Beginning Custom Projects with Raspberry Pi

Course Overview

This course, Beginning Custom Projects with Raspberry Pi, provides an introduction to using a Raspberry Pi 4 to build a complete network-connected project with sensors and motors and access it from a smartphone. Students will explore all the parts which make this work, so they can use this experience as a foundation for their own projects. The Raspberry Pi will be used as an "embedded system" (as opposed to a desktop computer) so students are ready to build a Raspberry Pi into their projects as the brains that make it all work.

The course is divided into four modules: 1) installing and configuring a Raspberry Pi, 2) accessing the Raspberry Pi over the network, 3) programmatically controlling external sensors and motors, and 4) accessing the embedded device through a web interface. No experience in embedded systems, programming, or electronics is assumed, and optional bonus sections are provided for those who want a fast start in Python programming, Linux essentials, and basic electronics. After these four modules, students will be ready to start building their own projects right away. The three follow-on courses in this Coursera specialization dive into each area to really boost students' skills and the complexity of their projects.

[Applications]
After completing this course, students will be able to apply their knowledge to create custom projects with Raspberry Pi. They will be able to install and configure a Raspberry Pi, access it over the network, programmatically control external sensors and motors, and access the embedded device through a web interface. Additionally, students will be able to use their experience as a foundation for their own projects, such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices, home automation, and robotics.

[Career Paths]
1. Embedded Systems Engineer: Embedded systems engineers design, develop, and maintain embedded systems, which are computer systems that are embedded into larger systems. They are responsible for creating and testing the hardware and software components of the embedded system, as well as troubleshooting any issues that arise. This job is becoming increasingly important as the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to grow and more devices are connected to the internet.

2. Robotics Engineer: Robotics engineers design, develop, and maintain robots and robotic systems. They are responsible for creating and testing the hardware and software components of the robotic system, as well as troubleshooting any issues that arise. Robotics engineering is becoming increasingly important as robots are used in more and more industries, from manufacturing to healthcare.

3. IoT Developer: IoT developers design, develop, and maintain Internet of Things (IoT) systems. They are responsible for creating and testing the hardware and software components of the IoT system, as well as troubleshooting any issues that arise. This job is becoming increasingly important as more and more devices are connected to the internet.

4. Network Engineer: Network engineers design, develop, and maintain computer networks. They are responsible for creating and testing the hardware and software components of the network, as well as troubleshooting any issues that arise. This job is becoming increasingly important as more and more devices are connected to the internet.

[Education Paths]
1. Computer Science Degree: A computer science degree is a great way to learn the fundamentals of programming, networking, and hardware. With a computer science degree, you can develop the skills necessary to build custom projects with Raspberry Pi. You will learn about programming languages, operating systems, computer architecture, and more. Additionally, you will gain an understanding of the latest trends in technology, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things.

2. Electrical Engineering Degree: An electrical engineering degree is a great way to learn the fundamentals of electronics and circuit design. With an electrical engineering degree, you can develop the skills necessary to build custom projects with Raspberry Pi. You will learn about circuit design, signal processing, power electronics, and more. Additionally, you will gain an understanding of the latest trends in technology, such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, and renewable energy.

3. Robotics Degree: A robotics degree is a great way to learn the fundamentals of robotics and automation. With a robotics degree, you can develop the skills necessary to build custom projects with Raspberry Pi. You will learn about robotics programming, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and more. Additionally, you will gain an understanding of the latest trends in technology, such as autonomous vehicles, drones, and 3D printing.

4. Internet of Things Degree: An Internet of Things degree is a great way to learn the fundamentals of networking and embedded systems. With an Internet of Things degree, you can develop the skills necessary to build custom projects with Raspberry Pi. You will learn about networking protocols, embedded systems, and more. Additionally, you will gain an understanding of the latest trends in technology, such as cloud computing, edge computing, and 5G networks.