What is the study of IoT?
Our increasingly interconnected world provides numerous opportunities for those seeking to make their mark on industry. The emerging field of the IoT may not be one you have heard of, but it certainly influences your decisions every day.
The Internet of Things, or IoT, specifically concerns the study of electronic systems that can connect to the Internet. These devices tap into an interconnected network to communicate with other systems and share user information. Lauded as the way of the future, IoT requires an awareness of electronics, information technology and physics.
From your smartwatch to your smart fridge, IoT is already all around you.
Innovators are constantly seeking new ways to make life easier for the consumer, and IoT has certainly done this. With applications ranging from shopping lists to healthcare, users all over the world have begun to embrace the possibilities of this clever new technology.
The world’s largest corporations have already jumped on board. Google Nest and Amazon’s Alexa have made the Internet of Things household names.
The efficiency and automation capabilities of the Internet of Things promise to revolutionise our lives. The Australian government is predicting a rapid uptake in the utilisation of IoT technology, both by consumers and businesses. * This will see benefits and challenges for individuals and governments alike. As the field continues to expand, there are many opportunities for those wishing to help engineer the future.
What does an IoT specialist do?
Working with IoT could see you involved in any phase of the design, testing, production, deployment, or maintenance process.
The field requires you to have a fundamental understanding of electronics, and many engineers within this area will also be skilled in programming. Depending upon your role, you should also have expertise in sensors, radio networks, and big data analytics.
The front-end of this industry may see you drawing on your knowledge of systems design principles to devise products for a variety of industries. From rapid medical imaging systems, electronic vehicles, health monitoring in premature babies and technologically advanced agricultural management tools, your ability to problem-solve and respond to developing technological capabilities will see you flourish.
An IoT engineer may be involved in programming at multiple levels. IoT engineers may write software for embedded microcontrollers, industrial control systems, machine learning software running on cloud computer infrastructure, web sites, and/or mobile phone applications. You will understand how to apply your design expertise to create effective software solutions.
Data analytics and machine learning are growing areas within IoT. You may find yourself training and deploying machine learning models to take advantage of the wealth of data made available through the IoT. This allows your designs to be smarter and more reactive to their environment and their users.
Those with a particular focus on information technology systems may find themselves working within the information security field. A growing concern for consumers and governments alike is the security of IoT data and systems. The industry needs skilled engineers to maintain the security of IoT deployments, and those with expertise in this area are in high demand.
As with any developing field, troubleshooting is vital to the ongoing success of an industry such as IoT. Here, you can apply your highly developed analytical skills and love of problem solving to fix developing issues with programs and hardware. You’ll also find an opportunity to be creative, as you implement proactive solutions to improve products and limit further issues.
Explore your study options in IoT
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Crack the code to a future-proof career with a double degree in Engineering and Information Technology. Combine practical knowledge of engineering and computing with an expert understanding of each area's theoretical pillars. Develop hands-on skills through laboratory classes, 12 weeks of work experience, practical workshops and project-based assessments in this Engineering-IT degree aligned with industry standards.
Download Brochure- Townsville: February, July
- Cairns: February
Learn from world-renowned lecturers and engage with experts in your chosen field with an Advanced Science degree from JCU. Develop strong research and communication skills as you investigate the role of science in creating sustainable futures within the Tropics. Model solutions to case studies from an array of biophysical contexts and extend your hands-on learning by completing a research internship or practical placement.
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Advance your engineering career with a structured skills and development program, complemented by advanced engineering coursework. Gain real-world experience that is tailored to your professional interests with a focused research project.
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- Cairns: February, July
Combine advanced knowledge in mathematics, physics and science with analytical problem-solving skills to develop creative ideas and solutions. Engineering careers are diverse — you could work on innovative infrastructure projects in Tokyo or assist Government initiatives to enhance sustainable technologies. Graduate career-ready after gaining hands-on skills through laboratory classes, field trips and in-depth lessons based on real-world scenarios in this Engineers Australia-accredited degree.
Download Brochure- Townsville: February, July
- Cairns: February
Develop skills for real-world research and innovation through examining engineering principles and systems, and exploring scientific methods and theories. Pursue a career aligned with your interests by choosing majors and subjects relevant to your professional goals. Benefit from practical learning through laboratory classes, field trips, work experience and project-based assessments. Learn from expert lecturers and conduct hands-on research in this Engineering-Science double degree.
Download Brochure- Townsville: February, July
- Cairns: February
What jobs are there in IoT?
With qualifications in IoT, you could find yourself working for a variety of industries. From information technology to healthcare and security, more and more industries are seeking out those who are comfortable working with this emerging tech.
Studying at JCU will provide you with opportunities to forge connections with local, national, and multi-national corporations, such as Optus, before you’ve even graduated.
There is strong international demand for electronic systems and internet of things engineers. From Silicon Valley to Switzerland, and everywhere in-between, your world-class knowledge and skills will give you the opportunity to take your career overseas.
Or, you may choose to contribute to Australia’s burgeoning technology industry. A degree from JCU will provide you with an awareness of our unique context, and the contributions that are being made right on your doorstep.
With a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree from JCU, majoring in Electronic Systems and the Internet of Things, you may find yourself pursuing the following careers:
- IoT engineer
- Electrical engineer
- Embedded systems engineer
- Software developer
- Data scientist
- Web developer
- Control systems and automation engineer
- Mechatronics engineer
- IoT systems designer
- Research and development engineer
- Information security analyst
- Engineering manager.
Why study IoT at JCU?
When you study a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) with JCU, you’ll be learning at a university that’s first in Queensland for student support. Our small class sizes and individualised support will equip you to succeed in your chosen area.
You’ll master the fundamentals of electronic systems, developing a keen understanding of the technology that underpins the entire IoT field. These skills will equip you to work on any type of electronics in any industry sector. This solid foundation will equip you with the necessary skills to engage with the complex systems and software within the Internet of Things. You’ll develop advanced knowledge across the entire IoT stack, from devices, to networks, to data analysis.
JCU’s focus on hands-on learning and job-ready skills mean you will complete your major in Electronic Systems and the Internet of Things having already had practical experience with the systems you will go on to work with.
The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) is constantly adapting to employer feedback and has cultivated strong industry partnerships. As part of the course, you’ll have access to up to twelve weeks of work placement with industry leaders like Optus, Energy Queensland, AIMS, and mining and resource industries. Work placements allow students to gain valuable industry experience, and many students receive job offers from the companies where they completed a placement. Furthermore, the IoT major is co-located within the JCU Ideas Lab, which combines teaching and research laboratories with an entrepreneurial start-up incubator. Some IoT students have joined with other founders to work on innovative new companies housed in the JCU Ideas Lab. Students within the Ideas Lab have access to business mentoring and networking to enable them to bring their ideas to the world.
You’ll emerge from your studies with a professionally accredited, honours-level qualification, that is recognised around Australia and across the world. Your knowledge and skillset will allow you to apply for membership with Engineers Australia, and after a period of professional practice, apply to be recognized as a Chartered Professional Engineer.
Learn on-campus at our unique facilities within JCU Cairns and explore your potential today.
Jess Grimes
Student
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Bachelor of Information Technology
“I believe that the IoT industry is evolving. It is bringing innovative approaches to real-world problems, while making a big impact on our quality of life. Studying Electronic Systems and Internet of Things at JCU has enabled me to join the next generation of innovators in an advancing industry and I’m excited to see where it leads in the future.”