College of Inform & Comp Sci 256 - Make: Physical Computing
Fall
2026
01
4.00
Phuc Nguyen
TU TH 1:00PM 2:15PM
UMass Amherst
11744
Lederle Grad Res Center A104A
phuc@umass.edu
Inspired by the Maker movement, this course provides a hands-on introduction to physical computing: sensing and responding to the physical world using computers. Specific topics include: basic electronics and circuit design, microcontroller programming using Arduinos, sensing and responding to the physical world, rapid prototyping (3D printing and laser cutting etc.), soft circuits and wearable electronics. The course will encourage and empower students to invent, design, and build practical hardware projects that interact with the physical world.
Open to freshman, sophomore, and junior BS-CS students. COMPSCI 187/CICS 210 w/ C & R1 NO OPTION FOR PASS/FAIL. THIS COURSE HAS A REQUIRED LAB SECTION AND COUNTS TOWARD THE CS LAB SCIENCE REQUIREMENT FOR THE BS-CS. THIS OFFERING IS OPEN TO JUNIOR, SOPHOMORE AND FRESHMEN BS-CS MAJORS ONLY. STUDENTS NEEDING SPECIAL PERMISSION MUST REQUEST OVERRIDES VIA THE ON-LINE FORM: https://www.cics.umass.edu/academics/course-overrides.
Multiple required components--lab and/or discussion section. To register, submit requests for all components simultaneously.