Students

ELEC2040 – Signals and Systems

2026 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor
Stephen Hanly
Rm 2113
by email appointment
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
MATH1020 or MATH1025
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

The aim of this unit is to give students a comprehensive introduction to the theory of signal processing and analysis that is used in many areas of electronic and telecommunications engineering including: circuit analysis; amplifiers and electronic systems; analogue and digital communications; audio and image processing; and control systems. The unit covers time and frequency analysis for both continuous-time and discrete-time signals. Topics covered in the unit include: linear time-invariant systems; convolution; Fourier series; Fourier transforms; Laplace Transforms; Discrete Fourier transforms; and Z transforms.

Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Quality Education; Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: solve signal processing problems involving complex numbers
  • ULO2: demonstrate how signals can be scaled in space, time, flipped in time (time-reversed), delayed (right and left shifted), and to compute other signal properties (mean, energy, power, periodicity).
  • ULO3: articulate well developed knowledge of the concept of a linear time-invariant system and the concept of the convolution of two signals.
  • ULO4: articulate the concept of signal domains: how the same signal can be represented in different domains (in time or in frequency) and how to transform from one representation to another.
  • ULO5: Illustrate the role of sampling and filtering in converting between continuous-time to discrete-time signals, including the Nyquist criterion, and concept of aliasing.
  • ULO6: use Matlab to solve problems in Signals and Systems

General Assessment Information

 

Student Responsibilities

Be familiar with University policy and procedures and act in accordance with those policies and procedures.

It is the responsibility of the student to retain a copy of any work submitted. Students must provide these documents upon request. Copies should be retained until the end of the grade appeal period each term.

The student is to perform the required due diligence for their assessment grade and rectify as soon as possible upon finding any errors.

 

Late Submission 

 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.

Need help? Review the Special Consideration page HERE

 

 

Practical Component

Attendance at practical classes is mandatory prior to submitting the lab report. Any lab report submitted without attending the corresponding practical session will receive a grade of 0, even if it is submitted by the due date.

Students who are unable to attend a practical session must submit a special consideration request and have it approved in order for alternative arrangements to be organised.

 

Resubmission option

Resubmission of any assessment task is not allowed under any circumstances. 

 

Notifications

Formal notification of assessment tasks, grading rubrics, and due dates will be posted on iLearn. Although all reasonable measures to ensure the information is accurate, The University reserves the right to make changes without notice. Each student is responsible for checking iLearn for changes and updates.

 

Assignment submissions and plagiarism policies

All assignments and reports must be submitted electronically through iLearn (in pdf format). Submissions will undergo plagiarism checkers using the Turnitin software (where applicable) and any work deemed to have a 30% or higher similarity score may incur an academic penalty. For more details on the policies of academic penalties relating to academic honesty, please refer to the policies and procedures section below.

Submissions are expected to be typed set in a logical layout and sequence. Markers WILL NOT grade poorly organized or illegible scans or drafts. The expected workload includes the preparation of final copies and clear diagrams.

 

Grading and passing requirements for unit

For further details about grading, please refer below to the policies and procedures section.

In order to pass this unit, a student must obtain a mark of 50 or more for the unit (i.e. obtain a passing grade P/ CR/ D/ HD).

The unit will be graded according to the Macquarie University Grading policy. The following grades will be used according to the listed numerical range:

ASSESSMENT GRADES AND STATUS

GRADE

RANGE

STATUS ( ‘Standard Grade’ in AMIS)

DESCRIPTION

HD

85-100

Pass

Provides consistent evidence of deep and critical understanding in relation to the learning outcomes. There is substantial originality, insight, or creativity in identifying, generating, and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem-solving approaches; critical evaluation of problems, their solutions, and their implications; creativity in the application as appropriate to the program.

D

75-84

Pass

Provides evidence of integration and evaluation of critical ideas, principles, and theories, distinctive insight, and ability in applying relevant skills and concepts in relation to learning outcomes. There is a demonstration of frequent originality or creativity in defining and analyzing issues or problems and providing solutions; and the use of means of communication appropriate to the program and the audience.

CR

65-74

Pass

Provides evidence of learning that goes beyond replication of content knowledge or skills relevant to the learning outcomes. There is a demonstration of substantial understanding of fundamental concepts in the field of study and the ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; convincing argumentation with appropriate coherent justification; communication of ideas fluently and clearly in terms of the conventions of the program.

P

50-64

Pass

Provides sufficient evidence of the achievement of learning outcomes. There is a demonstration of understanding and application of fundamental concepts of the program; routine argumentation with acceptable justification; communication of information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the program. The learning attainment is considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in relation to the specified outcomes.

F

0-49

Fail

Does not provide evidence of attainment of learning outcomes. There is missing or partial or superficial or faulty understanding and application of the fundamental concepts in the field of study; missing, undeveloped, inappropriate or confusing argumentation; incomplete, confusing, or lacking communication of ideas in ways that give little attention to the conventions of the program.

