Introduction to Physical Computing with Arduinos

Polytechnic University of Tomar

Department: Technology School of TomarLocal Code: 40291
Polytechnic University of Tomar logo

Course Details

ECTS Credits:2
Language of Instruction:English
Mode of Delivery:Online
Study Programme:Lifelong Learning
Type of Course:Practical
Max Participants:40
Min Participants:10

Term Information

Semester:Autumn/Winter

Bi-Weekly Appointment 1

Course Cycle:Bi-Weekly
Start Date:19.10.2026
End Date:18.12.2026

Course Content

  1. Introduction to Physical Computing and the Arduino Platform
  2. The Arduino Programming Language
  3. Interfacing with the Outside World (Analog and Digital)
  4. Arduino in Motion (Motors, Servos)
  5. Actuators and Interactivity (Ultrasonic Sensores, LCDs)
  6. Serial Communication Systems (Serial, I2C, SPI, Ethernet)
  7. Wireless Communication (BT, Wifi)
  8. Introduction to IoT
  9. STEAM Project

Learning Outcomes

To develop participants' technical and digital skills by integrating concepts of electronics, programming, and robotics, and promoting computational thinking and problem-solving. To foster active learning. To facilitate the implementation of creative projects. To promote educational innovation. Training professionals in the STEAM area (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) is considered a fundamental area to meet the growing needs of an increasingly technological and interconnected world. The physical computing programming with Arduino, proposed in this short course, offers an accessible and versatile platform to teach complex concepts simply, practically, and interactively, promoting active learning and making learning more interesting, with a view to improving students' skills.

Literature and Course Materials

  • ARDUINO website. Arduino - Getting Start, Learning and examples. Online: http://www.arduino.cc/
  • Arduino Cookbook. Amazon online: https://www.amazon.com/Arduino-Cookbook-2nd-Michael-Margolis/dp/1449313876
  • Barros, M. (2024). Laboratório de Microssistemas, da Computação Física à Internet das Coisas. IPT: Unidade Departamental de Engenharias. Instituto Politécnico de Tomar
  • Instructables. Source of Arduino Projects. Online: https://www.instructables.com/circuits/arduino/projects/
  • Mikroelektronika. PIC Microcontrollers - Programming in C. Online: http://www.mikroe.com/eng/product_downloads/download/

Contact

Assigned Contact: SPOC - Student Point of Contact

Keywords

Embedded systems; Physical Computing; Arduino; IoT

External Links

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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.