Embedded Hardware and Operating Systems (Coursera)

Offered by EIT Digital,
Embedded Hardware and Operating Systems (Coursera)

This course is intended for the Bachelor and Master's students, who like practical programming and making IoTs applications! In this course we will talk about two components of a cyber physical system, namely hardware and operating systems. After completing this course, you will have the knowledge of both hardware components and operating systems. You are able to plan and use embedded operating systems in resource-constraint devices for Internet-of-Things (cyber physical system) applications.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

In addition, you can use Cooja simulation for designing and simulating wireless sensor network applications.
We have 4 modules, each with a graded quiz in the end and finally we have one peer reviewed programming assignment.
The course is actually quite fun at the end when you are playing around with Cooja simulation for IoTs applications. So you can create and simulate your own design for sensor network applications. A lot of features and examples of Contiki and Cooja can be explored via assignments. There are some optional assignments of wireless sensor network applications for students who want to explore more about embedded OS in IoTs applications.

  • Marco Ramirez /University of Turku
  • Igor Tcarenko/ University of Turku
  • Nguyen Gia Tuan /University of Turku

Course 1 of 4 in the Development of Secure Embedded Systems Specialization

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Introduction to Embedded Hardware
This week will start from the basic information about Embedded Systems. Specifically, you will learn (1) what are embedded systems and where they are applied as well as (2) the main characteristics and challenges of embedded systems. (3) You will discover how embedded systems communicate with the outer world.

WEEK 2
Processing Elements of an Embedded System
This week we will go into details of what embedded systems consist of. Specifically you learn about the main blocks of any processing element of embedded systems. We will show you what (1) embedded processors consists of and its main features. You will learn what (3) reconfigurable architectures and FPGAs are, and what kind of (4) ready-made platforms you can use to start working with processing elements.

WEEK 3
Overview of operating systems and embedded operating systems
In this week, we start with an overview of operating systems and embedded operating systems for IoT. Primary functionalities of embedded operating systems are discussed. We learn how operating systems work: how memory is managed, how tasks are scheduled, what interrupts are and how they are handled. After this, we deepen our learning with the popular kernels for general and embedded operating systems. Linux (monolithic) kernel, micro kernel and modular kernel are presented. In addition, several popular embedded operating systems for IoT are presented. Concretely, after attending this week, you will able to (1) explain why embedded systems often require an operating system (2) describe how an embedded operating system works such as how memory is managed, how tasks are scheduled and how interrupts are handled. (3) You will be able to differentiate between popular kernels for embedded operating systems. (4) Differentiate between popular embedded operating systems for IoT.

WEEK 4
Contiki OS and Cooja simulation
In this week, we start to explore the Contiki Os in detail. First we discuss about the Contiki system and its kernel architecture. Furthermore, we explore how loadable programs are actually implemented in Contiki. Second, we go through services and libraries in Contiki to see how they are built and when they can be invoked. Third, we discuss communication in Contiki via details of uIp and Rime communication stacks in Contiki. Next, prototheads are discussed to describe how application code is processed in Contiki. Furthermore, APIs of multi-threading is discussed. Last but not least, the Cooja simulator - a simulator for wireless sensor networks based on Contiki is introduced. All steps of installing and applying Cooja for a wireless sensor network applications are presented in detailed via an example application. Concretely, after attending this week, you will able to (1) describe how Contiki system and its kernel architecture are built. (2) Distinguish Contiki services and libraries in terms of how they are built, when they are invoked and why they are used. (3) Describe how communication is implemented and supported in Contiki and what protocols Contiki can support. (4) Explore how application's code is processed in Contiki and important functions of API for multithreading in Contiki (5) use Cooja for simulating wireless sensor networks applications.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Information Technology (IT) Fundamentals for Everyone (Coursera) Coursera
IBM

Information Technology (IT) Fundamentals for Everyone (Coursera)

This course will guide you through fundamental concepts and skills to confidently navigate various aspects of IT and the digital world. You will be introduced to the vast field of IT, covering a wide range of topics to build your IT knowledge. You will delve into hardware, operating systems technology, software, programming, databases, networking, storage, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and support and operations.

Aug 31st 2026
5-12 Weeks
操作系统原理 (Operating Systems) (Coursera) Coursera
Peking University

操作系统原理 (Operating Systems) (Coursera)

操作系统原理》是针对计算机科学技术专业三年级本科生开设的一门专业基础课程。本课程着重学生系统观的培养,通过重点讲述操作系统的内部结构、工作原理及典型技术的实现,使学生建立起对操作系统的整体及各个功能模块的认识,从而系统掌握计算机的专业知识,进一步提升学生的软件开发能力乃至系统软件开发能力。

Aug 31st 2026
13-24 Weeks
Introduction to Computers and Office Productivity Software (Coursera) Coursera
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology - HKUST

Introduction to Computers and Office Productivity Software (Coursera)

In this course, you will learn the following essential computer skills for the digital age: major hardware components of a computer system; different types of software on a computer system; photo Editing using GIMP; and word processing applications, including MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint.

