This hands-on course introduces students to the world of single-board computers (SBCs) and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Students will explore the features and advantages of using SBCs such as the Raspberry Pi, gaining familiarity with the Linux operating system, GPIO headers, and hardware communication protocols like I2C.

Through a series of engaging projects, students will learn the basics of electronics—from blinking LEDs and push buttons to using environmental sensors that monitor temperature and humidity. These foundational skills will be connected to real-world applications in robotics.

Students will also gain experience in soldering components and designing custom 3D-printed cases for their projects using Hofstra’s Maker Space. Toward the end of the course, students will be encouraged to develop a final project using their kits, which may be evaluated by Hofstra faculty. Upon completion, students will have the opportunity to take their Raspberry Pi and project kits home.

All programming will be done using the Python language.

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Tentative Course Outline of Topics

1. Course Introduction
   • Overview of classroom facilities
   • Issuing Raspberry Pi kits
2. Getting Started with Raspberry Pi
   • Introduction to Raspberry Pi hardware and setup
3. Using Anaconda on Raspberry Pi
   • Installing and configuring Anaconda
   • Managing Python environments and packages
4. Python Programming & Linux Basics
   • Basic Python syntax and structure
   • Common Linux commands
5. Introduction to Electronics
   • Basic electrical concepts (BEE)
   • Using electronic tools and testing circuits
6. Programming and Circuit Control
   • LED blink program
   • Detecting input with switches
7. Communication Protocols
   • Understanding I2C buses and device communication
8. Environmental Sensing
   • Using temperature and humidity sensors
9. Soldering Skills
   • Practice soldering boards
   • Soldering servo controller boards
10. Robotics Integration
    • Controlling servos
    • Using accelerometers
    • Ultrasonic sensors: active vs. passive vision
11. 3D Design and Fabrication
    • Introduction to basic CAD drawings
    • Using calipers for measurement
    • Designing with Tinkercad
    • 3D printing: materials, techniques, and applications

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About the Instructor

Thomas Gaetano Re is a faculty member in the Department of Computer Science within the School of Engineering and Applied Science at Hofstra University

Education:

• Master of Science, Computer Science, Hofstra University, 2002
• Bachelor of Science, Mathematics and Computer Science, Adelphi University, 1998
• Associate of Science, Arts and Science, Nassau Community College, 1995