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Design and Prototype Embedded Computer Systems

CO218 Online course

Discover embedded system design and work your way through the product design lifecycle.

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Computer systems Computing Key stage 3 Key stage 4 KS3 and GCSE subject knowledge certificate
Free online course Approximately 8 hours of self-study

On this course, you will explore how embedded systems are used in the world around us.

You will learn what makes an embedded system different from a general purpose system (such as a PC) and discover how embedded systems are specialised for a particular use case.

As you explore the iterative design process, you will discover how the purpose of a system affects how it is designed, from choosing its components to the look of the final product. You will also investigate the design of an algorithm and, ultimately, design your own embedded system.

Who is it for?

This course is for current or prospective teachers of computer science who have some understanding of computer science principles.

Topics covered

  • Difference between general purpose and embedded systems
  • Example embedded systems
  • Design your own embedded system

How long is this course?

This is approximately 8 hours of self-directed learning.

How will you learn?

This online, self-paced course can be completed flexibly. You can join and start this course at any time after the advertised date, and keep access for a year after booking. You can learn independently or with colleagues to directly address your individual needs.

This course will be periodically facilitated by expert Professional Development Leaders.

Outcomes

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Compare embedded systems to general-purpose systems
  • Investigate the design of a smartwatch as an example of an embedded system
  • Apply a design process to both an algorithm and a whole product
  • Develop a prototype of an embedded system

This course is part of the KS3 and GCSE Computer Science subject knowledge certificate

Key stage 3 and GCSE Computer Science certificate

Our certificate is designed to help you develop or refresh your computer science subject knowledge.

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This course is from the National Centre for Computing Education and is delivered by STEM Learning.

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