Module manager: Dr Li X. Zhang
Email: L.X.Zhang@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module covers fundamental concepts, models, and principles related to the field of communication; introduces analytical tools for the design of modern communications systems. The module aims to provide students with a theoretical framework for understanding various aspects and components of communication systems and technologies.
This module has the following objectives:
- To develop an understanding of fundamental concepts, models, and principles related to the field of communication.
- To provide understanding of quantitative/analytical tools for the design of modern communications systems, including Fourier analysis and signal processing, as well as the statistical treatment of signals.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes:
1. Apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex communications problems. Some of the knowledge will be at the forefront of communications.
2. Analyse complex communications problems to reach substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles.
3. Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex communications problems, recognising the limitations of the techniques employed.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills:
a) Application of science, mathematics and/or engineering principles
b) Problem analysis
c) Application of computational and analytical techniques
- Time domain representation of signals by functions; arithmetic with functions
- Analogue, digital, and discrete-time signals (functions)
- Periodic versus non-periodic signals (e.g., trigonometric signals, complex exponential functions)
- Frequency representation of analogue signals
- Fourier series for periodic signals
- Fourier transform for non-periodic signals
- Properties of Fourier transforms
- Revisiting bandwidth and spectrum
- Systems; Linear Systems; Time-invariant systems; LTI systems, e.g., filters; Transfer functions and impulse response functions; convolution
- General structure of communication systems
- Introduction to Information theory
- Sampling Theorem
- Noise types and noise figure analysis
- Data source compression (e.g., Huffman codes)
- Principles of error control block codes (e.g., Hamming codes)
- Baseband modulation techniques, e.g., pulse position/width/amplitude modulation schemes
- Amplitude carrier modulation schemes
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examples Class | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Lecture | 40 | 1 | 40 |
| Practical | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Independent online learning hours | 8 | ||
| Private study hours | 144 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 48 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Students studying ELEC modules will receive formative feedback in a variety of ways, including the use of self-test quizzes on Minerva, practice questions/worked examples and (where appropriate) through verbal interaction with teaching staff and/or post-graduate demonstrators.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| In-course Assessment | Coursework 1 | 30 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 30 | |
Resits for ELEC and XJEL modules are subject to the School's Resit Policy and the Code of Practice on Assessment (CoPA), which are available on Minerva. Students should be aware that, for some modules, a resit may only be conducted on an internal basis (with tuition) in the next academic session.
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 1.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 30 |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 3.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 40 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 70 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
There is no reading list for this module
Last updated: 28/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team