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IoT Programming and Big Data

Johannes U. Herrmann, Valerie Maxville, Iain Murray AM, Siavash Khaksar, and Yifei Ren

The Internet of Things is creating massive quantities of data, and managing and analysing it requires a unique approach to programming and statistics for distributed data sources.

This course will teach introductory programming concepts that allow connection to, and implementation of some functionality on, IoT devices, using the Python programming language. In addition, students will learn how to use Python to process text log files, such as those generated automatically by IoT sensors and other network-connected systems.

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The Internet of Things is creating massive quantities of data, and managing and analysing it requires a unique approach to programming and statistics for distributed data sources.

This course will teach introductory programming concepts that allow connection to, and implementation of some functionality on, IoT devices, using the Python programming language. In addition, students will learn how to use Python to process text log files, such as those generated automatically by IoT sensors and other network-connected systems.

Learners do not need prior programming experience to undertake this course, and will not learn a specific programming language - however Python will be used for demonstrations. This course will focus on learning by working through realistic examples.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Appreciate the software needs of an iot project
  • Understand how data is managed in an iot network
  • Apply software solutions for different systems and big data to your iot concept designs
  • Create python scripts to manage large data files collected from sensor data and interact with the real world via actuators and other output devices.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Builds a strong foundation for beginners who want to get started with IoT projects
Teaches fundamental Python programming concepts that are essential for working with IoT devices
Provides practical experience through realistic examples, making the learning process more engaging and effective
Taught by experienced instructors with expertise in IoT and Python programming, ensuring high-quality content
This course can help learners develop a strong foundation in IoT programming, but it does not cover advanced concepts

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Reviews summary

Hands-on iot programming with python

According to students, this course provides a solid foundation in IoT programming, especially praising its practical, hands-on labs and effective use of Python for scripting IoT devices and managing sensor data. While it serves as a valuable introduction, learners note a significant distinction: the 'Big Data' component is more of a foundational overview rather than an in-depth exploration of advanced analytics, which can be a warning for those seeking advanced topics. Opinion is divided on its beginner-friendliness; some absolute beginners found the pace challenging without prior programming. However, more recent feedback suggests the course content is largely up-to-date, indicating continuous improvement.
Course content appears to be updated over time.
"The course content was generally up-to-date, which is crucial in this field."
"Some content felt a bit outdated, especially regarding certain libraries or tools."
"Outdated course materials. The version of Python used for some demos was old, leading to errors."
Emphasizes practical Python scripting for IoT devices.
"The Python scripting examples for handling sensor data and interacting with actuators were incredibly useful. I particularly appreciated the hands-on labs..."
"As a professional looking to transition into IoT, this course gave me the practical skills I needed."
"The hands-on parts were valuable. The practical examples were a highlight."
Explanations are mostly clear but sometimes rushed.
"The instructor's explanations were clear, and the pace was just right."
"Some of the technical explanations felt rushed, and I struggled to grasp certain concepts without external resources."
"The instructor rushed through important concepts."
Mixed experiences for learners without prior programming.
"As someone with no prior programming experience, I found the initial modules approachable, but the pace picked up quickly."
"While it claims 'no prior programming experience needed,' I felt completely lost without it. The Python explanations were too brief..."
"If you're a beginner, dedicate extra time to the Python sections."
Provides an overview, not in-depth big data analytics.
"I found the 'Big Data' aspect to be more of an overview than in-depth, so if you're looking for advanced data analytics, this might not be it."
"The 'Big Data' part was superficial at best, more about file parsing than actual big data techniques."
"The 'Big Data' segment is more about basic data handling from logs, not advanced analytics."

