KD5066 - Communication Systems

You will be learn via a combination of lectures, laboratories, seminars, directed learning and independent learning. You will experience a number of computer simulation tools, such as MATLAB and Labview programmes, which will be used to enhance your understanding of the lecture material. Before each lecture you will be expected and encouraged to read ahead by reviewing the support material provided via the eLP to support your own learning outside of timetabled hours.
Within lectures and seminars, practical examples and analysis will be explored, and you will be expected to actively participate in these sessions. Some of these sessions may involve tutor lead Q+A sessions and student to student explanation and response at the front of class.
In addition, you will be encouraged to research the subject through the directed learning, reading list and topic links. This will broaden your knowledge around the current theory, techniques and standards and the hence the future development in communications and enhance your experience for future employment.

The module is delivered as noted in both lectures and workshops. These provide the key academic support to the module; however around this a number of support structures are included.
Workshops, supported by lab tutors, effectively provide verbal feedback and comments throughout the session. Such comments may be generic and applicable to all students, typically noting procedures or some technical guideline or could be may be more directed to the individuals learning.
The most appropriate use of blackboard (online platform) is made in the module where the module taught content is provided along with links to the reading list. Online screen videos are included on the eLP platform to help students understanding of key concepts related to this module.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
• Understand and apply the mathematical underpinning to both analogue and digital communications (UK-Spec 3rd Ed. SM1m, SM2m)
• Understand and appraise different communication technologies (UK-Spec 3rd Ed. EA1m)
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Analyse basic Analogue and Digital Communication Systems (UK-Spec 3rd Ed. EA1m, EA2m)
• Design and develop communication systems and define the required sub-systems (UK-Spec 3rd Ed. D1m, D4m, D5m, ET2m)

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• Use Computer software to simulate, develop and evaluate communication systems (UK-Spec 3rd Ed. EP7m)

Summative assessed is by an unseen formal examination to assess their understanding of the lecture material, application and appraisal.
A lab test will also be included as part of the summative assessment.

Formative assessment using e-portal software and e-learning tests and MCQ tests within lectures.

Students receive feedback via the e-learning portal tests and some additional feedback to answers given

Lab test will be 30% (LO1, LO3, LO4, LO5) and a final exam will be 70% (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4)

Feedback on formal examination will be given after the examination with a formal session to be assigned

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In this module you will study key aspects of communication systems using both wired and wireless technology. You will be taught via lectures, which will be recorded live and will be available online for you to watch in your own time. You will also get to experience practical sessions in our state-of-the-art microwave facilities, which are highly regarded as being amongst the best in the UK. You will be introduced to a wide range of communication techniques used in modern society. As technology is constantly evolving the syllabus is continuously updated to reflect this. Our academics are all heavily involved in researching new ideas and technology and this is reflected in our teaching, so you can experience the next generation of technology whilst it is still being developed.