Introduction to the Internet of Things and Embedded Systems from Coursera

The explosive growth of the “Internet of Things” is changing our world and the rapid drop in price for typical IoT components is allowing people to innovate new designs and products at home. In this first class in the specialization you will learn the importance of IoT in society, the current components of typical IoT devices and trends for the future. IoT design considerations, constraints and interfacing between the physical world and your device will also be covered. You will also learn how to make design trade-offs between hardware and software. We'll also cover key components of networking to ensure that students understand how to connect their device to the Internet. Please note that this course does not include discussion forums.

Upon completing this course, you will be able to:

1. Define the term “Internet of Things”

2. State the technological trends which have led to IoT

3. Describe the impact of IoT on society

4. Define what an embedded system is in terms of its interface

5. Enumerate and describe the components of an embedded system

6. Describe the interactions of embedded systems with the physical world

7. Name the core hardware components most commonly used in IoT devices

8. Describe the interaction between software and hardware in an IoT device

9. Describe the role of an operating system to support software in an IoT device

10. Explain the use of networking and basic networking hardware

11. Describe the structure of the Internet

12. Describe the meaning of a “network protocol”

13. Explain MANETs and their relation to IoT

What's inside

Syllabus

What Is the Internet of Things (IoT)?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a popular buzzword right now, but unlike many fads which have come and gone, the Internet of Things describes an important trend which is having lasting effects on society at large. The term itself, “Internet of Things”, is used to mean a variety of ideas, depending on the motivation and background of the speaker. This course will start by providing a definition of the term. We will talk about how various trends have enabled the Internet of Things, and how it changes the way design is performed. We will also discuss some of the ramifications that IoT is having on society today.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches students about the importance of IoT in society

Develops competencies in the components of typical IoT devices and trends for the future

Prepares learners to make design trade-offs between hardware and software

Covers the interaction between hardware and software in an IoT device

Helps students learn how to connect their devices to the Internet

Introduces basic networking hardware, which is essential for IoT devices

Reviews summary

Solid introduction to iot and embedded basics

According to learners, this course offers a solid introduction to the Internet of Things and Embedded Systems, providing a clear overview of key concepts like embedded systems structure, hardware/software interaction, and networking fundamentals. It is frequently described as a great starting point for those new to the field and serves as a strong theoretical foundation for the specialization. However, some students found it very theoretical and wished for more hands-on examples or practical exercises, noting it might be too basic for those with prior knowledge.

Sets the stage for subsequent courses.

"Provides a solid base for the specialization."

"Sets the stage for the rest of the specialization."

"It's a good stepping stone."

Lectures explain fundamental ideas well.

"The lectures were clear and the material was well-explained."

"It covers the basics effectively."

"Everything is explained step-by-step."

"Covers the key concepts well."

Provides a clear overview for newcomers.

"Excellent introduction to IoT concepts."

"Perfect course to start learning about IoT."

"Highly recommend for anyone new to the field."

"It's a great starting point if you have zero prior knowledge in this area."

May be too simple for those with experience.

"Found this course quite basic. If you have any prior knowledge... you might find it too simple."

"Expected more depth."

More theoretical than practical application.

"I wish there were more hands-on exercises or examples..."

"Felt a bit dry at times. It's definitely an introduction."

"Needed more real-world examples. The lectures were informative but abstract."

"The information is okay, but it's very theoretical."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to the Internet of Things and Embedded Systems with these activities:

Organize and review course materials

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Improve your understanding by keeping your course materials organized and easily accessible.

Browse courses on Organization

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Create a system for organizing course notes, assignments, and other materials.
Review your materials regularly to reinforce your understanding.
Summarize key concepts and create your own study aids.

Read 'Internet of Things: A Hands-On Approach' by Adrian McEwen

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of IoT concepts from a recommended book, complementing the course material.

View Designing the Internet of Things on Amazon

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Read the assigned chapters of the book.
Take notes and highlight key concepts.
Complete any exercises or assignments within the book.

Review embedded systems

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Ensure your foundational understanding of embedded systems is strong before starting the course.

Browse courses on Embedded Systems

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Revisit the basics of embedded systems and their components.
Explore different types of embedded systems and their applications.
Practice writing code for embedded systems.

Five other activities

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Explore online tutorials on IoT

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Complement your course learning with additional resources and perspectives from online tutorials.

