Digital Communication UESTC4004

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: School of Engineering
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

An introduction explains how signals in communication systems are detected, the sources of noise and error rates. This is followed by examining the fundamental limits on information transmission and consideration of the codes for error detecting and correcting.

Timetable

This course will be timetabled in blocks, typically one week in four with tutorials and on-line support available between each block.

Requirements of Entry

Mandatory Entry Requirements

None

Recommended Entry Requirements

None

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

Assessment

Examination: 90% (Final Written Exam: 75% Mid Exam: 15%)

 

Labs: 10%.

Reassessment

In accordance with the University's Code of Assessment reassessments are normally set for all courses which do not contribute to the honours classifications. For non honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students, and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions are listed below in this box.

 

Due to the nature of the coursework and sequencing of courses, it is not possible to reassess the coursework laboratory.

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

This course aims to introduce the theory and systems engineering of modern digital communication systems and enhance understanding of communication systems protocols.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Explain the fundamentals of digital communications.

■ Solve the standard problems related to the Physical Layer of a communication system.

■ Critically analyse the performance of various Physical Layer blocks of a communication system.

■ Design a typical communication system with given constraints.

■ Develop a digital communication system using appropriate simulation tools.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment. In addition, students must submit work for assessment for the course laboratory or a grade of credit withheld will be given.

 

Students must attend the timetabled laboratory classes.

 

Note that these are minimum requirements: good students will achieve far higher participation/submission rates. Any student who misses an assessment or a significant number of classes because of illness or other good cause should report this by completing a MyCampus absence report.