MSc Telecommunications Engineering degree

This module will develop your critical understanding of the fundamentals of digital signal processing, as applied to numerous and commonplace digital systems, with the use of computer simulation based tools.

Module content

Topics studied may include:

• characterisation and classification of digital signals
• digital processing of continuous-time signals: sampling, aliasing, quantisation and reconstruction
• the z-transform, regions of convergence, inverse and properties
• linear time invariant (LTI) discrete-time systems, input/output convolution, impulse response sequence and transfer function based upon the discrete-time Fourier transform (DTFT), poles and zeros, magnitude and phase characteristics
• digital filter structures, recursive and non-recursive
• methods for digital filter design
• spectral analysis with the DFT and FFT
• digital mulitrate signal processing, decimation and interpolation, polyphase decomposition, applications
• real-time DSP on TI 6713

Learning outcomes

At the end of this module you will be able to:

• explain sampling theorem and the consequences of aliasing and quantisation distortion
• explain z-transform and Fourier transform and their properties; and relate them to the impulse response and transfer function of a digital filter
• evaluate critically different structures available for the realisation of finite impulse response (FIR) and infinite impulse response (IIR) digital filters
• describe ideal filter approximation functions, and the basics of real-time processing
• critically analyse various signal processing methodologies including the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) and its fast form (FFT) to perform signal analysis, explain their limitations and propose design linear phase FIR and IIR filters to meet prescribed specifications
• develop codes in TI 6713 environment
• solve complex numerical problems.

Teaching and learning

• tutorials: 10 hours
• practical classes and workshops: 10 hours
• lectures: 20 hours
• guided independent study: 110 hours

Assessment

• digital filter design: 15%
• general DSP: 15%
• 2-hour exam: 70%

This module will develop your understanding of the principles of networked digital communications.

Module content

Topics studied may include:

• an introduction to computer networks
• the network structure
• the physical layer
• the queuing theory
• the data link layer
• the wireless LAN
• the network layer
• the transport layer
• the efficiency of protocols.

Learning outcomes

One completion of this module you will be able to:

• explain the theory and methodologies used in modern computer networks
• analyse the behaviours of computer network protocols
• calculate delay across a network
• evaluate the transmission efficiency
• use a network analyser and evaluate real-time performance of a working network
• communicate effectively through report writing.

Teaching and learning

• practical classes and workshops: 4 hours
• tutorials: 6 hours
• lectures: 22 hours
• guided independent study: 118 hours

Assessment

• coursework: 30%
• 2-hour exam: 70%

The aim of this module is to develop knowledge and critical understanding of the fundamentals of information theory and its applications to source and channel coding.

Module content

Topics studied may include:

• measure of information
• self information
• mutual information
• entropy
• Shannon's source coding theorem
• variable length codewords
• Huffman coding
• speech coding
• image coding
• transform coding
• discrete cosine transform
• channel capacity
• Shannon's channel coding theorem
• MIMO capacity
• linear block codes
• cyclic codes
• convolutional codes
• soft-input soft-output decoding
• Turbo Codes.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

• explain the principles of information theory for source coding and channel coding
• describe different channel coding methods.
• critically analyse fundamental limits of communication channels in terms of mutual information and channel capacity
• develop error control coding techniques for data communications
• apply various channel coding methods to solve complex scenarios
• specify, design and simulate a typical channel coding technique and critically evaluate its performance.
• apply coding techniques to problem solving
• solve complex numerical problems.

Teaching and learning

• tutorials: 10 hours
• practical classes and workshops: 10 hours
• lectures: 20 hours
• guided independent study: 110 hours

Assessment

• coursework: 30%
• 2-hour exam: 70%

This module provides an overview of various personal radio communications systems used around the world today. It examines key features of these systems in the context of channel access methods, guided and radiated waves and explores the interaction between radio waves and the human body.

Module content

Topics studied may include:

• global communications networks
• GSM, UMTS, 4G and SATCOMMS
• mobile communications spectrum
• multiple access schemes: FDMA, TDMA, CDMA, SDMA, OFDMA
• DSP of OFDMA
• antenna and radio wave parameters
• guided channels
• free-space RF propagation and multipath
• mobile handset antennas
• onbody antennas
• RF radiation and human health
• specific Absorption Rate due to RF energy
• SAR measurement standards and equipment
• electromagnetic simulations.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

• describe specific global communication networks at a systems level
• explain multiple access
• describe basic processes involved in RF dosimetry relating to mobile phones
• provide an overview of major influential research pertaining to the possible effects of mobile phone RF radiation on human health
• review standard definitions of terms relating to antennas and radio waves
• explain the mechanism by which guided waves are transformed into radiated waves
• explain the operation of simple handset antennas
• differentiate between various multiple access schemes used in radio communication systems
• calculate parameters relating to Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing
• compare and contrast guided and radiated channels
• calculate losses in wired and wireless transmission systems
• calculate power flow in guided channels
• calculate radiowave parameters in a simple two-ray propagation model
• derive and apply equations relating to free-space path loss and specific absorption rate
• use electromagnetic computer simulation software for personal radio communications
• use Mathcad for OFDMA simulations
• conceptualise and solve numerical problems
• report technical solutions through written work

Teaching and learning

• tutorials: 10 hours
• practical classes and workshops: 16 hours
• lectures: 22 hours
• guided independent study: 102 hours

Assessment

• 2 x coursework assignments: 30%
• 2-hour exam: 70%

This module will provide a critical overview of the statistical methods required for analysing data. You will also develop a systematic and practical understanding of regression and classification analysis.

