Infusing cyber-physical systems concepts into an introductory computer science course

Abstract

Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs) is an emerging field of study that offers a wealth of applications in many domains of life and has the potential to change the way humans interact with and control the surrounding environment and physical processes. There is a need to prepare computer science students to join the innovation and development of CPSs and their applications. We proposed a cross-curricular enhancement framework that infuses CPS concepts into a few computer science courses from the freshman to the senior years, allowing a continuous exposure of CPS concepts with a gradually increased complexity and scale. In this paper, we introduce a sequence of course modules designed for an introductory computer science course that expose students to mathematical modeling, algorithmic thinking, and their interactions. The course modules leverage affordable robotic systems, require no students' preparation in programming, and are rich in mathematical modeling. An initial implementation of the course modules enforces the observation that potential CPS applications trigger excitement among students and increase their appreciation of mathematical modeling and its role in solving computing problems.