Course coordinator
Professor Christophe Fumeaux
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2026 (23/02/2026 - 20/06/2026)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Elec Engineering & Comp Science School
This course uses electromagnetic principles to present the theory & operation of simple circuit devices & antennas at microwave frequencies, which are the part of modern microwave communication equipment. The emphasis is placed on planar guiding & radiating structures that enable either hybrid &/or monolithic integration of the devices. Modern CAD software packages are introduced & demonstrated through simulations of microwave networks & antenna configurations.
The course uses electromagnetic (EM) field principles in conjunction with network theory to obtain efficient means for analysing and designing microwave subsystems and antennas, which are part of modern microwave communications systems including Mobile and Satellite Systems.ﾠ
In the first part of the course, the emphasis is placed on planar guiding structures that enable either hybrid and/or monolithic integration of microwave devices. Modern computer-aided design (CAD) software packages are introduced and demonstrated through simulations of microwave passive and active devices and sub-systems.
The second part of the course is devoted to the analysis and design of antenna elements and arrays which are part of modern wireless communications systems and radar. The design of antennas using antenna CAD software is demonstrated. Some experimental works are then conducted in the Microwave Lab to verify the main fundamentals of microwave design.
Course requirements
Assumed background
The course assumes that the students are familiar with the following concepts and terms: Equivalent circuit parameters of transmission lines, impedance/admittance, and transmission and reflection coefficient, Maxwell equations, fundamentals of electromagnetic waves and expressions for a field radiatedﾠby a Hertzian dipole. Also assumed is the basic knowledge of electrical circuits analysis and semiconductor devices such as diodes and transistors to understand the operation of active microwave devices.ﾠ
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ELEC3100
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
COMS7104
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Professor Christophe Fumeaux
Dr Aliya Dewani
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
- To understand the principles of operation of typical passive and active microwave circuits and antennas that are essential to modern communication technologies and radar
- To know how to design simple microwave circuits that include directional couplers, detectors, mixers, switches and amplifiers, as well as know how to design wire and patch antennas and arrays that act as transducers between microwave circuits andﾠairﾠﾠ
- To be able to verify the design techniques learned in the course by using modern microwave and antenna CAD packages
- To communicate the achieved results in professionally written reports.ﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate principles of operation, analysis and design of microwave passive and active sub-systems and antennas which are part of modern communication equipment.
LO2.
Explain the role of microwave subsystems and antennas in wireless communications and radar.
LO3.
Perform a theoretical analysis of basic microwave passive and active circuits, and antennas
LO4.
Apply critical reasoning to microwave and antenna analysis and design problems to obtain meaningful solutions
LO5.
Creatively and efficiently use microwave and antenna Computer Aided Design packages.
LO6.
Work as an effective member of a team to analyse and design microwave circuits and antennas with the use of Computer Aided Design tools
LO7.
Write clear and concise engineering reports at professional level.
LO8.
Demonstrate an ample knowledge of social and professional responsibilities
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Practicals | 30% |
Practical 1 report 14/04/2026 4:00 pm Practical 2 report 5/05/2026 4:00 pm Practical 3 report 26/05/2026 4:00 pm |
| Examination |
In-Semester Exam
|
20% |
21/04/2026 11:00 am
The in-class exam will test Modules 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 and applied class. |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Practicals
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
Practical 1 report 14/04/2026 4:00 pm
Practical 2 report 5/05/2026 4:00 pm
Practical 3 report 26/05/2026 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
The Practical part of the course will include the following components:
0) Introductory Session to Microwave CAD
In this introductory session, the students will receive information about the microwave CAD tools that will be used in the practicals.
Students will have the opportunity to receive feedback on their performance through a short quiz at the end of the session (formative).
1) Practical 1: TLs & Impedance Transformers
This part of the lab project aims to test your knowledge and design skills of microwave transmission lines and impedance transformers. You will be asked to design different types of TLs and transformers with the use of a microwave CAD package. A report providing the basis for assessment of your performance should include the computed results (including prints of the computer screen) and discussion.
(Weight: 10%)
2) Practical 2: Hybrid Circuits
This part of the lab project aims to test your knowledge and design skills concerning microwave hybrid circuits and PIN diode phase shifters. You will be asked to design various types of hybrids and PIN diode phase shifters, and asses their performance with the use of a microwave CAD package. A report, forming the basis for the assessment of your performance, should include the computed results (including prints of the computer screen) and discussion.
(Weight: 10%)
3) Practical 3: Analysis and Design of Antennas
This part of the lab project will test your knowledge and analysis and design skills concerning antennas. You will be asked to design and assess the performances of individual antennas using microwave CAD tools. A report, forming the basis for the assessment of your performance, should include the computed results (including prints of the computer screen) and discussion.
