Microcontrollers and Embedded Systems

Unit code: NEE2003 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)
Overview
Enquire

Overview

In this unit, you will explore how microcontrollers serve as the intelligence within modern electronic and mechanical systems. You will study internal architecture, data flow, and programming logic while integrating sensors, actuators, and communication devices through practical laboratory work. Using C/C++ coding and structured testing, you will develop embedded applications that operate reliably under real-time conditions. You will also learn to design hardware–software solutions that are efficient, maintainable, and adaptable to evolving technologies, applying ethical judgement and awareness of user needs throughout the process. By the end of this unit, you will have developed knowledge and skills to be able to design, implement, and evaluate embedded systems that demonstrate precision, innovation, and professional accountability.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Apply microcontroller architecture and peripheral functions to real-time control and monitoring tasks;
  2. Design and program embedded systems that integrate hardware, software, and safety-critical protocols;
  3. Exhibit skills in assembling sensors, actuators, and communication modules to implement inclusive, user-centred embedded applications;
  4. Test, debug, and document hardware–software systems collaboratively using professional tools and communication standards; and
  5. Evaluate embedded solutions for sustainability, ethics, and reliability in professional and multidisciplinary contexts.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type:
|
Grade:
In-lab microcontroller implementation and debug task (Individual) (30 mins)
Assessment type:
|
Grade:
Lab report of embedded application design and validation (Group) (3000 words)
Assessment type:
|
Grade:
VIVA Applied problem-solving demonstration (Individual) (8 mins)

Laboratory Work: This secure assessment ensures authenticity by requiring students to complete in-lab implementation and debugging tasks in real time. Instructors observe students performing practical work, ask process-focused questions, and verify understanding

Report: Structured group lab report documenting design, implementation, and validation processes in detail. Progressive milestone checks, documented collaboration and individual contributions ensure accountability and support verification of each student’s engagement. Explicit evaluation of individual contributions further supports the assessment and assurance of each student’s achievement of learning outcomes.

Presentation: Viva - This secure assessment requires students to demonstrate and explain applied problem-solving, coding, and system functionality in a live oral examination. Unpredictable questions and interactive discussion verify student understanding and ensure assessment of learning outcomes.

Required reading

Required readings will be made available on VU Collaborate.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)
NHEE | Bachelor honours degree | Duration: 4 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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