Module: CCO5105-20 Physical Computing

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Jake Hobbs

Module Tutor Contact Details: j.hobbs@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

Physical Computing helps make the inanimate, animate. It provides the knowledge and tools to help you create functional or artistic pieces that are tangible, driven by real world data and possible to deploy in a wide range of scenarios. You work with microprocessors/single board computers and a range of input and output devices to read and write data from and to the real world. Input data may be gathered via environmental, biometric sensors, QR codes and beyond, and outputs could take the form of text, light, sound and movement.

Physical Computing is a ‘hackspace’, not unlike those found across the UK (see Bristol Hackspace - http://bristol.hackspace.org.uk/). Here computational thinking, robots, everyday objects and creativity come together through methodologies of play and experimentation to build tangible things that would otherwise remain unmade. As a hackspace student you ‘tinker’ with new ideas around a given theme. The theme, revised year on year, aims to engage topics currently being explored within the Bath and Bristol creative industries.

2. Outline syllabus: 

Physical Computing covers the following key areas:

• Coding within the Arduino IDE

• Programming for microprocessors and single board computers (serial devices and IO/GPIO pins)

• Sensors and the world

• Sensors and the body

• Triggering light and sound

• Actuators (controlling movement)

• Testing and debugging

• Making things talk – connecting devices

• Project documentation and showcasing

• Theoretical and practical knowledge around the year’s theme

3. Teaching and learning activities:

Class Hours

Physical Computing comprises a series of workshops. You participate in practice-led sessions each week, undertaking mini briefs with the aim of compiling a portfolio of experiments. Tutors provide context on the subject, detailing how physical computing is applied in the real world. Beyond this, tutors work with the Creative Computing technical team to deliver demonstrations of key techniques as well as support your project work. 

Independent Learning

Physical computing projects tend to require lots of design direction to functional as intended. You should expect to dedicate an appropriate amount of time outside of class hours to developing projects to a good standard. This may include getting to grips with a new programming language, code library, and troubleshooting hardware issues.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description:  Experiments Portfolio

• % Weighting: 100%