Western Colorado University’s Computer Science program provides multiple tracks for students to specify their degree plans. The Software Engineering emphasis track at Western is built on a computer science foundation of programming, database management, web development and software engineering. Through this track, students take courses that provide them with the tools and skills they need in order to be successful in their careers after college. One of these courses is titled CS 380, The Internet of Things (IoT).
The Internet of Things Course
This three-credit course is a hands-on introduction to the theory and programming of wireless embedded systems or the “Internet of Things.” Students taking the course wire circuits and code embedded systems to interact with the physical world through sensors, actuators and wireless communication.
“IoT is a rapidly growing field,” said Marc Rubin, Assistant Director of Computer Science and professor of the course. “The number of ‘smart’ and ‘connected’ devices has been growing steadily over the past decade. Basically, anything with a microchip must be programmed by someone.”
Preparing Students for the Field
Rubin said that, because IoT is becoming such a popular field, this course will prepare students to go into embedded systems development and/or become firmware engineers.
“In this course, students gain the knowledge and skills to write ‘low level’ code for electronic ‘things,’” said Rubin.
Getting Practical Insights
Evan White, a Western Alumni who graduated in 2022 with a degree in Computer Science emphasizing in cyber security, said he most enjoyed the hands-on parts of the course.
“We actually got to learn about practical things instead of just talking about abstract concepts within IoT,” said White.
Western is dedicated to providing students with intensive coursework and hands-on experience. Through their education, students will gain skills that prepare them to develop essential technology that modern society depends on.
Western’s Computer Science Degree
Now that he’s graduated, White said he’s thankful for the coursework Western provided through his Computer Science degree.
“This class really shows how unique the curriculum is at Western in regards to how hands-on it is,” said White. “It allows kids who would have otherwise not wanted to be computer science majors really excel and have fun with it.”
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