Engineering project I

Building on the project from IELS1001 Engineering Project - Introduction, students in this course will encounter more complex problems and technical challenges. The focus is on further developing skills in electronic system design and implementation. This includes a deeper understanding of microcontroller architecture, the use of peripheral devices, electronic circuit design, and basic wireless communication. Students will work on integrating multiple sensors and actuators into a cohesive system and explore how such solutions can be adapted for practical applications, such as in Smart City concepts.

The project provides students with experience transitioning from Arduino C to pure C programming and utilizing professional development environments. Emphasis is also placed on structured project work, including the use of iterative development methodologies, effective documentation practices, and practical tools for prototype building.

Knowledge

The candidate will understand:

• Fundamental principles of integrating multiple nodes in a system and how they communicate with an overarching system.

• The use of methodologies such as design thinking, iterative prototyping, and testing in a practical development project.

• The basic architecture of a microcontroller and the use of peripheral devices to address technical challenges in electronic systems.

Skills

The candidate will be able to:

• Design and implement increasingly complex electronic systems, including connecting multiple sensors and actuators to a microcontroller.

• Gradually transition to programming microcontrollers in pure C using professional development tools, focusing on readable and modular code.

• Integrate a basic wireless communication protocol into the electronic system and visualize data using a cloud-based dashboard solution.

• Plan, organize, and manage project work using methodologies such as Agile, iterative development, and Minimum Viable Product (MVP).

General Competence

The candidate will:

• Demonstrate the ability to work systematically and methodically through all phases of a project, from concept to a functional prototype.

• Effectively collaborate in teams, emphasizing task sharing, communication, problem-solving, and consolidating team members’ contributions into a complete and functional system.

• Reflect on their learning process and use feedback to improve solutions and work methods within the project group.

Project work is conducted both individually and in groups. Learning methods include dialogue-based approaches combined with lectures. Guest advisors and one or more excursions are incorporated into the course. Additionally, there are smaller assignments with submissions.