.com, [ISBN: 9781411636903].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • John Boxall. (2021), Arduino Workshop: A Hands-On Introduction with 65 Projects, 2nd. No Starch Press, [ISBN: 9781718500587].
  • Simon Monk. (2019), Raspberry Pi Cookbook: Software and Hardware Problems and Solutions, 3rd. O'Reilly Media, [ISBN: 9781492043195].
  • Simon Monk. (2022), Programming Arduino: Getting Started with Sketches, 3rd. McGraw-Hill Education, [ISBN: 9781264676989].
  • Simon Monk. (2021), Programming the Raspberry Pi: Getting Started with Python, 3rd. McGraw-Hill Professional, [ISBN: 9781264257362].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_KSDEV_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Software Development 2 Mandatory
CR_KDNET_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Systems 2 Mandatory
CR_KITMN_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in IT Management and Cybersecurity 2 Mandatory
CR_KWEBD_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Web Development 2 Mandatory
CR_KITSP_7 Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Cybersecurity 2 Mandatory
CR_KCOMP_7 Bachelor of Science in Software Development 2 Mandatory
CR_KCOME_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Software Development 2 Mandatory