Study information

Advanced Communication Systems - 2024 entry

MODULE TITLEAdvanced Communication Systems CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEENGM002 MODULE CONVENERDr Changxu Liu (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11 0 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 15
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

The fast, reliable and low-power communication of information is critical to our modern technologically oriented world. Communication Systems is a field of study that has gained significant importance in recent years due to the rapid advancement of communication technologies and the increasing demand for high-speed and reliable communication networks. In this module you will learn about the fundamental operating principles of wireless devices and systems for mobile and satellite communications, what factors drive their design, and their current and likely future applications. This includes the Internet of Things, or IoT, which is the network of Internet-based smart devices, or “Things”, that integrate embedded processors, sensors, and communication hardware to collect and exchange data. We will also explore some advanced topics in optical communication systems.
 
 

 

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module introduces you to the fundamental principles of advanced communications, from both theoretical and practical viewpoints. The aim is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the technologies and principles used in modern communication systems. Upon completion of the module, students will be equipped with the skills and knowledge required to design and implement advanced communication systems for a range of applications.

 

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
Programmes that are accredited by the Engineering Council are required to meet Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes.  The Engineering Council AHEP4 Learning Outcomes are taught and assessed on this module and identified in brackets below.
 
Discipline and Module Intended Learning Outcomes
 
1 Understand and apply the operating principles of wireless communications networks and satellite/optical communication systems; (M1)
 
2 Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model to investigate and analyse modulation, transmission and detection of communication signals and evaluate the limitations of the techniques employed; (M3)
 
3 Use the literature and other sources to information to select and critically evaluate the application areas and implementation routes for advanced communication systems, and to adopt proportionate approaches for the mitigation of risks in communication systems; (M4, M10)
 
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge 
 
4 Apply knowledge and theory of communication systems from technical literature and other sources to solve and analyse complex problems; (M4)
 
5 Select and apply analytical and computational methods to design and analyse communication systems; (M6)
 
 
Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge 
 
6 Work effectively as an individual or as a member of a team to complete predefined tasks.
 

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
Mobile communications: 
· Modern wireless communication systems 
· The cellular concept: system design fundamentals 
· A case study of telecommunications based on Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK)
· Mobile radio propagation: large-scale path loss & small-scale fading and multipath 
· Modulation techniques for mobile radio 
· Equalization, diversity, and channel coding 
 
Optical communications 
 
Satellite communications 
 
IoT communications 
· Concepts of IoT Networking 
· IoT Protocol Layers 
· Security Risks in communication systems
 
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 42 Guided Independent Study 108 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 24 Lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 12 Tutorials
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 6 Labs
Independent study 109 Lecture and assessment preparation; wider reading

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade

None

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 30 Written Exams 70 Practical Exams
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Exam - closed book 70 2 hours  1,2,4,5 (M1,3,4,6) Exam mark
Coursework - laboratory implementation 20 Maximum 6 A4 sides 1-6 (M 1,3,4,6) Written
Coursework – presentation of advanced topics 10 10-min presentation 1-6 (M 1,3,4,6,10) Written or verbal

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
All above Written exam (100% - 2 hours) 1,2,4,5 (M 1,3,4,6) Referral/Deferral period
       

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
Deferrals: Reassessment will be by coursework and/or exam in the deferred element only. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.
 
Referrals: Reassessment will be by a single written exam worth 100% of the module. As it is a referral, the mark will be capped at 50%.
 
RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
Jagannatham, Aditya K. 2016 Principles of Modern Wireless Communication Systems McGraw-Hill 933922003X
 
Rolando Herrero 2022 Fundamentals of IoT communication technologies Springer 978-3-030-70079-9
 
Jochen H. Schiller 2003 Mobile Communications 2nd Pearson Education 0 321 12381 6
 

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES ENG2017, ECM3166
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 14th May 2019 LAST REVISION DATE Wednesday 18th September 2024
KEY WORDS SEARCH Wireless Communication, Internet of Things, Optical Communications

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.