Module Specification

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title The Internet of Things: Architecture and Applications
Code ELEC423
Coordinator Dr V Selis
Electrical Engineering and Electronics
V.Selis@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 7 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

This module aims to give students an understanding of the key principles of IoT systems. Students will have a hands on experience by developing an IoT system as a practical assignment.


Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):

 

Co-requisite modules:

 

Learning Outcomes

(M1) Understand core concepts of the Internet of Things paradigm.

(M2) Demonstrate an ability to design and implement IoT based prototypes.

(M3) Demonstrate a knowledge of the IoT architecture and technologies used to design and implement it.

(M4) Demonstrate a knowledge of IoT embedded systems based on Linux.

(M5) Demonstrate a knowledge of wireless technologies and communication protocols specific to IoT

(M6) Demonstrate a knowledge of security, privacy and trust mechanisms applied to the IoT and issues related to them.

(S1) Information technology (application of) adopting, adapting and using embedded devices, applications and protocol specific to IoT.

(S2) Bash scripting

(S3) Python programming language

(S4) Problem solving/ critical thinking/ creativity analysing facts and situations and applying creative thinking to develop appropriate IoT solutions.


Syllabus

 

Introduction to the Internet of Things:
What the Internet of Things is and its evolution; Vision, Architecture and Standards; Introduction to the Internet, communication technologies, FOG computing, Cloud computing, Edge computing, Big Data and Machine-to-Machine communications; Types of communication networks and protocols (LAN, WAN, PAN etc.); Complexity and challenges; Security, privacy and trust issues; IoT application domains: healthcare, transportations, industrial systems etc.
From embedded systems to IoT enabled things:
Differences between embedded devices and IoT enabled things; Introduction to IoT software and hardware, and embedded Linux in IoT; Linux shell, bash scripting and Python programming language; Data collection and protocols (CoAP, MQTT etc.); Introduction to wireless communication protocols in IoT and Linux networking (Wi-Fi, LoRa etc.); IoT embedded devices applied to real life scenarios.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Due to Covid-19, one or more of the following delivery methods will be implemented based on the current local conditions and the situation of registered students. It is anticipated that both a) & b) will be in operation for semester 1.
(a) Hybrid delivery, with social distancing on Campus
Teaching Method 1 - On-line asynchronous lectures
Description: Lectures to explain the material
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: On average two per week

Teaching Method 2 - Synchronous face to face tutorials
Description: Tutorials on the Assignments and Problem Sheets
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one per week

Teaching Method 3 - Campus based Laboratory Work Tutorials
Description: Laboratory Sessions to undertake tutorials and the Assignments
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: 2 hours of supervised lab per week

(b) Fully online delivery and assessment
Teaching Method 1 - On-line asynchronous lectures
Description: Lectures to explain the material
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: On average two per week

Teaching Method 2 - On-line synchronous tutorials
Description: Tutorials on the Assignments and Problem Sheets
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one per week

Teaching Method 3 - on-line Laboratory Work Tutorials
Description: Laboratory Sessions to undertake tutorials and the Assignments
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: 2 hours of on-line supervised lab per week where students can contact demonstrators to provide support

(c) Standard on-campus delivery with minimal social distancing
Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lectures to explain the material
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average two per week

Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description: Tutorials on the Assignments and Problem Sheets
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one per week

Teaching Method 3 - Laboratory Work
Description: Laboratory Sessions to undertake tutorials and the Assignments
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: 2 hours of supervised lab per week


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 18

  4

40

    62
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 88
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
(423) Final Exam Written final exam 3 hours duration Semester 1 exam period. Resit opportunity available Aug-Sept    60       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
(423.1) IoT prototype development Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission  20    25       
(423.2) (MQTT Assignment) Assessment 1 Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission    15       

Reading List

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.