Overview
In this unit, you will expand your understanding of communications systems encompassing both optical and wireless technologies. You will gain advanced knowledge into the operation of communication devices and systems and the ability to analyse various parameters such as loss, bandwidth, and signal quality. You will verify the developed theories using advanced simulation tools or practical demonstrations. Upon completion of the unit, you will gain advanced knowledge in communications systems and technologies. The prior knowledge of basic electrical circuit analysis, signals and systems and fundamental electromagnetic theory is assumed.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2022
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Residential Schools
This unit has a Compulsory Residential School for distance mode students and the details are:
Click here to see your Residential School Timetable.
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 12-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 25 hours of study per week, making a total of 300 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Unit Coordinator's observation
Hand-on experiences with the application of the theory learned in this unit will significantly enhance student learning and satisfaction with the unit.
Create hand-on simulations or practical exercises to illustrate the learning concepts.
Feedback from Unit Coordinator's observation
Guidance and providing specific explanations of the assessment tasks will improve student performance.
Provide customised workshops to assist students with the assessments to improve their understanding of the assessment expectations.
- Analyse communications systems
- Calculate power, bandwidth and signal quality of communications systems
- Characterise common communications components and systems through simulations or measurements
- Design sophisticated communications systems and predict their performance
- Communicate professional engineering information including computer-based simulations and drawings using appropriate electrical engineering standards, terminology, and symbols
- Scope, plan, manage, and successfully complete engineering projects autonomously and in teams with a responsible, ethical, and professional attitude regarding the role of engineers.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 20% | ||||||
| 2 - Project (applied) - 30% | ||||||
| 3 - Online Quiz(zes) - 10% | ||||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | ||||||
| 2 - Communication | ||||||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | ||||||
| 4 - Research | ||||||
| 5 - Self-management | ||||||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | ||||||
| 7 - Leadership | ||||||
| 8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||||
Textbooks
Optical Fiber Communications: Principles And Practice
Edition: 3rd (2008)
Authors: John Senior
Pearson
Harlow Harlow , Essex , England
ISBN: 978-0-130-32681-2
Binding: Paperback
Wireless Communication Networks and Systems
Global Edition, 1st edition (2016)
Authors: Cory Beard, and William Stallings
Pearson
ISBN: 9781292108711
Binding: Paperback
Additional Textbook Information
Optical Fiber Communications: Principles And Practice by Senior is Out of Print, but can be accessed online at the CQUni Library website. Search on the ISBN 9781292108711.
Wireless Communication Networks and Systems by Beard and Stallings can be purchased in print or an eBook at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the ISBN 9781292108711)
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Zoom app on your smart phone or access to Zoom on your laptop
- Matlab
- VPI Photonic design suite
- Pdf creator/scanner
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
l.bui@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Teaching Arrangements and Introduction to Communication Systems
Chapter
Beard and Stallings' textbook Chapter 1 and Senior's textbook Chapter 1
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Transmission Fundamentals
Chapter
Beard and Stallings' textbook Chapter 2
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Beard and Stallings' textbook Chapter 3
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Wireless Communications
Chapter
Beard and Stallings' textbook Chapter 5
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
The Wireless Channel
Chapter
Beard and Stallings' textbook Chapter 6
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
None teaching week
Chapter
N/A
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online quizzes A is due
Module/Topic
Signal Encoding Techniques
Chapter
Beard and Stallings' textbook Chapter 7
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Introduction to Optical Fibre
Chapter
Senior's textbook Chapters 2 and 3
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Optical Sources - Lasers
Chapter
Senior's textbook Chapter 6
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Optical Receivers - Photodetectors
Chapter
Senior's textbook Chapters 8 and 9
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Optical Amplifiers
Chapter
Senior's textbook Chapter 10
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Optical System engineering - System Rise Time and Bandwidth
Chapter
Senior's textbook Chapter 12
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online quizzes B is due
Module/Topic
Probability of Errors and Bit Error Rate (BER)
Chapter
Senior's textbook Chapter 12
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
This unit has no residential school. However, students are required to attend a compulsory workshop to be held in week 6 to learn how to use VPI Photonics Design Suite. This software is essential for Assignment 2: Optical Communication System Design; thus, failure to attend the workshop can negatively impact the student's ability to complete this assessment.
1 Online Quiz(zes)
The online quizzes consist of two online tests A, and B designed to assess student understanding and application of the material content of weeks 1-4, and weeks 7-10 respectively. The quizzes are multiple-choice questions and are timed. Some of the questions may require students to perform calculations or designs to arrive at the correct answer. It is advisable that students review the relevant learning materials, read the suggested textbook chapters and follow the instructions accompanying the test strictly. When the test ends, all questions are submitted automatically including unanswered questions and thus do not spend much time on one question - if stuck, move on to other questions. PLEASE NOTE that only ONE attempt of the test is allowed and thus the test must be completed in one sitting. Students are advised to start the test only when they are fully ready.
Other
Online test A is due by Monday of the Break Week and Online test B is due on Monday of Week 11.
The test result is available immediately after the test is due.
The online tests aim to assess students' understanding and applications of the key concepts covered in the unit. Particularly, online tests A, and B cover weeks 1-4, and weeks 7-10 content respectively. Each test consists of 25 multiple choice questions that must be answered within 40 minutes (~1.5 minutes/question). If there are multiple correct answers, choose the most correct answer. None attempted or wrong answer will receive a zero mark. Each online test contributes 5% of the total unit marks (10% of marks for the two tests). The minimum passed grade for the combined online quizzes is 50%.
- Analyse communications systems
- Calculate power, bandwidth and signal quality of communications systems
2 Written Assessment
No Assessment Task Description
Week 8 Monday (5 Sept 2022) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 10 Monday (19 Sept 2022)
Marked reports with feedback will be returned to students usually a fortnight after submission. However, there will be no model answers provided.
The detailed marking criteria are provided in the project description document. In general, marks will be allocated for the following things:
- Application of theoretical fundamentals.
- Correct diagrams using standard notations.
- Explanation of reasons to apply specific theory to solve a given problem where applicable.
- Correct mathematical working and correct answer.
- All working must be shown to obtain full marks
- Neatness and format.
- Analyse communications systems
- Calculate power, bandwidth and signal quality of communications systems
- Communicate professional engineering information including computer-based simulations and drawings using appropriate electrical engineering standards, terminology, and symbols
- Scope, plan, manage, and successfully complete engineering projects autonomously and in teams with a responsible, ethical, and professional attitude regarding the role of engineers.
3 Project (applied)
This task requires students to use VPI Photonics Design Suite to design and predict the performance of a sophisticated optical system and then prepare a report to communicate the simulation results and findings. The project consists of two components. The first component is system design and the second component is a study of a distinct, predefined aspect of the designed system. The task requires students to consolidate their learning, apply fundamentals and knowledge that they have learned in the unit and utilise them to solve problems to arrive at a solution that meets the design requirements. Students are encouraged to discuss their solutions with peers. However, the design report must be the student's individual work.
Review/Exam Week Monday (10 Oct 2022) 11:59 pm AEST
Marked reports with feedback will be returned to students usually a fortnight after submission. However, there will be no model answers provided.
The detailed marking criteria are provided in the project description document. In general, marks will be allocated for the following things:
- Application of theoretical fundamentals.
- Correct diagrams using standard notations.
- Explanation of reasons to apply specific theory to solve a given problem where applicable.
- Correct mathematical working and correct answer.
- All working must be shown to obtain full marks
- Neatness and format.
- Characterise common communications components and systems through simulations or measurements
- Design sophisticated communications systems and predict their performance
- Communicate professional engineering information including computer-based simulations and drawings using appropriate electrical engineering standards, terminology, and symbols
- Scope, plan, manage, and successfully complete engineering projects autonomously and in teams with a responsible, ethical, and professional attitude regarding the role of engineers.
4 Online Test
This is the final assessment in the unit and will be in a form of an online test. The test covers topics of all weeks and consists of a mix of short answer questions and design problems.
This online test will be held during the University exam period. The online test has a duration of 3 hrs. You will be provided with an additional 30 minutes to read the paper and scan your answer scripts for uploading. The Moodle submission link will become inactive 3.5 hours after the start time. You are encouraged to sit the test from a location with a good Internet connection and where you have access to a scanner. If you are unable to find a scanner, you can use your mobile phone to scan and upload the answer scripts. Please find a list of Camera Scan apps below that is suitable for this.
a. Adobe Scan (DC) https://adobescan.app.link/d/1n1NntFHTkb
b. Microsoft Lens https://apps.apple.com/au/app/microsoft-lens-pdf-scanner/id975925059
c. SwiftScan https://swiftscan.app/en/index.html
d. CamScanner https://www.camscanner.com/
e. ClearScan https://clearscanapp.com/
This online test is a time-limited assessment that will be available to students only during the scheduled examination time. It is an open-book test and students can use any printed or electronic materials as a reference. The answers will automatically be submitted when the test is ended. Supporting materials for your answers to the test questions should be handwritten and scanned after the test in the order of the questions and uploaded by the given deadline.
Test date, time and test instructions will be provided to students at time closer to the test.
The detailed marking criteria are provided within the online test. In general, marks will be allocated for the following things:
- Application of theoretical fundamentals.
- Correct diagrams using standard notations.
- Explanation of reasons to apply specific theory to solve a given problem where applicable.
- Correct mathematical working and correct answer.
- All working must be shown to obtain full marks
- Neatness and format.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