Aug 31st 2026
5-12 Weeks
Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems (Coursera) Coursera
IBM

Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems (Coursera)

Organizations need workers who can help others with computer hardware, software, and connectivity issues. Healthcare organizations are still converting to digitized systems, requiring more IT support. Workers are retiring, and organizations are contracting workers through IT consultancies rather than in-house IT technicians. With remote and hybrid work here to stay, organizations must provide employees with the devices and support they need to remain connected and productive. Additionally, IT support roles are often a steppingstone that enables employees to grow into higher-paying IT careers.

Sep 14th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Princípios básicos de apoio técnico (Coursera) Coursera
Google

Princípios básicos de apoio técnico (Coursera)

Este curso é o primeiro de uma série que visa a sua preparação para uma função de especialista de apoio técnico de TI de nível básico. Neste curso, ser-lhe-á apresentado o mundo das TI (Tecnologias de Informação). Vai descobrir as diferentes facetas das Tecnologias de Informação, como o hardware informático, a Internet, o software informático, a resolução de problemas e o serviço de apoio ao cliente. Vamos analisar como é que pode ser realizada uma entrevista técnica e fornecer sugestões sobre a melhor forma de se preparar para uma.

Aug 31st 2026
5-12 Weeks
Introduction to Embedded Machine Learning (Coursera) Coursera
Edge Impulse

Introduction to Embedded Machine Learning (Coursera)

Machine learning allows us to teach computers to make predictions and decisions based on data and learn from experiences. In recent years, incredible optimizations have been made to machine learning algorithms, software frameworks, and embedded hardware. Thanks to this, running deep neural networks and other complex machine learning algorithms is possible on low-power devices like microcontrollers. This course will give you a broad overview of how machine learning works, how to train neural networks, and how to deploy those networks to microcontrollers.

Sep 13th 2026
3 Weeks
Capstone: Autonomous Runway Detection for IoT (Coursera) Coursera
EIT Digital

Capstone: Autonomous Runway Detection for IoT (Coursera)

The students will develop a larger system using the learning outcomes from these courses, and the students will evaluate the developed system in a real-world programming environment. This course is a true engineering task in which the student must, not only implement the algorithm code, but also handle the interfaces between many different actors and hardware platforms.

Sep 7th 2026
3 Weeks
Computer Hardware and Software (Coursera) Coursera
University of California, Irvine

Computer Hardware and Software (Coursera)

This course provides foundational understanding of how computers process information through hardware and software. You will investigate the world of Information Technology (IT) and survey hardware components, mobile devices, operating systems, programs and apps, network fundamentals, the Internet, and touch on security and ethics.

Aug 31st 2026
3 Weeks
Introduction to Virtual Reality (Coursera) Coursera
University of London,Goldsmiths, University of London

Introduction to Virtual Reality (Coursera)

This course will introduce you to Virtual Reality (VR). The course will teach you everything from the basics of VR- the hardware and the history of VR- to different applications of VR, the psychology of Virtual Reality, and the challenges of the medium. The course is designed for people who are new to VR as a medium. You may have experienced some virtual reality before, and may have some hardware- but this course is suitable to individuals who have never experienced VR and those who do not have much hardware- we will explain Mobile VR as well as devices such as the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.

Aug 31st 2026
4 Weeks
Introduction to Cybersecurity Foundations (Coursera) Coursera
Infosec

Introduction to Cybersecurity Foundations (Coursera)

Most introductory or beginner level cybersecurity courses are not truly beginner level. Most of them assume some level of technical competence and expect that cybersecurity is not your first technical job role. However, as I've successfully mentored people coming from fields such as nursing, aviation (an airline pilot!), and real estate, I've learned that these people are underserved as far a true introduction. This Learning Path is an answer to that gap.

Aug 31st 2026
4 Weeks
Endpoints and Systems (Coursera) Coursera
Cisco Learning and Certifications

Endpoints and Systems (Coursera)

The three most used endpoint operating systems are Windows, Linux, and Mac. When investigating security incidents, security analysts often encounter these operating systems running on servers or user end hosts. If you are an associate-level cybersecurity analyst who is working in security operation centers, this course will help you understand basic Windows operations principles.

Aug 31st 2026
3 Weeks