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ENGI4507: Radio and Digital Communications 4

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Type	Tied
Level	4
Credits	10
Availability	Available in 2024/2025
Module Cap	None.
Location	Durham
Department	Engineering

Prerequisites

ENGI3391, ENGI3451

Corequisites

As specified in programme regulations.

Excluded Combinations 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
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

More information

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