University of Technology Sydney

48033 Internet of Things

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Engineering: Electrical and Data Engineering
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Undergraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): (48023 Programming Fundamentals OR 48430 Fundamentals of C Programming OR 41039 Programming 1) AND (31270 Networking Essentials OR 48720 Network Fundamentals OR 48740 Communications Networks OR 41092 Network Fundamentals OR 41090 Information and Signals OR 48540 Signals and Systems)

Description

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a distributed system, in which various autonomous devices, sometimes called motes, collect environmental data (such as location, speed, temperature, humidity and sound level) or, more recently, medical data (such as heart rate, blood oxygen level and pulse rate) and possibly execute controls via actuator devices. The data is collected across the network, aggregated and fed into business applications. Sensor and actuator networks, telemetry, data processing, distributed data bases, machine vision, AI and analytics, software frameworks are enablers for various applications, including environmental monitoring and control, agricultural monitoring and control, medical monitoring, habitat monitoring and military surveillance. In this subject, students learn the theory, the concepts and the practice of IoT-related paradigms. By designing and developing a small to medium-complexity, IoT-based application, students acquire new skills, as well as, learn the benefits of the IoT technology. Also students explore new models of service deployment, data acquisition and data analytics and visualisation.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. Define the requirements of a solution in conjunction with the project stakeholders. (B.1)
2. Demonstrate a systematic design and thinking process for system development or solving problems. (C.1)
3. Model, prototype and/or build a product according to provided specifications. (D.1)
4. Work effectively in a team to develop a system solution product or solve problems. (E.1)
5. Demonstrate continuous improvement and independence in a team environment. (F.1)

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

  • Socially Responsible: FEIT graduates identify, engage, interpret and analyse stakeholder needs and cultural perspectives, establish priorities and goals, and identify constraints, uncertainties and risks (social, ethical, cultural, legislative, environmental, economics etc.) to define the system requirements. (B.1)
  • Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to develop components, systems and processes to meet specified requirements. (C.1)
  • Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)
  • Collaborative and Communicative: FEIT graduates work as an effective member or leader of diverse teams, communicating effectively and operating within cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural contexts in the workplace. (E.1)
  • Reflective: FEIT graduates critically self-review their performance to improve themselves, their teams, and the broader community and society. (F.1)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies

This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies:

  • 1.1. Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
  • 1.5. Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline.
  • 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
  • 2.3. Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.
  • 3.3. Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour.
  • 3.5. Orderly management of self, and professional conduct.
  • 3.6. Effective team membership and team leadership.

Teaching and learning strategies

Normal class contact time is three hours weekly: lecture (1.5 hour) and tutorial/lab (1.5 hours).

This IoT subject aims at introducing students to the pillar components of Internet of Things, including IoT sensing, IoT communications/networks and IoT data analytics. Each lecture will present a critical topic of IoT, which will be followed by implementation aspects of the topic, bridging theories with practice. Lectures will emphasize fundamental IoT knowledge and theories, and labs will feature extensive hands-on exercises enhancing the understanding of lecture content. Online lectures/tutorials and on-campus lab exercises allow students to gain knowledge and practical insights in the domain of IoT.

In lectures, students will learn the essential components of IoT systems. They are required to read the textbook before lecture classes and solve exercise problems afterwards. In-class feedback will also be given on the quizzes, labs and projects.

Work in labs will involve use of on-line tools (i.e., ThingSpeak, Git and Cloud platforms), as well as, implementation of a small/medium complexity Internet of Things (IoT) application using development kits (with microcontroller and sensors) and professional software tools.

Out-of-class, students are expected to be involved in self-learning activities, including reading the textbook, recommended articles and reports, studying the lecture slides, watching relevant videos. Students are required to participate in discussions during the scheduled sessions and on a discussion board forum that is available online for students to post questions for other students and teaching staff to provide answers for.

Pre-class preparatory activities include reading and critical review of the content of the lecture slides prior to attending lectures and tutorials.

Out-of-class, students are encouraged to consult and collaborate with each other to confirm the solutions to the assignment questions. All teaching material will be made available for students via Canvas for self-study.
Students can receive feedback on the progress of their work on a weekly basis. Students will receive comprehensive feedback on their progress in the subject after each assessment task. In the subject, students and staff use online communication and the group meeting to discuss the project before class, and present their work in the class and receive feedback from the staff and other students in the class.

Content (topics)

  • IoT theory, concepts, components and delivery models
  • IoT architecture and topologies
  • Sensors and Actuators in Io
  • IoT Standards and Communication Protocols
  • Fundamentals of Localisation, Aggregation, Clustering and Routing
  • Issues and Challenges in building IoT applications
  • Applications of RFID Technology
  • IoT Security and security standards
  • IoT in Context of Cloud Computing and Analytics
  • IoT and Distributed Data Bases
  • IoT and Augmented Reality

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Project

Intent:

Through this task, students will demonstrate their understanding and learn skills required for the design and implementation of an IoT based solution.
Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

2, 3, 4 and 5

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

C.1, D.1, E.1 and F.1

Type: Project
Groupwork: Group, group and individually assessed
Weight: 20%

Assessment task 2: Labs

Intent:

Through this task, students will be able to learn, practice and demonstrate sensor/actuation connectivity, data acquisition, storage and visualization, as well as, specific coding skills required to complete various tasks defined in the main project.
Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

B.1, C.1, D.1, E.1 and F.1

Type: Laboratory/practical
Groupwork: Group, individually assessed
Weight: 20%

Assessment task 3: Short Quizzes

Intent:

Through this task, students will demonstrate their understanding of concepts, definitions and issues covered during the preceding lectures.
Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

B.1, C.1, D.1, E.1 and F.1

Type: Quiz/test
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 30%
Length:

30 minutes

Assessment task 4: Final Exam

Intent:

Tests concept understanding, system analysis and design skills, and overall assessment.

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

1, 2 and 3

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

B.1, C.1 and D.1

Type: Examination
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 30%
Length:

90 minutes

Minimum requirements

In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.

Required texts

  1. IoT Fundamentals: Networking Technologies, Protocols, and Use Cases for the Internet of Things, Cisco Press (free with UTS subscription)

Recommended texts

  1. Adam Greenfield, Everyware: The Dawning Age of Ubiquitous Computing, New Riders, 2010.
  2. Wimer Hazenberg & Menno Huisman, Building the Internet of Things - Free Online: http://www.metaproducts.nl/book/introduction/introduction, 2013
  3. Bruce Sterling, Shaping Things, MIT Press, 2005

References

Web Resources on IOT literature:

  1. Editor in Chief: Arjen Oosterman
  2. Divining a Digital Future - Mess and Mythology in Ubiquitous Computing By Paul Dourish, Genevieve Bell
  3. Code/Space: Software and Everyday Life By Rob Kitchin, Martin Dodge
  4. Throughout: Art and Culture Emerging with Ubiquitous Computing Edited by Ulrik Ekman
  5. The Invisible Future: The Seamless Integration of Technology Into Everyday Life Edited by Peter J. Denning
  6. Kindle: SmartStuff: an introduction to the Internet of Things By W. David Stephenson
  7. The Zero Marginal Cost Society: The Internet of Things, the Collaborative Commons, and the Eclipse of Capitalism - Jeremy Rifkin
  8. The Silent Intelligence - The Internet of Things - Daniel Kellmereit, Daniel Obodovski