(Weight: 10%)
The practical works are performed in groups but all reports are assessed individually.ﾠ
More information about the practical activities and the marking criteria will be made available through the practical instructions to be provided in Blackboard.
These tasks have been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Practical report assignments are to be submitted online via Blackboard unless otherwise specified for a particular assessment item.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Prac sessions are unable to be rescheduled, however, a maximum extension of 7 days is allowed on the prac report.
Extensions for the prac report are limited to 7 days as feedback will be provided within 14 days.
If you are unable to attend a prac session due to exceptional circumstances, please contact the teaching team.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
In-Semester Exam
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
21/04/2026 11:00 am
The in-class exam will test Modules 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 and applied class.
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
The in-semester exam will test the understanding of the course material covered in the first critical Lecture Modules. An example of the exam will be provided in advance to the students.
Delivery: invigilated on-campus written closed--book exam.
Timing: The in-semester exam is scheduled at 11 am Tuesday, 21/04/2026.
All students will complete the exam simultaneously.
Permitted materials: Closed-book exam, UQ approved calculator permitted.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Papers will be collected at the end of the in-class exam time.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Final Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L07
Task description
Delivery: invigilated, on-campus written exam.
Permitted materials: One single-sided A4 hand-written page, and UQ approved calculator.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
Students who do not achieve 50% in the final exam will have their OVERALL grade for the course capped at a 3. Students who do not achieve 40% in the final exam will have their OVERALL grade for the course capped at a 2.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | One A4 sheet of handwritten notes , single sided, is permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 19 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 46 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
The final mark will be rounded to the nearest integer before grading is applied. Half marks will be rounded up.
To achieve a grade of 3 students are required to achieve >=40% on the final exam. Students who do not meet this will have their grade capped at a 2
In order to pass the course, your FINAL EXAM mark must be at least 50% in addition to the requirement that your overall mark is at least 50%.ﾠ
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Having Troubles?
If you are having difficulties with any aspect of the course material you should seek help. Speak to a member of the teaching team.
If external circumstances are affecting your ability to work on the course, you should seek help as soon as possible. The University and UQ Union have organisations and staff who are able to help, for example, UQ Student Services are able to help with study and exam skills, tertiary learning skills, writing skills, financial assistance, personal issues, and disability services (among other things).
Complaints and criticisms should be directed in the first instance to the course coordinator. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may bring the matter to the attention of the Director of Teaching and Learning.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Computer Aided Design (CAD) software packages:
The following advanced microwave CAD package will be used for Tutorials and Practical Classes:
ADS -ﾠ Advanced Design System by Agilentﾠ
Handouts:
Lecture, tutorial and laboratory materials will be available to students enrolled in the course via the course website.
Facilities:
During the Lab sessions, students will use computer facilities allocated in the lab to conduct their work on assigned projects.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (23 Feb - 01 Mar) |
Lecture |
Module 1 Planar Microwave Waveguides and Transmission Lines Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 12 |
Applied Class |
Applied Class Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 2 (02 Mar - 08 Mar) |
Lecture |
Module 2 Characterization of Microwave Passive Reciprocal and Non-reciprocal Devices Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Multiple weeks From Week 3 To Week 7 |
Practical |
Practical 1 Review of CAD tools & Transmission Lines & Impedance Transformers Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Week 3 (09 Mar - 15 Mar) |
Lecture |
Module 3 Impedance Transformation and Matching Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Practical |
Introductory Session to Microwave CAD Familiarization with microwave CAD tools Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L08 |
|
Week 4 (16 Mar - 22 Mar) |
Lecture |
Module 4 Passive Reciprocal Components I Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Week 5 (23 Mar - 29 Mar) |
Lecture |
Module 5 Passive Reciprocal Components II Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Week 6 (30 Mar - 05 Apr) |
Lecture |
Module 6 Microwave Detectors and Mixers Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Multiple weeks From Week 7 To Week 10 |
Practical |
Practical 2 Hybrid Microwave Circuits Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Week 7 (13 Apr - 19 Apr) |
Lecture |
Module 7 Transistor, Amplifiers Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 9 (27 Apr - 03 May) |
Lecture |
Module 8 Fundamental of Antennas - Wire Antennas Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Multiple weeks From Week 10 To Week 13 |
Practical |
Practical 3 Analysis and Design of Antennas Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Week 10 (04 May - 10 May) |
Lecture |
Module 9 Antenna arrays Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 11 (11 May - 17 May) |
Lecture |
Module 10 Microstrip Antennas Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 12 (18 May - 24 May) |
Lecture |
Module 11 Microwave Communications Systems Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
- AI for Assessment Guide
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: