MASSEY UNIVERSITY BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING with HONOURS TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORK ENGINEERING. Major Profile Description and Competency Framework

Transcription

1 Appendix 3.13 Telecommunications & Network Engineering Major Profile MASSEY UNIVERSITY BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING with HONOURS TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORK ENGINEERING Major Profile Description and Competency Framework

2 1. Introduction The Telecommunications and Network Engineering (TNE) major renamed the major entitled Information and Telecommunications Engineering (ITE) and students enrolled in the existing ITE major were offered the opportunity to move to this renamed major during the period The course content and objectives were retained at the time of renaming, but some restructuring has taken place in the past few years to present a more balanced program and introduce students to both the hardware, software and networking aspects of telecommunication systems and networks. 2. Goal The Telecommunications and Network Engineering (TNE) major is intended to prepare graduates for specialist engineering careers in electronics, telecommunications and information engineering. The graduates are intended to be practical people having a systems approach to the design, development and the management of software and hardware projects. The graduates should be capable of working in a team environment to meet challenges right from the device level up through sub-systems and systems to networks. Although the curriculum of this degree major is designed to prepare its graduates for careers in telecommunications engineering its contents are such that its graduates are expected to also find ready employment in the broad information and electronics technology sectors. The core competencies for TNE graduates are intended to complement and extend the under-pinning engineering competencies that form the core of the Massey BE and founded on the capabilities identified by IPENZ for accreditation as a professional engineer. 3. Description The TNE major involves the integrated study of electronics, signal processing, communication systems and networks, computer science and software engineering. This is carried out within an engineering context that includes systematic design, quality, and reliability engineering, and aspects of project management. Computing and computer science papers include fundamentals, programming, algorithms and data structures, software engineering and concurrent programming and operating systems. Figure 1 shows an overview of how papers contribute to this subject knowledge. 2

3 Figure 1: Subject Knowledge and Understanding 4. Graduate Destinations Telecommunications and Network engineering graduates are expected to find employment within: Communication systems design and manufacturing companies Telecommunication and network service providers Major telecommunication and network service users The broadly defined ICT (Information, Computer and Telecommunications) sector Multimedia and personal communication providers Advanced level education and training establishments Companies that have recently employed TNE graduates include: Telstra Clear Alcatel-Lucent Corporate law firms specialising in telecommunications standards and legislation 4RFCommunications Ltd Software Design Engineer TVNZ Kordia 3

4 5. Typical Initial Industrial Roles During the early years of their employment as graduates typical assignments are likely to include: Network modelling and traffic studies Communication system resource allocation management Communication systems hardware designer Embedded software developer R & D engineer for communication systems Computer and Communication network manager Communication system architect 6. Graduate Competencies The major has been developed to produce graduates with Programme Competencies (PCs) consistent with those prescribed by IPENZ for accreditation as a professional engineer Understand and apply the mathematical and engineering sciences to one or more of the broad, general engineering disciplines 2. Formulate and solve models that predict the behaviour of part or all of complex engineering systems, using first principles of the fundamental engineering sciences and mathematics synthesise and demonstrate the efficacy of solutions to part or all of complex engineering problems 3. Recognise when further information is needed and be able to find it by identifying, evaluating and drawing conclusions from all pertinent sources of information, and by designing and carrying out experiments 4. Synthesise and demonstrate the efficacy of solutions to part or all of complex engineering problems 5. Understand the accepted methods of dealing with uncertainty (such as safety factors) and the limitations of the applicability of methods of design and analysis and identify, evaluate and manage the physical risks in complex engineering problems 6. Function effectively in a team by working cooperatively with the capacity to become a leader or manager. 7. Communicate effectively, comprehending and writing effective reports and design documentation, summarising information, making effective oral presentations and giving and receiving clear oral instructions 8. Understand the role of engineers and their responsibility to society by demonstrating an understanding of the general responsibilities of a professional engineer 9. Understand and apply project and business management, recognising and using the appropriate project and business management principles and tools for complex engineering problems 10. Demonstrate competence in the practical art of engineering in their area of specialisation by showing in design an understanding of the practical methods for the construction and maintenance of engineering products, and using modern calculation and design tools competently for complex engineering problems. 4

