Bachelor of Engineering (Telecommunications)

Summary

The Bachelor of Engineering offers specialisations in: Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Software and Telecommunications Engineering. Students select their specialisation at the commencement of Year 1. Transfer between specialisations is possible under certain conditions.

The following information relates to the Telecommunications Engineering specialisation:

Telecommunications engineering specialisation focuses on communication technologies used to transmit, receive, store and process different types of electronic information signals using electronic and electrical, radio, optical and embedded systems. Telecommunications engineers are becoming pivotal in modern societies that are dependent on the Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) for versatile and efficient solutions to rapidly changing lifestyle.

Engineers specialising in the field of telecommunications design, implement and manage hardware, software and systems for processing and transmitting different types of information. Using their knowledge of electronics, computer hardware and software, signal processing and networking techniques, telecommunications engineers are involved in a range of voice, data and multimedia communication activities. For example, design of a cellular mobile telephone network requires knowledge of high frequency electronics, radio signal propagation, signal processing and networking techniques in order to make a mobile telephone system fully operational.

Career opportunities

Telecommunications engineering graduates have excellent employment prospects and may be employed in the following areas. The list is not a comprehensive one.

Computer Networking/Internet

In this field, telecommunications engineers will mainly be involved in the design, management and operation of small to large networks to transmit and process various types of information between different sites. Examples of such networks are banks, corporate offices, emergency services, councils, etc.

Mobile/Wireless Communications

This is the fastest growth area of ICT where the roles of telecommunications engineers are vital. People are increasingly relying on wireless systems for their personal communication. In recent years deployment of wireless internet systems are also rapidly increasing. Specialised knowledge of telecommunications engineers will be required to design and develop future wireless and mobile networks.

Telecommunications Services

National and international telecommunications service providers such as Telstra, Optus, etc. have core telecommunications systems that are managed by specialised engineers. More specialised engineers will be needed to design advanced networks to support many emerging services. Introduction of emerging technologies such as Voice over IP (VoIP), IPTV and mobile TV  will need a new generation of telecommunications engineers.

Broadcasting

The role of broadcasting organisations is changing rapidly with the introduction of digital technologies. Data casting systems for example, demand specialised design knowledge in telecommunications systems.

ICT Systems

Telecommunication graduate will find employment in a range of ICT areas which include computer engineering and systems, many ITC/IT related jobs in government and private sectors, electronic engineering and technical analyst roles.

Entry requirements

Assumed knowledge:
There are no prerequisite courses but it is assumed that students will have studied Mathematics (Band 5) or HSC Mathematics Extension 1 (Band E1 or above) or equivalent. Study of one science-related subject would also be an advantage, Physics is preferred. Applicants who have achieved less than Mathematics Band 5 or have not completed Physics may be admitted to the program but may need additional study and/or assistance to successfully complete the requirements of the program.

UAI Cut-offs: The UAI cutoffs for University programs are provided at www.newcastle.edu.au/study/undergraduateadmissions/uaiscores.html

Additional entry requirements: Nil.

How to apply

Australian Year 12 students:
Apply for entry through UAC.
Entry based on UAI or equivalent.

Non school leavers and previous Australian Year 12 students:
Apply for entry through UAC.
Entry based on:

• previous Year 12 studies and/or Higher education,
• tertiary or post-secondary qualifications and/or
• Overseas qualifications considered equivalent to Australian qualifications.

International Students:

International students currently undertaking:
- an Australian Year 12 in Australia
- an Australian Year 12 outside Australia
- an International Baccalaureat (IB) in Australia

Apply for entry through UAC.
Entry based on UAI or equivalent.

All other international students:

Apply direct to International Admissions.
Entry based on overseas qualifications considered equivalent to Australian qualifications, as well as satisfying English language requirements.

Description

IMPORTANT! You must read the Undergraduate Degree Rules. Click here to view.

Telecommunications engineering is one of the frontier enabling technologies of information and communications technology (ICT) sector which is bringing evolutionary changes in our societies, entertainment areas and human relationships. The importance and spread of this technology is on the rise, encompassing all aspects of human activities. Telecommunications engineers are required to design and develop applications as diverse as mobile phone systems to hi-tech internet based entertainment systems.

Credit Transfer Agreements

Credit transfer agreements with TAFE NSW and other education providers are under continuous negotiation. For more information about articulation arrangements please see the University’s website, at www.newcastle.edu.au/credit/

Program Structure

The telecommunications program is a 4 year program comprising 320 units; in which students complete core courses and electives from a number of areas. Core courses are in the areas of mathematics, physics, electrical engineering, electronics, computer engineering, communication systems and networks, software engineering and wireless systems. Throughout the program, theoretical studies are complemented by practical laboratory and project works. Students will have the opportunity to undertake an industry related project in their final year of study and must also complete 12 weeks of industrial experience throughout the program.

