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BSEN30520

Academic Year 2025/2026

Sensors and Sensing Systems (BSEN30520)

Subject:
Biosystems Engineering
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Biosystems & Food Engineering
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Aoife Gowen
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This course will introduce students to modern sensors and advanced measurement systems for a wide range of applications in food and agriculture. Sensors are recognised as key enablers of a sustainable future through timely provision of data that can be used in decision making to improve agricultural productivity and climate resilience, while also optimizing resource usage.

In this module, students will learn the basic theory of sensors, general measurement principles and concepts are introduced. Physical parameters of interest, available methods and appropriate sensor solutions for measurement will be explored. Data acquisition, management and processing techniques will be presented, with a particular focus on imaging based and intelligent measurement and monitoring techniques. Students will learn the basics of programming and developing a sensing system based on Arduino.

Through participation in lectures and tutorials, students will learn how evaluate a range of solutions to a sensing application against appropriate technical criteria, design, program and operate a temperature sensor measurement and control system and analyse the resulting data to monitor an environment.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
1. demonstrate an understanding of the principles of sensor measurement systems
2. evaluate a range of solutions to a sensing application against appropriate technical criteria
3. design, program and operate a temperature sensor measurement and control system
4. analyse time-series data obtained with a sensing system

Indicative Module Content:

1. Fundamentals of sensors and components of sensor systems
2. Principles of operation of temperature sensing systems
3. Architecture and operating principles of microcontrollers
4. Sketching in Arduino to control inputs and outputs
5. Design, wire and operate a sensing system based on Arduino
6. Demonstrate understanding of circuits with Arduino
7. Learn how to use a multimeter to test an Arduino circuit
8. Principles of light detectors & colour measurement
9. The principles of basis of humidity measurement
10. Basic principles of spectroscopy, spectral imaging and related applications

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

100
Lectures

12
Practical

12
Total

124

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
1. Lectures and tutorials on theory and methods.
2. Problem-based assignments to develop critical awareness, analysis, synthesis and communication skills.
3. Data collection, interpretation and analysis to answer a given question.


While the University uses letter grades to grade assessment components, some assessment components are quantitative, in which case a Module Coordinator may use a numerical scale to initially determine the component result, which then is converted to a grade. For this module, the Alternative Linear Conversion Grade Scale will be used, for further information see: https://www.ucd.ie/students/exams/gradingandremediation/understandinggrades/

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Assignment on application of sensors Week 6, Week 15 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
50
 No
Exam (In-person): Exam based on course content Week 12 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
50
 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback on assignments will be provided throughout the trimester.

F, Dunn, Patrick, and Davis, Michael P.. Measurement and Data Analysis for Engineering and Science, Taylor & Francis Group, 2017.
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