Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2016-2017 (archived)

Module ENGI4121: COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS

Department: Engineering

ENGI4121: COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2016/17 Module Cap Location Durham
Tied to H100

Prerequisites

  • ENGI3321

Corequisites

  • As specified in programme regulations

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • As specified in programme regulations

Aims

  • This module is designed solely for students studying School of Engineering and Computing Sciences degree programmes.
  • The module will provide students with advanced knowledge and understanding of communication networks, mobile radio channels and digital communications.
  • The module provides a firm foundation for a broad range of careers in Digital Communications and Communications Networks.

Content

  • Layered architectures.
  • Physical and data link layers of the most significant communications technologies.
  • Routing, internet protocols, quality of service.
  • Radio propagation effects and models.
  • Channel parameters and measurement systems.
  • noise.
  • Spread spectrum modulation.
  • Cellular radio concepts.
  • Mobile radio systems.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • An appreciation and understanding of the operation of current widely used communications technologies at the physical and data link layer.
  • An appreciation of the nature of the routing problem in communications networks, and an understanding of the operation of current routing protocols.
  • An understanding of the operation of the most commonly used internet protocols.
  • An understanding of quality of service issues and approached to solving these problems.
  • An understanding of basic propagation and multipath effects in radio channels.
  • An understanding of the principles of digital modulation and demodulation and the effect of noise.
  • A familiarity with the design and operation of current radio communication technologies.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • An awareness of current technology, analysis methods and industrial practices along with the ability to apply those methods in novel situations.
  • An in-depth knowledge and understanding of specialised and advanced technical and professional skills, an ability to perform critical assessment and review and an ability to communicate the results of their own work effectively.
Key Skills:
  • Capacity for independent self-learning within the bounds of professional practice.
  • Highly specialised numerical skills appropriate to an engineer.
  • Highly specialised use of information technology (IT) relevant to the engineering profession.
  • Mathematics relevant to the application of advanced engineering concepts.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The course in Communication Networks is covered by lectures. These are reinforced by problem sheets and staff tutorial hours.
  • The course in Radio and Digital Communications is covered by lectures. These are reinforced by problem sheets and staff tutorial hours.
  • Students are able to make use of staff 'Tutorial Hours' to discuss any aspect of the module with teaching staff on a one-to-one basis. These are sign up sessions available for up to one hour per week per lecture course.
  • Written timed examinations are appropriate for both courses because of the wide range of analytic, in-depth material covered in this module and to demonstrate the ability to solve advanced problems independently.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Communication Networks Lectures 20 Typically 1 per week 1 Hour 20
Radio and Digital Communications Lectures 20 Typically 1 per week 1 hour 20
Radio and Digital Communications Labs 2 Up to 3 Hour 6
Tutorial Hours As required Weekly sign-up sessions Up to 1 Hour 8
Preparation and Reading 146
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 90%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Radio and Digital Communications 2 hours 50% no
Communication Networks 2 hours 50% no
Component: Coursework Component Weighting: 10%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Radio and Digital Communications Coursework 6 hours 100% No

Formative Assessment:

None


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University