In this unit, students are encouraged to engage actively in their learning through a multifaceted approach. Attending lectures consistently, taking comprehensive notes, and actively participating in discussions are vital components of this active participation. Regular attendance at workshops and practical sessions is emphasized, and students are advised to seek instructor feedback to enhance their understanding of assignments. Pursuing excellence in assignments is a fundamental expectation, requiring thorough preparation to showcase a firm grasp of the content while meeting prescribed standards. Additionally, students are urged to engage actively with assigned readings, supplementing their notes and formulating thoughtful questions for further clarification during discussions with lecturers or tutors. Thoughtful responses to tutorial questions, demonstrating a deep understanding of the material, and contributing meaningfully to discussions are also highlighted. Furthermore, timely completion of assigned tasks or simulation projects within given timeframes is essential for successfully and punctually fulfilling unit requirements. Overall, this holistic approach ensures students actively engage and excel in all aspects of their learning.

Attendance and Participation Guidelines

• Class Attendance and Active Engagement: Attending most classes is strongly recommended, as well as actively participating in discussions by asking and answering questions and contributing perspectives from personal backgrounds and workplaces. 
• Utilization of Supplementary Resources: Supplementary resources, including lecture materials and digital recordings available through Echo360 via iLearn login, are accessible for review purposes and in case of missed lectures. However, it is essential to note that these recordings should not be solely relied upon, and copyrighted material may be excluded.
• Effective Out-of-Class Communication: iLearn is the primary platform for effective out-of-class communication and engaging in discussions on various topics. Accessible at http://ilearn.mq.edu.au, iLearn provides forums for active participation and is a valuable resource for information dissemination. Regularly reviewing iLearn and conducting background reading before each class is highly encouraged to enhance your overall learning experience.

Assignment Submission

Your assingment is to be submitted online using iLearn.

Assignments

The predominant weight in this class is allocated to Assignment 1 and Assignment 2, each contributing 40% to the final grade. These assignments are designed to assess students' proficiency in conceptualizing and implementing mobile communication networks and IoT solutions across various applications. Students are given a substantial four-week period to complete each assignment, with Assignment 1 due in Week 7 and Assignment 2 in Week 11. The assessment breakdown for these assignments is as follows: Of the total 40%, 20% is allocated to designing and implementing a programming application, assessing students' practical skills. Another 10% is allocated to answering assignment-specific questions, assessing theoretical comprehension. The project report accounts for 5%, evaluating students' ability to articulate project details effectively. The final 5% is allocated to presentations and discussions, emphasizing communication skills and ensuring students understand the intricacies of their developed program. This assessment structure fosters a comprehensive understanding of mobile communication technologies and their applications.

Release Dates

• Assignment 1: To be released no later than the end of Week 5 on Sunday, 29 March 2026.
• Assignment 2: To be released no later than the end of Week 9 on Sunday, 10 May 2026.

Workshop

The workshop sessions will be held onsite over 12 meetings from Week 2 to Week 13. From Weeks 2 to 11, students will focus on practical modules, while Weeks 12 and 13 are reserved for make-up sessions. Make-up classes are exclusively for students who missed previous workshops, and each student may take a maximum of two make-up classes. The workshop component accounts for 20% of the overall grade, with each session worth 2 marks, totaling a maximum of 20 marks. Students are strongly encouraged to attend all sessions to develop a comprehensive understanding of key mobile communication technologies and to design mobile communication networks for real-world IoT applications using industry-standard simulation tools. Full participation ensures a strong grasp of the practical aspects of wireless and mobile communication in real-world scenarios.

Late Submission Policy

• 5% penalty per day: If you submit your assessment late, 5% of the total possible marks will be deducted for each day (including weekends), up to 7 days.

  • Example 1 (out of 100): If you score 85/100 but submit 20 hours late, you will lose 5 marks and receive 80/100.

  • Example 2 (out of 30): If you score 27/30 but submit 1 day late, you will lose 1.5 marks and receive 25.5/30.

• After 7 days: Submissions more than 7 days late will receive a mark of 0.

• Extensions:

  • Automatic short extension: Some assessments are eligible for automatic short extension. You can only apply for an automatic short extension before the due date.

  • Special Consideration: If you need more time due to serious issues and for any assessments that are not eligible for Short Extension, you must apply for Special Consideration.