5 1 Requirements for Initial Academic Education for Professional Engineer. Part B: Accreditation Criteria for Professional Engineering Degree Programmes ( ) The TNE major has been developed to produce graduates with Major Competencies (MCs) so that graduates will have: The ability to apply their knowledge to the electronics, telecommunication, computer and information related industries in designing, developing and operating products, systems and networks A competency in the use of a multi-disciplinary systems approach to meeting the management and technical challenges of software, hardware and communications engineering projects The capability to determine the required specifications for new systems and networks and making technical recommendations for such developments An ability to understand and use relevant, new theoretical and practical developments. An ability to commit to and benefit from continuing professional development An ability to apply international standards and practices and to work harmoniously with technical and management staff 7. Major Teaching Strategy Throughout the degree, students will acquire knowledge, develop practice and apply both reflective and evaluative abilities, through: Lectures as exemplars with worked problems and solution formulation Use of questioning teaching techniques to encourage students to reflect and evaluate (tutorial problems, assignments, and interactive teaching styles) Individual and group laboratory work Vacation employment and associate practical work reports Formative assessment (including self and peer assessment in assignments, projects etc) to provide feedback to enhance student learning Problem solving and project work Industrial visits Industry case studies Group design projects and reports Guided self-study Individual final-year project Throughout the degree, students will recognise the importance of developing life long learning skills through: Practical work and associated reports 5

6 Group design project and reports Attending seminars and/or special lectures both inside and outside the university Participating in various national and international student competitions and/or professional activities Reading professional journals or magazines or materials available from professional organisation The degree will develop the ability to adapt quickly and flexibly to new environments, through: Industry case studies Open-ended design projects Individual and group project presentation and management Placement of students in different work groups throughout the course Practical work and associated reports Throughout the degree, students will develop individual work skills through: Individual assignments Individual project work Lectures and laboratories on software and hardware design, implementation and management Practise in researching information from a variety of sources, and in communicating their findings through written, visual and oral communications media Constructive feedback on individual work Throughout the degree, students will develop, practice and apply communication skills and will learn to work productively and effectively in a team environment through: Group design projects and reports Seminars and presentations throughout the course Laboratory work 8. Major Structure Year 1 (Semesters 1 and 2) The first year of study has been designed in such a way that students entering the university can adjust to the university style of working. The introductory year consists mainly of basic science papers in physics, mathematics, computer science and statistics. Two computer science papers offer students foundation knowledge of programming, applications usage and computer science fundamentals. In addition many basic concepts of mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering are covered in an option-specific engineering paper which runs several practical projects designed to stimulate students' interest in this area of their study. Physics topics studied in the second semester include thermodynamics, properties of matter and electromagnetism. The students also study written communication techniques and industrial organisation structures and management principles. 6

7 At the end of the first year the students are expected to do vacation work which may involve simple computer applications, information systems, engineering or technical jobs. Year 2 (Semesters 3 and 4) The third semester consists of two computing related papers, one electronics design paper and one technological mathematics paper. These are all foundation papers that introduce the basic techniques of electronic engineering (analogue systems), computer hardware and software and supported by applied mathematics. In the fourth semester another four papers are offered. Electronics and Design builds on the third semester analogue design paper and extends into the study of digital systems, and there is a project that runs across both semesters. It is known as the duck project. This "design and build" project climaxes with a fun competition towards the end of the fourth semester which tests practical engineering skills related to problem solving and taking into account external and environmental factors. More advanced topics in linear algebra and the mathematical foundations for signals and systems, both continuous and discrete, are also covered. A basic introduction to signals, systems and information, which is strong in information theory, is given. The first of the software engineering papers is covered in this semester. In the second year, knowledge integration begins and students start to see the relationship between electronics, software engineering and information and communication techniques. The two mathematics papers in this year develop the foundation for advanced engineering papers in the following years and make extensive use of technical computing packages such as MATLAB. At the end of Year 2, students will now have sufficient knowledge to work in the area of advanced computer applications, basic electronic circuit design and basic mathematical and analytical techniques. Their vacation work is expected to be in more advanced IT, computer electronics, and software engineering and/or technical areas. Year 3 (Semesters 5 and 6) Eight key papers in Year 3 build the first elements of specialisation for the major upon the foundations laid by the earlier papers. The study of signal processing builds on the signals, systems and information paper of year two to introduce Fourier and sampling theory and digital filter design concepts and techniques. The study of communications also builds on the signals, systems and information paper to introduce techniques, systems and applications ranging from matched filters to digital audio and HDTV. Electromagnetics is studied using basic physics and Maxwell's equations to introduce antennas, guided waves and waveguides. There is a broad coverage of control systems engineering, instrumentation, electrical machines and power electronics. The design of computers and communication systems is covered in a paper based on both lectures and projects in which students are faced with a series of reasonably open group design projects requiring critical thinking and practical mastery of a range of computer aided design tools as well as more practical arts. Task parallelism, operating systems and an introduction to data-parallel and distributing computing are covered. The study of project management, including patents, builds upon the engineering fundamentals covered in year 1. A paper on industrial research techniques has elements of quality assurance and control but also has an emphasis on experimental design, optimisation and system identification. Just as MATLAB and its toolboxes are used in most of the signals and communication papers here the students use Minitab. The computer networks paper introduces the concepts of networking and uses the OSI model a platform to categorise the main functions of a computer/communication network. Although the OSI model is simply a reference model in this exercise, students are introduced to current implementation practices and shown where cross-layer considerations are required in order to realise current communication systems in wired and wireless network domains. 7

