Make it Smart – Fundamentals of IoT

Catalog description

This 1-credit, introductory-level course is designed for on-campus and distance learning students and introduces them to the fundamentals of IoT, connectivity, and smart devices. Students will explore how embedded systems, sensors, and networks combine to create intelligent, connected systems that are now central to industries such as agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, and consumer technology. Through a blend of lectures and hands-on exercises, learners will gain practical experience programming microcontrollers, collecting and transmitting sensor data, and visualizing information on cloud dashboards. Special emphasis will be placed on understanding IoT-specific protocols, resource constraints, and basic security practices to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable systems. By the end of the course, students will have the confidence to design simple IoT prototypes, understand where IoT technology is headed, and recognize the opportunities and challenges that come with a rapidly expanding connected world.