Assessments where Late Submissions will be accepted

• Assignment 1 (Mobile communication network design) - YES, Standard Late Penalty applies
• Assignment 2 (Mobile network design and problem solving) - YES, Standard Late Penalty applies
•  Workshop-based tasks (Lab Book) - YES, Standard Late Penalty applies

Supplementary Exam

If you receive Special Consideration for the final exam, a supplementary exam will be scheduled after the normal exam period, following the release of marks. By making a special consideration application for the final exam you are declaring yourself available for a resit during the supplementary examination period and will not be eligible for a second special consideration approval based on pre-existing commitments. Please ensure you are familiar with the policy prior to submitting an application. Approved applicants will receive an individual notification one week prior to the exam with the exact date and time of their supplementary examination.

Requirements to Pass this Unit

To pass this unit, you must achieve a total mark equal or greater than 50%. This unit does not have hurdle assessments.

Special Consideration

The Special Consideration Policy aims to support students who have been impacted by short-term circumstances or events that are serious, unavoidable and significantly disruptive, and which may affect their performance in assessment. If you experience circumstances or events that affect your ability to complete the assessments in this unit on time, please inform the convenor and submit a Special Consideration request through http://connect.mq.edu.au/.

Delivery Time

COMP6255 is structured to include both lectures and tutorial/workshop sessions. Lecture classes are conducted onsite every Friday from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Also, workshop classes are held on-site on Thursday from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM. This attendance policy underscores the interactive and real-time nature of the learning experience, encouraging students to actively participate in lectures and workshops for an optimal educational outcome.

Week 1 Classes

In Week 1, only the lecture session will take place, covering Introduction to Mobile Networks topics. Workshops will commence from Week 2.

Lectures

COMP6255 lecture sessions are dedicated to the in-depth exploration of mobile communication technologies and networks, blending theoretical concepts, network design, and hands-on applications. The focus extends to practical implementation, particularly through networking simulator software, to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of conceptual and design principles. The unit emphasizes the application of this knowledge in designing mobile communication networks across various real-world scenarios. Mobile communication network simulation software tools (e.g., NetSim and MATLAB) will support the learning process. Lecture sessions provide the foundation for grasping conceptual knowledge, with practical applications during workshops, which involve tasks such as IoT networking and protocol implementation.

While weekly lecture notes will be provided, students are urged to view them as a guide rather than a substitute for personal notes or the recommended reading list. Active engagement with the material is encouraged, supplementing understanding through provided lecture notes, personal notes, and suggested readings. This proactive approach is crucial for a robust comprehension of the syllabus topics and contributes to an enriched learning experience in real-time operating systems.

Course Reading Material Information 

Please be aware that there isn't a single textbook covering all the content for this unit. However, your lecturer will provide comprehensive reading materials and detailed notes corresponding to each week's lecture topics. These resources will be provided every week for your convenience. It's essential to note that purchasing these books is not obligatory; their inclusion is based on individual preferences and needs. Students are encouraged to evaluate their requirements and determine whether acquiring these supplementary resources aligns with their learning preferences and objectives.

• 5G Mobile and Wireless Communication Technology, Edited by Afif Osseiran, Ericsson, Jose F. Monserrat, Universitat Politècnica de València, Patrick Marsch, Nokia Foreword by Mischa Dohler, King's College London, Takehiro Nakamura, NTT DoCoMo Inc.
• Cellular Communication Networks and Standards, By Wei Jiang, Bin Han
• MIMO Wireless Communications over Generalized Fading Channels, By Brijesh Kumbhani, Rakhesh Singh Kshetrimayum
• MIMO Antennas for Wireless Communications-Theory and Design, By Leeladhar Malviya, Rajib Kumar Panigrahi, M.V. Kartikeyan
• The Wireless Internet of Things, A Guide to The Lower Layers, By Daniel Chew
• Practical Internet of Things Networking, Understanding ioT Layered Architecture, By Rolando Herrero

Methods of Communication

Our primary means of communication will be through your university email and announcements on iLearn. It is crucial to consistently check your university email for important updates and information related to the course. Additionally, significant announcements will be posted on iLearn, a centralized platform for accessing vital details about the course. Should you have any queries or require assistance from the teaching staff, including the unit convenor, you have two communication channels. Firstly, you can post your queries on the iLearn discussion board, providing an interactive space for instructors and peers to engage in discussions. Alternatively, you may send emails to the corresponding addresses of the teaching staff using your university email address for official communication. Through these communication methods, we aim to ensure effective and timely dissemination of information and provide the necessary support throughout the course.