Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2019-2020 (archived)

Module ENGI30120: ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATIONS (MSc)

Department: Engineering

ENGI30120: ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATIONS (MSc)

Type Tied Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2019/20
Tied to H1K709

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • This module is for students intending to fulfil the requirements of the MSc in Communications.
  • The module aims to introduce and/or develop the principles of analogue electronics and an understanding of the use of CAD tools in the area of electronics.
  • To cover the fundamental concepts of communications engineering.

Content

  • Analogue MOSFET amplifiers.
  • Operational amplifier circuits.
  • Complex CMOS logic circuits.
  • Waveform generators.
  • Phase-Lock Loop.
  • Converters (DACs and ADC).
  • Information Theory.
  • Amplitude Modulation.
  • Frequency Modulation.
  • Phase Modulation.
  • Digital Communications.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • In-depth knowledge and understanding of fundamental engineering concepts, principles, theories and mathematics relevant to electronic engineering.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • To critically analyse, evaluate and interpret engineering data;
  • To apply engineering principles to the solution of a specific, complex problem;
  • To use electronic CAD tools and packages proficiently.
Key Skills:
  • Numerical skills appropriate to an engineer;
  • General problem solving skills that can be applied in a novel context;
  • Capacity for self-learning in familiar and unfamiliar situations;
  • Proficient use of information technology relevant to the engineering profession.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Teaching by lectures and tutorials which will be assessed through written examination enables each student to demonstrate their knowledge and an ability to analyse and solve new problems.
  • Students are able to make use of staff Office Hours to discuss any aspect of the module with teaching staff on a one to one basis. These are sign-up sessions available for up to one hour per week.
  • Electronic CAD leads to capability in the application of the subject knowledge that has been gained. Continuous assessment of this element is based upon the production of detailed technical engineering drawings appropriate to Electronic Engineering. CAD work is carried out in practical sessions which contribute a summative element to the module.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 42 2 per week 1 hour 42
Practical CAD sessions 4 1 per week 2 hours 8
Laboratories 3 Typically 1 per week 3 hours 9
Office Hours as required weekly sign-up sessions up to 1 hour 8
Preparation and reading 133
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Examination Component Weighting: 80%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Examination 2 hours 100% no
Component: Coursework Component Weighting: 20%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Coursework 100% no

Formative Assessment:

Problem Sheets for lecture courses. Laboratories


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University