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PHY-201Intermediate

Physical computing

Physical Computing with Raspberry Pi

Build useful, low-cost physical-computing projects with Raspberry Pi, Python, GPIO, sensors and actuators.

Part of these pathways

Computer science and technology education

Course outline: enrolment opens after THNF content and assessment review.

What you will be able to do

Clear outcomes. Practical evidence.

Prepare and operate a Raspberry Pi safely
Use Python to read inputs and control outputs
Connect GPIO components using safe circuits
Design, test and document a practical prototype

Course structure

Modules and lessons

Code that interacts with the physical world

Move from safe Raspberry Pi setup to a tested sensor-and-control project.

Raspberry Pi setup, Linux and GPIO safety25 min
Python sensors, actuators and project evidence25 min

Approved teaching sources

Research-informed resources, locally adapted.

Raspberry Pi teaching resources and projectsRaspberry Pi Foundation

Selected projects and educator materials will support supervised physical-computing practice, with local adaptations and offline packs where licensing permits.

View original resource ↗

THNF records the original source, licence and changes. Adaptations never imply endorsement by the original provider.

Access and progression

Know what the course requires.

The required capability matters; the learner does not have to personally own every device.

Who it is for

Aspiring developers, technical learners, career changers and practitioners seeking applied computing skills.

Hardware access

Personal 64-bit computer with 4 GB RAM and 20 GB free, or use the required device and software at a readiness-approved THNF centre.

Software and practical access

A readiness-approved THNF centre provides the supervised Raspberry Pi/compatible kit, breadboard and safe low-voltage components.

Possible progression

Junior development, data, web, application-support or technical-project progression appropriate to the completed portfolio.

Progression is not a guarantee of employment or external certification.

Sierra Leone context

Mobile-first, low-data solutions for Sierra Leonean schools, traders, transport, agriculture, NGOs and SMEs using synthetic local names, districts and NLe values.

Skills in context

Career directions and next steps

These are realistic directions that the skills can support—not promises of employment, job titles or external certification.

Computing teaching assistant
Technology-club facilitator
Curriculum-support practitioner

Possible progression pathways

Computer science and technology education