Students

TELE4081 – Digital Communication 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 Unit Convenor
Hazer Inaltekin
hazer.inaltekin@mq.edu.au
Contact via Contact via email
9 WW, Room 2111
Appointment via email
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MEngElecEng or TELE3350
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
TELE8081
Unit description Unit description

This unit develops applied knowledge about computer-aided telecommunications system design and provides hands-on experience in performance management and optimisation analysis of modern and future telecommunications systems. It introduces Simulink models and teaches how to use these models in digital data transmission, pulse shaping over bandlimited channels, OFDM, fading channels, multi-antenna beamforming,  multiuser wireless communications, satellite communications and optical communications. The key telecommunications engineering performance indicators such as bit error rates, spectrum utilisation, throughput, delay and diversity are studied in detail and they are gauged by means of software-defined probes attached to the telecommunications system components. The practical computer-aided signal processing and digital communications techniques to manage and optimise these key performance indicators are taught when transmitted data is corrupted by channel noise and fading.

Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) 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: Utilise Matlab and Simulink environment to design modern digital communication systems and characterise relevant system performance metrics.
  • ULO2: Demonstrate applied and theoretical understanding of fundamental signal processing and digital communication techniques to optimise telecommunication system performance.
  • ULO3: Articulate fundamental tradeoffs among key digital communication system performance indicators, e.g., bit error rate, capacity and delay, and main telecommunication resources such as power, frequency and space.
  • ULO4: Demonstrate proficiency in areas of professional engineering practice, including team work, self-motivation and self learning,  production of quality work to meet a given deadline.  

General Assessment Information

Grading and Passing Requirement for the Unit

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).

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

Late Submissions and Re-submissions

All assessments must be submitted by 23:59pm (Sydney Time) on their due date. Should the activities be missed due to illness or misadventure, students may apply for Special Consideration, as detailed below.

  • Mid-Semester Test: Late submissions are not allowed unless there is an approved special consideration request showing that the student cannot make the mid-semester test on the test date. Resubmissions are not allowed.  
  • Digital Communications Workshop Report: Late submissions are subject to Late Submission Policy unless there is an approved special consideration request. Resubmissions are not allowed.
  • Final Project Examination: Late submissions are not allowed unless there is an approved special consideration request showing that the student cannot make the final project examination on the examination date. Resubmissions are not allowed.

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

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due Groupwork/Individual Short Extension AI Approach
Mid-semester test 30% No Week 7 Individual No Observed
Digital Communications Workshop Report 30% No 22/05/2026 Individual Yes Open
Final Project Examination 40% No Week 13 Individual No Observed

Mid-semester test

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Week 7
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed

In-class invigilated mid-semester test
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate applied and theoretical understanding of fundamental signal processing and digital communication techniques to optimise telecommunication system performance.
  • Articulate fundamental tradeoffs among key digital communication system performance indicators, e.g., bit error rate, capacity and delay, and main telecommunication resources such as power, frequency and space.

Digital Communications Workshop Report

Assessment Type 1: Practice-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: 22/05/2026
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open

You will complete a series of design-focused practical tasks throughout the session. To support their learning, preparatory materials will be provided ahead of each practical session. You will submit a workshop report for assessment at the end of the session.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Utilise Matlab and Simulink environment to design modern digital communication systems and characterise relevant system performance metrics.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in areas of professional engineering practice, including team work, self-motivation and self learning,  production of quality work to meet a given deadline.  

Final Project Examination

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed

Oral examination at the end of the unit to test your applied and theoretical understanding of digital communication systems. 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Utilise Matlab and Simulink environment to design modern digital communication systems and characterise relevant system performance metrics.
  • Demonstrate applied and theoretical understanding of fundamental signal processing and digital communication techniques to optimise telecommunication system performance.
  • Articulate fundamental tradeoffs among key digital communication system performance indicators, e.g., bit error rate, capacity and delay, and main telecommunication resources such as power, frequency and space.

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

Unit Delivery: 

There is no required textbook in the unit. Necessary and sufficient material will be covered during the lectures and workshop hours.  

The following open-source references on Matlab are highly recommended:

  • Communications Toolbox: Getting Started Guide, MathWorks, 2024.
  • Communications Toolbox: User Guide, MathWorks, 2024.

The unit will be project based and the emphasis on theory will be minimal. The following references are useful for some background material: 

  • Communication Systems, 5th ed., S. Haykin and M. Moher, John Wiley & Sons, 2009. 
  • Modern Digital and Analog Communication Systems, 4th ed., B. P. Lathi and Z. Ding, Oxford University Press, 2009.
  • Principles of Digital Communication, 1st ed., R. G. Gallager, Cambridge University Press, 2008.  

Software:

 Matlab (2021b or above) & Simulink by MathWorks are required. The required software will be available in the workshop computers. It can also be downloaded for home installation after registering for an online account with MathWorks - mathworks.com. For more information, please see:

https://staff.mq.edu.au/intranet/science-and-engineering/services-and-resources/it-support-services/miscellaneous/matlab       

Unit Web Page:

Unit lecture notes, resources and other information about the unit can be accessed through iLearn.

Technology Used:

The primary software tool used in workshops is Matlab/Simulink. In addition to Matlab, standard library/internet search engines and word processing software will be used.

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 Competency Mapping

EA Competency Standard

Unit Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Skill Base

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

 

1.2 Conceptual understanding of underpinning maths, analysis, statistics, computing.

ULO2

1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge

ULO2

1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions

 

1.5 Knowledge of engineering design practice

ULO3

1.6 Understanding of scope, principles, norms, accountabilities of sustainable engineering practice.

 ULO3

Engineering Application Ability

2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex problem solving

 ULO2, ULO3

2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.

ULO1, ULO2

2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.

 

2.4 Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects.

ULO3

Professional and Personal Attributes

3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability.

 

3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.

ULO4

3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour.

 

3.4 Professional use and management of information.

ULO4

3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct.

ULO4

3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership

ULO4

Unit information based on version 2026.02 of the Handbook