Course Catalogue

Embedded Processors UESTCHN2004

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Engineering
  • Credits: 10
  • Level: Level 2 (SCQF level 8)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course introduces embedded systems computing platforms and examines their basic building blocks. It covers topics including, but not limited to, microcontroller unit memory architecture, interrupt-driven programming, modular programming, and testing embedded systems. The course will further provide the students with hands-on experience, through laboratory work and an individual project, necessary to create a complete working embedded system from a list of requirements.

Timetable

This course will be timetabled in blocks, typically one week in four.

Requirements of Entry

Mandatory Entry Requirements

None

Recommended Entry Requirements

None

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

Assessment

Degree exam 75%

Reports (Total 25%): 15% on Lab Reports + 10% Written Assignment/Project Report

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

The aims of this course are to:

■ describe the computer architecture of microcontrollers;

■ introduce embedded systems and applications;

■ develop in students an understanding of the operating principles of microcontrollers and the functional interactions between software and hardware peripherals in embedded systems;

■ to expose students to fundamental problems and operating principles of typical embedded systems;

■ to develop experience programming embedded systems.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Describe the software and hardware building blocks of embedded system architecture and the various types of peripherals used in embedded systems.

■ Understand/Explain the principles of embedded systems' development, from specification through to validation.

■ Apply the gained knowledge to write and execute code for embedded systems, e.g., Interrupt Service Routines (ISRs).

■ Evaluate trade-offs and choices in embedded system design, considering factors like power consumption.

■ Synthesise the knowledge to design, implement, test, and verify embedded systems, demonstrating problem-solving abilities.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions