Print View: COMS7104 - Sem 1 2008 - St Lucia

2. Aims, Objectives & Graduate Attributes

2.1 Course Aims

To understand the principles of operation of typical passive and active microwave circuits and antennas that are essential to modern communication technologies
To know how to design simple microwave circuits that include directional couplers, detectors, mixers, switches and amplifiers, as well as know how to design wire and patch antennas and arrays that act as transducers between microwave circuits and air
To be able to verify the design techniques learned in the course by using modern microwave and antenna CAD packages.
To communicate the achieved results in professionally written reports.

2.2 Learning Objectives

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

1  Demonstrate an understanding of principles of operation, analysis and design of microwave passive and active sub-systems and antennas which are part of modern communication equipment.
2  Demonstrate ample knowledge of the role of microwave subsystems and antennas in wireless communications and radar.
3  Perform a theoretical analysis of basic microwave passive and active circuits, and antennas
4  Apply critical reasoning to microwave and antenna analysis and design problems to obtain meaningful solutions
5  Creatively and efficiently use microwave and antenna Computer Aided Design packages.
6  Work as an effective member of a team to analyse and design microwave circuits and antennas with the use of Computer Aided Design tools
7  Display ability to write clear and concise engineering reports at professional level.
8  Have an ample knowledge of social and professional responsibilities

2.3. Graduate Attributes

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

GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE	LEARNING OBJECTIVES
*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.	2
A3. A comprehensive and in-depth knowledge in the field of study.	1, 3, 5
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.	7
B2. The ability to interact effectively with others in order to work towards a common outcome.	6
B3. The ability to select and use the appropriate level, style and means of communication.	7
B4. The ability to engage effectively and appropriately with information and communication technologies.	5, 7
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.	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
C3. The ability to generate ideas and adapt innovatively to changing environments.	5
C5. The ability to formulate and investigate problems, create solutions, innovate and improve current practices.	1, 4
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.	1, 4, 5
D4. The ability to process material and to critically analyse and integrate information from a wide range of sources.	2, 3, 5
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.	6, 8
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.	8
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.

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
Exam Mid-Semester Exam	4 Apr 08 09:00	10%	1, 2, 3
Project Report Impedance Transformation and Matching	11 Apr 08 17:00	8%	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Problem Solution Assignment No 1	18 Apr 08 17:00	8%	1, 3, 4, 5, 7
Project Report Hybrid Circuits: Microwave Phase Shifters	2 May 08 17:00	8%	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Problem Solution Assignment No 2	9 May 08 17:00	8%	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7
Project Report Design of Array Antennas	6 Jun 08 17:00	8%	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Exam - during Exam Period (Central) Final Exam	Examination Period	50%	1, 2, 3, 4, 7

5.2 Course Grading

Grade 1, Fail: Fails to demonstrate most or all of the basic requirements of the course: 0-29%

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: 30-46%

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: 47-49%

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: 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: 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: 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: 85-100%

Other Requirements & Comments : The difference in assessment of COMS7104 and COMS4104 students is that in the given assignments and projects the COMS7104 students are asked to use Serenade Harmonica in addition to PUFF to verify their designs of passive and active microwave sub-systems. Other differences concern break points for grades 1-3.

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

Tutorial Exercises

A number of quantitative problems relevant to the covered lecture material will be solved during tutorial sessions. Students are encouraged to attempt them prior to tutorials in order to exercise their own understanding of the lecture material.

Solutions to these tutorial problems will be of significant help in obtaining solutions to the 2 Tutorial Assignments and the 3 Laboratory Pracs scheduled in this course.

Submission of the assignments will be via the submission boxes on level one of the GP South building. Your assignment submission must be accompanied by a signed coversheet declaring that the submission is your original work.

5.5 Assessment Detail

Mid-Semester Exam

Type: Exam
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1, 2, 3
Due Date:
4 Apr 08 09:00
Weight: 10%
Task Description: Mid-Semester Exam is a Multiple Choice Question Exam. It will test the understanding of the course material covered in Lecture Modules 1 to 4. An example of the test will be given in advance so the students will familiarize themselves with its structure.
Criteria & Marking: There will be about 100 multiple-choice questions. The correct answer will incur one mark. Wrong answer will not be penalized and will incur zero mark. No answer will be given zero mark.
Submission: The examination scripts will be collected at the end of the exam.

Impedance Transformation and Matching

Type: Project Report
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Due Date:
11 Apr 08 17:00
Weight: 8%
Task Description: This project aims to test your knowledge and designs skills of microwave impedance transformers. You will be asked to design binomial and Chebyshev transformers with the use of microwave CAD package PUFF. As you are enrolled in COMS7104, you will be asked to verify your PUFF design with Serenade Harmonica. A 5-page report, which will form the basis for assessment of your performance, should include the computed results (including prints of computer screen) and discussion. Your report should cover the results produced both with PUFF and Serenade Harmonica.
Criteria & Marking: