EGH456 Embedded Systems
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| Unit code: | EGH456 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | CAB403 or Admission to (EN50, EN55 or EN60) |
| Equivalent(s): | ENB350 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,192 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $5,364 |
| International unit fee | $6,684 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | EGH456 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | CAB403 or Admission to (EN50, EN55 or EN60) |
| Equivalent: | ENB350 |
| Coordinator: | Chris Lehnert | c.lehnert@qut.edu.au |
Overview
In this advanced unit you will move from basic C programs to complete real-time applications on microcontrollers, using real-time operating systems to manage sensing, control and communication tasks. It leads on from fundamental computer architecture and C programming covered in first and second-year units, you will develop embedded applications that exploit microcontroller peripherals, implement serial communication, and manage concurrent tasks using real-time operating systems. The unit is practice focused, with structured laboratory exercises and a team project where you design and implement an embedded system that performs real-time sensing and control. Embedded Systems builds on the knowledge and skill you acquired in systems programming.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of microcontrollers and embedded systems programming using C/C++ and real-time kernels at an advanced level
- Use programming tools to develop software for embedded systems at a mastered level.
- Formulate a solution to an engineering problem as a team member, at a mastered level.
- Communicate effectively through an oral presentation and a written report, at a mastered level.
Content
This unit will consist of scheduled lectures that cover technical learning outcomes (ULO1, ULO2) and nontechnical learning outcomes (ULO3, ULO4). This is supported by weekly laboratories to support the development of skills in programming embedded systems.
Technical lectures will cover topics in embedded systems and computer science including: microcontroller architecture, real-time kernels, serial communication, multithreaded software, shared resources, synchronisation primitives, scheduling and concurrent access problems.
Learning Approaches
Total hours per week: 4
Lectures: 2
Laboratory: 2
This unit includes a 2-hour lecture and a 2-hour computer laboratory session each week. This unit has a strong emphasis on applying theory to practice in labs. During labs you will learn to apply
There is a parallel learning activity in a problem-based framework where you work in a team to design the embedded software to control an external device and present and report the results.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You receive progressive feedback in class on practical laboratory tasks through demonstrating your work to the tutor with immediate feedback. Laboratory work is done in groups of 2 students and formative feedback is received through interaction with partners and discussions with the teaching team as you work on each exercise. Feedback on individual learning is received through marks on the question sets that you answer in the laboratory. Formative feedback on the problem based learning assignment is available through discussions within your group and with the teaching team and an evaluation of your work against requirements and criteria provided for the assignment. You will receive written feedback on the oral presentation and the written report for the problem based learning task which are assessed against criteria.
Assessment
Overview
Assessment is focused on practical and laboratory work and is made up of laboratory exercises (40%) and a group problem-based learning task (30%). Laboratory tasks and question every fortnight test learning on technical content. Communication skills are assessed through an oral presentation, demonstration and a written report for the group problem-based learning task. A final examination worth 30% tests knowledge on an individual basis.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Computer Labs
Laboratory Exercises
You will complete a set of 6 computer laboratory exercises that require you to develop software and demonstrate outcomes to the teaching team in class. Each lab document and the details of the lab tasks will be made available within each fortnightly module throughout the semester. There are six labs over the semester.
The report component of this assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Assessment: Project (applied)
Problem Based Learning Assignment
You are required to design and develop the software for an embedded system to control an external device. You will work in groups and are required to make individual oral presentations and submit a group written report.
This assignment is not eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Assessment: Examination (written)
Final Examination
A short answer and multiple choice type examination that tests knowledge and understanding of concepts involved in embedded systems software development covered by the unit.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Embedded system development boards and other hardware are made available in the laboratory. They are essential for the unit. User manuals and other resources are made available via Canvas.
