Download PDF

Course Outline

ELC401 Advanced Digital Communications

Course Coordinator:Phil Yeoh (pyeoh@usc.edu.au) School:School of Science, Technology and Engineering

2024Semester 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 usc.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

Digital communications are essential to the functioning of modern society. Examples include cellphones, broadcasting, and satellite communications. In this course you will expand on your knowledge and understanding of Communication Engineering, by developing specialised techniques and the design of components in communication systems. You will explore the standards governing communication protocol and hardware, analyse performance of communication systems, and specify general telecommunication systems.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Asynchronous learning materials 1hr Week 1 13 times
Laboratory 1 – On campus 2hrs Week 4 4 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On campus 2hrs Week 2 10 times
Seminar – On campus 1hr Week 1 Once Only

Course Topics

Topics may include:

  • Source Coding for Digital Communications
  • Timing and Carrier Synchronization 
  • Digital Modulation Techniques
  • BPSK, QPSK, QAM
  • Maximum Likelihood Detector
  • Bit Error Rate (BER) Performance
  • Error Control Coding Techniques
  • Broadband Communications
  • Orthogonal Frequency Modulation
  • Wireless Communications
  • Introduction to Optical Communications

What level is this course?

400 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 Analyse and evaluate various digital modulation techniques for efficient data transmission. Creative and critical thinker 
2, 2.1.a, 2.1
2 Assess alternative multiple access techniques and select appropriate schemes for different communication scenarios. Creative and critical thinker 
1, 1.1.a, 1.1, 2, 2.1.f, 2.1
3 Analyse spread spectrum communications to achieve secure and robust wireless communication and model wireless channels and analyse their impact on system performance. Creative and critical thinker 
2, 2.1.a, 2.1.b, 2.1
4 Apply technical knowledge and utilise software-defined radio platforms for prototyping and implementing digital communication systems to meet specific requirements. Empowered 
1, 1.4.a, 1.4, 2, 2.3.a, 2.3
5 Design and implement error control coding schemes to ensure reliable communication in noisy channels. Empowered 
1, 1.5.a, 1.5.c, 1.5, 2, 2.2.d, 2.2

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Professional Engineer Competency Standards
1 Elements of competency: Knowledge and Skill Base
1.1.a Knowledge and Skill Base - Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline: Engages with the engineering discipline at a phenomenological level, applying sciences and engineering fundamentals to systematic investigation, interpretation, analysis and innovative solution of complex problems and broader aspects of engineering practice.
1.4.a Knowledge and Skill Base - Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline: Identifies and critically appraises current developments, advanced technologies, emerging issues and interdisciplinary linkages in at least one specialist practice domain of the engineering discipline.
1.5.a Knowledge and Skill Base - Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline: Identifies and applies systematic principles of engineering design relevant to the engineering discipline.
1.5.c Knowledge and Skill Base - Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline: Appreciates the issues associated with international engineering practice and global operating contexts.
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.
1.4 Knowledge and Skill Base: Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline.
1.5 Knowledge and Skill Base: Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline.
2 Elements of competency: Engineering Application Ability
2.1.a Engineering Application Ability - Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving: Identifies, discerns and characterises salient issues, determines and analyses causes and effects, justifies and applies appropriate simplifying assumptions, predicts performance and behaviour, synthesises solution strategies and develops substantiated conclusions.
2.1.f Engineering Application Ability - Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving: Conceptualises alternative engineering approaches and evaluates potential outcomes against appropriate criteria to justify an optimal solution choice.
2.1.b Engineering Application Ability - Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving: Ensures that all aspects of an engineering activity are soundly based on fundamental principles - by diagnosing, and taking appropriate action with data, calculations, results, proposals, processes, practices, and documented information that may be ill-founded, illogical, erroneous, unreliable or unrealistic.
2.3.a Engineering Application Ability - Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes: Proficiently applies technical knowledge and open ended problem solving skills as well as appropriate tools and resources to design components, elements, systems, plant, facilities and/or processes to satisfy user requirements.
2.2.d Engineering Application Ability - Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources: Applies a wide range of engineering tools for analysis, simulation, visualisation, synthesis and design, including assessing the accuracy and limitations of such tools, and validation of their results.
2.1 Engineering Application Ability: Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
2.2 Engineering Application Ability: Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
2.3 Engineering Application Ability: Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.

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

Enrolled in GC005, GD005, MC005, GC006, GD006, MC006 or SC404

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

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 Practical / Laboratory Skills, and Written Piece Individual 30% 
1500 words
 Week 5 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Practical / Laboratory Skills Individual 30% 
1500 words
 Week 9 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Examination - not Centrally Scheduled Individual 40% 
2 hours
 Exam Period Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Simulation
Goal: 
Experimental/simulation work to verify students' ability to apply knowledge and skills acquired in the course.
Product: Practical / Laboratory Skills, and Written Piece
Format: 
Experimental/simulation work to verify students' ability to apply knowledge and skills acquired in the course.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Analysis and evaluation of various digital modulation techniques for efficient data transmission.
 1
2 
Assessment of alternative multiple access techniques and selection of appropriate schemes for different communication scenarios.
 2
3 
Application of technical knowledge and utilise software-defined radio platforms for prototyping and implementing digital communication systems to meet specific requirements.
 4
All - Assessment Task 2:Experimental/simulation work
Goal: 
To apply knowledge and skills acquired in the course.
Product: Practical / Laboratory Skills
Format: 
Laboratory
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Analysis and evaluation of various digital modulation techniques for efficient data transmission.
 1
2 
Assessment of alternative multiple access techniques and selection of appropriate schemes for different communication scenarios.
 2
3 
Analysis of spread spectrum communications to achieve secure and robust wireless communication and modelling wireless channels and analyse their impact on system performance.
 3
4 
Design and implementation of error control coding schemes to ensure reliable communication in noisy channels.
 5
All - Assessment Task 3:Final exam
Goal: 
Questions and problems related to the materials covered in the course.
Product: Examination - not Centrally Scheduled
Format: 
Questions and problems related to the materials covered in the course.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Analysis and evaluation of various digital modulation techniques for efficient data transmission.
 1
2 
Assessment of alternative multiple access techniques and selection of appropriate schemes for different communication scenarios.
 2
3 
Analysis of spread spectrum communications to achieve secure and robust wireless communication and modelling wireless channels and analyse their impact on system performance.
 3
4 
Application of technical knowledge and utilise software-defined radio platforms for prototyping and implementing digital communication systems to meet specific requirements.
 4
5 
Design and implementation of error control coding schemes to ensure reliable communication in noisy channels.
 5

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 conducted for the field activities being undertaken and a high level of risk has been identified. High level risk may include, boating, diving, and hot works such as welding, cutting and grinding. Where high risks exist you will be given training and advice about how to control the high level risk, however it is also your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety 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.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

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
Download PDF