Module content

Topics studied may include:

• statistical inferences about central values and variances
• hypothesis testing
• method of moments and maximum likelihood estimation
• confidence intervals
• contingency tables
• analysis of variance
• linear regression modeling
• multiple regression analysis
• logistic regression
• classification
• neural networks
• unsupervised learning and clustering.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

• describe the principles underlying data analysis
• demonstrate a deep understanding of the statistical inference methods
• demonstrate a systematic understanding of regression and classification analysis
• critically compare and evaluate various statistical inference methods.
• apply the appropriate statistical inference method for hypothesis testing
• develop regression and classification models for data analysis
• use a statistical computer software to analyse data
• perform data fitting and evaluate the fit results
• interpret and present quantitative data
• solve numerical and conceptual problems.

Teaching and learning

• tutorials: 10 hours
• practical classes and workshops: 10 hours
• lectures: 20 hours
• guided independent study: 110 hours

Assessment

• online coursework: 30%
• 2-hour exam: 70%

This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of the theory and implementation of digital signal processing for software defined radio.

Module content

Topics studied may include:

• an introduction to software defined radio, in particular key digital signal processing operations with modems
• a review of Fourier analysis and linear time-invariant systems
• digital transmission systems
• sampling and discrete time systems
• multirate signal processing
• random processes and adaptive filtering.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the module you will be able to:

• explain software defined radio principles and their implementations in modern communications systems
• explore and analyse key digital signal processing algorithms for software defined radio
• implement digital signal processing techniques in software defined radio systems in Matlab
• analyse and solve subject specific problems.

Teaching and learning

• tutorials: 10 hours
• practical classes and workshops: 10 hours
• lectures: 20 hours
• guided independent study: 110 hours

Assessment

• coursework: 30%
• 2-hour exam: 70%

This module will give you a broad view of security issues, threats and challenges, as well as countermeasures developed in networked systems, with a focus on telecommunications networks.

Module content

Topics studied may include:

• introduction to telecommunications network security:
  • review of different types of threats and attacks
  • security services and mechanisms in telecommunications systems
• classical cryptography and authentication:
  • the DES and RSA algorithms
  • message authentication
  • secure Hash algorithms
  • digital signatures
  • key distribution and management
• intrusion detection:
  • types of network attacks
  • network anomalies
  • packet inspection
  • honeypot
  • anomaly detection based on signal processing and machine learning techniques
• security protocols:
  • IP SEC
  • SSL/TLS
  • VPN
• physical layer security:
  • information-theoretical security
  • physical-layer key generation.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

• explain network security vulnerabilities and attacks.
• explain the available security techniques and the associated mathematical principles to counter such attacks
• describe appropriate security measures for telecommunications systems
• critically analyse security policies, services and mechanisms for a given communication network
• perform risk analysis for real world communication network security threats, and propose and implement innovative software and hardware solutions
• use specific software to implement network attacks and security solutions
• retrieve relevant information from a variety of sources
• communicate effectively in writing.

Teaching and learning

• tutorials: 4 hours
• practical classes and workshops: 6 hours
• lectures: 24 hours
• guided independent study: 116 hours

Assessment

• coursework: 30%
• 2-hour exam: 70%

This module will:

1. present studies on the recent research developments in the area of telecommunications at an advanced technical level
2. provide critical overviews of promising techniques to be used at the physical (PHY) and medium access control (MAC) layers of the next-generation telecommunication networks, as well as emerging networking architectures
3. develop a deep and systematic understanding of applications of convex optimisation and game theory for telecommunication systems.

Module content

This module will review telecommunication fundamentals, advanced PHY and MAC techniques, and state-of-the-art networking architectures. Topics covered may include:

• millimeter wave communications
• massive multi-input multi-output (MIMO)
• non-orthogonal multiple access
• dynamic resource allocation and scheduling
• an introduction to convex optimisation
• an introduction to non-cooperative game theory.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

• demonstrate a deep understanding of the advanced telecommunication techniques
• demonstrate applications of convex optimisation problems and game theories in telecommunication systems
• critically compare various telecommunication techniques
• design dynamic resource algorithms applying advanced telecommunication techniques and architectures
• solve various problems in telecommunication networks via optimisation and game theories
• creatively analyse complex technical problems in the latest telecommunication technologies
• work independently and also collaboratively in a group as leader or member
• undertake substantial investigations and conduct research
• exhibit high-level oral and written communication skills.

