Aims and Fit of Module

The module aims to provide a hands-on introduction to wireless sensor networking including protocols and architectures for wireless sensor network design, to introduce wireless network hardware and software, wireless sensor network routing and MAC protocols. It introduces focused topics for wireless sensor networks such as time synchronization, localisation, memory, and topology management, and discusses research/newer topics such as body/medical sensor networks, robotic sensor networks, multimedia sensor networks.to.

Learning outcomes

A. Design communication protocols on the link and networking layers for wireless sensor networks.

B. Show familiarity with operating systems and programming languages for wireless sensor nodes/networks.

C. Show familiarity with architectures, functions and performance of wireless sensor network systems and platforms.

D. Design and analyse the specific requirements for applications in wireless sensor networks regarding energy supply, memory, processing and transmission capacity, etc.

E.Program wireless sensor networks/nodes.

F. Develop wireless sensor network applications.

Method of teaching and learning

The teaching philosophy of the module follows very much the philosophy of Syntegrative Education. This has meant that the teaching delivery pattern, which follows more intensive block teaching, allows more meaningful contribution from industry partners. This philosophy is carried through also in terms of assessment, with reduction on the use of exams and increase in coursework, especially problem-based assessments that are project focused. The delivery pattern provides space in the semester for students to concentrate on completing the assessments.
Lectures: Students will be expected to attend formal lectures and labs . Formal lectures will be used to introduce students to the concepts and methods covered by the module.
Private study: In a typical week students will be expected to devote approximately 6 hours of unsupervised time to private study; private study will provide time for reflection and understanding of lecture materials, background reading and completion of the assessment tasks.
Assessments: Continuous assessments will be used to test to the extent of theoretical ideas grasped.