Browse courses on IoT

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Search for reputable online platforms offering IoT tutorials.
Identify tutorials that cover specific topics you want to reinforce.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step and complete any practice exercises.

Code along with the course lectures

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Reinforce your understanding of IoT concepts by coding alongside the course lectures.

Browse courses on IoT

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Set up the necessary software and development environment.
Follow the code examples provided in the lectures and try to reproduce them.
Experiment with different code snippets to enhance your understanding.

Join a study group or online forum for IoT

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Engage with peers to discuss course concepts, share knowledge, and seek support.

Browse courses on IoT

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Find an existing study group or online forum dedicated to IoT.
Participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your insights.
Collaborate with other learners on projects or assignments.

Build a simple IoT project

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Solidify your knowledge by building a practical IoT project that applies the concepts you learn in the course.

Browse courses on IoT

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Identify a simple IoT project idea that aligns with your interests.
Design the hardware and software components of your project.
Implement your design and build the project.
Test and debug your project to ensure it functions as intended.

Develop a presentation on an IoT application

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Enhance your understanding and communication skills by creating a presentation on an IoT application.

Browse courses on IoT

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Choose an IoT application that interests you.
Research the application and its technical details.
Develop a presentation outline and gather supporting materials.
Practice your presentation and seek feedback from peers or mentors.
Deliver your presentation effectively.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to the Internet of Things and Embedded Systems will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Hardware Engineer

Hardware Engineers plan, design, develop, test, and oversee the production of computer hardware. Professionals in this role may also analyze the performance of computer hardware and software systems and recommend improvements. This course may provide an understanding of the hardware components that are commonly used in IoT devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hardware Engineer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers apply the principles of computer science and software engineering to the design, development, maintenance, testing, and evaluation of computer software. This course may provide an understanding of the role of software in IoT devices.

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Information Technology Manager

Information Technology Managers are responsible for planning, implementing, and managing the technology systems that support an organization's business operations. Professionals in this role may also be responsible for budgeting, hiring, and training IT staff. This course may provide an understanding of the networking and Internet protocols that are used in IoT devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Manager

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from data in various forms, both structured and unstructured. Professionals in this role may also be responsible for developing and implementing data-driven solutions to business problems. This course may provide an understanding of the networking and Internet protocols that are used in IoT devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Computer Network Architect

Computer Network Architects design, build, and maintain computer networks. Professionals in this role may also be responsible for troubleshooting and resolving network problems. This course may provide an understanding of the networking and Internet protocols that are used in IoT devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Network Architect

Network Administrator

Network Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining computer networks. Professionals in this role may also be responsible for troubleshooting and resolving network problems. This course may provide an understanding of the networking and Internet protocols that are used in IoT devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining databases. Professionals in this role may also be responsible for designing and implementing database systems. This course may provide an understanding of the networking and Internet protocols that are used in IoT devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Web Developer

Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites. Professionals in this role may also be responsible for writing code, creating content, and managing databases. This course may provide an understanding of the networking and Internet protocols that are used in IoT devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Mobile Application Developer

Mobile Application Developers design, develop, and maintain mobile applications. Professionals in this role may also be responsible for writing code, creating content, and managing databases. This course may provide an understanding of the networking and Internet protocols that are used in IoT devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Application Developer

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts analyze and design computer systems. Professionals in this role may also be responsible for developing and implementing software solutions. This course may provide an understanding of the networking and Internet protocols that are used in IoT devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and maintain technical documentation, such as user manuals, training materials, and marketing materials. Professionals in this role may also be responsible for writing code, creating content, and managing databases. This course may provide an understanding of the networking and Internet protocols that are used in IoT devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. Professionals in this role may also be responsible for managing budgets, timelines, and resources. This course may provide an understanding of the networking and Internet protocols that are used in IoT devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Quality Assurance Tester

Quality Assurance Testers test and evaluate software products to ensure that they meet quality standards. Professionals in this role may also be responsible for writing test cases, executing tests, and reporting defects. This course may provide an understanding of the networking and Internet protocols that are used in IoT devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Tester

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. Professionals in this role may also be responsible for monitoring security systems and responding to security incidents. This course may provide an understanding of the networking and Internet protocols that are used in IoT devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts analyze, design, and implement computer systems. Professionals in this role may also be responsible for writing code, creating content, and managing databases. This course may provide an understanding of the networking and Internet protocols that are used in IoT devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst