Course coordinator
Dr Konstanty Bialkowski
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Elec Engineering & Comp Science School
Communications receivers and transmitters, modulation and demodulation, baseband and narrowband signal characteristics, analogue and digital communication systems, information theory, source and channel coding.
Communication systems provide a way to transmit information from one point to another, over distance, quickly and/or reliably. It is at the cutting edge of high technology in modern society. Australia has extensive and sophisticated communication infrastructure. Its maintenance and expansion requires well trained communication engineers. The goal of this course is to give students a thorough grounding in the theory and practice of modern communication systems that enables expert understanding of the most advanced standards and the likely future of digital communication systems and networks. Aspects include analysis of signals and noise, base-band pulse and digital signalling, bandpass modulation, modulator-demodulator systems, random processes and spectral analysis, performance of digital communication systems, optimum digital receivers, software defined radio, channel coding and multiple-access schemes.
Course Changes in Response to Previous Student Feedback
This year's changes include the addition of more code demonstrations in lectures, and updates to the course material to include modern communication standards and development.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This course will assume that you have some background in basic signal theory and/or basic programming (MATLAB, Python or C/C++). Having background in one of the two areas, will allow you to use your strength while gaining knowledge in the other area. The first 2/3 weeks of lectures and the early practical work will revise this content.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
CSSE3010 and ELEC3004
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
COMS3100 or COMS4100 or COMS7100 or COMS7105 or COMS7410
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Konstanty Bialkowski
Guest lecturer
Dr Lu Zhang
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
This course studies: time and frequency signal analyses; random processes and noise; base-band & pass-band signals; modulation/demodulation and optimal reception techniques; coding and information theory.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
relate the role of mathematical signals & systems theory to advanced communication systems
LO2.
evaluate and critique common communication systems in terms of their properties, advantages and disadvantages
LO3.
simulate the operation of communication systems to predict their performance
LO4.
design a communication system according to a given specification by using design calculations
LO5.
develop synchronisation algorithms which work on over the air (OTA) transmitted signals
LO6.
measure and collect OTA signals for the purposes of successful decoding of transmitted data
LO7.
develop an appreciation of the benefits and problems associated with team-based engineering work
LO8.
develop and appreciate a communication system according to an existing standard which is made to operate in the presence of other systems
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/ Demonstration |
Practical Milestones
|
24% |
Prac 0 5/08/2024 - 19/08/2024 Prac 1 26/08/2024 - 2/09/2024 Prac 2 9/09/2024 - 16/09/2024 Prac 3 30/09/2024 - 7/10/2024 Wildcard Prac 14/10/2024 - 21/10/2024
In allocated prac session |
| Examination |
In-Semester Exam
|
15% |
16/09/2024 4:00 pm
During Lecture Time slot |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Project Report
|
16% |
25/10/2024 3:00 pm
The course coordinator reserves the right to vary group marks for each group member in the event of varied contributions to the team effort. |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
45% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
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
Practical Milestones
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 24%
- Due date
Prac 0 5/08/2024 - 19/08/2024
Prac 1 26/08/2024 - 2/09/2024
Prac 2 9/09/2024 - 16/09/2024
Prac 3 30/09/2024 - 7/10/2024
Wildcard Prac 14/10/2024 - 21/10/2024
In allocated prac session
Task description
Practical work for this course will take place in the GP South laboratories (78-212). You should note that this laboratory is classified as an Engineering laboratory and workplace health and safety regulations require that covered footwear be worn in the laboratory. You should read the sections entitled " EAIT Computer Laboratories" and "Usage Conditions for Computing Laboratories and Facilities" in the EECS Student Help Pages. You will also be required to read and understand the "Occupational Health and Safety in the Laboratory" guidelines and fill out the declaration. Failure to sign the declaration and/or abide by the guidelines will result in your exclusion from the laboratories. In particular, if you fail to wear covered footwear, you will be excluded from your prac session.
Access to the laboratories will not be available outside scheduled practical sessions.
Students will have access to general computing resources, e.g., PCs, in the School of EECS. These resources may be used to access course electronic resources, e.g., the course website, and to undertake research and writing for assignments.
Hurdle requirements
To achieve a grade of 4 or better, you must attempt the preparation questions for each practical. If you do not get these marked off then your overall mark is capped at 49% and your final grade is capped at a 3.Submission guidelines
Four (4) scheduled practicals will run over the semester, with two weeks being reserved for each practical. Students will be evaluated DURING the practical by the teaching staff on both their preparation and method. Marks will be awarded for answers to the preparation questions (which MUST be attempted BEFORE the laboratory session) and the student's level of understanding and completeness of the scheduled laboratory tasks.
A total of 24 marks are available for the laboratory component of the course. Each of the four (4) practicals will have a total of six (6) marks available. Marks will be awarded individually to each student.
The marks will be awarded as follows:
Preparation - Completeness and understanding (2 marks):
- A mark of zero (0) will be awarded when little or no attempt at (and/or understanding of) the preparation questions has been made;
- A mark of one (1) will be awarded when a fair attempt at the preparation questions has been made. That is, the student can explain correct answers to approximately half of the preparation questions;
- A mark of two (2) will be awarded when a good/excellent attempt at the preparation questions has been made. That is, the student can explain correct answers to all, or nearly all, of the preparation questions.
