Purpose
Qualifying students (educators, faciliators, students and community leaders) will be equipped to coach learners in robotics through an introduction of the theory of robotics for the future. These competencies contribute to the development of science, engineering and technology in communities in Southern Africa, Africa and globally. The module is interactive, online and theoretical. The student must participate in online discussions, connect to the Internet weekly, and submit learning-unit tasks. The summative assessment is a portfolio as evidence of learning for a non-venue based examination.
Recommended practical robotics courses: I-SET Robotics - Components and Pedagogy (CSR0B1E) followed by I-SET Robotics - Problem Solving, Data and Debugging (CSR0B2E).
Recommended theoretical robotics courses: I-SET Robotics - Robotics Fundamentals (SCIRF01).
Recommended: Join the I-SET Robotics Online Community. Email I-SET@unisa.ac.za for a monthly training schedule.
Target Group
Robotics coaches (educators, faciliators, students and community leaders) who require the relevant knowledge and skill to present robotics in education. Knowledge and skill are presented, taught and explored in a comprehensive, coherent and structured format.
Syllabus - SCIFF01 (Robotics For the Future)
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Unit 1 – Sensing for Data, Data Analysis and Artificial Intelligence. The use of sensors for the collection of data used by the robots to makes sense of the environment. The analysis of this data towards artificial intelligence. |
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Unit 2 - Bio inspired Robotics and Biometrics. Bio inspired robotics considers the concepts from nature and applies these concepts in the design of real-world engineered systems |
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Unit 3 - Exploring Robotics (Air, Sea and Space). Robots are used to explore the air (e.g. drones), the sea (e.g. underwater drones) and space (e.g. Rover on Mars). The unit considers the features and criteria required for such exploring robots. |
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Unit 4 - Navigation and Orientation (SLAM and Path Planning). For mobile robots, the simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) is required to position and orientation robots. The SLAM algorithms are considered. |
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Unit 5 - On the Horizon and Potential Impact. The status quo of robotics is considered in terms of predications for future applications and development. The impact of agility robotics and the development of Boston Dynamics is considered. |
Admission Requirements SCIFF01
The credit calculation is based on the assumption that the student who enrols is competent in terms of the following outcomes or learning areas:
Assessment
Formative assessment and examination admission will comply with UNISA’s formative assessment rules and policies.Formative assessment: Will be used in the submission and evaluation of the assignment for each of the four learning units. Summative assessment: Will be implemented in the evaluation a non venue-based portfolio examination. A certificate from Unisa will be awarded to candidates after obtaining a final mark of at least 50%.
Duration of module
Semester course (15 weeks)
Tuition method
The UNISA open and distance method of blended learning will be followed. The study material will be provided according to the blended learning approach. Each learning unit requires a compulsory assignment for evaluation and feedback. This feedback will ensure that interaction between students and course facilitators occurs.
Course Fees
R3 500.00 (the full course fees are payable on registration).Lecture notes will be provided online.
Lecturers
Dr PM Gouws E-mail: gouwspm@unisa.ac.za
Administrator
Unisa Lifelong Learning Centre E-mail: ucl@unisa.ac.za