Unit Outline

The Internet of Things (IoT) is rapidly transforming the way people interact with technology, with applications spanning smart homes, wearable devices, industrial automation, and environmental monitoring. This unit introduces you to the foundational concepts, components, and design principles of IoT systems to build your understanding of how devices sense, process, and share data to inform decision-making. You will examine how embedded systems, sensors, actuators, and communication networks interact within the IoT ecosystem and how these technologies can be applied to solve real-world problems.

At the start of this unit, you'll receive an IoT development kit with a processor, sensors and actuators that you will use throughout your IoT Major to design and assemble simple IoT devices. Through practical, guided workshops, you will gain key technical skills such as soldering, sensor integration, and basic data acquisition and processing techniques. The unit also introduces you to key IoT design considerations, including usability, reliability, security, and scalability, to help you evaluate the potential and limitations of emerging IoT technologies.

By the end of this unit, you will have developed the foundational knowledge and skills to conceptualise and prototype simple IoT devices. These experiences prepare you for more advanced IoT subjects and help you build confidence in applying core ICT principles to create solutions that bridge the physical and digital worlds. This unit is ideal for you, if you are looking to develop the skills to innovate and contribute to the growing global IoT industry.

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	Explain the core components and functions of IoT systems and how they sense, process, and operate in a real world environment.
2	Assemble and configure basic IoT hardware including sensors and actuators to create functional prototypes that interact with their environment.
3	Design and develop simple IoT devices to solve a real world scenario.

Alterations as a result of student feedback

None, as this is the first offering

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:	IoT System Case Study / Report	Week 4	20 %	LO1, LO3
Assessment Task 2:	Integrated IoT Project	Week 7	40 %	LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	Workshop Activities	Refer to Assessment Description	40 %	LO1, LO2

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: IoT System Case Study / Report

Task Description:

Students will research and analyse a hypothetical, sustainable IoT system that could be used in industry or the community. The report will describe the system’s design considerations, key components, and analysing the challenges to achieve its intended purpose. This task develops students’ ability to think critically about IoT solutions in real-world contexts.

Task Length:

1000 Words

Due Date:

Week 4 (27/Jul/2026)

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Describe the architecture and components of the selected IoT system.	LO1
2	Explain the functionality of each component and its purpose within the system.	LO1
3	Explain the general design considerations of an IoT system that captures data from the real world.	LO1
4	Reflect on IoT design considerations employed to solve a real world scenario.	LO3

Assessment Task 2: Integrated IoT Project

Task Description:

Students will design and build a simple IoT prototype that senses, processes, and outputs data to solve a defined problem. Students will integrate hardware and software skills developed through workshops to demonstrate a functioning solution and create documentation to reflect on design decisions. This assessment allows students to apply and showcase their technical and problem-solving skills in a practical context.

Task Length:

1 working prototype plus documentation

Due Date:

Week 7 (23/Jul/2026)

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Design a functional IoT prototype that meets defined problem requirements.	LO3
2	Implement the design as a functional IoT prototype.	LO3
3	Reflect on IoT design considerations employed to solve a real world scenario.	LO3
4	Assemble hardware components to develop functional prototypes.	LO2
5	Configure sensors and actuators to achieve expected behaviours.	LO2

Assessment Task 3: Workshop Activities

Task Description:

Students will complete a series of hands-on workshops that build core technical skills, including basic electronics, sensor integration, and communication protocols. Each of the seven 3-hour workshops will guide students through incremental challenges that prepare them for the integrated project. Students will reflect on processes and technical choices in short submissions. This assessment encourages regular engagement and provides scaffolded practice in IoT fundamentals. There are 4 assessed workshops worth 10% each.

Task Length:

4 x 3 hours

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Describe the architecture and components of the selected IoT system.	LO1
2	Explain the functionality of each component and its purpose within the system.	LO1
3	Assemble hardware components to develop functional prototypes.	LO2
4	Configure sensors and actuators to achieve expected behaviours.	LO2

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.