Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Embedded computer-based applications are becoming increasingly distributed and communicating with other embedded systems. A computer-based systems engineer must understand the buses, channels, interfaces, communication protocols and programming environments that make this possible. This unit provides theoretical and practical knowledge about data communication networks with emphasis on embedded applications. It is placed in the third year of a four year engineering degree so that knowledge on microprocessors, C programming and operating systems can be obtained prior to taking this unit. The problem based learning task in this unit follows on from software development done in the pre-requisite unit of ENB350.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide you with skills and knowledge necessary to design and build computer-based systems comprising sensors, actuators and embedded microcontrollers communicating over networks.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Demonstrate sound knowledge of computer networks and data communication protocols
2. Demonstrate ability to design and develop software for embedded and networked applications
3. Formulate, solve and evaluate the solution to a problem based learning task as a team member
4. Communicate your problem based learning outcomes through discussion forums, an oral presentation and a written report

Content

You will have lectures on data communication principles, computer networks, network protocols, TCP/IP for embedded applications, data link methodologies, custom protocols for embedded and real-time applications, embedded web, file and email servers and clients, embedded network security, embedded sensor networks and application case studies. You will have laboratory exercises covering embedded network configuration, embedded echo server and client, embedded ftp server and client, embedded http server and client and embedded email server and client. You will work in a team to complete a problem based learning task on an embedded systems network for process monitoring and control, and communicate your work orally and in a written report.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Mode of Study
Total hours per week: 6
Lectures: hrs per wk: 2hrs
Tutorials: 2hrs
Laboratory practical: 2hrs

You will have three parallel streams of learning activity - lectures, structured laboratory exercises and problem based learning. In lectures, you discuss theory and practice. Study materials are made available via Blackboard and through reference books. Laboratory exercises provide the opportunity for hands-on programming and gradual improvement of practical skills under the supervision of a tutor. A dedicated laboratory is available to support your learning with microcontroller application development boards, a miniaturized production line unit, network interfaces and software development environment. A problem based learning task requires you to design and develop software to remotely monitor and control the production line unit. This task is flexible and performed outside of formal contact hours in a team.

Assessment

Since the unit is intended to be practical and laboratory based, 60% of the assessment is made up of laboratory exercise work (30%) and the problem based learning task (30%). Quizzes or short question sets test knowledge (10%) and provide formative feedback. Generic skills are assessed through an oral presentation and a written report for the problem based learning. A final examination worth 30% tests your knowledge on an individual basis.Questions are encouraged during lectures and a discussion forum is available on Blackboard. Attendance is not compulsory but participation in physical or electronic form is encouraged. Marks for continuous assessment components, laboratory exercises and quizzes, are made available via Blackboard. You will receive oral feedback from a tutor during the laboratory sessions. You will receive written feedback on the presentation and report for the problem based learning task. These may all be used formatively.

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: You will complete a set of 5 laboratory exercises and demonstrate your work to the tutor at the completion of each exercise. Short answer questions are administered during laboratory sessions by the tutor - without external invigilation. You will be tested on knowledge and understanding of theory and practice for regular formative feedback. Three quizzes are conducted evenly spaced and the best two results are used for 10% of the total grade.
Relates to objectives: 1 & 2
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
Due date: Week 13

Assessment name: Project (applied)
Description: You will design and develop embedded system software for remote process monitoring and control. You will demonstrate, present and write a report. You work in a team.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Week 13

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: You will answer 50 multiple choice questions on computer mark sense sheets under external invigilation. Knowledge of all content covered in the unit is tested.
Relates to objectives: 1 & 2
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Examination Period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Type: Recommended Reference Book
Author: Jan Axelson
Title: Embedded Ethernet and Internet Complete
Year: 2003 Publisher: Lakeview Research
Edition: First

Type: Reference Book
Author: K. Hyder and B. Perrin
Title: Embedded Systems Design using the Rabbit 3000 microprocessor
Year: 2005 Publisher: Newnes (Elsevier)
Edition: First

The recommended reference book will be available from the QUT book shop. Vendor documents with technical information about hardware and software will also be used as references. These documents and other published references are listed in the Week 1 Study Guide.

Risk assessment statement

You are required to do laboratory work under the supervision of a tutor and technical staff. The laboratory has electrical and mechanical equipment. Miniature production line units use compressed air. You are required to undergo a health and safety induction prior to the commencement of the first laboratory exercise. This is arranged through technical services in the school and you will be issued with a health and safety induction stamp on your identity card on completion. Risk of electrical incidents of any severity is low as you will only be working with data carrying cables operating at low voltages. Cables should not be connected in an unsafe manner. Risk of injury from a moving part is medium and appropriate precautions should be taken while starting and stopping machinery. You will be advised of the need to wear appropriate clothing, shoes and protective items to be granted access and permission for laboratory work during the induction. You must comply with all QUT health and safety policy regulations.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 06-Feb-2013