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Unit of study_

ELEC2302: Signals and Systems

Semester 2, 2021 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit aims to teach some of the basic properties of many engineering signals and systems and the necessary mathematical tools that aid in this process. The particular emphasis is on the time and frequency domain modeling of linear time invariant systems. The concepts learnt in this unit will be heavily used in many units of study (in later years) in the areas of communication, control, power systems and signal processing. A basic knowledge of differentiation and integration, differential equations, and linear algebra is assumed.

Unit details and rules

Unit code ELEC2302
Academic unit Electrical and Information Engineering
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

(MATH1001 OR MATH1021) AND MATH1002 AND (MATH1003 OR MATH1023). Basic knowledge of differentiation & integration, differential equations, and linear algebra.

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Liwei Li, liwei.li@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam (Open book) Type C final exam Final exam
Final Exam
65% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Small continuous assessment group assignment Lab exercises
5% Multiple weeks n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO9 LO7 LO5 LO3
Tutorial quiz Quizzes
5% Multiple weeks n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO10 LO9 LO8 LO7 LO6 LO5
Assignment Assignment
10% Multiple weeks n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Assignment Mid-semester assignment
15% Week 08 n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
group assignment = group assignment ?
Type C final exam = Type C final exam ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction: signals and systems Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)  
Week 02 Continuous time signals & basic properties of systems Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)  
Week 03 Linear time-invariant (LTI) systems Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)  
Week 04 Time domain analysis and convolution integral Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)  
Week 05 System response and stablity Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)  
Week 06 Laplace transform: definition and properties Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)  
Week 07 System analysis based on Laplace transform Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)  
Week 08 Basics of Fourier series Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)  
Week 09 Fourier synthesis and decomposition Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)  
Week 10 Fourier transform: definition and properties Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)  
Week 11 Frequency response Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)  
Week 12 Filter design and signal modulation Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)  
Week 13 Review and exam information Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)  

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available on Canvas.

  • Linear Systems & Signals. Lathi, B.P. 2nd edition (or later). Oxford University Press.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. identify information needs and target information searches effectively and efficiently using varied sources such as internet, library databases and electronic publications as part of specific engineering projects
  • LO2. demonstrate fluency in communicating concisely and accurately using varied formats such as written and oral, to deliver specific engineering project information
  • LO3. work in a team and promote creative team interaction to encourage contribution from all members to deliver specific engineering projects and assignments
  • LO4. solve electronic circuit and telecommunication problems using principles of signals and systems
  • LO5. determine the system impulse response and explain system stability issues
  • LO6. formulate time and frequency domain descriptions for continuous time signals and linear time invariant (LTI) systems
  • LO7. determine system response to internal and external input
  • LO8. build a signal and system model using transform techniques, such as Laplace transform, and Fourier transform
  • LO9. demonstrate an understanding of system concepts such as size of signal, classification and system models
  • LO10. demonstrate proficiency in applying concepts, principles and techniques to analyse the electric network.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Thank you for your feedback and comments. It has been a wonderful experience to lecturing ELEC2302 Signals and Systems and working with so many young students this semester. I also would like to take this great opportunity to sincerely thank you for your great effort and support for this core unit of study throughout the whole period. During this semester, we run the four new lab activities in a new way for students to implement new knowledge that they have learned from class. These activities are good prospects for students to really “see” and “manipulate” the “signals” and “system” in the lab environment, which intend to let the students to understand the concept better and easier. Since the labs are new to students, the two-hours-lab seems not enough time for students to finish all the materials, according to the students’ feedback and comments below. As it is a big class, due to the time-table problems, it might be hard for us to increase the lab sessions to three-hours. Next year, we will rearrange and simplify the lab materials to fit in the two-hour session better, as well as enhance the pre-lab work further, hence further improve the teaching and learning experience for students. A report showing the response rate and distribution of responses for each item is available below. Finally, wishing you an amazing adventure and all the very best for the future study.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.