Module: Communications Device Theory & Design

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Communications Device Theory & Design
Module Code	ICT1012 (ITS: CT2)
Faculty	Electronic Engineering	School	Engineering & Computing
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	15

Description

This module introduces concepts in the operational principles of modern communication systems and networks. Topics in the science of electronics are also presented. An electronics kit is used by each student and instructional online videos are made available to enable off-campus circuit building and experimentation.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the behaviour of Resistive, Capacitive and Inductive components in AC circuits.
2. Describe the characteristic and operation of stabilised DC power supplies.
3. Build and debug electronic circuits.
4. Build a simple DC voltage regulator circuit.
5. Configure and calculate component values of bipolar transistor amplifiers, field effect transistors amplifiers and operational amplifiers.
6. Describe the operation of sequential and combinational logic circuits, microprocessors and microcontrollers.
7. Describe the role and operation of timing circuits in digital electronics.
8. Demonstrate the relationships between bandwidth, noise and capacity.
9. Describe the signal conditioning and encoding processes necessary for telecommunications systems operation.
10. Describe Pulse Code Modulation and Quantisation Techniques
11. Contrast primary electro-optical devices as used in telecommunications systems.
12. Differentiate between transmission media and interfaces.
13. Illustrate basic network concepts and issues.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Tutorial	21	Face-to-face tutorials are held in DCU on Saturdays and Virtual Classroom tutorials on weekday evenings according to the timetable
Online activity	16	Interaction with tutor and fellow students
Independent Study	338	Reading, study, research and problem solving
Total Workload: 375

Section Breakdown
CRN	11667	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Richard Bolger	Module Teacher	Ciaran Motherway, Derek Molloy

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Assignment comprised of two elements: One comprising a written assignment and the second a practical element where students build electrical circuit(s) using an electronics kit.	7%	Week 9
Assignment	Assignment comprised of two elements: One comprising a written assignment and the second a practical element where students build electrical circuit(s) using an electronics kit.	9%	Week 20
Assignment	Assignment comprised of two elements: One comprising a written assignment and the second a practical element where students build electrical circuit(s) using an electronics kit.	9%	Week 27
Formal Examination	n/a	75%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Communications Systems
Signal Spectra, Filtering and Transmission Noise in Communications Systems Information Theory, Channels and Modulation Pulse Code Modulation

Communication Science
Diodes and Transistors Amplifiers Electronics in Action: DC Power Supplies

Communication Networks
Communications Networks - Standardisation Optics The Telephone Network Transmission Media and Signals Data Communication Techniques

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

Electronics Kit: Electronics kit,