Course Title: EE 295b: Wireless Sensor Networks
Class Information: Fall 2006
Class time: 1230-1345 T R
Class location: Lafayette L202
Project space: Perkins 302
Instructor Information: Dr. Jeff Frolik
357 Votey
Phone: 802.656.0732
jfrolik@uvm.edu
http://www.cems.uvm.edu/~jfrolik/
Office Hours: I have an open door policy and am around most the time; otherwise email for an appointment
Prerequisite: Senior Standing in Engineering or CS. Permission of instructor only. Max enrollment: 13
Course Objectives: To introduce and apply fundamental principles uniquely related to wireless sensor systems.
Text: B. Krishnamachari, Networking Wireless Sensors, Cambridge University Press, 2005.

Journal and Conference papers.
Grading: Exam I: 20%
Exam II: 20%
Quizzes: 20%
Individual Projects: 20%
Group Project: 20%
Grade Scale: A [90, 100]
B [80, 90]
C [70, 80]
D [60, 70]
F [0, 60]
breaks within above ranges are used to set +/-
Topics and Tentative Schedule: Introduction to Wireless Sensor Networks (CH 1)
Network Deployment (CH 2)
Localization (CH 3)
Time Synchronization (CH 4)
Wireless Characteristics (CH 5)
MAC (CH 6)
Topology Control (CH 7)
Routing (CH 8)
Data-centric Networking (CH 9)
Congestion Control (CH 10)
Student Presentations (various)
General: The instructor posts all assignments, solutions, and additional material at the WebCT site for this class. This can be found at: http://webct.uvm.edu/

Most weeks there will be a short quiz covering the previous week's materials. On all quizzes you will be allowed to use ONE sheet of notes. You may use both sides of the paper and you may put anything you want on it. No additional notes or text may be used unless specifically noted.

Expect the first exam to be a take home given around the beginning of October. At least one weeks notice will be given. The last exam will be a take home that will be due during the final exam period. All exams will have a comprehensive component. On all quizzes and exams, it is expected that the methodology needed to obtain a solution will be presented; just presenting a correct final answer will not garner full credit.

Throughout the semester, the instructor will give students feedback on how they are progressing the course.

During the semester, classes may be cancelled due to scheduled travel by the instructor. These classes WILL be made up at a time convenient to all students (e.g., in the evenings). It is hoped that all will be cooperative in scheduling these makeup sessions so that the full content of the course can be provided.
Projects: Students will conduct projects individually and as a team. Individual projects will include brief presentations reporting results from reading literature. In addition, students will gain experience working with wireless sensor systems generously donated by MicroStrain of Williston, VT. Students will individually conduct small projects in the beginning of the semester to familiarize themselves with the hardware and software. Working in teams, a fully functional sensor network will be developed and deployed for an application chosen by the team. Students will be presenting in small groups various aspects of this work at the project's end.
Attendance: Class attendance will not be checked; however, attendance is expected and students will be responsible for all assignments and materials covered in class. Furthermore, the project grade will be highly dependent on student participation for which attendance will be requisite.
Plagiarism: Any students found giving and/or receiving assistance on Exams or Quizzes will receive a failing grade for the course. However, students are encouraged to work together and to exchange ideas when working on their labs and presentations. Students must be sure to reference their work properly, including all web sources. UVM's policy on honesty is clearly defined and can be found at http://www.uvm.edu/~uvmppg/ppg/acad/other/honesty.htm
ADA: Students with disabilities should contact the instructor as soon as possible regarding necessary accommodations.
ABET Matrix:

0 – no contribution
1 – very low level
5 - very high level

  • Outcome #1: an ability to apply knowledge of mathmematics, science, and engineering to the analysis of electrical engineering problems; Contribution: 4
  • Outcome #2: an ability to design and conduct scientific and engineering experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data; Contribution: 4
  • Outcome #3: an ability to plan, specify, design, implement, and operate a system, component, or process to meet desired needs; Contribution: 4
  • Outcome #4: an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams; Contribution: 4
  • Outcome #5: an ability to identify, formulate, and solve electrical engineering problems; Contribution: 3
  • Outcome #6: an understanding of professional, legal, and ethical responsibility; Contribution: 2
  • Outcome #7: an ability to convey technical material through formal written work products which satisfy accepted standards for writing style; Contribution: 3
  • Outcome #8: an ability to convey technical material through oral presentation and interaction with an audience; Contribution: 3
  • Outcome #9: broad education and knowledge of contemporary issues necessary to understand the impact of electrical engineering solutions in a global and societal context; Contribution: 3
  • Outcome #10: a recognition and appreciation of the need for, and ability to engage in life-long learning and critical thinking; Contribution: 2
  • Outcome #11: an ability to use modern engineering techniques, skills, and tools, including computer-based tools, necessary for analysis and design; Contribution: 3