Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Communication Electronics
SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: ELE11115
Module leader: Abdelfateh Kerrouche
School School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Subject area group: Cyber Security and Systems Engineering
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

This module provides advanced knowledge and critical insight into the design and analysis of modern communication systems, encompassing both fibre optic and RF/microwave technologies. Students will investigate propagation principles, bandwidth considerations, and loss mechanisms across different media. Emphasis is placed on the design and evaluation of wireless communication links using antenna theory, signal-to-noise ratio estimation, and channel modelling for both line-of-sight and multipath environments. The module also explores the performance characteristics and design constraints of optoelectronic and photonic components used in high-speed optical communication systems. Learners will gain the ability to select and justify front-end components, including MESFET amplifiers and optical receivers, to meet specific performance metrics such as gain, noise and linearity. By the end of the module, students will be equipped to critically appraise and synthesise complete communication system architectures to meet complex design requirements involving data rate, range, attenuation and reliability.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Critically analyse the principles and performance characteristics of fibre optic and RF/microwave communication systems, including propagation, bandwidth and loss mechanisms.

LO2: Evaluate and design wireless communication links using antenna theory, SNR estimation and channel modelling for line-of-sight and multipath environments.

LO3: Assess the limitations and capabilities of optoelectronic components and photonic devices in high-speed optical data transmission.

LO4: Select and justify the use of front-end components such as MESFET/LNA amplifiers and optical receivers for optimal system performance under specified noise, gain and linearity constraints.

LO5: Critically appraise complete communication system architectures optical and RF against design requirements such as range, data rate, attenuation and system reliability.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 2, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Abdelfateh Kerrouche
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Online Guided independent study 157 Students are expected to engage in guided independent study to research, design, and analyse a communication system relevant to the coursework brief. This includes reviewing technical literature, exploring component datasheets, simulating system performance (e.g., in MATLAB), and evaluating design trade-offs. Staff will provide supervision through defined checkpoints, feedback on interim progress and guidance on aligning the project with academic and professional standards.
Face To Face Centrally Time Tabled Examination 3 A written Examination will assess students’ understanding of key theoretical principles across optical and RF/microwave communications. This includes propagation, signal-to-noise ratio, dispersion, amplifier design and system-level integration. The exam will require students to perform analytical calculations, justify engineering decisions, and critically assess component performance and system trade-offs.
Face To Face Lecture 20 This module covers two core areas of modern communication systems: fibre optic communication and wireless antenna communication. Students will study the design and performance of optical fibres, optoelectronic devices, and RF/microwave components. The lectures provide a strong theoretical foundation alongside practical insights into system-level design, link budgeting, and signal propagation in both optical and wireless domains.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 20 Students will use MATLAB to simulate and analyse key aspects of fibre optic and wireless communication systems. Practical tasks include modelling signal propagation, evaluating signal-to-noise ratios, analysing link budgets, and simulating antenna radiation patterns. Through these exercises, students will gain hands-on experience in system performance evaluation and design validation, reinforcing theoretical concepts covered in lectures.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Report 30 1~3~4~5 Week 7 , WORDS= 3000 words The coursework requires students to design a comprehensive fibre optic communication link to meet specified performance criteria such as data rate, transmission distance, and signal integrity. Students will critically evaluate optical components including transmitters, receivers, and fibres, and perform link budget analysis considering attenuation, dispersion, and noise factors. The report should demonstrate the application of theoretical principles, simulation results, and engineering judgment to justify design choices. Additionally, students will assess the system’s limitations, propose possible improvements, and discuss practical considerations such as reliability, environmental impact and cost.
Report 30 1~2~3 Week 10 , WORDS= 3000 The coursework requires students to design and analyse an antenna system tailored to specific wireless communication requirements, such as frequency range, gain, and radiation pattern. Students will critically evaluate different antenna types and materials, perform simulations to predict performance characteristics, and assess factors affecting signal propagation, including line-of-sight and multipath environments. The report should demonstrate application of theoretical concepts, justify design decisions with quantitative analysis, and address practical considerations such as efficiency, bandwidth, and environmental impact.
Centrally Time Tabled Examination 40 1~2~3~4~5 Exam Period HOURS= 3 hours A written Examination will assess students’ understanding of key theoretical principles across optical and RF/microwave communications. This includes propagation, signal-to-noise ratio, dispersion, amplifier design and system-level integration. The exam will require students to perform analytical calculations, justify engineering decisions, and critically assess component performance and system trade-offs.
Component 1 subtotal: 60
Component 2 subtotal: 40
Module subtotal: 100

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