Telecommunications
Credit points
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Prerequisites
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)
Overview
This unit provides an understanding of signal transmission principles and modern telecommunication systems. Students explore the representation, analysis, and processing of signals through analogue and digital communication channels. Concepts of bandwidth, noise, modulation, and filtering are investigated through analytical and practical activities that emphasise performance, efficiency, and ethical use of communication resources.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- Analyse and interpret signals in both time and frequency domains, applying statistical and spectral analysis (including correlation, power spectral density, and signal-to-noise ratio) to evaluate system performance;
- Explain the information-bearing nature and bandwidth characteristics of signals, identify types of noise in telecommunication systems, and assess their impact using signal-to-noise ratio analysis;
- Apply the principles and techniques of frequency translation and modulation to model and evaluate analogue and digital communication processes;
- Assess signal transmission through linear and non-linear systems, recognising the behaviour of filters and other key components in shaping system response; and
- Evaluate both independently and collaboratively the performance of digital communication systems through analysis of bit-error probability and related reliability metrics.
Assessment
For Melbourne campuses
Assessment type: Exercise | Grade: 20%
Computer simulation report (Individual) (1000 words)
Assessment type: Test | Grade: 35%
In-class invigilated test (Individual) (60 mins)
Assessment type: Laboratory Work | Grade: 45%
Laboratory Report (Group) (2000 words)
Exercise: Computer simulation report – using Fourier transforms (Time-to-frequency domain).
Test: This secure invigilated in class assessment has an unpredictable problem-solving scenario format that tests applied understanding, requires explanation of reasoning and process, and involves applying knowledge to new contexts.
Laboratory Work: This secure assessment ensures accountability by requiring students to perform hands on data collection and systems analysis tasks under supervision. Real-time observation and process-focused questioning verify understanding and application of analytical skills. Explicit evaluation of individual contributions further supports the secure assessment and assurance of each student’s achievement of learning outcomes.
Required reading
Nil
As part of a course
This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):