Module Catalogue 2026/27

Pre Requisite Comment

Entry requirements and completion of the first year of BEng/MEng ECE

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

•       Knowledge in IoT (machine-to-machine or embedded systems) network technology including networking, system frameworks, applications and properties.
•       Implementation of an Internet network utilising the low levels of the OSI reference model.
•       Implementation of an IoT network utilising the high levels of the OSI reference model.
•       Study of the performance properties.

Outline Of Syllabus

Theory, standards and engineering practice:
•       OSI reference model, protocol encapsulation, protocol data units.
•       The Internet-specific layers of OSI, protocols, packet formats, standards.
•       The IoT-specific layers of OSI, architectures, protocols, security.
•       IoT router architecture, framework and connectors, Embedded Linux platform.
Coursework:
•       Design of a LAN, ARP, routing tables, experiments with capture and analysis of traffic.
•       Design of a simple IoT system
•       Experiments and analysis of the properties of the machine-to-machine network (security, performance, impact of performance on a control application).

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Upon completion of this module a student will be able to evaluate (1) and design (2) an M2M communication
infrastructure based on the analysis (3) of a specific IoT application (4). This is achieved by classification
(5) of the features of the M2M application and attributing them to the corresponding levels of the OSI reference
model (5-6), which has to be based on a solid foundation of the knowledge (6) of the principles and protocols of
a representative set of interfaces.
The articles (1-6) correspond to the six levels of the cognitive domain of Bloom's taxonomy (evaluation-synthesis-
analysis-application-comprehension-knowledge correspondingly), whose specific content is included in
Outline of Syllabus section. This is a design-based coursework module, which develops and assesses all these
levels in a coherent way with an added benefit of developing practical skills outlined in the Skill Outcomes
section.

Intended Skill Outcomes

•       Distributed system design with M2M, a specific practical example.
•       Design with an open source platform for M2M, skill development in using it.
•       Analytical skills for analysis of IoT specifications and evaluation of the implemented solution.
•       A skill of evaluation of a particular technology in a broader technical and societal context.
•       Group work skills, group management, recording progress.
•       Report-writing skills, including written technical communication, analysis, discussion and constructing an argument.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

In the lectures the relevant theory is delivered. In the supervised practicals the core skills are developed and hands-on familiarisation with the platform is performed. Independent study is required to complete a usually patchy background knowledge and perform comparative study of the platforms presented in the lectures.

The project work is the design and implementation of the solution to a specified problem. The work is assessed in an oral demonstration and a technical report, which includes the specification, analysis and discussion of the problem and a solution.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The key component of this module is coursework representing a mix of supervised exercise and project, where the project represents the main achievement. The project report includes analysis and discussion in addition to the description of the solution and represents a complete assessment of the knowledge and skills developed in this module. The mid-semester demonstration gives the students an opportunity to receive an early formative feedback, so they could correct their approach. This aspect of assessment also gives the assessor an opportunity to identify poorly performing students within each group and guide them towards a significant contribution to the group effort.
AHEP4 learning outcomes both delivered and assessed in the report are C1,C2,C6,C10,C12,C13,C17, those delivered and assessed by continuous assessment are C16, C18, and those developed but not assessed are C4,C5.

General Notes

N/A