NG1S501 - Interfacing and Programming the Arduino Microcontroller 01 Jul 2021 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: NG1S501
Module Title: Interfacing and Programming the Arduino Microcontroller
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Engineering
Faculty Sub Group: Aeronautical Engineering
Module Leader: Alun Griffiths
Module Team: David Scammell, Alexandre Oleon, Sivagunalan Sivanathan
First Intended Intake: SEP 2026 Final Year of Intake: 2026
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100166 - control systems 100956 - programming
HECOS Code Weighting: 25 75

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Jul 2021
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

Develop an understanding of the Arduino programming language as a tool for developing embedded hardware solutions for intelligent measurement and control applications. Students will understand the mechanics of programming in high-level languages and will be able to apply the language's constructs and syntax in the development of embedded solutions using the Arduino hardware and the Proteus VSM schematic simulation environment.

Content Summary

Arduino, Development Boards and Shields

Communications Protocols

Serial (UART) Communications

I2C Communications

SPI Communications

Prototyping Embedded Designs

Breadboards

Veroboard

Tools for Prototyping

Test Equipment

Soldering

The Arduino IDE

Arduino Programming

Structure of Arduino Sketch (setup() and loop())

Arduino Functions and Libraries

Variables and Scope

Making Decisions

Loops

Digital I/O

ADC

PWM

Arrays

Measuring Light and Colour

Measuring Temperature, Humidity and Pressure

Accelerometers

Infrared Motion Sensor

Sensing Distance

Sensing Sound

Buzzers

LCD Displays

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Demonstration 12
Practical classes and workshops 48
Independent Study 100
Directed Study 12
Problem / challenge based learning 28
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Students will be able to apply the constructs and concepts of the 'C' programming language in the development of Arduino applications.
LO2 Students will be able to demonstrate the interfacing of sensors and shields to the Arduino Microcontroller. They will be able to use a range of predefined libraries for the control/acquisition of data for a range of interfaced peripherals.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Portfolio 1 Circuit Design and Interfacing Shields/Arduino Sketch/Testing/Logbook/1500 word Report 0 N/A 100 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Portfolio 1

Reading List

Thorpe E., (2020), “ARDUINO: 3 in 1: Beginners Guide + Simple and Effective Strategies + Advance Methods and Strategies to Learn Arduino”, Independently published, ISBN: 979-8625665803

Hoffman J., (2018), “Mastering Arduino: A project-based approach to electronics, circuits, and programming”, Packt Publishing, ISBN: 978-1788830584

Monk S., (2019), “Programming Arduino Next Steps: Going Further with Sketches”, McGraw-Hill Education TAB, ISBN: 978-1260143249

Blum J., (2019), “Exploring Arduino: Tools and Techniques for Engineering Wizardry”, Wiley, ISBN: 978-1119405375

Eleicia W., (2011), “Making Embedded Systems: Design Patterns for Great Software”, O'Rielley Books, ISBN: 978-1449302146