Practical Method - Completeness and understanding (4 marks):
- A mark of zero (0) will be awarded when little or no attempt (and/or understanding) of the tasks outlined in the practical has been made;
- A mark of one (1) will be awarded when a fair attempt at the practical has been made. That is, at least the first part of the practical has been reasonably attempted and understood;
- A mark of two (2) will be awarded when a good attempt at the practical has been made. That is, the first and second parts of the practical have been reasonably attempted and understood;
- A mark of three (3) will be awarded when an excellent attempt at the practical has been made. That is, all parts of the practical have been attempted and understood.
- A mark of four (4) will be awarded when an outstanding attempt at the practical has been made. That is, all parts of the practical have been completed and understood.
Note: Preparation tasks MUST be completed at home or before the laboratory session begins. Marks for laboratory sessions will be made available on the course web-site (NOT directly from the teaching staff during the laboratory session). Students are encouraged to attend their regular prac sessions, they can swap the sessions and if there are spaces can attend multiple sessions (in the same week). There may be an optional catch up session in weeks 12 and 13 if needs arise. However, should you choose not to attend or delay the assessment until the final practical week (without a genuine reason), it is your responsibility to fully understand and complete the prac sessions to the examiners satisfaction. Teaching staff may not be able to provide 'extra' attention to the prac whose assessment would be overdue by that date.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Practicals are to be completed as part of a scheduled practical class. There may be an optional catch up session in weeks 12 and 13 if needs arise. However, should you choose not to attend or delay the assessment until the final practical week (without a genuine reason), it is your responsibility to fully understand and complete the prac sessions to the examiners satisfaction. The teaching staff may not be able to provide 'extra' attention to the prac whose assessment would be overdue by that date.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
In-Semester Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
16/09/2024 4:00 pm
During Lecture Time slot
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
The in-semester exam will be based on material presented/covered in weeks 1 to 7. The questions will be short answer and problem solving.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 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
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Project Report
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 16%
- Due date
25/10/2024 3:00 pm
The course coordinator reserves the right to vary group marks for each group member in the event of varied contributions to the team effort.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04, L07, L08
Task description
This semester, students will complete a project based on the work contained in the laboratory work of the course. The final work on the project will be performed in pairs, with a single project report.
More details on the project/assignment will be made available before the end of Week 4. Students need to nominate their partner before the end of Week 4 by notifying the teaching staff.
Submission guidelines
Submit one report per team to Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Marked assignments with feedback and/or detailed solutions with feedback will be released to students within 21- 28 days where the earlier timeframe applies if no extensions.
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.
Final Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
The end of semester exam will examine the material presented/covered during the semester. The questions will involve problem solving and may contain short-answer, essay and problem solving questions.
Broadly speaking, the criteria used for marking the final exam are, according to the type of question asked, as follows:
- knowledge of basic definitions of terms used in digital communication engineering,
- conceptual understanding of properties and phenomena observed in digital communication systems,
- clear explanation of the operation of digital communication systems,
- correct calculation and correct procedure for calculation of design parameters.
Hurdle requirements
To achieve a grade of 4 or better, you must obtain a minimum mark of 40% on the final exam. If you do not obtain at least 40% on the final exam, then your overall mark is capped at 49% and your final grade is capped at a 3.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 180 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
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 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 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
If the final total percentage for all assessment, calculated at the end of the semester, results in a fractional component, then any fractional component is rounded up to the next whole integer before calculating the final grade. This only applies to the final result and not to individual pieces of assessment, where any fractional results are included, as is, in the calculation of the final percentage.
Additionally, in order to achieve a grade of 4 or better, you must obtain a minimum mark of 40% on the final exam, and attempt the preparation for each practical assessment. If you do not obtain at least 40% on the final exam and/or if you do not attempt the preparation for all practical assessments then your overall mark is capped at 49% and your final grade is capped at a 3.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Generative AI and Machine Translation in Assessment
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Having Troubles?
If you are having difficulties with any aspect of the course material you should seek help. Speak to the course teaching staff.
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 School of EECS 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
As mentioned on Blackboard, the central hub for additional resources and tools will be available at: https://coms4105.uqcloud.net/
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 |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 2 |
Lecture |
Signals, spectra and Random Processes |
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Lecture |
Course introduction |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 12 |
Tutorial |
Class Exercises Class exercises on communication system theory and practice. |
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Lecture |
Baseband Modulation and demodulation Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Practical |
Practical 0 Preparation for Future Lab Based Practicals |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 4 To Week 6 |
Lecture |
Bandpass modulation and demodulation Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 6 To Week 8 |
Lecture |
Link Budgets, Channel coding Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L07 |
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Practical |
Prac 1 Signal Detection, Modulation and Demodulation Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Multiple weeks From Week 9 To Week 10 |
Lecture |
Advanced Channel Coding, Multiple Access Systems Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L07 |
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Practical |
Prac 2 Channel Coding, Bit Error Rates Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Lecture |
OFDM, Framing, Synchronization |
Practical |
Prac 3 OFDM, DAB |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 12 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Communication System Case Studies Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L08 |
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Lecture |
Channel Models, Spread Spectrum Technologies Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L06, L08 |
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 - Students Policy and Procedure
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: