Professional Core Courses
Computer Networks
Learn the principles of computer networks: be proficiency in basic compositions and structures of interconnected networks, internet protocol layers and service models, data-link layer technologies, Ethernet technologies, network layer protocols, principles of routing algorithms and routing protocols, transportation layer protocols, application layer protocols, network security, basic principles of mobile networking. Understand the limitation of current internet and the trends of future internet.
Learn the implementation of computer networks: the principles of TCP/IP protocol, internet addressing and routing, basics of switches, routers, fire walls, and DNS. Learn the basics of internetworking, know how to design and implement basic networks.
Learn and obey the engineering professional ethics: through course learning, literature surveying, class discussions, homework and labs, know that the demand analysis, design, implementation, test and maintenance of internetworking is a valuable and honorable profession.
Electromagnetics, semiconductors and RF Engineering
Whilst alternating topic focus, this module explores RF engineering and electromagnetic processes in general. Students will gain knowledge of RF engineering, the decibel scale, and will explore complex number review. Additionally, the module will cover AC circuit analysis, and will provide complex representation of waves and transmission lines, along with seminars in RF transmission of data and basic RF receiver architectures.
The electromagnetic portion of the module will cover Electrostatics, including electric charge, electric field, electric flux density and electrostatic potential. Students will develop knowledge of inverse square law of force, dielectric polarisation and permittivity, as well as capacitance, energy storage, parasitic capacitance and electric screening.
Students will develop the level of understanding necessary to describe the concepts of potential, charge, field and capacitance, and will learn to apply Ampere, Faraday and Coulomb law. Students will also gain an understanding of ferromagnetic materials, and will develop the necessary skillset to calculate the magnitude and direction of the electric field strength, as well as discussing Gauss theorem and the relationship of electric flux to electric charge. Finally, students will be able to carry out noise calculations for RF systems, calculate component values and transmission line dimensions to match impedances, and will gain knowledge in the application of Smith charts to analyse an RF circuit.
Analogue and Digital Communications Systems Module Specification
This module has been designed , mainly from a systems point of view , as a comprehensive introduction to analogue and digital communication systems in general and to physical layer in particular. The following topics are therefore covered:
Introduction to Communication Systems and Data Networks; Concepts, models and systems. Signals: analogue, digital signals, bandwidth and bit rate.
Noise types and evaluation. Aspects of Probability and Statistics. Circuit noise, noise measures, Noise factor,
Noise temperature and its measurement. Cascaded systems.
Advanced mathematical calculus such as Fourier analysis.
Analogue and digital transmission, transmission impairments and channel noise. Shannon communication capacity.
Analogue Transmission, modulation and demodulation of analogue signals, AM, FM and PM techniques.
Digital Transmission, Aspects of Source Coding, Line Coding and Channel Coding
Modulation of digital data, Principles of ASK, FSK, PSK QAM, Introduction to Modems.
Aspects of Multiplexing techniques, FDM, DTM, CDM and Multiple Access Schemes.
Fundamentals of Communication Networks
The course is a core basic curriculum for communication engineering and other related subjects. It combines professional mathematic knowledge of Calculus, Probability and optimal theory with analytical method of communication networks, so that students can form better mathematic and theoretic foundation in aspects of networks performance evaluation and Network design at different time scale.
This course is organized into four parts – Network delay analysis with queue theory, routing algorithm, Notation of networks model and typical network model, and the Location and network topological design.
Students successfully completing this course will be able to model and evaluate performance of communication networks at different time scale and build models to solve the typical design problem of communication networks, including traffic engineering, node location and network topology.
Optoelectronics and Networking
Overview of optical communication systems;, optical components; optical sources. Wireless communications: electromagnetic spectrum; elements of radio waves propagation;transmitter;, receiver: link budget, types ot wireless networks; Antennas: waves in tree space, dipole, loop and aperture antennas;antenna arrays; directivity; gain; effective area. Revision of information theory: channel capacity; Shannon's Law, noise. Revision of modulation: AM: FM: PSK etc. Access: TDM: FDM: CDM. System case studies.Internet fiber cables backbone, radio and TV broadcasting
Advanced Communication Systems
This module, which aims to introduce students to advanced concepts of wireless communication technologies and also build upon knowledge gained in previous years, will comprise three thematic sections: The first section will introduce students to the stochastic description of wireless propagation channels, which are impaired by additive noise and multipath fading. Error probability expressions for wireless systems that employ high order modulation schemes, such as quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), will be explained and techniques to further improve performance in poor channel conditions will be analysed. The module will cover both linear and non-linear equalisation, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), basic error control coding and decoding, and diversity techniques with an emphasis on space diversity, beam-forming and multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. Access methods, which allow multiple users to share the capacity of the wireless medium, will also be described, including spread spectrum techniques, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), and contention-based approaches, such as Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA). The second thematic section will focus on system-level design concepts for mobile telephone systems and wireless data networks. The cellular principle will be presented, fundamental traffic theory concepts will be introduced and capacity increase mechanisms, such as cell splitting and cell sectoring, will be explained. Design considerations concerned with spectrum regulation, frequency planning and resource allocation will also be discussed. The second thematic section will focus on system-level design concepts for mobile telephone systems and wireless data networks. The cellular principle will be presented, fundamental traffic theory concepts will be introduced and capacity increase mechanisms, such as cell splitting and cell sectoring, will be explained. Design considerations concerned with spectrum regulation, frequency planning and resource allocation will also be discussed.
Communication Electronic Circuits
The main task of this course is to cultivate students' innovation awareness and the application ability of electronic technology in communication and various control systems through classroom teaching, thematic discussions, and other links, so that students can master the basic concepts and principles of communication systems and nonlinear electronic circuits. Master the basic composition of the communication system, as well as the working principles, specifications, and circuit analysis and implementation methods of each functional module of the communication system. This course focuses on imparting knowledge points as a carrier, integrating professional knowledge with "ideological and political" education, enabling students to understand industry norms, laws and regulations, cultivating students' professional literacy, and guiding them to establish a correct outlook on life, values, and the world.
Digital Signal Processing
This course is a compulsory course for undergraduates majoring in communication engineering, automation, electronic science and technology. The course belongs to the basic course of those majors. The teaching objective of this course is to enable students to master description, analysis and the basic methods of discrete signals and systems, learn to use DFT to compute the spectrum of signals approximately, master FFT and multi-rate signal processing methods, and master the basic methods of digital filter design and their applications.
The main contents are: analysis of discrete signals and systems in the time domain, frequency domain and the complex frequency domain; Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) and its applications; Fast Fourier transform algorithm; IIR digital filter design; FIR digital filter design; multi-rate signal processing and filter banks.
Other professional courses
Computer and Control
A fundamental aspect of many engineered solutions is the control of a system for enhanced safety, stability, efficiency and performance. Computers and Control uncovers the marriage between computer control and control systems engineering by introducing classic control engineering principles and C programming. This module introduces feedback, studies open-loop and closed-loop systems, defines control terminology and objectives, introduces mathematical models, the first order system, transfer functions, block diagram analysis and basic control actions (P, I, PI). Coupling this with advances in C-programming, advanced control methods and links to cutting edge research and case study examples.
Fundamentals of Communication Systems
This is the fundamentals for communication engineering. The learning outcomes of this module are as follows:
On successful completion of this module students will be able to...
Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of concepts, mathematical tools and theories related to communications and signal processing.
Discuss applications and provide examples of practical implementations, for example, in mobile communications.
The module is split over two semesters. In each semester, there are 12 hours for lecture, 8 hours for tutorials and 12 hours for lab.
Fundamentals of Digital Electronics
A key feature of today’s cutting-edge electronic technology is the storage of information and its processing. This module uncovers the basic engineering principles behind these critical requirements such as Boolean algebra, truth tables, Karnaugh maps, logic gates and memory circuits. Students will gain both the knowledge and the vocabulary with which to understand digital electronic systems together with the background necessary to appreciate what is likely to be possible in the future. The module also looks at how analogue electronic components can be combined to perform simple logic functions and how these logic blocks can be combined to perform memory tasks. Students will develop this concept towards the principle of a processor and will learn about simple programmable devices and how these relate to the range of programmable solutions that are currently available.
Power Electronics
Introduction to power processing, several applications of power electronics, elements of power electronics.
Instrumentation and Control
This module is designed to enhance students’ understanding of system dynamics and feedback at the block diagram level, by providing tools for the analysis of linear single-degree-of-freedom systems. Students will gain the ability to choose and use appropriate instrumentation appropriate for feedback and data-logging purposes. The module will enable students to interface devices such as memory, digital IO and analogue IO to a microprocessor or microcontroller. They will also discover how to access such devices from within a program using C and/or Assembler.
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to develop single-degree-of-freedom models for simple mechanical, electric and electromechanical systems. They will also be able to discuss the assumptions necessary to develop such linear models and have an awareness of nonlinear and chaotic systems. Additionally, students will develop the ability to analyse 1st and 2nd order models in both the time and frequency domain, including vibrations and asymptotic stability, and will write down the transfer function of a system from its differential equation and understand the significance of the poles/zeros. Further skills available on the module includes the ability to manipulate block diagrams of open and closed-loop systems, and design proportional, integral, derivative, velocity and multi-term controllers. Finally, students will construct and use Bode diagrams, and will develop the knowledge required to analyse the function and physical operation of a range of common types of transducer, e.g. for the measurement of strain, force, temperature and acceleration.
Analogue Electronics
Basics concepts,theories,analysis and synthesis methods of analogue electronic technology are introduced from the perspective of engineering technology,system synthesis and research methodology.Students can deeply understand the relevant theories,improve the ability to analyze and evaluate analog circuits and systems,master the ability to analyze and evaluate analog circuits and systems,master the ability to constructing electronic systems by simulating standard integrated analog devices,and cultivate engineering practice ability of identifying problems,solving problems and assessing questions,and lay a good foundation for further study of follow-up courses.
The main contents include the basic concepts and operating principles of semiconductor diode,transistor,differential amplifiers,small signal amplifiers,power amplifiers and current source circuits,frequency response and feedback characteristics of analog circuits,frequency response and feedback characteristics of analog circuits,operating principles of operational amplifiers,a variety of application circuits,periodic signal generator and DC voltage regulator circuits.
Digital Electronics
A key feature of today’s cutting-edge electronic technology is the storage of information and its processing. This module uses the fundamentals of digital electronics as a prerequisite to build on the basic engineering principles such as Boolean algebra, truth tables, Karnaugh maps, logic gates and memory circuits. It achieves this by exploring in greater depths programmable logic devices, namely Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), and the means by which these are configured using the associated programmable logic device design software. Students will become familiar with the architecture, explore the benefits and limitations of FPGAs, and learn to use Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools in digital design. Students will gain hands-on experience with VHDL design methods, constructs and syntaxes, and understand the digital design flow of FPGA boards. Students will develop a set of skills highly sort after by the growing number of industries reliant on digital electronics.
Circuits
This course provides fundamental knowledge of circuit theory for students majoring in the given areas of specialty. It focuses on theories and methods for analyzing lumped parameter and linear circuits. It also includes the experiments in lab. By studying this course, students will be able to apply the relevant concepts and methods to analyze linear circuits powered by DC and AC sources both in steady state and in transient state, be able to use software tools to do circuit analysis and simulation, and also be able to use the instrument in the lab to measure the circuits built on the breadboard.
The main content of the course includes: circuit element modeling, Kirchhoff’s Laws; analysis methods used in linear circuits: equivalent analysis, superposition principle, Thevenin theorem, maximum power transfer, nodal and mesh analysis; transient responses of first-order and second-order circuits; phasor methods for analyzing sinusoidal steady-state circuits.
Signals and Systems
Signals and Systems is an important course for Electronic Engineering and other relevant majors. The course content includes basic signals and systems concepts, linear time-invariant systems, Fourier representations of continuous and discrete-time signals (the continuous and discrete-time Fourier transforms), analytical methods in the time, frequency, and complex frequency domains, and the state-variable analysis of linear time-invariant systems.
