Course Title: Wireless Sensor Networks and the Internet of Things

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Wireless Sensor Networks and the Internet of Things

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

EEET2370

City Campus

Undergraduate

125H Electrical & Computer Engineering

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2011,
Sem 2 2012,
Sem 2 2013,
Sem 2 2014,
Sem 2 2015,
Sem 2 2016

EEET2370

City Campus

Undergraduate

172H School of Engineering

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2017,
Sem 2 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 1 2021,
Sem 1 2023,
Sem 1 2024

EEET2371

City Campus

Postgraduate

125H Electrical & Computer Engineering

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2011,
Sem 2 2012,
Sem 2 2013,
Sem 2 2014,
Sem 2 2015,
Sem 2 2016

EEET2371

City Campus

Postgraduate

172H School of Engineering

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2017,
Sem 2 2018,
Sem 2 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 1 2021,
Sem 1 2023,
Sem 1 2024

Course Coordinator: Dr Akram Hourani

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 9640

Course Coordinator Email: akram.hourani@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: B012 F08 R014

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

It is recommended that you have successfully completed EEET2368 Network Fundamentals and Applications or EEET2254 Communication Engineering 1 or equivalent. This are not enforced pre-requisites but are highly recommended.

It will be assumed that you have basic C/C++ programming experience, basic MATLAB experience, and have fundamental knowledge of TCP/IP networks, and electronics.


Course Description

Internet-of-Things networks generally consist of compact low-power sensors, which collect information and it via wireless access networks to a cloud system. This typical architecture achieves a high level of desired monitoring and control in a coordinated manner. Designing IoT systems requires integrated skills in network engineering, embedded system engineering, wireless networks and cloud computing. IoT applications can be found in areas such as environmental monitoring, smart energy systems, industry / home automation, agriculture and smart cities.  

This course covers the fundamentals of IoT systems with emphasis on translating theoretical bases into practical network design and technologies. It covers the bigger picture of IoT systems with a focus on wireless IoT technologies, network design, system architecture and hardware implementation, where you will be developing small-scale IoT networks and devices in the accompanying laboratory.

After completing this course, you should understand the principles, technologies, and applications of IoT networks have the fundamental knowledge to design a wireless IoT access network. 

Contents of the course:

  • IoT applications and architecture
  • Wireless IoT access technologies and designs for IoT networks (LPWAN and Cellular)
  • Implementation and requirements for of IoT devices
  • IoT devices energy consumption analysis
  • IoT networks and platforms

Please note that if you take this course for a bachelor honours program, your overall mark in this course will be one of the course marks that will be used to calculate the weighted average mark (WAM) that will determine your award level. (This applies to students who commence enrolment in a bachelor honours program from 1 January 2016 onward. See the WAM information web page for more information.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

At undergraduate level this course develops the following Program Learning Outcomes:

1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.

2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.

2.2  Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources

3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability

3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.

3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct

3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership.

At postgraduate level this course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes:

  1. High levels of technical competence in the field
  2. Be able to apply problem solving approaches to work challenges and make decisions using sound engineering methodologies
  3. Be able to apply a systematic design approach to engineering projects and have strong design and research skills in the chosen discipline specialisation
  4. Communicate effectively across all modes: listen, speak, write and draw
  5. Balance the technical, economic, social and ethical demands of a problem in sustainable and culturally sensitive ways.


On completion of this course, you should be able to:

  1. Apply the knowledge of Internet-of-Things (IoT) technologies to various application areas.
  2. Design and implement IoT wireless access networks
  3. Undertake embedded systems development for IoT devices and networks
  4. Conduct performance analysis of IoT systems.
  5. Formulate and solve problems creatively in the areas of IoT


Overview of Learning Activities

Student Learning occurs through the following experiences and evaluation processes:

  • Pre-recorded Lectures and/or Lectorials that provide guided learning of key topics.
  • Laboratory based assignments and a mini project to explore specific topics in-depth
  • Project-based assignments with emphasis on applying engineering skills
  • Self-paced learning using reference material as a guide

Laboratory practice-based assignments are used to assess the understanding of concepts and basic skills of IoT application and embedded system design and development.

The mid-semester problem-solving assignment and quizzes will keep the students engaged throughout the semester and will provide opportunity for the early rectification of learning gaps. 

The end-of-semester problem-solving assignment aims to assess the overall understanding of IoT concepts and design principles. 

The project-based assignment is on IoT system development and is used to apply students' knowledge in developing a small-scale IoT network catering for realistic industry scenarios. 


Overview of Learning Resources

Course information and learning materials (lecture slides, recorded lectures, laboratory guides, lists of relevant reference texts and free online resources) are provided through RMIT University’s online systems. Students will also be guided through state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and computer software within the school during the laboratory practice.

Recommended reference books include:

  • O. Liberg et al. “Cellular Internet of Things: Technologies, Standards, and Performance”, September 2017, published by Academic Press. ISBN: 9780128124581
  • D. Hanes et al. “IoT Fundamentals: Networking Technologies, Protocols, and Use Cases for the Internet of Things” Published Jun 2017 by Cisco Press. ISBN: 9781587144561


Overview of Assessment

This course has no hurdle requirements.

 

Assessment Task 1: Laboratory practices reports
Weighting 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1,2,3,4,5

Assessment Task 2: Mid-Semester assignment and quizzes
Weighting 25%
Mid-semester problem solving assignment 15%
Two online quizzes each 5%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1,2,4,5

Assessment Task 3: Project assignment
Weighting 30%
This is a major written assignment that replicate the work a student would do in the industry to design and simulate an Internet-of-Things wireless access network deployment. The assignment document needs to be developed throughout the semester with multiple opportunities for the students to ask questions and get feedback during the lectorial hours. This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 4, 5.

Assessment Task 4: End-of-semester problem solvingassignment
Weighting 15%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 4, 5