Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2024-2025
Module ENGI4507: Radio and Digital Communications 4
Department: Engineering
ENGI4507: Radio and Digital Communications 4
| Type | Tied | Level | 4 | Credits | 10 | Availability | Available in 2024/2025 | Module Cap | None. | Location | Durham |
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| Tied to | H100 |
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Prerequisites
- ENGI3391, ENGI3451
Corequisites
- As specified in programme regulations.
Excluded Combination of Modules
- As specified in programme regulations.
Aims
- This module is designed solely for students studying Department of Engineering degree programmes.
- To provide an overview and describe pulse analogue modulation schemes.
- To explain the working principles of digital communication systems.
- To explain the technical aspects of cellular networks.
- To introduce and familiarise students with analytical methods of radio propagation.
Content
- Topic 1: Basic digital modulation schemes.
- Topic 2: Noise sources.
- Topic 3: Coherent and non-coherent detectors and bite error rate.
- Topic 4: Fundamentals of wireless communication systems.
- Topic 5: Propagation mechanisms.
- Topic 6: Large scale path loss models and small scale effects.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- A knowledge of benefits and limitations of pulse analogue modulation techniques.
- An appreciation of the importance of digital communication systems.
- An understanding of the fundamentals of wireless network design.
- A knowledge of the impact of the built environment on radio signals.
Subject-specific Skills:
- An awareness of current technology and analysis methods used in the design of wireless communication systems.
- An in-depth knowledge and understanding of cellular networks.
Key Skills:
- Capacity for independent self-learning within the bounds of professional practice.
- Specialised numerical skills appropriate to an engineer.
- 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
- Lectures will take place once a week for each teaching week of the Michaelmas and Epiphany terms.
- The module content is delivered in lectures and is reinforced by problem sheets, equipping students with the required problem solving capability. One revision lecture will be held in the Easter term.
- 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 because of the wide range of analytical, in-depth material covered in this module and allow students to demonstrate the ability to solve advanced problems independently.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 20 | Typically 1 per week | 1 Hour | 20 | |
| Tutorial Hours | As required | Weekly sign-up sessions | Up to 1 Hour | 10 | |
| Preparation and Reading | 70 | ||||
| Total | 100 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Examination | Component Weighting: 100% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Written Examination | 2 hours | 100% | No |
Formative Assessment:
N/A
■ 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