Physical Computing

Faculty

Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science

Version

Version 1 of 05.02.2026.

Module identifier

11B1609

Module level

Bachelor

Language of instruction

German

ECTS credit points and grading

5.0

Module frequency

only summer term

Duration

1 semester

 

 

Brief description

The field of physical computing is becoming more and more popular in today's society. Here, the physical world is linked to the virtual world of the computer. Be it the smallest devices with intelligent sensors such as smartwatches or microprocessors that run autonomous control processes.

Teaching and learning outcomes

  1. Providing current technical development environments for the implementation of innovative interactive systems
  2. Basics of electrical engineering for designers
  3. Interaction with and restrictions for design aspects

Overall workload

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

Teaching and learning methods
Lecturer based learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
30Lecture-
30Learning in groups / Coaching of groups-
Lecturer independent learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
30Work in small groups-
40Creation of examinations-
20Preparation/follow-up for course work-
Graded examination
  • Presentation or
  • Project Report, written
Ungraded exam
  • Field work / Experimental work
Exam duration and scope

Types of exams for graded exams:
Presentation: 10 minutes; Associated project report (written): 10 pages per person

Types of examinations for ungraded examinations:
Experimental Work: Submission of approx. 5 milestones; Pass on completing 85% of the tasks

Knowledge Broadening

The students who have successfully studied this module have a broad general knowledge of innovative operating concepts and corresponding techniques for development.
Through small projects, they acquire knowledge about technical possibilities in the field of physical computing.

Knowledge deepening

The students who have successfully studied this module can handle physical computing technologies and have a basic understanding of hardware and software in this area.

Knowledge Understanding

The students can understand the connection between hardware and software in the field of physical computing.

Application and Transfer

The students can develop physical computing objects from conception to operation, taking into account the technical complexity.

Academic Innovation

The students are able to develop and validate new concepts in sensor technology, operation and other areas of physical computing.

Communication and Cooperation

Students who have successfully studied this module are able to professionally discuss the technical planning for a project in the field with technical experts.

Academic Self-Conception / Professionalism

The students who have successfully studied this module undertake a critical analysis and evaluation of ideas, concepts, information and topics needed in the general context of physical computing. They are also able to name the disadvantages of technologies and to remedy them if necessary.

Literature

Aktuelle Dokumentationen entsprechender technischer Entwicklungsumgebungen
Greg Borenstein: Making Things See: 3D vision with Kinect, Processing, Arduino, and MakerBot, O'Reilly and Associates 2012, ISBN: 978-1449307073
Tom Igoe: Making Things Talk: Using Sensors, Networks, and Arduino to see, hear, and feel your world, O'Reilly and Associates 2011, ISBN: 978-1449392437
Udo Brandes: Mikrocontroller ESP32Das umfassende Handbuch, Rheinwerk Computing, ISBN 978-3836291248

Applicability in study programs

  • Media & Interaction Design
    • Media & Interaction Design B.A. (01.09.2024)

    Person responsible for the module
    • Plutka, Björn
    Teachers
    • Plutka, Björn
    • Nehls, Johannes