Resource Materials
Reference book(s)
Author: Daniel W. Lewis
Title: Fundamentals of Embedded Software with the ARM Cortex-M3
Publisher: Pearson Year: 2013
Edition: First
Risk Assessment Statement
You are required to do laboratory work under the supervision of a tutor and technical staff. The laboratory has electrical and mechanical equipment. You are required to do a general health and safety induction online and obtain a certificate and sticker for your identity card. This must be available for inspection by the tutor or technical staff in the laboratory. You will undergo a special health and safety induction at the beginning of the semester for using compressed air equipment. The risk of electrical incidents of any severity is low as you will only be working with data-carrying cables operating at low voltages. The risk of injury from a moving part is medium and appropriate precautions should be taken while starting and stopping machinery. You are required to wear covered shoes for all laboratory sessions. You should not wear loose clothing. You must comply with all QUT health and safety policy regulations.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer
1: Knowledge and Skill Base
Relates to: Computer Labs, Project (applied), Examination (written)
Relates to: Computer Labs, Project (applied), Examination (written)
Relates to: Computer Labs, Project (applied)
2: Engineering Application Ability
Relates to: Computer Labs, Project (applied), Examination (written)
Relates to: Project (applied)
Relates to: Project (applied)
Relates to: Computer Labs, Project (applied)
3: Professional and Personal Attributes
Relates to: Project (applied)
Relates to: Project (applied)
Relates to: Project (applied)
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.EN01 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Engage stakeholders professionally and communicate the outcomes of your work effectively to expert and non-expert audiences using appropriate modes.
Relates to: ULO4, Project (applied) - Display leadership, creativity, and initiative in both self-directed and collaborative contexts of professional engineering practice.
Relates to: ULO3, Project (applied) - Deploy appropriate approaches to engineering design and quality.
Relates to: ULO2, Computer Labs, Project (applied) - Demonstrate a thorough understanding of one engineering discipline, its research directions, and its application in contemporary professional engineering practice.
Relates to: ULO1, Computer Labs, Project (applied), Examination (written)
EN55 Master of Professional Engineering
- Apply advanced and specialist knowledge, concepts and practices in engineering design, analysis management and sustainability.
Relates to: Computer Labs, Project (applied), Examination (written) - Critically analyse and evaluate complex engineering problems to achieve research informed solutions.
Relates to: Computer Labs, Project (applied), Examination (written) - Apply systematic approaches to plan, design, execute and manage an engineering project.
Relates to: Project (applied) - Communicate complex information effectively and succinctly, presenting high level reports, arguments and justifications in oral, written and visual forms to professional and non specialist audiences.
Relates to: Project (applied) - Organise and manage time, tasks and projects independently, and collaboratively demonstrating the values and principles that shape engineering decision making and professional accountability.
Relates to: Project (applied)
EN60 Graduate Certificate in Communication for Engineering
- Demonstrate and apply specialised knowledge and technical skills in at least one Engineering discipline.
Relates to: Computer Labs, Project (applied), Examination (written) - Critically investigate real world engineering issues and solve complex problems drawing on specialised creative skills, analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, theory and practice.
Relates to: Computer Labs, Project (applied), Examination (written) - Employ effective written and oral professional communication skills across social, cultural and discipline domains.
Relates to: Computer Labs, Project (applied) - Exercise responsibility and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice including working independently, ethically and collaboratively.
Relates to: Project (applied)
EN79 Graduate Diploma in Engineering Studies
- Demonstrate and apply advanced discipline knowledge, concepts and practices as they relate to contemporary Engineering practice
Relates to: Computer Labs, Project (applied), Examination (written) - Analyse and evaluate Engineering problems using technical approaches informed by contemporary practice and leading edge research to achieve innovative, critically informed solutions
Relates to: Computer Labs, Project (applied), Examination (written) - Apply innovative, systematic approaches to plan, design, deliver and manage Engineering projects in a way that assures sustainable outcomes over their whole lifecycle
Relates to: Project (applied) - Effectively communicate Engineering problems, related complex data and information, and solutions in contemporary professional formats for diverse purposes and audiences
Relates to: Computer Labs, Project (applied) - Demonstrate ethically and socially responsible practice, recognising the importance of personal accountability and reflective practice when working in individual and collaborative modes
Relates to: Computer Labs
EV01 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Engage stakeholders professionally and communicate the outcomes of your work effectively to expert and non-expert audiences using appropriate modes.
Relates to: Project (applied) - Display leadership, creativity, and initiative in both self-directed and collaborative contexts of professional engineering practice.
Relates to: Project (applied) - Deploy appropriate approaches to engineering design and quality.
Relates to: Computer Labs, Project (applied) - Demonstrate a thorough understanding of one engineering discipline, its research directions, and its application in contemporary professional engineering practice.
Relates to: Computer Labs, Project (applied), Examination (written)