Advanced AC Circuits
This course provides advanced knowledge of AC circuit for students majoring in the given areas of specialty. It focuses on general theories and methods for analysis of lumped parameter and linear AC circuits and provide introduction of transistors. It also includes the experiments of analysis and design problems.
Computer Principles and Interface Technology
It is a specialty basic course about microcomputer principle, assembly language and interface technology. It’s a core course for students majored in electronics and information related fields. On completing the course, students should understand architecture of microcomputer, its working principle, interrupt and DMA technologies; master assembly programming, memory expansion and I/O expansion design; learn methods to apply microcomputer to solve problems and be able to do basic system design and development.
The course talks about x86 CPU and is organized as follows: Chapter 1-2 introduce microcomputer’s architecture, its development and applications; Chapter 3 explains instruction set; Chapter 4 is about assembly programming; Chapter 5-6 explain memory and interrupt technology; Chapter 7 introduces I/O interfacing technology; Chapter 8-10 introduce DAC/ADC, computer buses and human interface technologies.
Business Development Project
The module considers a wide range of material in the wider business development arena, encouraging students to think with creativity, with entrepreneurial flair and innovation.
Specifically, this will include: Idea Generation and Evaluation. Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Business Start-Up. Employability and Innovation for Engineers. Venture Planning. Business Model Generation. Creating an Innovation Culture. Communication of Business Proposals/Propositions. Market Segmentation. The Marketing Process. Supplemental material covers Internships and Work Experience, Presentation Skills and CV Writing.
Practical sessions allow students to demonstrate their progress on a weekly basis through idea generation, poster presentations, elevator pitches and formal presentations (individually and/or group).
The module is complemented by a number of external industrial speakers who have been successful in their own business endeavours and are keen to pass on that knowledge.
Engineering Management
Engineering Management is Compulsory for Electronic and Information Engineering majors. The aim of this module is to examine the role of management and its relevance to engineers today. In this context, specific knowledge about manufacturing systems and project financial appraisal will be introduced, together with relevant aspects of law and human resource management, industrial organisation and project costing. To familiarise students with generic skills in company management, including quality, safety and environmental reporting, as applicable to a wide range of industries.
Specific subject include: Project Management, Finance, Managing Yourself, Managing People, Changing Styles of Management, Managing Change, Business Planning, Strategic Planning, Entrepreneurship, Starting-up a New Business, Emotional Intelligence, Total Quality Management, World Class Manufacturing, Health & Safety Management, Human Resource Management, Marketing & Selling, Industry 4.0. On successful completion of this module students will be able to: understand the role of management in industry and its relevance to engineers today; understand how modern manufacturing operations are organized financially; evaluate financially both large and small projects as the basis for major decisions; have a knowledge of what quality is and its importance to all organizations; apply suitable tools for the improvement of quality; have a knowledge of the relevant aspects of law and human resource management; understand the importance of environmental reporting; carry out a basic level of safety management; apply and critically analyse a range of techniques for company management and reporting.
Integrated Circuit Engineering
This module provides an introduction to integrated circuit engineering and integrated circuits, including key methods for their design, fabrication and testing. In this regard, the module will examine the principles of very large scale integrated circuit engineering and the digital design process. Among a vast range of topics, this module will address CMOS circuit engineering, and will focus on MOSFET short channel effects, switch model, digital design metrics and the design of logic elements.
Additionally, students will become familiar with arithmetic building blocks, memory elements classification, array structure and timing issues.
Students will develop the ability to analyse simple performance metrics and will derive circuits to implement simple functions, and will learn how to use an industrial tool to model, analyse and construct digital circuits.
Introduction to ECE
This course is to guide without any professional foundation and professional concept of first grade students into the communication engineering courses, through the study of this course, make students understand the communication engineering and electronic information related professional technology.
Advanced AC Circuits
This course provides advanced knowledge of AC circuit for students majoring in the given areas of specialty. It focuses on general theories and methods for analysis of lumped parameter and linear AC circuits and provide introduction of transistors. It also includes the experiments of analysis and design problems.
Engineering Group Projects
To introduce key concepts in engineering project management and to put some of these into practice by means of a group project. In particular, to produce and test a functional electronic device to meet a given specification, such as the development of a mobile robot which follows a line.
