Build a Physical Computing Prototype
Lancaster University
  • Start Date: 04 Jul, 2022
  • 4 weeks
  • Study Content: Videos


Explore cutting-edge developments in physical computing and get coding experience to launch your creative technology career.

Course Fee: Free
Certificate Cost: See Fees and Eligibility

Course Description

Learn how physical computing is transforming tech, then build your own prototype


Physical computing involves building systems that can sense and respond to the world around them. From smart watches and virtual assistants to traffic lights and central heating, interactive systems like these are part of the fabric of our society.


On this four-week course from Lancaster University, you’ll explore how interactive devices have transformed the way we work, live, and relate to objects and one another. As you take a look inside hardware and software we now take for granted, you’ll learn how physical computer systems are revolutionising the tech industry.


Learn how to use code to collect and analyse data


Once you’ve covered the basics of physical computing, you’ll learn how to programme your own interactive system.


You’ll learn how to use coding to collect, analyse, and display real-world data in a computer system.


Complete your own physical computing challenges


In the second half of the course, you’ll begin putting knowledge into practice. You’ll complete a variety of warm-up challenges, including collecting and displaying sensor data and coding a radio, in preparation for the final challenge.


By the end of the course, you’ll have demonstrated your new expertise by building your first physical computing prototype.


This course is designed for anyone interested in learning more about the fast-growing field of physical computing. It will be particularly useful for computing students or aspiring creative technologists.


You might also be interested in the other courses from UAL Creative Computing Institute, Lancaster University, and the Institute of Coding in the Essential Creative Technologies collection.


    • Certificate cost may vary. You will be redirected to the host page for cost and payment options.

    • Lancaster University

      Ranked in the global top 1%, Lancaster is a collegiate university with a world-class reputation for research and teaching excellence.

      Lancaster pioneers globally significant research and uses its expertise to shape policy and encourage debate. Located on a beautiful campus in the North West of England and one of a handful of collegiate universities, Lancaster places great emphasis on a strong student experience and research-led teaching delivered by academics who are experts in their field. Ranked 9th in the THE’s global ‘100 under 50’ university league table, the University has established a global reputation as a centre for research, scholarship and teaching with an emphasis on employability.

      Following the latest research assessment exercise over 90% of the research at Lancaster was found to be world leading or internationally significant with some key areas of research ranked top in the UK.

       

    • You may be able to download course materials after enrolling in this course. If not, all of the necessary course materials provided by the course instructor will be available on the provider's course page.
    • COLLABORATION POLICY

      By enrolling in a course on or through eLearnAfrica, you are joining a special worldwide community of learners. The aspiration of eLearnAfrica is to provide anyone with an internet connection access to courses from the best universities and institutions in the world and to provide our learners the best educational experience internet technology enables. You are a part of the community that will help eLearnAfrica achieve this goal. eLearnAfrica depends upon your motivation to learn the material and to do so with honesty and academic integrity. In order to participate in eLearnAfrica, you must agree to the Honor Code below and any additional terms specific to a class.

      ELEARNAFRICA HONOR CODE PLEDGE

      By enrolling in a course, program, or degree hosted on the eLearnAfrica App or Site, I agree that I will:

      • Complete all tests and assignments on my own, unless collaboration on an assignment is explicitly permitted.

      • Maintain only one user account and not let anyone else use my username and/or password.

      • Not engage in any activity that would dishonestly improve my results, or improve or hurt the results of others.

      • Not post answers to problems that are being used to assess student performance.

      • Abide by any and all requirements of the eLearnAfrica Participants as may regard the expectations of civil or academic behavior or of community standards.

      VIOLATIONS

      If you are found in violation of the Terms and Conditions or Honor Code, you may be subject to one or more of the following actions:

      • Receiving a zero or no credit for an assignment;

      • Having any certificate earned in the course withheld or revoked;

      • Being unenrolled from a course, learning program or degree program; or

      • Termination of your use of the App and/or Site.

      • Additional actions may be taken at the sole discretion of eLearnAfrica and eLearnAfrica course providers. 

      No refunds will be issued in the case of any corrective action for such violations.

      Honor code violations will be determined at the sole discretion of eLearnAfrica, the Partners, or Members. You will be notified if a determination has been made that you have violated this honor code and you will be informed of the corresponding action to be taken as a result of the violation.

      CHANGING THE HONOR CODE

      Please note that we review and may make changes to this Honor Code from time to time. Any changes to this Honor Code will be effective immediately upon posting on this page, with an updated effective date. By accessing the App and/or Site after any changes have been made, you signify your agreement on a prospective basis to the modified Honor Code and any changes contained therein. Be sure to return to this page periodically to ensure familiarity with the most current version of this Honor Code.

      Effective Date: September 22, 2016