Enrolment options

AXM-E7004 - Physical Computing, Lecture, 21.10.2024-5.12.2024

Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

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

  1. Identify and explain the roles of physical computing and critical making in the field of new media art.
  2. Interpret electronic circuit schematics.
  3. Use sensors and other input devices to convert human interactions and other inputs from the physical world into digital data.
  4. Process and map input data using microcontroller programming.
  5. Control and use motors, lights, and other output devices.
  6. Use simple networking protocols to communicate between different devices.
  7. Design and create physical computing prototypes and interactive artworks.

Credits: 6

Schedule: 21.10.2024 - 05.12.2024

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Matti Niinimäki

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    This course introduces physical computing as a creative framework for investigating the connections between digital media and the physical world. Students explore electronics as a creative medium in the field of new media art and design through hands-on exercises and examples. The course covers some basic electronic concepts and theory, various analog circuits, prototyping your own circuits, microcontroller programming, working with sensors, using motors and other actuators, as well as using simple networking protocols.

    A critical insight into maker culture and the environmental impact of the electronics industry is introduced through readings, discussions, examples, and thinking-through-practice. This hands-on with minds-on approach is called Critical Making, a term that describes the bridging of two modes of designerly or artistic practices that are often considered separate—critical thinking and making things. Physical Computing is a course that uses Critical Making as a strategy for learning and artistic research.

    This is not an engineering course. The course focuses on creative use of electronics and hardware hacking, not on the theory and the most efficient circuit design. The course will also go through some essential tips for safety, use of various tools, best practices, and how to take care of the equipment and facilities.

Assessment Methods and Criteria

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    A successful completion of the course requires the following:

    • Active participation in class (miminum 80% attendance).
    • Completed assignments.
    • Completed final project.
    • Completed documentation.

    More details on the assessment methods and criteria can be found in the course syllabus for each implementation of the course.

Workload

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Lectures, readings, technical demonstrations, hands-on assignments, independent project-based work. Each student completes a final project where the student explores and demonstrates the topics covered in the course. The projects will be presented in an exhibition at the end of the course.

    6 ECTS ≈ 160h

    • Lectures: 40h
    • Time to think and prepare for the lectures: 40h
    • Independent study and tutored project work: 80h

    This course cannot be completed remotely.

DETAILS

Study Material

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Selected literature, course website. Will be provided in class.

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    12 Responsible Production and Consumption

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching Language: English

    Teaching Period: 2024-2025 Autumn II - II
    2025-2026 Autumn II - II

    Registration:

    Minimum amount of participants: 8
    Maximum amount of participants: 16

    Registration for Courses Sisu. Priority order to courses is according to the order of priority decided by the Academic committee for School of Arts, Design and Architecture
    https//www.aalto.fi/en/services/registering-to-courses-and-the-order-of-priority-at-aalto-arts

Rules of Conduct - Students´ Rights and Responsibilities (in force from 1 August 2020)

Aalto University Code of Academic Integrity and Handling Violations Thereof

Guests cannot access this workspace. Please log in.