ENGM002 - Advanced Communication Systems (2023)

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MODULE TITLEAdvanced Communication Systems CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEENGM002 MODULE CONVENERDr Changxu Liu (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 12 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)

This module contributes to the following learning outcomes:

ILO #1: Understand the operating principles of wireless communications networks and optical fibre systems
ILO #2: Analyse and evaluate the alternative approaches to the practical implementation of such systems
ILO #3: Identify the requirements and potential application for the Internet-of-Things
ILO #4: Use practical laboratory skills to investigate and analyse modulation, transmission and detection of communication signals
ILO #5: Apply communication theory to design simple communication networks
ILO #6: Use the literature and other sources to information to select and critically evaluate the application areas and implementation routes for advanced communication systems
ILO #7: Apply knowledge and theory of communication systems to solve and analyse complex problems

ILO #8: Select and apply analytical and computational methods to design and analyse communication systems

ILO #9: Work effectively as an individual or as a member of a team

A full list of the referenced outcomes is provided online: http://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/studentinfo/subjects/engineering/accreditation/

The AHEP documents can be viewed in full on the Engineering Council’s website, at: http://www.engc.org.uk
 

 

 

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) with Bit error rate measurements in noisy channels
  • Mobile radio propagation: large-scale path loss & small-scale fading and multipath
  • Modulation techniques for mobile radio
  • Equalization, diversity, and channel coding

IoT communications

  • Concepts of IoT Networking
  • IoT Protocol Layers

Satellite communications

Optical communications
 

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 42.00 Guided Independent Study 108.00 Placement / Study Abroad
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  All Exam mark
Coursework - laboratory implementation 20 Maximum 6 A4 sides All Written
Coursework – presentation of advanced topics 10 10-min presentation All 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) All Referral/Deferral period
       

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Reassessment will be by a single written exam only worth 100% of the module. For deferred candidates, the mark will be uncapped. For referred candidates, 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

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN Search
Set Jagannatham, Aditya K. Principles of Modern Wireless Communication Systems McGraw-Hill 2016 933922003X [Library]
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES ENG2017, ECM3166
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 14 May 2019 LAST REVISION DATE Tuesday 19 September 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH Wireless Communication, Internet of Things, Optical Communications