Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Wireless Sensor Networks and the Internet of Things

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

EEET2679

City Campus

Postgraduate

172H School of Engineering

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2025

Course Coordinator: Dr Akram Hourani

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925

Course Coordinator Email: akram.hourani@rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Recommended Prior Study

You should have satisfactorily completed or received credit for the following courses before you commence this course: 

EEET2368 Network Fundamentals and Applications; or

EEET2254 Communication Engineering 1 or equivalent.

These are not enforced pre-requisites but are highly recommended.

Assumed Knowledge

It will be assumed that you have basic C/C++ programming experience, basic MATLAB experience, and have fundamental knowledge of TCP/IP networks, and electronics.

If you have completed prior studies at RMIT or another institution that developed the skills and knowledge covered in the above course/s you may be eligible to apply for credit transfer. 

Alternatively, if you have prior relevant work experience that developed the skills and knowledge covered in the above course/s you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. 

Please follow the link for further information on how to apply for credit for prior study or experience. 


Course Description

Internet-of-Things networks generally consist of compact low-power sensors, which collect information and it via wireless access networks to a cloud system. This typical architecture achieves a high level of desired monitoring and control in a coordinated manner. Designing IoT systems requires integrated skills in network engineering, embedded system engineering, wireless networks and cloud computing. IoT applications can be found in areas such as environmental monitoring, smart energy systems, industry / home automation, agriculture and smart cities.  

This course covers the fundamentals of IoT systems with emphasis on translating theoretical bases into practical network design and technologies. It covers the bigger picture of IoT systems with a focus on wireless IoT technologies, network design, system architecture and hardware implementation, where you will be developing small-scale IoT networks and devices in the accompanying laboratory.

After completing this course, you should understand the principles, technologies, and applications of IoT networks have the fundamental knowledge to design a wireless IoT access network. 

Contents of the course:

  • IoT applications and architecture
  • Wireless IoT access technologies and designs for IoT networks (LPWAN and Cellular)
  • Implementation and requirements for of IoT devices
  • IoT devices energy consumption analysis
  • IoT networks and platforms


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the program learning outcomes for the following program(s):  

PLO 1. Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of engineering theories, principles and concepts within multi-disciplinary engineering practice ​
PLO 2. Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline
PLO 3. Demonstrate advanced and integrated knowledge of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities, and bounds and a critical appreciation of  trends in contemporary practice, sustainability, research and innovation in the engineering discipline.
PLO 4. Apply advanced knowledge of established engineering methods in the analysis of complex problems in the  engineering discipline
PLO 5. Utilise advanced mathematics, software, tools and techniques, in the conduct of research into the  design and analysis of complex engineering systems
PLO 6. Use a systems engineering approach to synthesize and apply procedures for design, prototyping and testing to develop creative,  sustainable and integrated  solutions to complex engineering problems.
PLO 7. Apply advanced contemporary engineering technologies and practices and research principles and methods, taking into account risk and economic, social, environmental and global context, to plan and execute complex projects.
PLO 8. Communicate engineering designs and solutions respectfully and effectively, employing a range of advanced communication methods in interpreting and transmitting knowledge, in an individual or team environment,  to diverse audiences.​​
PLO 9. Demonstrate the capacity for personal accountability, professional and ethical conduct, intellectual independence, cultural sensitivity, autonomy, adaptability, and critical reflection on own learning and career ​​ when undertaking engineering projects
PLO 10. Critically analyse, evaluate, and transform information, while exercising professional expert judgement in a dynamic environment in the absence of complete data, in an engineering context.
PLO 11. Collaborate and contribute as an effective team member or leader in diverse specialist and multi-disciplinary teams, with commitment to First Nations peoples and/or globally inclusive perspectives and participation in an engineering context.​

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.  


Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:  

CLO1 Apply advanced knowledge of Internet-of-Things (IoT) technologies to various domains, considering the economic, social, environmental, and global impacts of IoT.
CLO2 Design real-life IoT networks using a systems engineering approach, demonstrating advanced knowledge of industry norms and practices, as well as independence and autonomy.
CLO3 Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of IoT embedded systems development and IoT networks, including coding, wireless system interfaces, and sensor interfaces.
CLO4 Critically analyse the performance of IoT embedded systems and networks by applying contemporary engineering technologies and advanced practices.
CLO5 Professionally communicate IoT design and network performance outcomes through written reports, incorporating charts, figures, plots, and both quantitative and qualitative results.
CLO6 Critically analyse and develop real-life IoT network and device requirements in the absence of complete data.


Overview of Learning Activities

Student Learning occurs through the following experiences and evaluation processes:

  • Pre-recorded Lectures and/or Lectorials that provide guided learning of key topics.
  • Laboratory based assignments and a mini project to explore specific topics in-depth
  • Project-based assignments with emphasis on applying engineering skills
  • Self-paced learning using reference material as a guide

Laboratory practice-based assignments are used to assess the understanding of concepts and basic skills of IoT application and embedded system design and development.

The mid-semester problem-solving assignment and quizzes will keep the students engaged throughout the semester and will provide opportunity for the early rectification of learning gaps. 

The end-of-semester problem-solving assignment aims to assess the overall understanding of IoT concepts and design principles. 

The project-based assignment is on IoT system development and is used to apply students' knowledge in developing a small-scale IoT network catering for realistic industry scenarios. 


Overview of Learning Resources

Course information and learning materials (lecture slides, recorded lectures, laboratory guides, lists of relevant reference texts and free online resources) are provided through RMIT University’s online systems. Students will also be guided through state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and computer software within the school during the laboratory practice.

Recommended reference books include:

  • O. Liberg et al. “Cellular Internet of Things: Technologies, Standards, and Performance”, September 2017, published by Academic Press. ISBN: 9780128124581
  • D. Hanes et al. “IoT Fundamentals: Networking Technologies, Protocols, and Use Cases for the Internet of Things” Published Jun 2017 by Cisco Press. ISBN: 9781587144561


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks 

Assessment Task 1: Laboratory practices report 30% CLO1, CLO2, CLO3, CLO4 and CLO5
Assessment Task 2: Assignment and Test 25% (15% and 2x5%) CLO1, CLO2, CLO5 and CLO6
Assessment Task 3: Project Assignment 30% CLO1, CLO2, CLO3, CLO5 and CLO6
Assessment Task 4: Test 15% CLO1, CLO2, CLO5 and CLO6

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.