Print View: COMS7100 - Sem 1 2008 - St Lucia

5. Assessment

5.1 Assessment Summary

This is a summary of the assessment in the course. For detailed information on each assessment, see 5.5 Assessment Detail below.

Assessment Task	Due Date	Weighting	Learning Objectives
Problem Set/s Assignments	17 Mar 08 09:00 Subsequent assignments due on Monday, 9am, of Weeks 6, 10 & 12.	20%	2, 4, 5, 6, 7
Exam - Mid Semester During Class Mid-semester exam	16 Apr 08	10%	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Laboratory Prac exam	19 May 08	10%	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Exam - during Exam Period (Central) Final Exam	Examination Period	60%	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

5.2 Course Grading

Grade 1, Fail: Fails to demonstrate most or all of the basic requirements of the course: marks: 0-19

Grade 2, Fail: Demonstrates clear deficiencies in understanding and applying fundamental concepts; communicates information or ideas in ways that are frequently incomplete or confusing and give little attention to the conventions of the discipline: marks: 20-44

Grade 3, Fail: Demonstrates superficial or partial or faulty understanding of the fundamental concepts of the field of study and limited ability to apply these concepts; presents undeveloped or inappropriate or unsupported arguments; communicates information or ideas with lack of clarity and inconsistent adherence to the conventions of the discipline: marks: 45-49

Grade 4, Pass: Demonstrates adequate understanding and application of the fundamental concepts of the field of study; develops routine arguments or decisions and provides acceptable justification; communicates information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline: marks: 50-64

Grade 5, Credit: Demonstrates substantial understanding of fundamental concepts of the field of study and ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; develops or adapts convincing arguments and provides coherent justification; communicates information and ideas clearly and fluently in terms of the conventions of the discipline: marks: 65-74

Grade 6, Distinction: As for 5, with frequent evidence of originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and in creating solutions; uses a level, style and means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience: marks: 75-84

Grade 7, High Distinction: As for 6, with consistent evidence of substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critically evaluates problems, their solutions and implications: marks: 85-100

Other Requirements & Comments :

Note:
At the discretion of the coordinator, and in accordance with HUPP 3.30.1 and 3.30.2, final marks may be scaled upwards but not decreased.

5.3 Late Submission

No extensions will be granted except in exceptional personal circumstances (documented medical reason or family emergency). Personal hardware or computer failures are not grounds for extension.

5.4 Other Assessment Information

Although COMS3100 shares many resources with COMS7100, including lecture and tutorial times, COMS7100 assessment items may differ materially from COMS3100 assessment items. For instance, exam questions may be more searching, assignment topics may be more challenging. This is intended to reflect the greater depth of knowledge and higher level of expertise which is expected of COMS7100 students.

5.5 Assessment Detail

Assignments

Type: Problem Set/s
Learning Objectives Assessed: 2, 4, 5, 6, 7
Due Date:
17 Mar 08 09:00 Subsequent assignments due on Monday, 9am, of Weeks 6, 10 & 12.
Weight: 20%
Task Description: Fortnightly tutorial sheets will contain a subset of questions for which solutions will not be provided in tutorial classes. Solutions to these questions are instead to be submitted as assignments. There will be four assignments throughout semester, each worth 5%.
Criteria & Marking:

The assignments will be marked with respect to the criteria that the presented solutions:

arrive at the correct answer,
demonstrate application of the correct technique,
are logical, grammatical and legible.

Mid-semester exam

Type: Exam - Mid Semester During Class
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Due Date:
16 Apr 08
Weight: 10%
Perusal: 5 minutes
Duration: 40 minutes
Format: Multiple-choice
Task Description: The midsemester examination will be held during the Tutorial session in week 7. You may bring a battery-operated non-programmable calculator. Programmable calculators and other computing or communication devices are not permitted. You will require a HB or 2B pencil and an eraser to complete the examination.
Criteria & Marking: The mid-semester will be in a multiple choice format and will be marked accordingly, with full marks awarded for each correct answer and no marks for incorrect answers.

Prac exam

Type: Laboratory
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Due Date:
19 May 08
Weight: 10%
Task Description: The last scheduled prac session (Weeks 12 and 13) will be a prac examination. The exam is individual and lasts 50 minutes. The two-hour prac session will be split into two prac exam sessions. Students will be informed by email as to which of these sessions they are allocated. The exam will consist of an appropriately abridged version of one of the two pracs conducted earlier in the semester.
Criteria & Marking:

An examiner will carry out the marking at the prac exam by inspecting the practical work of the student and by asking questions about the results observed. Marks will be awarded according to the following criteria:

ability to demonstrate correct operation of the equipment,

ability to explain the observed results in the context of the underlying theory.

