Module ICM-3012:
Information and Coding in Communications
Module Facts
Run by School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering
10.000 Credits or 5.000 ECTS Credits
Semester 1
Organiser: Dr Iestyn Pierce
Overall aims and purpose
To cover the concepts of information theory, optimal data compression, error control codes and cryptography.
Course content
• Randomness as uncertainty and the entropic measure of information. Noiseless coding for memoryless sources and optimal compression.
• Noisy channels and their capacity. Error-correcting codes, binary Hamming codes, cyclic codes.
• One-time pads, computational complexity, one-way functions, public key cryptography and the RSA system. Basic concepts of Quantum Information including entanglement and quantum logic gates.
Learning outcomes mapped to assessment criteria
threshold 40% |
good 60% |
excellent 70% |
|
---|---|---|---|
Understand basic information theory. |
Can explain information as measure of randomness and can explain limitations to information compression. | Ability to compute source entropy for simple and block alphabets. Can describe and implement optimal source coding. | Has nearly complete understanding of basic information theory. |
Be able to implement basic error correction schemes. |
Can describe mutual information, the concept of error correction and ability to manipulate generator matrices. | Ability to compute mutual information and channel capacity. Ability to correct simple errors for linear and cyclic codes. | Can implement all covered error correction coding and decoding schemes and has nearly complete understanding of underlying theory. |
Understanding, development and use of public key cryptosystems. |
Can explain security of one time pad; can describe the key distribution problem. Can explain basic notions of quantum information. | Knows basic techniques for coding and decoding with RSA public key cryptosystems. Able to demonstrate meaning of quantum entanglement. | Can code and decode RSA. Able to show how basic quantum logic gates operate. |
Assessment Methods
Type | Name | Description | Weight |
---|---|---|---|
Examination | 80.00 | ||
Construct a tangible learning aid | 20.00 |
Teaching and Learning Strategy
Hours | ||
---|---|---|
Lecture | Online lectures and problem classes, recorded for later reference. |
24 |
Private study | Self study, including preparation for exam and CA |
76 |
Transferable skills
- Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
- Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
- Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
- Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
- Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
- Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
- Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others
Subject specific skills
- Apply underpinning concepts and ideas of engineering;
- Apply knowledge and understanding of the specialist cognate area of electronic engineering in an international context;
- Apply knowledge and understanding of the specialist cognate area of computer systems engineering in an international context;
- Apply knowledge and understanding of the specialist cognate area of computer systems for controlling complex systems;
- Apply knowledge and understanding of the specialist cognate area of computer systems engineering in safety-critical areas;
- Solve problems logically and systematically;
- Access and synthesize information and literature sources;
- Use both verbal and written communication skills to different target audiences;
Courses including this module
Compulsory in courses:
- W3H6: BA Music and Electronic Engineering year 3 (BA/MEE)
- H612: BEng Computer Systs Eng (3 yrs) year 3 (BENG/CSE)
- H61B: BEng Computer Sys Engineering (4yr with Incorp Foundation) year 3 (BENG/CSE1)
- H610: BENG Electronic Engineering (3 yrs) year 3 (BENG/ELE)
- H62B: BEng Electronic Engineering (4yr with Incorp Foundation) year 3 (BENG/ELE1)
- H61F: BEng Electronic Engineering year 3 (BENG/ELEF)
- H621: BEng Electronic Engineering with International Experience year 4 (BENG/ELEIE)
- H64B: BSc Computer Sys Engineering (4yr with Incorp Foundation) year 3 (BSC/CSE1)
- H603: BSc Computer Systems Engineering year 3 (BSC/CSENG)
- H611: BSc Electronic Engineering year 3 (BSC/ELE)
- H63B: BSc Electronic Engineering (4yr with Incorp Foundation) year 3 (BSC/ELE1)
- H622: BSc Electronic Engineering with International Experience year 4 (BSC/ELEIE)
- H617: MEng Computer Systs Eng (4 yrs) year 3 (MENG/CSE)
- H61P: Computer Systems Engineering with Industrial Placement year 4 (MENG/CSEP)
- H601: MEng Electronic Engineering (4 yrs) year 3 (MENG/EE)
- H618: MEng Electronic Engineering with International Experience year 4 (MENG/EEIE)
- H60P: MEng Electronic Engineering with Industrial Placement year 3 (MENG/EEP)