Teaching and learning

• tutorials: 5 hours
• practical classes and workshops: 15 hours
• lectures: 20 hours
• guided independent study: 110 hours

Assessment

• group presentation: 10%
• individual research paper: 20%
• 2-hour exam: 70%

This module will:

1. give you an opportunity to conduct a research project in well-equipped research facilities for the simulation and analysis of telecommunications technology
2. provide a critical overview of the methods and tools required for the planning and management of a project
3. develop your expertise in the planning and execution of extensive research investigation (in the form of a practical, experimental or theoretical project) in some specialised area of telecommunications engineering.
4. prepare you for future employment in the telecommunications sector at an advanced technical level.

Module content

The module includes taught material, self-directed research and project preparation where appropriate, as directed by your assigned project supervisor.

Technical content will be specified by the individual project specifications drawn up by you and your supervisor and projects will be in an area closely related to telecommunications.

The project may take any of several forms: it may be hardware or software based, largely theoretical or mainly practical; it should be predominantly of a research nature and aim to make a limited but unique contribution to the chosen subject area.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

• demonstrate a systematic understanding of the research process and methodology of research
• demonstrate gained knowledge and deep understanding of general engineering principles and the particular problems of application in telecommunication systems
• demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of critical literature review
• recognise the core ethical principles defining the conduct of a professional engineer
• critically evaluate existing methodologies and propose new ones as appropriate
• critically review current research in the project area and integrate information from various sources
• conduct an in-depth investigation
• maintain an informed approach to the interpretation of data
• present data in a manner to elucidate an argument
• evaluate complex and possibly conflicting issues in the project area
• critically analyse experimental or simulated data
• draw appropriate conclusions from current research and data obtained
• assess risks and take appropriate initiatives in risk management
• use a range of established research tools, techniques and equipment, and/or software as appropriate to the particular individual project
• undertake substantial investigations and conduct research to address significant theoretical and/or practical challenges
• apply the required knowledge and skills in the latest telecommunication technologies
• communicate complex ideas effectively, both orally and written
• demonstrate the independent learning ability necessary for continuing professional development
• analyse problems and formulate solutions
• demonstrate self-discipline and self-motivation
• manage resources and time effectively
• exercise responsibility and sound management approaches
• assess potential solutions against organisational codes of conduct to judge the impact of actions on others and on the integrity of your profession.

Teaching and learning

• supervised time in studio/workshop: 5 hours
• seminars: 10 hours
• project supervision: 35 hours
• guided independent study: 550 hours

Assessment

• progress report: 10%
• project diary report: 10%
• project proposal report: 10%
• viva-voce exam: 20%
• final report: 50%

This module will give you a comprehensive introduction to antennas and their functioning. It will also provide practical experience in the design and measurement of antennas.

Module content

• antenna fundamentals
• transmission lines
• monopole and dipoles
• analytical design of microstrip antennas
• practical design guidelines for microstrip antennas
• antenna arrays
• feeding networks
• use of CAD software to simulate and inform design of antennas
• construction and measurement of antennas.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

• demonstrate an understanding of the function of antennas used in communications systems
• understand practical issues associated with antenna design
• apply knowledge of antenna theory at the practitioner level
• develop CAD models, in commercial software, of planar antennas
• utilise appropriate theory to make antenna measurements
• manipulate commercial CAD software to design an antenna to a given specification
• verify design function through simulation
• manage production of antenna
• solve complex problems relating to antenna theory and design
• communicate effectively by means of a report.

Teaching and learning

• tutorials: 10 hours
• practical classes and workshops: 16 hours
• lectures: 22 hours
• guided independent study: 102 hours

Assessment

• coursework: 30%
• 2-hour exam: 70%

This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of the techniques used for 2D/3D video processing and the spatial audio and speech signal processing required for efficient communication systems and multimedia networking.

Module content

Topics studied may include:

• an introduction to multimedia networks requirements to deliver advanced contents
• multimedia signal representation, processing and compression basics
• error resilience and concealment techniques
• media adaptation to user and network requirements
• measurement and maximisation of quality of experience (QoE).

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

• explain the fundamental concepts in multimedia (video, audio and speech) signal processing, from acquisition and processing to transmission and rendering
• describe the basic building blocks of a coder (video, speech or audio)
• identify the impact of errors in video communications and define basic error resiliency schemes based on standard applications
• analyse various types of metrics available for network measurements such as throughput, capacity and bandwidth, and the principles behind error concealment techniques
• qualitatively analyse the performance of a coder (video, speech or audio) given a set of conditions
• compare to each other the performances and complexities of different multimedia transmission protocols
• apply analytical thinking to solve complex problems.

Teaching and learning

• practical classes and workshops: 4 hours
• tutorials: 6 hours
• lectures: 20 hours
• guided independent study: 120 hours

Assessment

• 2.5-hour exam: 100%