Final Exam

Type: Exam - during Exam Period (Central)
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Due Date:
Examination Period
Weight: 60%
Perusal: 10 minutes
Duration: 120 minutes
Format: Multiple-choice, Short answer, Short essay, Problem solving
Task Description: The final examination will be held during the final examination period. It is 3 hours and closed book. You may bring a battery-operated non-programmable calculator. Programmable calculators and other computing or communication devices are not permitted.
Criteria & Marking:

The criteria used for marking the final exam are, according to the type of question asked, as follows:

knowledge of basic definitions,
conceptual understanding of properties and phenomena,
clear explanation of the operation of communication systems,
correct calculation and correct procedure for calculation of design parameters.

6. Policies & Guidelines

This section contains the details of and links to the most relevant policies and course guidelines. For further details on University Policies please visit myAdvisor and the University Handbook of Policies and Procedures.

6.1 Assessment Related Policies and Guidelines

University Policies & Guidelines

An overview of the University’s assessment-related policies can be found on myAdvisor (http://www.uq.edu.au/myadvisor/index.html?page=2910).

Academic Integrity
It is the University's task to encourage ethical scholarship and to inform students and staff about the institutional standards of academic behaviour expected of them in learning, teaching and research. Students have a responsibility to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity in their work. Students must not cheat in examinations or other forms of assessment and must ensure they do not plagiarise.

Plagiarism
The University has adopted the following definition of plagiarism:

Plagiarism is the act of misrepresenting as one's own original work the ideas, interpretations, words or creative works of another. These include published and unpublished documents, designs, music, sounds, images, photographs, computer codes and ideas gained through working in a group. These ideas, interpretations, words or works may be found in print and/or electronic media.

Students are encouraged to read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism policy (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25128) which makes a comprehensive statement about the University's approach to plagiarism, including the approved use of plagiarism detection software, the consequences of plagiarism and the principles associated with preventing plagiarism.

Feedback on Assessment
Feedback is essential to effective learning and students can expect to receive appropriate and timely feedback on all assessment. For a detailed explanation of the feedback you are entitled to, you should consult the policy on Student Access to Feedback on Assessment. (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25114&pid=25075)

As a student you have a responsibility to incorporate feedback into your learning; make use of the assessment criteria that you are given; be aware of the rules, policies and other documents related to assessment; and provide teachers with feedback on their assessment practices.

There are certain steps you can take if you feel your result does not reflect your performance. Please refer to the myAdvisor web site. (http://www.uq.edu.au/myadvisor/index.html?page=2953&pid=2910)

School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering Assessment Guidelines

Misconduct

Further to the statement on academic integrity and plagiarism above, students are required to read and understand the ITEE policy on Student Misconduct (http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/about_ITEE/policies/student-misconduct.html).

Late Arrival or Non-attendance at Examinations

The policy and procedure for late arrival or non-attendance at centrally controlled examinations is set out in the University's Examinations policy (HUPP 3.30.5), sections 8 and 10.2.

The way in which late arrival at a School-controlled examination is dealt with will be at the discretion of the course coordinator, who may be guided by the policy for centrally controlled exams.

In the case that a student requests a special exam for a School-controlled exam, the request will be considered and, if allowed, the timing shall be determined by the course coordinator, in consultation with the School's Chief Examiner where necessary, and in accordance with HUPP 3.30.5. Unless otherwise indicated in the Course Profile, applications must be made in writing to the Head of School no later than one week after the exam. Late applications will not be accepted.

Examination Feedback

In addition to the advice above, students wishing to view examination answer scripts and/or question papers should consult with the School office (Room 217, General Purpose South Building [78], St Lucia; Room 218, Building 1, Ipswich) regarding arrangements. The ITEE policy on exam script viewing is available at http://study.itee.uq.edu.au/current_students/exam_script_viewing.html.

Supplementary Assessment

If you fail this course you may be eligible for supplementary assessment - see the general award rules and/or your program rules for details. You should note that even though you may be eligible for supplementary assessment under these rules, in some circumstances there may be no practical assessment that can be offered to allow you to meet the minimum passing requirements. These circumstances may include failure based on:

group or team based assessment;
attendance or class participation requirements;
laboratory-based assessment, where laboratories can't practically be made available after classes have finished;
project or thesis-based assessment, where a significant period of time would be required to undertake supplementary assessment;
progressive assessment, where subsequent assessment items build on earlier assessment items; or
multiple assessment items, where it is impractical to offer multiple supplementary assessment items.

If the course coordinator determines that there is no practical supplementary assessment that can be offered to allow you to improve your grade, then you will not be offered supplementary assessment and your grade will remain unchanged.

6.2 Other Policies and Guidelines

University Policies and Guidelines

Placement Courses
Students on a placement course – also known as a work placement, internship, industry study, industry experience, clinical practice, clinical placement, practical work, practicum, fieldwork, teaching practice – should refer to the University policy, Placement Courses (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25120&pid=25075) for detailed information.

Working with Children
Students whose studies include a professional/work placement, internship, clinical practice, teaching practice or other similar activity which involves them in regular contact with children should refer to the University policy, Working with Children Check - "blue card" (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25004&pid=24963) to find out how to apply for a ‘blue card’.