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 IoT Programming and Big Data with these activities:
Explore IoT fundamentals
Build a basic understanding of IoT concepts, which will enhance your ability to follow the course content.
Browse courses on IoT
Show steps
  • Read an online article or blog post about IoT
  • Watch a short video tutorial on IoT basics
Review programming concepts
Start by reviewing core programming concepts to set a strong foundation for learning IoT concepts in this course.
Browse courses on Python
Show steps
  • Review a beginner's guide to Python
  • Practice Python basics with online coding exercises
Organize and review existing course materials
Strengthen your understanding by organizing and reflecting on the materials covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Review lecture notes and slides
  • Organize and summarize key concepts
  • Create flashcards or a study guide
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Discuss IoT project ideas with classmates
Gain diverse perspectives and refine your understanding by discussing IoT project ideas with peers.
Show steps
  • Form a study group or connect with classmates online
  • Share project ideas and discuss their feasibility
  • Provide feedback and suggestions to improve each other's ideas
Follow online tutorials on IoT data management
This course introduces IoT data management techniques. To enhance your understanding, reinforce these concepts by following online tutorials.
Browse courses on IoT Data Management
Show steps
  • Identify a trustworthy source for IoT data management tutorials
  • Choose a tutorial that aligns with the course content
  • Follow the tutorial step-by-step, taking notes and practicing the concepts
Build a simple IoT project
Putting IoT concepts into practice with a project will deepen your understanding of how these concepts work in real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on Arduino
Show steps
  • Choose a simple IoT project idea
  • Gather the necessary materials and components
  • Build the project following instructions or tutorials
  • Test and refine your project
Solve coding challenges related to IoT data analysis
Reinforce your Python programming skills and apply them to real-world IoT data analysis scenarios.
Show steps
  • Find coding challenges on websites like LeetCode or CodeChef
  • Choose challenges that involve IoT data analysis
  • Solve the challenges using Python
Contribute to open-source projects related to IoT data analysis
Enhance your understanding of IoT data analysis and contribute to the community by participating in open-source projects.
Show steps
  • Find open-source projects on platforms like GitHub
  • Choose a project that aligns with your interests
  • Submit bug reports, feature requests, or code contributions