8 Whereas semesters 1-4 were in common with several Engineering majors, in this year the curricula for the majors now diverge. Year 4 (Semesters 7 and 8) A specialist IT management paper is included together with advanced theme papers in digital technology, telecommunications, and communication networks. Applied digital image and speech processing introduces the students to the important technologies of image processing and analysis, image compression/decompression and speech analysis and synthesis. This paper includes advanced mini projects and assignments in common with most papers in this major. Students may choose from an approved set of elective papers from within Computer Systems Engineering, Statistics and Computer Science. In addition to these elective papers there is a twosemester final year project. It is intended that most projects will relate to industrial needs and projects or aspects of research in progress in the School of Engineering and Advanced Technology or elsewhere. In first semester, the Communication Network Planning and Performance paper introduces concepts of performance modelling and network planning which build upon the Year 3 networking and communication systems papers. Several papers presented in this year are currently presented across two semesters in order for students to assimilate the material and establish the context of this knowledge. On completion of the degree it is intended that its graduates will possess a wide range of skills and knowledge in information systems hardware and software, with an emphasis on telecommunications. A typical graduate will have good analytical and problem solving skills and an ability to use modern software tools, or even develop their own specialised software. In addition they will have an understanding of management practice and be well able to present projects and discuss the solutions to complex problems. They will have been exposed to the concept of education and professional development as a life-long commitment. Course Flow Diagram The CFD on the following page shows the linkages between papers across the 4 year degree program. With the exception of the final (fourth) year, the diagram shows the break across the two semesters. In the final year there are several double semester papers designated as (DS) in the diagram that break this regular pattern. A point that is not immediately apparent from the flow arrows is the linkage from semester one to semester two which actually occurs for many papers, providing appropriate continuity. Learning Map The Learning Map shows in broad outline how the key knowledge areas feed into the Major to develop the desired outcome. Additional tables in this profile further expand upon this diagram. 8

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11 9. Graduate Competency Mapping to Papers Key: contribution of the learning outcomes of a paper to the graduate competencies x some, xx significant, xxx major Table 1: Development of Graduate Competencies - Year 1 MANDATORY PAPERS Programme Competencies (PCs) PC Apply mathematical and engineering sciences xx xx x x xxx xx xx PC Formulate and solve models that predict the behaviour of part or all of complex engineering problems xxx xxx x xx xxx x PC Synthesise and demonstrate the efficacy of solutions to part or all of complex engineering problems x x x xx xxx x PC Recognise when further information is needed and be able to find it xx xx x xx x xxx PC Understand the accepted methods of dealing with uncertainty xx xx x xxx PC Function Effectively in a team x x PC Communicate effectively, comprehending and writing effective reports and design documentation xx xx xx xx xx xx xx x PC Understand the role of engineers and their responsibility to society xx xx xx PC Understand and apply project and business management, recognising and using the appropriate project and business management principles and tools for complex engineering problems xx x x PC Demonstrate competence in the practical art of engineering in their area of specialisation xx xxx x Major Competencies (MCs) MC The ability to apply their knowledge to the electronics, telecommunication, power and control related industries in designing, developing and operating products, systems and networks MC A competency in the use of a multi-disciplinary systems approach to meeting the management and technical challenges of power, control and communications engineering projects MC The capability to determine the required specifications for new systems and networks and making technical recommendations for such developments MC An ability to commit to and benefit from continuing professional development MC ability to apply international standards and practices and to work harmoniously with technical and management staff xx x xx xx x xx x x x x x x xx x xx x x x x x x x 11

