Communication Systems 1 unit (ENG308)

Hobart

Introduction

This unit introduces the fundamental concepts of modern communication systems. On completion of this unit you will be able to design and construct a digital communication system. The unit begins with an introduction to signaling theory and the modulation theorem. The communication channel will then be explained using additive white Gaussian process. Minimising the distortion while demodulating the signal in the presence of noise will be shown with considering the effects of noise equivalent bandwidth, signal to noise ratio and bandlimited processes. This all relates to the fundamental Nyquist signaling theorem. Design trade-offs in amplitude and angle modulation using suppress carriers. Demodulation design considerations in power and bandwidth limited systems for coherent and noncoherent carrier phase locked receiver will be investigated. The fundamentals of digital signal theory is then explored to create signal constellation diagrams using Gray coding. Amplitude, frequency and phase shift keying will be introduced, with explaining the maximum aposterior probability and maximum likelihood detectors for non-dispersive channels. Design consideration of bandwidth and power efficiency, carrier-to-noise ratio, and selecting modulation schemes will be shown. The unit concludes with introduction to information theory, with application of the source coding theorem using the Huffman algorithm and Lempel-Ziv method. These are fundamental communication topics required for advanced telecommunication systems used in any embedded systems, automation, advanced communication systems and which are studied later in the degree.

Summary

Unit name	Communication Systems 1
Unit code	ENG308
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Engineering
Discipline	Engineering
Coordinator	Doctor Brian Salmon
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Advanced

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the key components and technologies in modern communication systems.
• Evaluate the design objectives of transmitters and receivers while considering communication channel impairments.
• Analyse function and efficiency of analogue and digital communication systems.
• Design transmitter and receiver components to achieve communication.
• Assess the performance of communication systems by simulation and practical demonstration.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
031307	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$3,401.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Assessment	Communication system design (15%)|Practical laboratory (20%)|Simulation project (25%)|Final exam (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

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