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Course Outline

ELC301 Communications Engineering (Hardware and protocols)

Course Coordinator:Gerald Ijemaru (gijemaru@usc.edu.au) School:School of Science, Technology and Engineering

2026Semester 1

UniSC Moreton Bay

 Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to unisc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

In this course you will learn, understand and apply the theories and practices of data communication, and the practical and hardware requirements for the transmission of data between electronic devices. You will learn to apply knowledge and skills transmission protocols, behaviour of hardware devices and error checking of data communication.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Seminar – On campus 1hr Week 1 Once Only
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On campus 2hrs Week 2 10 times
Laboratory 1 – On campus 2hrs Week 1 5 times
Learning materials – Asynchronous learning materials 1hr Week 1 13 times

Course Topics

  • Signal transmission (wired; wireless; optical; laser)
  • Data encoding
  • Time continuous and pulse-code modulation
  • Nyquist theory
  • Error and error control
  • Communication protocols
  • Transmitters and receivers
  • Introduction to bus-theory and applications

What level is this course?

300 Level (Graduate)

Demonstrating coherence and breadth or depth of knowledge and skills. Independent application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts. Meeting professional requirements and AQF descriptors for the degree. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory or developing knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally undertaken in the third or fourth full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... Professional Standard Mapping * Engineers Australia Stage 1 Professional Engineer Competency Standards
1 Select and justify appropriate methods of data compression, encryption and error checking for local and wide-area networks Knowledgeable 
1.1, 1.2
2 Evaluate and critique common communication systems in terms of their properties, advantages and disadvantages Empowered 
1.6
3 Design a communication system according to a given specification by using design calculations Creative and critical thinker 
2.3
4 Demonstrate information literacy skills to find, analyse and evaluate appropriate information and interpret data communications standards documents Engaged 
3.4

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Professional Engineer Competency Standards
1.1 Knowledge and Skill Base: Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
1.2 Knowledge and Skill Base: Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.
1.6 Knowledge and Skill Base: Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the specific discipline.
2.3 Engineering Application Ability: Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.
3.4 Professional and Personal Attributes: Professional use and management of information.

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

ELC200

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

Microcredential Information

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Early feedback will be provided through completion of weekly activities in workshops.  Furthermore, feedback on each assessment will be provided which will be used to help with the following assessment.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Artefact - Technical and Scientific, and Written Piece Individual 20% 
2000 words equivalent
 Week 7 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Portfolio Group 40% 
1500 words equivalent
 Week 11 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Examination - Centrally Scheduled Individual 40% 
2 hours
 Exam Period Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Technical engineering artefact
Goal: 
To develop your understanding of core theory and enable you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in developing communication systems and circuits
Product: Artefact - Technical and Scientific, and Written Piece
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
For this task you will produce a consolidated written artefact adhering to a specified structure that is approximately 2000 words equivalent in length including figures, text, and diagrams
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Demonstration of efficient and effective techniques and skills to develop communication systems and circuits
programs or logic circuits
 3
Generic Skills: 
Problem solving, Applying technologies
All - Assessment Task 2:Report-based Workshop Portfolio
Goal: 
To develop your ability to design, build and create communication systems for problem solving and document your conclusions in a portfolio of
engineering reports.
Product: Portfolio
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
You’ll work as a group to produce a portfolio of communication system designs and related information in the form of a document of 1500 words equivalent including figures, text, and diagrams.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Selection of appropriate constructs to design communication systems or circuits
 1 2 4
Generic Skills: 
Collaboration, Problem solving
All - Assessment Task 3:Final Examination
Goal: 
The final exam will develop your ability to
independently apply your skills and knowledge to solve familiar problem based questions with confidence within a set time limit and without access to additional resources.
Product: Examination - Centrally Scheduled
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
Centrally scheduled 2-hour closed book examination.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Selection of appropriate mathematical theory and programming constructs
 2
2 
Correct application of theory and knowledge to solve engineering problems
 1
3 
Communication of solutions using appropriate engineering terminology, symbols and
diagrams
 3
Generic Skills: 
Problem solving, Applying technologies

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

Specific requirements

Not applicable

How are risks managed in this course?

Risk assessments have been performed for all studio and laboratory classes and a low level of health and safety risk exists. Some risk concerns may include equipment, instruments, and tools; as well as manual handling items within the laboratory. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation. It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline. This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person. You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin. This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying: The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4% The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: - 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. - 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. - A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au
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