Industrial Experience

Students have the opportunity to undertake an industry-related project in their final year of study and must also complete 12 weeks of industrial experience throughout the program. Further information is available at: www.newcastle.edu.au/faculty-old/engineering/industrial_experience/

Part-time Attendance

Students wishing to undertake the program on a part-time basis are advised to contact the Program Convenor for advice on optimum selection of courses for part-time enrolment.

Transition Arrangements from 2005 program.

The following table displays the approved transition arrangements for students who have Failed or Withdrawn from 2005 courses as specified.

2005 Course Code & Title	Course to be completed if FF awarded prior to 2006
Year 1
ELEC1800 Intro to Eng Practice	GENG1803 Intro to Engineering Practice
Year 4
ELEC3830 Engineering and Project Management	GENG3830 Engineering Management
ELEC4890 Telecommunications Engineering Project	ELEC4840 Final Year Engineering Project
ELEC4890A Telecommunications Eng Project (Part A)	ELEC4840A Final Year Engineering Project
ELEC4890B Telecommunications Eng Project (Part B)	ELEC4840A Final Year Engineering Project - Part A
Directed Elective:
SENG3280 Computer Networks	No transition required - remaining electives will suffice

Approved Courses

The following program of study may be varied as a result of future changes in the program requirements, or course availability.

Note: Not all courses are offered each semester. To establish semester-of-offer status, click on the course code for the course and follow the links to timetabling information.

Year 1
ELEC1700	Computer Engineering 1	10 units
SENG1110	Introduction to Software Engineering 1	10 units
MATH1110	Mathematics 111 MATH1210 and MATH1220 may be undertaken in lieu of MATH1110 and MATH1120. (The assumed competency for MATH1210 is HSC Extension 1 with a performance in Band 4).	10 units
PHYS1210	Advanced Physics 1	10 units
ELEC1300	Electrical Engineering 1	10 units
MATH1120	Mathematics 112 MATH1210 and MATH1220 may be undertaken in lieu of MATH1110 and MATH1120. (The assumed competency for MATH1210 is HSC Extension 1 with a performance in Band 4).	10 units
PHYS1220	Advanced Physics 2	10 units
GENG1803	Introduction to Engineering Practice	10 units
Year 2
PHYS2170	Quantum Mechanics and Semiconductor Physics	10 units
ELEC2320	Electrical Circuits	10 units
MATH2310	Calculus of Science and Engineering	10 units
ELEC2400	Signals and Systems	10 units
ELEC2500	Introduction to Telecommunications	10 units
ELEC2700	Computer Engineering 2	10 units
MATH2420	Engineering Mathematics 2	10 units
ELECTIVE	General Elective	10 units
Year 3
ELEC3400	Signal Processing	10 units
ELEC3500	Telecommunications Networks	10 units
ELEC3530	Digital Communications	10 units
ELEC3850	Introduction to Electrical Engineering Design	10 units
PHYS3500	Advanced Electromagnetism for Scientists and Engineers	10 units
SENG1120	Introduction to Software Engineering 2	10 units
DIRECTED ELECTIVE	Group A Directed Elective	20 units
Year 4
PHIL3910	Technology and Human Values	10 units
GENG3830	Engineering Project Management	10 units
ELEC4560	Wireless Systems and Advanced Communications	10 units
DIRECTED ELECTIVE	Group A or Group B Directed Elective	10 units
ELECTIVE	General Elective	10 units
Plus either:
ELEC4840	Final Year Engineering Project Program Convenor approval required for enrolment	30 units
or
ELEC4840A	Final Year Engineering Project - Part A	10 units
and
ELEC4840B	Final Year Engineering Project - Part B	20 units
Group A Directed Electives
Students need to choose a minimum of TWO courses from the following:
ELEC3720	Programmable Logic Design	10 units
ELEC3250	Power Electronics	10 units
ELEC3730	Embedded Systems	10 units
ELEC3240	Electronics	10 units
Group B Directed Electives:
ELEC4210	Electronics Design	10 units
ELEC4400	Automatic Control	10 units
PHYS3320	Optical Communication	10 units
COMP3260	Data Security	10 units
ELEC4700	Advanced Computer Systems	10 units

Schedule

The relevant program schedule (B Engineering) is available within the Degree Rules and Schedules section of the Policy Library.