Wireless Sensor Networks

Computer Science 22C:196:002, Fall 2011
Tuesdays & Thursdays 2:00 pm- 3:15 pm
66 Shaeffer Hall

Course Info:

Instructor: Octav Chipara
Email: [first-name]-[last-name] AT uiowa.edu
Office: 201L MacLean Hall
Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday after class (3:15pm - 4:45pm) or by appointment

Course prerequisites

This project requires students to complete a systems project. Knowledge of C is assumed!

Course Description:

Description

Wireless sensor networks are pervasive computing systems that consist of sensors embedded in the physical world. These systems have many applications including long-term monitoring of habitats, finding parking spaces in crowded cities, or monitoring the physiology and activity patterns of patients. Wireless sensor networks provide the basis for new computing paradigms that challenge many of the classical approaches to developing distributed and networking systems. This course considers the challenges of developing operating systems, wireless networking protocols, power-management, and middle-ware to support this new type of systems. As part of this course, students will design and implement a wireless sensor network system using motes (small devices that integrate a microcontroller and an 802.15.4 radio) or mobile phones.

This class does not require a textbook. All readings will be posted on the course website.

Grading Policy

Your grading will be based on the following components:

Critiques (30%): For each group of assigned readings, the students will have to write a critique. The critique should be about half a page (not necessarily an essay form) that captures your insights regarding the reading material. The critique is not intended to be a summary of the reading material. Instead you should focus on identifying open issues and limitations of the proposed technical solutions.
Project (60%) : The bulk of the grad for the class will be based on your system project. As part of the project you shall develop software, perform experiments, demonstrate a system, and write a final report. During the semesters there will be four milestones:
- Project proposal and presentation: 10%
- Project demo I: 5%
- Project demo II: 5%
- Final report: 40%
Participation (10%): Class participation is strongly encouraged.

This class will not have a final exam. The final project report will be due during finals week.

Plus/Minus grades will be given in this course. A+ shall be conferred for only for outstanding performance!

Effort Level

For University policty states that, in a 3 semester hour course, students should expect (on average) 6 additional hours of outside work per week or a total around 9 hours per course if classroom time is included.

Policies and Procedures

Administrative Home

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is the administrative home of this course and governs matters such as the add/drop deadlines, the second-grade-only option, and other related issues. Different colleges may have different policies. Questions may be addressed to 120 Schaeffer Hall, or see the CLAS Student Academic Handbook.

Electronic Communication

University policy specifies that students are responsible for all official correspondences sent to their University of Iowa e-mail address (@uiowa.edu). Faculty and students should use this account for correspondences. (Operations Manual, III.15.2. Scroll down to k.11.)

Accommodations for Disabilities

A student seeking academic accommodations should first register with Student Disability Services and then meet privately with the course instructor to make particular arrangements. See www.uiowa.edu/~sds/ for more information.

Academic Honesty

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences expects all students to do their own work, as stated in the CLAS Code of Academic Honesty. Instructors fail any assignment that shows evidence of plagiarism or other forms of cheating, also reporting the student's name to the College. A student reported to the College for cheating is placed on disciplinary probation; a student reported twice is suspended or expelled.

CLAS Final Examination Policies

Final exams may be offered only during finals week. No exams of any kind are allowed during the last week of classes. Students should not ask their instructor to reschedule a final exam since the College does not permit rescheduling of a final exam once the semester has begun. Questions should be addressed to the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and Curriculum.

Making a Suggestion or a Complaint

Students with a suggestion or complaint should first visit the instructor, then the course supervisor, and then the departmental DEO. Alberto Segre is the DEO of the department. His office is in 14 MacLean Hall. Complaints must be made within six months of the incident. See the CLAS Student Academic Handbook.

Understanding Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment subverts the mission of the University and threatens the well-being of students, faculty, and staff. All members of the UI community have a responsibility to uphold this mission and to contribute to a safe environment that enhances learning. Incidents of sexual harassment should be reported immediately. See the UI Comprehensive Guide on Sexual Harassment for assistance, definitions, and the full University policy.

Reacting Safely to Severe Weather

In severe weather, class members should seek appropriate shelter immediately, leaving the classroom if necessary. The class will continue if possible when the event is over. For more information on Hawk Alert and the siren warning system, visit the Public Safety web site.