Unit Outline
ZAT124
Sensors and Sensor Networks
Semester 1, 2025
Ali Raza
University College
University College
CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B

Unit Coordinator
Ali Raza
Email: Ali.Raza@utas.edu.au
 

What is the Unit About?
Unit Description
In this unit, you will learn the core principles of sensors and sensor networks, investigating how these technologies are generating revolutionary scale change across many industries. You will acquire practical skills via simulation based learning for sensor deployment, sensor technology solutions aligned with industrial objectives, and sensor networks capable of transferring real-time data to external systems. Students will obtain the knowledge and skills needed to fulfil industry standards and solve authentic challenges in sensor network design through case studies and simulation based activities. You will develop self-awareness, initiative, and judgement while developing know how of Industry 4.0 and its potential to enhance decision making with near real time data, and drive efficiencies and innovation in industries at any scale. 
Intended Learning Outcomes
As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.
On completion of this unit, you will be able to:
1
Describe the fundamental principles of sensor and sensor networks
2
Design sensor technology solutions to meet industry requirements
3
Assess the use of sensor networks and related technology based on industry specifications
4
Reflect on and communicate the process undertaken to solving complex sensor network problems
Requisites
REQUISITE TYPE
REQUISITES
Anti-requisite (mutual excl)
ZAT218
Alterations as a result of student feedback
To Be Determined
 
 

Teaching arrangements
ATTENDANCE MODE
TEACHING TYPE
LEARNING ACTIVITY
CONTACT HOURS
FREQUENCY
Online
Tutorial (Online)
2 hour weekly online tutorials starting in week 2
2
Weekly
Attendance / engagement expectations
If your unit is offered On campus, it is expected that you will attend all on-campus and onsite learning activities. This is to support your own learning and the development of a learning community within the unit. If you are unable to attend regularly, please discuss the situation with your course coordinator and/or our UConnect support team.

If your unit is offered Online or includes online activities, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline or MyLO, including any self-directed learning.

If you miss a learning activity for a legitimate reason (e.g., illness, carer responsibilities) teaching staff will attempt to provide alternative activities (e.g., make up readings) where it is possible.
 
 
 
 

How will I be Assessed?
 
For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.
Assessment schedule
ASSESSMENT TASK #
ASSESSMENT TASK NAME
DATE DUE
WEIGHT
LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:
AT1: Industry Article 'Big Data and Industrial Transformation: Catalysts and Challenges'
Week 4
20 %
LO1, LO3
Assessment Task 2:
AT2: Simulated Field Deployment Plan
Week 9
30 %
LO1, LO2, LO4
Assessment Task 3:
AT3: Sensor Based System Report and Presentation
Week 12
50 %
LO2, LO3, LO4
 
Assessment details
Assessment Task 1: AT1: Industry Article 'Big Data and Industrial Transformation: Catalysts and Challenges'
Task Description:
Examine big data's importance as a driving force in the fourth industrial revolution. Investigate how the combination of IoT and sensor technology is altering industries, economies, and surroundings. You might opt to argue in favour of big data as a positive transformation catalyst, emphasising innovation, efficiency, and better decision-making. You may also argue against it, citing issues such as privacy concerns, data security, and potential employment displacement.
Task Length:
800 words
Due Date:
Week 4
Weight:
20 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Communicate ideas and information using academic conventions and professional formats
LO1
2
Evaluate sensor networks and technology
LO3
3
Apply key sensor and sensor network concepts, terms and ideas
LO3
 
Assessment Task 2: AT2: Simulated Field Deployment Plan
Task Description:
You will present a plan for deployment of a sensor network within a simulated space to improve decision making for industrial needs. Your presentation will include a map created using the LIST Map software to geo-reference sensor locations, along with associated meta data and a description of the relevant industry standards.
Task Length:
Maximum of 10 A4 pages excluding references and table of contents.
Due Date:
Week 9
Weight:
30 %
 
 

CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Design a sensor network in response to industry requirements
LO2
2
Communicate the sensor implementation procedure utilising industry standards
LO1
3
Evaluate an implementation procedure to propose solutions to industry problems
LO4
 
Assessment Task 3: AT3: Sensor Based System Report and Presentation
Task Description:
This task has two parts; a report and a presentation that includes a demonstration of your sensor-based system. In the report, you will propose a system based on at least 4 different sensors as a solution to an identified problem. The report will include sections such as an Introduction, problem statement, existing solution (if any), proposed solution, system diagram, list of sensors, system working description and results. You will then implement your proposed system and demonstrate in a presentation.
Task Length:
Maximum of 10 A4 page report and code file/s, plus a presentation of the working system.
Due Date:
Week 12
Weight:
50 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Communicate ideas and information on simulated sensor networks
LO3
2
Apply tools and techniques to propose solutions for innovations
LO2
3
Apply industry conventions in written and oral formats
LO4
 
 
 

How your final result is determined
To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.
Academic progress review
The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.
Submission of assignments
Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.
Academic integrity
Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see
Important Guidelines & Support.
Requests for extensions
If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.
 
A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.
 
The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.
Late penalties
Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.
 

Review of results and appeals
You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.
 
 
 

Required Resources
Required reading materials
N/A
 
Recommended reading materials
N/A
 
Other required resources
N/A