Section 3

Unit Title Communications and Networks

Unit Code BTC303
Programme BSc (Hons) Broadcast Technology
Credits 15 Level 3 Unit Status Mandatory

Contact Time 60 Access to Resources 30 Independent Study 60

A systematic understanding of the principles and techniques of digital

and analogue communication systems and of data networking is
essential to the success of a graduate entering the dynamic and
changing Broadcast Television sector.

Students should acquire a coherent and detailed knowledge and

understanding of the concepts of digital communication, coding
techniques, and communications network systems, and should be
conversant with this area’s analogue antecedents, ensuring they are
able to compare the capabilities and limitations of data
Introduction
communications systems, so that they develop the confidence to
approach both new and traditional broadcast hardware and software.
Students should also be able to develop a conceptual understanding
of standards relevant to public data networks, and their role in
implementing these standards.

In order for them to work effectively within the sector they should also
be able to manage their learning to make use of scholarly reviews
and primary sources, some of which is at or informed by the forefront
of broadcast engineering research.

Topics covered in this unit are likely to include:

Indicative • Digital and analogue communication systems;

Curriculum • Digital communication channel coding;
Outline • Public data networks;
• Measurement, error detection and correction;
• Packet switching networks.

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In order to pass this Level 3 unit, students must show that the
following learning outcomes have been achieved:

Knowledge and Understanding

1. Be able to quantify the functions and performance of digital

communications channels; (LO1)
2. Be able to explore the coding efficiencies and benefits of
different types of channel coding; (LO2)
3. Detail the principles of error handling in communication
Unit Learning systems; (LO3)
Outcomes 4. Discuss and compare packet switching networks. (LO4)

Skills

5. Monitor and measure error rates on a communications

network; (LO5)
6. Apply knowledge of standards relevant to public data
networks; (LO6)
7. Articulation of processes and of principles and techniques of
digital and analogue communication systems and of data
networking. (LO7)

Learning on this unit is gained through a combination of:

Teaching and • Lectures;

Learning • Seminars;
Strategies • Workshops;
• Self-directed study;
• Practical exercises.

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 Section 3

Assessment of this unit comprises of formative coursework and a

summative test.

Interim Assessment
Students will develop a portfolio of coursework which will include a
log of practical exercises and two detailed written reports on two of
the exercises.

Assessable Summative Assessment

Elements A summative test will be offered at the completion of the unit.

The final assessment is an aggregate of coursework mark and test.

Assessable Elements Percentage of Final Grade

Coursework: 70%
Log of Practical Exercises 30%
Written Reports (2 x 20%) 40%
Test 30%

Students are assessed on:

Coursework
• Level of ability to apply advanced techniques of analysis and
enquiry to solve complex problems in both practical and
theoretical arenas; (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4)
• Depth of understanding of principles and applications (some of
which may be at the forefront of broadcast engineering) in
problem solving; (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4)
• Degree of knowledge of public data network standards; (LO6)
• Level of application of learned methods and techniques in
monitoring and carrying out measurements in practical
Assessment exercises; (LO5)
Criteria • Level of ability in articulating processes clearly in order to
devise and sustain arguments and solve problems. (LO7)

Test
• Depth of advanced understanding of functions and
performance of digital communications channels; (LO1)
• Ability to accurately deploy coherent and detailed knowledge
of complex theory; (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4)
• Level of systematic knowledge of channel coding; (LO2)
• Degree of application of understanding of error handling
principles; (LO3)
• Ability to apply detailed understanding of packet switching
networks. (LO4)

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 Section 3

Beyda, W. (2004) Data Communications, Pearson.

Halsall, F. (1996) Data Communications, Computer Networks, and

Open Systems, Addison-Wesley.

Hodson, P. (1997) Local Area Networks, Letts.

Journals
Indicative
Reading List Bisdikian, C (ed.) IEEE Network: The Magazine of Global
Internetworking (IEEE)

Chen, T (ed.) Communications Magazine (IEEE)

Morely, L (ed.) European Communications Magazine (Nexus Media

Communications Ltd)

Towsely, D (ed.) Transactions on Networking (IEEE/ACM)

Faculty of Communication Media Definitive Document: 21 July 2006