Course Title: Signals, Systems and Space Communications

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Signals, Systems and Space Communications

Credit Points: 12.00

Important Information:

Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities. 

To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption. 

Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209

Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus 

Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance. 



Course Coordinator: Professor Kandeepan Sithamparanathan

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 2804

Course Coordinator Email: kandeepan@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 12-08-18

Course Coordinator Availability: Please email for appointments


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Should have completed the following courses, or their equivalent; 

  • OENG1206 Digital Fundamentals
  • MATH2393 Engineering Mathematics 

This course assumes that you have the followings as pre-requisite knowledge: 

  • The ability to solve basic algebraic equations, integrals and competence in differential calculus 
  • Fundamentals of probability and statistics 
  • Competence in the use of MATLAB for basic programming 


Course Description

In this course you will study the fundamentals of (electrical) signals and linear systems (such as filters), which provides a foundation to satellite and space communication. 

In signals and systems, you will study time and frequency domain analysis to learn how an electrical signal can be used for various applications particularly for communication. You will also learn how to process signals using linear systems and hence acquire the fundamentals of digital signal processing which is much needed to understand many applications in the current digital era. 

After developing the essential knowledge in signals and systems you will study the fundamentals of communication theories for understanding principles of modulation, coding and transmission of information from one point to another. You will specifically focus on the application of space and hence learn satellite and space communication. 

Throughout the course you will use Matlab as a computing tool to practically advance your knowledge in the areas of signals, systems and communications. 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) of the following programs: 

BH073 Bachelor of Engineering (Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering) (Honours) 

BH076 Bachelor of Engineering (Sustainable Systems Engineering) (Honours) 

BP330 Bachelor of Space Science 

PLO1: Demonstrate an in-depth understanding and knowledge of fundamental engineering and scientific theories, principles and concepts and apply advanced technical knowledge in specialist domain of engineering. 

PLO2: Utilise mathematics and engineering fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to design engineering systems for complex engineering challenges.     

PLO4: Apply systematic problem solving, design methods and information and project management to propose and implement creative and sustainable solutions with intellectual independence and cultural sensitivity.  

PLO5: Communicate respectfully and effectively with diverse audiences, employing a range of communication methods, practising professional and ethical conduct. 


On completion of this course you should be able to: 

  1. Apply time and frequency analysis of signals and systems. 
  2. Select and utilise appropriate methods and tools for basic signal processing applications with signals and systems 
  3. Describe the principles and operations, perform basic link level calculations of communication systems in general, and satellite and space communications specifically. 
  4. Design and implement software simulations of common systems in MATLAB. 
     


Overview of Learning Activities

You will attend lectures to acquire the basic principles and theories to deepen the technical knowledge in the topic. You will also participate in tutorials to develop technical competence and problem-solving skills. Attendance in laboratory classes is compulsory in order to complete the learning process and understand the fundamentals covered in the lectures. You will also be involved in writing lab reports, simulating practical systems using computer programming. 


Overview of Learning Resources

The main learning resources include lecture notes and slides, reference books and library resources. 


Overview of Assessment

Assessment components will include laboratory exercises, individual and group project assignments, mid-semester and end-of-semester tests/assignments. 

Note: This course has no hurdle requirements 

Assessment Task 1: Mid-Semester Assessment
Weighting 15%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1 & 2 

Assessment Task 2: Final Assessment
Weighting 50%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2 & 3 

Assessment Task 3: Lab-1 Assessment
Weighting 15%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2 & 4 

Assessment 4: Lab-2 Assessment
Weighting 20%
This assessment supports CLOs 1, 2, 3 & 4