615.747.81 - Sensors and Sensor Systems

Course Structure

The course materials are divided into modules which can be accessed by clicking Course Modules on the course menu. A module will have several sections including the overview, content, readings, discussions, and assignments. You should regularly check the Calendar and Announcements for assignment due dates. There is a new module each week. I try to have two modules open at once so that students can work ahead if they wish (NOTE: I do not grade ahead! Assignments submitted early are graded with the rest of the batch.) There is something due each week -- either a homework (modules 1-6, 8-12), an exam (modules 7 and 14) or a technical writing assignment (module 13).

Course Topics

Here is a list of the topics in each module.
1. Introduction to sensors
2. Optical sensors, part 1
3. Optical sensors, part 2
4. Optical sensors, part 3
5. Hyperspectral and Terahertz sensors
6. Laser-based sensors
7. MIDTERM EXAM
8. Temperature, Pressure, and Acoustical sensors
9. Chemical and Biological sensors
10. Magnetic sensors
11. Radar
12. Radiation sensors
13. Inertial sensors, GPS, and MEMS sensors
14. FINAL EXAM

Course Goals

To gain a broad overview of many classes of sensors, with a basis of understanding the physical principles of operation as well as specific applications and common usages.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

• Identify and describe the characteristics of sensors and sensor systems.
• Understand the physical principles of operation for several classes of sensors.
• Evaluate sensors for specific applications.

Textbooks

Recommended: "Handbook of Modern Sensors: Physics, Designs, and Applications" by Jacob Fraden. (c) 2016 Springer-Verlag. print or ebook.
Suggested: "Sensor Technology Handbook" edited by Jon S. Wilson. (c) 2004, Newnes. print or ebook.

Lecture materials are posted on Blackboard. Many students find a textbook to be very helpful, and companion readings for the course are given for relevant passages in Fraden.

Other Materials & Online Resources

Supplemental reading assignments are posted on Blackboard.

Student Coursework Requirements

There are 11 homework assignments (modules 1-6, 8-12) worth 5% each for a total of 55%. There is also a midterm exam at module 7 (15%) and a final exam at module 14 (15%), a technical writing assignment (10%) due at module 13. The discussion forum is 5% of the course grade.

Grading Policy

Graded work is usually returned within 5 days of the due date. HW submitted after the solutions have been released will have a grade penalty. The discussion forum is graded on a simplified rubric: 2 points is full credit, 1 point for half-hearted or cursory submissions, and 0 points if not submitted. Students who receive less than a 2 for that module can make additional posting(s) towards  the 2 point mark. 

The midterm and final are self-timed exams - details will be posted on blackboard. I do not post solutions to the exams.

The technical writing assignment (due at module 13) must be completed to receive a grade for the course -- if not submitted, I will given an "incomplete" until it is turned in. This assignment must be done in accordance with JH EP academic guidelines concerning plagiarism, etc. Note that direct quotes from source material must be enclosed in quotes, or set off by indentation for extended passages, and cited appropriately.

The deadline for submitting ALL academic work will be midnight on the "Last Day of Classes" as listed in the JH EP academic calendar. [For Fall 2021, this is December 14, 2021.]

I generally try to follow the EP guidelines for assigning letter grades, but I reserve the right to make adjustments based on the distribution of raw scores for the class (mean and standard deviation). The EP guidelines are as follows:

Academic Policies

Deadlines for Adding, Dropping and Withdrawing from Courses

Students may add a course up to one week after the start of the term for that particular course. Students may drop courses according to the drop deadlines outlined in the EP academic calendar (https://ep.jhu.edu/student-services/academic-calendar/). Between the 6th week of the class and prior to the final withdrawal deadline, a student may withdraw from a course with a W on their academic record. A record of the course will remain on the academic record with a W appearing in the grade column to indicate that the student registered and withdrew from the course.

Academic Misconduct Policy

All students are required to read, know, and comply with the Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts and Sciences (KSAS) / Whiting School of Engineering (WSE) Procedures for Handling Allegations of Misconduct by Full-Time and Part-Time Graduate Students.

This policy prohibits academic misconduct, including but not limited to the following: cheating or facilitating cheating; plagiarism; reuse of assignments; unauthorized collaboration; alteration of graded assignments; and unfair competition. Course materials (old assignments, texts, or examinations, etc.) should not be shared unless authorized by the course instructor. Any questions related to this policy should be directed to EP’s academic integrity officer at ep-academic-integrity@jhu.edu.

Students with Disabilities - Accommodations and Accessibility

Johns Hopkins University values diversity and inclusion. We are committed to providing welcoming, equitable, and accessible educational experiences for all students. Students with disabilities (including those with psychological conditions, medical conditions and temporary disabilities) can request accommodations for this course by providing an Accommodation Letter issued by Student Disability Services (SDS). Please request accommodations for this course as early as possible to provide time for effective communication and arrangements.

For further information or to start the process of requesting accommodations, please contact Student Disability Services at Engineering for Professionals, ep-disability-svcs@jhu.edu.

Student Conduct Code

The fundamental purpose of the JHU regulation of student conduct is to promote and to protect the health, safety, welfare, property, and rights of all members of the University community as well as to promote the orderly operation of the University and to safeguard its property and facilities. As members of the University community, students accept certain responsibilities which support the educational mission and create an environment in which all students are afforded the same opportunity to succeed academically. 

For a full description of the code please visit the following website: https://studentaffairs.jhu.edu/policies-guidelines/student-code/

Classroom Climate

JHU is committed to creating a classroom environment that values the diversity of experiences and perspectives that all students bring. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Fostering an inclusive climate is important. Research and experience show that students who interact with peers who are different from themselves learn new things and experience tangible educational outcomes. At no time in this learning process should someone be singled out or treated unequally on the basis of any seen or unseen part of their identity. 
 
If you have concerns in this course about harassment, discrimination, or any unequal treatment, or if you seek accommodations or resources, please reach out to the course instructor directly. Reporting will never impact your course grade. You may also share concerns with your program chair, the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, or the Office of Institutional Equity. In handling reports, people will protect your privacy as much as possible, but faculty and staff are required to officially report information for some cases (e.g. sexual harassment).

Course Auditing

When a student enrolls in an EP course with “audit” status, the student must reach an understanding with the instructor as to what is required to earn the “audit.” If the student does not meet those expectations, the instructor must notify the EP Registration Team [EP-Registration@exchange.johnshopkins.edu] in order for the student to be retroactively dropped or withdrawn from the course (depending on when the "audit" was requested and in accordance with EP registration deadlines). All lecture content will remain accessible to auditing students, but access to all other course material is left to the discretion of the instructor.