Final Examinations

Final examinations will typically take place at the end of the semester during the University examination period. For further information, please refer to the Examination Timetable website on www.mq.edu.au

 

If you receive special consideration for the final exam, a supplementary exam will be scheduled by the faculty during a supplementary exam period, typically about 3 to 4 weeks after the normal exam period. 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.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due Groupwork/Individual Short Extension AI Approach
Assignment 25% No 20/04/2026 Individual Yes Open
Practical Report 25% No 22/05/2026 Individual Yes Open
Final Exam 50% No During exam period Individual No Observed

Assignment

Assessment Type 1: Problem-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: 20/04/2026
Weighting: 25%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open

You will be given an assignment consisting of problems designed to test your understanding of the concepts and techniques on signal processing. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • demonstrate how signals can be scaled in space, time, flipped in time (time-reversed), delayed (right and left shifted), and to compute other signal properties (mean, energy, power, periodicity).
  • articulate well developed knowledge of the concept of a linear time-invariant system and the concept of the convolution of two signals.
  • articulate the concept of signal domains: how the same signal can be represented in different domains (in time or in frequency) and how to transform from one representation to another.

Practical Report

Assessment Type 1: Practice-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 26 hours
Due: 22/05/2026
Weighting: 25%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open

You will prepare a report based on the work done in the weekly practical sessions. The practical report will test both the MATLAB practical skills developed in the practical, and also the ability to use these skills, together with the techniques from the lectures, to solve practically posed signal processing problems. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • demonstrate how signals can be scaled in space, time, flipped in time (time-reversed), delayed (right and left shifted), and to compute other signal properties (mean, energy, power, periodicity).
  • articulate well developed knowledge of the concept of a linear time-invariant system and the concept of the convolution of two signals.
  • articulate the concept of signal domains: how the same signal can be represented in different domains (in time or in frequency) and how to transform from one representation to another.
  • Illustrate the role of sampling and filtering in converting between continuous-time to discrete-time signals, including the Nyquist criterion, and concept of aliasing.
  • use Matlab to solve problems in Signals and Systems

Final Exam

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 2 hours
Due: During exam period
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed

You will be sitting the final exam during the exam period. The exam will test your understanding of concepts developed throughout the unit. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • solve signal processing problems involving complex numbers
  • demonstrate how signals can be scaled in space, time, flipped in time (time-reversed), delayed (right and left shifted), and to compute other signal properties (mean, energy, power, periodicity).
  • articulate well developed knowledge of the concept of a linear time-invariant system and the concept of the convolution of two signals.
  • articulate the concept of signal domains: how the same signal can be represented in different domains (in time or in frequency) and how to transform from one representation to another.
  • Illustrate the role of sampling and filtering in converting between continuous-time to discrete-time signals, including the Nyquist criterion, and concept of aliasing.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • Academic Success for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation.

3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.

Delivery and Resources

Practical Classes are a critical part of the delivery of this unit. The Practical Classes begin in week 1.  

The main resources for the unit are the audio books. The audio books are posted to ilearn.

Problem sheets, and practical sheets, are all posted to ilearn. Solutions will also be posted there.  

There are many textbooks that provide comprehensive coverage of the material in this unit. We will be referring to the following two books as we progress through the unit: 

     “Signals and systems”, S. Haykin and B. Van Veen, John Wiley & Sons, second edition. 2003.

     “Signals & Systems”, A. V. Oppenheim and A. S. Willsky with S. H. Nawab, Prentice-Hall, second edition, 1997.

These books are on closed reserve in the library. 

Other books include:

     “Signals, Systems and Transforms” 4th ed, by Phillips, Parr and Riskin. Pearson publishers. 2008.

     “Signals and systems”, M. J. Roberts, McGraw-Hill.2004.

     “An Introduction to Signals and Systems”, J. A. Stuller, Thomson publishers, 2008.

     “Linear Systems and Signals”, 2nd ed, B. P. Lathi, Oxford University Press, 2005.

     “Discrete-time signal processing”, A. V. Oppenheim and R. W. Schafer with J. R. Buck, Prentice-Hall, 1999.

Additional short concept videos are also linked in ilearn. 

Unit Schedule

A detailed week by week schedule is available on ilearn

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Academic Success

Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Engineers Australia Competancy Mapping

Knowledge and skill base:

1.1 Comprehensive, theory-based understanding of the underpinning fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.  UL02, UL03, OL04

1.2 Conceptual understanding of underpinning maths, analysis, statistics, computing. UL01-UL05

1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge  UL02-UL05

Engineering Application ability:

2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex problem solving. UL03-UL06

2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources. UL03-UL06


Unit information based on version 2026.02 of the Handbook