Students with a Disability
Any student with a disability who may require alternative academic arrangements, including assessment, in the course/program is encouraged to seek advice at the commencement of the semester from a Disability Adviser at Student Support Services. Refer to the University policy, Students with a Disability (Disability Action Plan) (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25122&pid=25075) and to the policy on Special Arrangements for Examinations for Students with a Disability (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25111&pid=25075

Where an adjustment is made to an accredited program, it is the responsibility of the relevant Faculty to liaise with professional and registration bodies regarding the acceptability of the change/s.

Occupational Health and Safety
Undergraduate Students (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25055&pid=25015) and Postgraduate Students (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25057&pid=25015) should be familiar with the University policies on occupational health and safety in the laboratory.

Other School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering Guidelines

Ethical Clearance

If your course involves assignment or project work involving human subjects or human-related materials, you must investigate the need for ethical clearance and obtain it when required. Information on ethical clearance can be found at http://www.uq.edu.au/research/orps/index.html?page=5064&pid=5256.

Learning Summary

Below is a table showing the relationship between the learning objectives for this course and the broader graduate attributes developed, the learning activities used to develop each objective and the assessment task used to assess each objective.

Learning Objectives

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

1  state the operational principles of some typical communication systems
2  understand the roles of and interconnections between basic components of a typical communications system
3  explain the fundamental theories of communication systems
4  apply the theories and methods to solve some simple communication design problems
5  compare the advantages and disadvantages of different communication systems
6  evaluate the performance of and analyse the factors affecting some simple communication systems
7  develop a basic knowledge of communications signal processing and receiver design

Assessment & Learning Activities

	Learning Objectives
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Learning Activities
Signals and Spectra (Lecture Series)
Course Introduction (Lecture)
Linear CW Modulation (Lecture Series)
Exponential CW Modulation (Lecture Series)
Prac 1 (Laboratory )
Sampling and Pulse Modulation (Lecture Series)
Prac 2 (Laboratory )
Analogue Communication Systems (Lecture Series)
Prac 3 (Lecture)
Information Theory (Lecture Series)
Digital Communication Systems (Lecture Series)
Conclusion and Review (Lecture)
Assessment Tasks
Assignments
Mid-semester exam
Prac exam
Final Exam

Graduate Attributes

Successfully completing this course will contribute to the recognition of your attainment of the following UQ (Postgrad Coursework) graduate attributes:

	Learning Objectives
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Graduate Attributes
*A IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF THE FIELD OF STUDY*
A2. A broad understanding of the field of study, including how other disciplines relate to the field of study.
A3. A comprehensive and in-depth knowledge in the field of study.
A5. An international perspective on the field of study.
A7. An appreciation of the link between theory and practice.
*B EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION*
B1. The ability to collect, analyse and organise information and ideas and to convey those ideas clearly and fluently, in both written and spoken forms.
B2. The ability to interact effectively with others in order to work towards a common outcome.
B3. The ability to select and use the appropriate level, style and means of communication.
B4. The ability to engage effectively and appropriately with information and communication technologies.
B5. The ability to practise as part of an interdisciplinary team.
*C INDEPENDENCE AND CREATIVITY*
C2. The ability to work and learn independently and effectively.
C3. The ability to generate ideas and adapt innovatively to changing environments.
C5. The ability to formulate and investigate problems, create solutions, innovate and improve current practices.
C6. The abilities and skills that provide a foundation for future leadership roles.
*D CRITICAL JUDGEMENT*
D2. The ability to apply critical reasoning to issues through independent thought and informed judgement.
D4. The ability to process material and to critically analyse and integrate information from a wide range of sources.
D5. The ability to evaluate opinions, make decisions and to reflect critically on the justifications for decisions using an evidence-based approach.
*E ETHICAL AND SOCIAL UNDERSTANDING*
E1. An understanding of social and civic responsibility.
E3. An appreciation of the philosophical and social contexts of a discipline.
E4. A knowledge and respect of ethics and ethical standards in relation to a major area of study.
E5. A knowledge of other cultures and times and an appreciation of cultural diversity.
E7. The ability to work effectively and sensitively across all areas of society.
E8. An understanding of and respect for the roles and expertise of associated disciplines.

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COMS7100 - Sem 1 2008 - St Lucia - Internal

1. General Course Information

1.1 Course Details

1.2 Course Introduction

1.3 Course Staff

1.4 Timetable

2. Aims, Objectives & Graduate Attributes

2.1 Course Aims

2.2 Learning Objectives

2.3. Graduate Attributes

3. Learning Resources

3.1 Required Resources

3.2 Recommended Resources

3.3 University Learning Resources

3.4 School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering Learning Resources

3.5 Other Learning Resources & Information

4. Teaching & Learning Activities

4.1 Learning Activities

4.2 Other Teaching and Learning Activities Information

Pracs

Attendance