EEEN30060 Communication Theory

Academic Year 2024/2025

This module provides an introduction to the theory of physical layer communications from a signals and systems viewpoint. Analog and digital modulation and detection are treated from a mathematical perspective as is the characterisation of channels and noise.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. Give mathematical descriptions of communication signals and systems in both time and frequency domains
2. Characterise noise from a probabilistic standpoint
3. Explain the principles underlying the main analog and digital modulation schemes.

Indicative Module Content:

This module provides an introduction to the theory of physical layer communications from a signals and systems viewpoint. Analog and digital modulation and detection are treated from a mathematical perspective as is the characterisation of channels and noise.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

12
Autonomous Student Learning

60
Lectures

30
Tutorial

4
Laboratories

9
Total

115
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
peer and group work in Labs
Lectures
Some proofs / derivations omitted from notes with students asked to complete them in their own time and to seek assistance is they have difficulty (i.e. problem based learning) 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

A competency in the analysis of signals and systems through the use of Fourier transform theory, such as would be provided by module EEEN30110.
A sound understanding of the fundamentals of probability and random processes such as would be provided by module STAT20060.
A basic level in MATLAB programming.
Basic electronic engineering laboratory skills.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Co-requisite:
EEEN30110 - Signals & Systems


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Report(s): Grade is given for conducting lab work and reporting on the work.
Three distinct labs and lab reports are given throughout the trimester.		 Week 6, Week 12 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

30

 No
Exam (In-person): End of term exam End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

70

 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

lab assignments will be graded as groups (of 2 persons). During class there are several points where some proofs / derivations are omitted and the students are encouraged to complete them in their own time and if they have difficulty they are welcome to seek assistance from the module coordinator directly.

The module notes are sufficient for this module, however some recommended textbooks are:
"Communication Systems'', by Simon Haykin.
"Digital Communications'', by John G. Proakis.
''Digital and Analog Communication Systems'', by Leon W. Couch II.