ELEC ENG 7080 - Principles of Communication Systems
North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2025
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code ELEC ENG 7080 Course Principles of Communication Systems Coordinating Unit Electrical and Electronic Engineering Term Semester 1 Level Postgraduate Coursework Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 3 Contact Up to 4 hours per week Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y Incompatible ELEC ENG 4063 Assumed Knowledge ELEC ENG 7079 Assessment Quizzes and assignments Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Professor Derek Abbott
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .
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Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course students will be able to:
1 Analyse communication systems in both the time and frequency domains. 2 Describe the principles of amplitude modulated and angle modulated communication
systems and be able to analyse their performance in the presence of
noise.3 Explain source coding, its relations to information theory and cite Shannon’s
theorem.4 Describe the principles of various digital modulation systems and their properties,
including bandwidth, channel capacity, transmission over bandlimited
channels, inter-symbol interference (ISI), demodulation methods, and error
performance in the presence of noise.5 Explain and analyse error correcting codes, including block codes. 6 Explain engineering fundamentals of photogeneration, photodetection, lightwave
propagation, for optical communications.
The above course learning outcomes are aligned with the Engineers Australia . The course develops the following EA Elements of Competency to levels of introductory (A), intermediate (B), advanced (C):
1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 C C C B B B C C B B B B B B B B University Graduate Attributes
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:
University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s) Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.
1-6 Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.
1-6 Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills
Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.
1,2 Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness
Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.
1-6 Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency
Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.
1-6 Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.
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Learning Resources
Required Resources
Text Books:
1) J. G. Proakis and M. Salehi, Communication Systems Engineering, 2nd Ed Prentice-Hall.
2) J.C. Palais, Fibre Optic Communications, Publ: Prentice-Hall
A set of course notes, practice problems and other supporting materials will also be available for downloading from the course web site.Recommended Resources
Text Books:
1) R. E. Ziemer & W. H. Tranter, Principles of Communications, 5th Ed Wiley.
2) A. B. Carlson, Communication Systems, 4th Ed, McGraw-Hill.
3) M. Born and E. Wolf, Principles of Optics, Publ: Cambridge University Press.
4) B.E.A. Saleh and M.C. Teich, Fundamentals of Photonics, Publ: John Wiley & Sons.Online Learning
Course materials will be available via MyUni web site for this course, .
Course notes, tutorial problems and solutions, laboratory exercises and practice problems will all be available for downloading from the web site. Where the lecture theatre facilities permit, audio recordings of lectures will also be available for downloading. -
Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
This course relies on lectures as the primary delivery mechanism for the material. Students are encouraged to view the lecture beforehand on podcast, so that the live lecture can focus more on questions arising and lecturer-student interaction. Tutorials supplement the lectures by providing exercises and example problems to enhance the understanding obtained through lectures. Students are encouraged to pre-pare for tutorials in small independent teams or groups before attending the tutorial. Continuous assessment activities provide the formative assessment opportunities for students to gauge their progress and understanding and will comprise a major Matlab assignment. The assignment will be a formative part of the small group experience, and students will be required to formally partner and problem solve in small groups. However, the written material handed up will be expected to be carried out individually.Workload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
Activity Contact hours Workload hours Lecture 36 lectures 36 72 Assignment 1 - 24 TOTALS 36 96 Learning Activities Summary
Activity Sessions Week Topic Lecture 1 1 Overview 2 1 Introduction 3 1 Frequency domain analysis 1 4 2 Frequency domain analysis 2 5 2 Analog modulation systems 1 6 2 Analog modulation systems 2 7 3 Random processes and linear systems 1 8 3 Random processes and linear systems 2 9 3 Random processes and linear systems 3 10 4 Effect of noise on analog systems 1 11 4 Effect of noise on analog systems 1 12 4 Information theory 1 13 5 Information theory 2 14 5 Information theory 3 15 5 Digital modulations systems 1 16 6 Digital modulations systems 2 17 6 Digital Transmission in Bandlimited Channels 18 6 Channel capacity and coding 1 19 7 Channel capacity and coding 2 20 7 Introduction to optical communications 21 7 Geometric and physical optics 22 8 Lightwave fundamentals 23 8 Resonant cavities 24 8 Dielectric slab waveguides 25 9 Dielectric slab waveguides 26 9 Optical fibres 27 9 Optical fibres 28 10 Optical fibres 29 10 Connectors and couplers 30 10 Light emitting diodes 31 11 Lasers 32 11 Lasers 33 11 Photodiodes 34 12 Photodiodes 35 12 Heterodyne receivers 36 12 Signal-to-noise ratio of optical systems Tutorial 1 2 Fourier methods 2 4 Analog modulation 3 6 SNR and Huffman coding 4 8 Digital modulation 5 10 Detectors and fibres 6 12 Sources and fibres Assignment 1 6 Matlab modelling of analog comms system -
Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
* The specific due date for each assessment task will be available on MyUni.Assessment Task Weighting (%) Individual/ Group Formative/ Summative Due (week)* Learning outcomes Assignments 75 Group Formative Weeks 6,9,12 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Quizzes 25 Individual Summative Weeks 6,12 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Total 100
This assessment breakdown is registered as an exemption to the University's . The exemption is related to the Procedures clause(s): 1. b. 3. 1. c.
This course has a hurdle requirement. Meeting the specified hurdle criteria is a requirement for passing the course.Assessment Related Requirements
The examination is a hurdle requirement. It is necessary to achieve at least 40% in the exam. If this is not achieved, the total course mark will be limited to a maximum of 49.
A hurdle requirement is defined by the University's as "...an assessment task mandating a minimum level of performance as a condition of passing the course.
If a student fails to meet a hurdle requirement (normally no less than 40%),and is assigned a total mark for the course in the range of 45-49, then the student is entitled to an offer of additional assessment of some type. The type of assessment is to be decided by the School Assessment Review Committee when determining final results. The student’s final total mark will be entered at no more than 49% and the offer of an additional assessment will be specified eg. US01. Once the additional assessment has been completed, this mark will be included in the calculation of the total mark for the course and the better of the two results will apply. Note however that the maximum final result for a course in which a student has sat an additional assessment will be a “50 Pass”.
If a student is unable to meet a hurdle requirement related to an assessment piece (may be throughout semester or at semester’s end) due to medical or compassionate circumstances beyond their control, then the student is entitled to an offer of replacement assessment of some type. An interim result of RP will be entered for the student, and the student will be notified of the offer of a replacement assessment. Once the replacement assessment has been completed, the result of that assessment will be included in the calculation of the total mark for the course.Assessment Detail
Details of the assessment task will be provided during Week 4 of the semester.Submission
All written submissions to formative assessment activities are to be submitted to designated boxes within the School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering by 3:00pm by the specified dated and must be accompanied by a signed cover sheet. Copies of blank cover sheets are available from the School office, Room 3.26, Ingkarni Wardli.
No late submissions will be accepted. The assessments will have a two-week turn-around time for provision of feedback to students.
Full details can be found at the School policies website:
Course Grading
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:
M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme) Grade Mark Description FNS Fail No Submission F 1-49 Fail P 50-64 Pass C 65-74 Credit D 75-84 Distinction HD 85-100 High Distinction CN Continuing NFE No Formal Examination RP Result Pending Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.
Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.
Final results for this course will be made available through .
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Student Feedback
The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.
SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
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Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
- Academic Support with Maths
- Academic Support with writing and study skills
- Careers Services
- Library Services for Students
- LinkedIn Learning
- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
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Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
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Fraud Awareness
Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student鈥檚 disciplinary procedures.
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