COM351 Communications
MODULE TITLE : Communications
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E-LEARNING:
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ACADEMIC SUBJECT:
COM351
2013/14
5
20
Compulsory
1
Jordanstown
Blended learning
None
None
Burgess, SJ
Burgess, SJ
Lectures: 36 hrs
Seminars: - hrs
Tutorial: 12 hrs
Practical: - hrs
Independent study (including
assessment): 152 hrs
200
COM
RATIONALE
With the increasing impact of fixed and portable radio systems in the communications
industry, it is imperative that engineers have a good technical knowledge and
understanding of the key building blocks of wireless systems. This module is designed
to enable the student to develop a good understanding and wide-ranging awareness of
the engineering principles behind the design and key operational factors of modern
wireless communication systems.
AIMS

To provide students with a good understanding of the key building blocks of
wireless systems.


To give students knowledge of the limitations and constraints of communication
systems which depend on wireless connectivity and provide an awareness of the
factors that impact on operation.
To introduce students to techniques and procedures that will enable them to
approach the design of a wireless communication system in a systematic way.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
A successful student will be able to:
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
K1 Demonstrate an understanding of key foundation concepts in relation to wireless
and data communication systems.
K2 Apply scientific and mathematical principles that are fundamental to communication
signals.
INTELLECTUAL QUALITIES
I1 Integrate detailed engineering information and data from a variety of sources.
I2 Show a high degree of competency and logic in the engineering design of
communication systems.
PROFESSIONAL/PRACTICAL SKILLS
P1 Research, evaluate and use engineering information.
P2 Make formal and informed decisions.
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
T1 Use the qualitative and quantitative skills acquired in problem solving.
T2 Learn effectively from information presented through a variety of methods – formal
classes, directed reading and personal research.
T3 Manage time effectively.
T4 Use Information Technology and associated skills.
Reflect on the acquisition of employability related skills (f)
CONTENT
Radio Systems
Overview of radio systems and identification of building blocks.
Process of frequency up-conversion/down-conversion.
Overview of amplitude and frequency modulation.
Introduction to antenna theory, operation and key definitions.
Investigation of the radio frequency spectrum and outline of designated bands.
Wireless LAN overview.
Data Systems
Overview of line and interface coding.
Information transfer rate and system capacity.
Causes of noise on digital signals.
Introduction to Fourier analysis.
Effects of limited bandwidth on communication signals.
Signal coding
Information theory and measure.
Entropy.
Source coding: Shannon-Fano, Huffman and Hamming coding.
Cyclic coding and convolutional coding.
TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS
Lectures will be used to deliver the bulk of the material. Notes will be made available by
electronic means to the student prior for download. The note set will be partially finished
and students are required to attend lectures in order to fully complete their notes and
hence develop understanding by engagement with the material.
Tutorials will be set in the form of questions to underpin and reinforce the lecture
material. The question sets will offer students opportunity to evaluate problems, test
their knowledge and discuss key module topics with their peers with a view to
developing correct solutions.
During independent study students will be directed and encouraged to undertake
personal development and learning. At one end of the learning specturm this could be
reading a chapter in a book (underpinning a theme presented in a lecture) to gain
understanding to assist with answering tutorial questions. At the other end of the
learning spectrum students could be asked to produce a formal report (as a coursework
element) on a set topic not covered by lectures but highly relevant to the module
content. The coursework report would be designed such that the student has
opportunity to show: ability in investigation, apitude for reading technical material,
capacity to interpret information and acquied skills in presenting their work.
The module will be delivered by blended learning.
ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK
Coursework
One element of coursework is required for this module which provides 100% of the
coursework marks. In week 3 the coursework assignment will be set for submission in
week 9. The coursework will take the form of an engineering design report strongly
related to one of the key topics in the module material.
Feedback will be provided on a feedback sheet which will be returned to the student
along with the marked report by week 11.
Examination
A 3-hour closed book paper. There will be between 5 and 8 questions in which students
will be offered an element of choice.
50% Coursework 50% Examination
READING LIST
Required
Young, P., 2004, Electronic Communication Techniques, 5th Edition, Prentice Hall.
Glover, I and Grant, P., 2009, Digital Communications, 3rd Edition, Prentice Hall.
Duck, M, Bishop, P and Read, R., 1996, Data Communications for Engineers, Addison
Wesley Publishing.
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
This module will provide an understanding and foundational awareness of the key
concepts of wireless and data communications. The module provides the knowledge
and skills necessary to evaluate wide ranging engineering problems in relation to
communication systems. Techniques taught and developed in the module will assist
with engineering design and the derivation of solutions founded upon solid principles
and logic thought.