12 Table 2: Development of Graduate Competencies Year 2 MANDATORY PAPERS Programme Competencies (PCs) PC Apply mathematical and engineering sciences xx xxx xx xxx x xxx xxx xx PC Formulate and solve models that predict the behaviour of part or all of complex engineering problems xx xxx xxx xxx x xx xxx xxx PC Synthesise and demonstrate the efficacy of solutions to part or all of complex engineering problems xxx xx xxx xx xx xx xxx PC Recognise when further information is needed and be able to find it xx xx xx x xx xx xx PC Understand the accepted methods of dealing with uncertainty xx x x x x PC Function Effectively in a team x x x xxx x xx PC Communicate effectively, comprehending and writing effective reports and design documentation x x xx x xxx x xxx xx PC Understand the role of engineers and their responsibility to society x x xx x xx x xx PC Understand and apply project and business management, recognising and using the appropriate project and business management principles and tools for complex engineering problems x xx x PC Demonstrate competence in the practical art of engineering in their area of specialisation xx x xxx xxx xx xx xx Major Competencies (MCs) MC The ability to apply their knowledge to the electronics, telecommunication, power and control related industries in designing, developing and operating products, systems and networks MC A competency in the use of a multi-disciplinary systems approach to meeting the management and technical challenges of power, control and communications engineering projects MC The capability to determine the required specifications for new systems and networks and making technical recommendations for such developments xx x x xx x xx x x x x x x x xx MC An ability to commit to and benefit from continuing professional development MC ability to apply international standards and practices and to work harmoniously with technical and management staff x x x x 12

13 Table 3: Development of Graduate Competencies - Year 3 MANDATORY PAPERS Programme Competencies (PCs) PC Apply mathematical and engineering sciences x xxx x xxx xx xxx xxx xx PC Formulate and solve models that predict the behaviour of part or all of complex engineering problems x xxx x xxx x xx xxx PC Synthesise and demonstrate the efficacy of solutions to part or all of complex engineering problems x xx xx xx xx xx xx xx PC Recognise when further information is needed and be able to find it xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xxx PC Understand the accepted methods of dealing with uncertainty xx x xx x x x x x PC Function Effectively in a team xx x x x xxx xx x x PC Communicate effectively, comprehending and writing effective reports and design documentation xx xxx xx x xxx xx x xx PC Understand the role of engineers and their responsibility to society x x xx x xx x x x PC Understand and apply project and business management, recognising and using the appropriate project and business management principles and tools for complex engineering problems x x x x x x xx PC Demonstrate competence in the practical art of engineering in their area of specialisation x xx xx x xxx xx xx x Major Competencies (MCs) MC The ability to apply their knowledge to the electronics, telecommunication, power and control related industries in designing, developing and operating products, systems and networks MC A competency in the use of a multi-disciplinary systems approach to meeting the management and technical challenges of power, control and communications engineering projects MC The capability to determine the required specifications for new systems and networks and making technical recommendations for such developments xx xx xx xx xxx xxx xxx x x x x x x x xxx xx xx xx x xx xx xx x MC An ability to commit to and benefit from continuing professional development xx x x x x x MC ability to apply international standards and practices and to work harmoniously with technical and management staff x x x x x xx 13

14 Table 4: Development of Graduate Competencies - Year 4 MANDATORY PAPERS Elective Programme Competencies (PCs) PC Apply mathematical and engineering sciences xxx xxx xx xxx xx xx PC Formulate and solve models that predict the behaviour of part or all of complex engineering problems xxx xx xx xxx xx xx PC Synthesise and demonstrate the efficacy of solutions to part or all of complex engineering problems xxx xx xxx xx xx xxx PC Recognise when further information is needed and be able to find it xx xxx xx xx xx xx PC Understand the accepted methods of dealing with uncertainty xx x xx xx x xx PC Function Effectively in a team x xx x x x x PC Communicate effectively, comprehending and writing effective reports and design documentation xxx xx x xx x xxx PC Understand the role of engineers and their responsibility to society xx xx x xx x xxx PC Understand and apply project and business management, recognising and using the appropriate project and business management principles and tools for complex engineering problems xx x xx x xxx PC Demonstrate competence in the practical art of engineering in their area of specialisation xxx xx xx xxx x xxx Major Competencies (MCs) MC The ability to apply their knowledge to the electronics, telecommunication, power and control related industries in designing, developing and operating products, systems and networks MC A competency in the use of a multi-disciplinary systems approach to meeting the management and technical challenges of power, control and communications engineering projects MC The capability to determine the required specifications for new systems and networks and making technical recommendations for such developments xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xx xxx x xx MC An ability to commit to and benefit from continuing professional development xxx xxx x xxx xx x MC ability to apply international standards and practices and to work harmoniously with technical and management staff xx xx xx xx x xx 14