Career center

Learners who complete IoT Programming and Big Data will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use programming skills to analyze large datasets to reveal patterns and trends. This course provides an introduction to programming concepts, including how to connect to and interact with IoT devices. This knowledge can be valuable for Data Scientists who need to work with data from IoT devices. Additionally, the course covers how to process large data files, which is a valuable skill for Data Scientists who need to analyze large datasets from a variety of sources.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist
Data Analyst
Data Analysts use programming skills to clean, analyze, and interpret data. This course provides an introduction to programming concepts, as well as how to process large data files and manage data from IoT devices. These skills can be valuable for Data Analysts who need to work with data from a variety of sources, including IoT devices.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. This course provides an introduction to programming concepts, which is a valuable foundation for Software Engineers. Additionally, the course covers how to process large data files, which can be valuable for Software Engineers who need to work with data from a variety of sources, including IoT devices.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer
IT Consultant
IT Consultants advise businesses on how to use technology to improve their operations. This course provides an introduction to programming concepts, including how to connect to and interact with IoT devices. This knowledge can be valuable for IT Consultants who need to work with businesses that are using or considering using IoT devices.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Consultant
Business Analyst
Business Analysts analyze business processes and design solutions to improve efficiency. This course provides an introduction to programming concepts, which can be valuable for Business Analysts who need to understand how technology can be used to improve business processes. Additionally, the course covers how to process large data files, which can be valuable for Business Analysts who need to analyze data from a variety of sources, including IoT devices.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts design and implement computer systems. This course provides an introduction to programming concepts, which is a valuable foundation for Systems Analysts. Additionally, the course covers how to process large data files, which can be valuable for Systems Analysts who need to manage data from a variety of sources, including IoT devices.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst
Web Developer
Web Developers design and develop websites. This course provides an introduction to programming concepts, which is a valuable foundation for Web Developers. Additionally, the course covers how to interact with IoT data and integrate it into web applications.
See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer
Database Administrator
Database Administrators maintain databases and ensure that data is secure and reliable. This course provides an introduction to programming concepts, which is a valuable foundation for Database Administrators. Additionally, the course covers how to manage large data files, which is a valuable skill for Database Administrators who need to manage data from a variety of sources, including IoT devices.
See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator
Network Engineer
Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer networks. This course provides an introduction to programming concepts, which can be valuable for Network Engineers who need to understand how to connect and manage IoT devices on a network.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer
Project Manager
Project Managers plan and execute projects. This course provides an introduction to programming concepts, which can be valuable for Project Managers who need to understand how to integrate IoT technology into projects.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Product Manager
Product Managers develop and launch new products. This course provides an introduction to programming concepts, which can be valuable for Product Managers who need to understand how to use IoT technology to develop new products.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager
Sales Manager
Sales Managers develop and implement sales strategies. This course provides an introduction to programming concepts, which can be valuable for Sales Managers who need to understand how to use IoT technology to generate leads and close deals.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers develop and implement marketing strategies. This course provides an introduction to programming concepts, which can be valuable for Marketing Managers who need to understand how to use IoT technology to reach target audiences.
See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Managers develop and implement human resources policies and procedures. This course provides an introduction to programming concepts, which may be useful for Human Resources Managers who need to understand how to use IoT technology to automate HR processes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts analyze financial data and make investment recommendations. This course provides an introduction to programming concepts, which may be useful for Financial Analysts who need to understand how to use IoT technology to analyze financial data.
See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in IoT Programming and Big Data.
Cover image
Programming the Internet of Things
Save
Delves into embedded C programming, providing a solid foundation for IoT development. Ideal for learners seeking a strong understanding of IoT programming fundamentals.
Programming the Internet of Things: An Introduction...
Paperback
$$
Programming the Internet of Things: An Introduction...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
IoT Fundamentals
Save
Serves as a comprehensive introduction to IoT networking, protocols, and security, ergänzend the course's coverage of data management and communication.
IoT Fundamentals: Networking Technologies,...
Paperback
$$$
IoT Fundamentals: Networking Technologies,...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Python for Data Analysis
Save
Serves as a comprehensive guide to Python's data analysis capabilities, enhancing the course's focus on Python for data processing.
Python for Data Analysis: Data Wrangling with...
Paperback
$$
Python for Data Analysis
Kindle Edition
$$
Python for Data Analysis: Data Wrangling with...
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Data Mining
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of data mining techniques and algorithms, complementing the course's focus on data analytics.
Data Mining: Concepts and Techniques (The Morgan...
Paperback
$$$
Data Mining: Concepts and Techniques (The Morgan...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Big Data Analytics
Save
This comprehensive text guides learners through the complexities of Big Data analytics, offering a strategic perspective and industry insights.
Big Data Analytics: From Strategic Planning to...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Reinforcement Learning, second edition
Save
Introduces reinforcement learning concepts and algorithms, complementing the course's focus on data analysis and predictive modeling.
Reinforcement Learning, second edition: An...
Hardcover
$$$
Reinforcement Learning, second edition: An...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Big Data Analysis with Python
Save
Offers a practical guide to Big Data analytics using Python and Hadoop, complementing the course's coverage of data management and analysis.
Big Data Analysis with Python
Paperback
$$
Big Data Analysis with Python: Combine Spark and...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn, Keras,...
Save
Provides a practical guide to machine learning using popular Python libraries, enhancing the course's focus on data analysis and predictive modeling.
Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn, Keras,...
Paperback
$$
Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn, Keras,...
Paperback
$$$
Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn, Keras,...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Deep Learning
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of deep learning techniques and algorithms, offering advanced insights into data analysis and predictive modeling.
Deep Learning
Paperback
$$$
Deep Learning (Adaptive Computation and Machine...
Hardcover
$$$
Deep Learning (Adaptive Computation and Machine...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Building Wireless Sensor Networks
Save
Provides a practical approach to wireless sensor network design and implementation, enhancing the course's understanding of data acquisition in IoT systems.
Building Wireless Sensor Networks: with ZigBee,...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Raspberry Pi User Guide
Save
This practical guide provides detailed instructions and insights into the Raspberry Pi, a popular platform for IoT projects.
Raspberry Pi User Guide
Paperback
$$
Raspberry Pi User Guide
Paperback
$$
Raspberry Pi User Guide
Kindle Edition
$$
Raspberry Pi User Guide
Paperback
$$
Higher Education Research Methodology
Save
Offers a gentle introduction to data analytics concepts and techniques, suitable for learners with no prior background in the field.
Higher Education Research Methodology: A Step-by...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Course image
Effort
4 to 6 hours per week for 5 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Curtin University
Instructors
Johannes U. Herrmann
Valerie Maxville
Iain Murray AM
Siavash Khaksar
Yifei Ren
Language
English
Transcript
English
This course belongs to a collection called Internet of Things (IoT). It's comprised of six courses:
  1. Introduction to the Internet of Things (IoT)
  2. IoT Sensors and Devices
  3. IoT Networks and Protocols
  4. IoT Programming and Big Data (viewing)
  5. Cybersecurity and Privacy in the IoT
  6. IoT Capstone Project
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Builds a strong foundation for beginners who want to get started with IoT projects
Teaches fundamental Python programming concepts that are essential for working with IoT devices
Provides practical experience through realistic examples, making the learning process more engaging and effective
Taught by experienced instructors with expertise in IoT and Python programming, ensuring high-quality content
This course can help learners develop a strong foundation in IoT programming, but it does not cover advanced concepts
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