Course code: 0361
Course leader: Mr Anthony McGregor
Introduction
Until recently, the two subjects of computing and communications have been largely independent of one another; those pursuing a career in one of these areas have rarely found it necessary to have expertise in the other area. Even within the general area of computing, only a small proportion of people have been proficient in both hardware and software.
Developments in microelectronics have profoundly altered this situation by providing complex digital components, such as microprocessors, at a very low cost. In computing, there is now a strong requirement for communications so that distributed computer systems can cooperate on common tasks. Furthermore the reduced cost of communications equipment has also accelerated the use of communications. In communications, it is now common for signals to be transmitted using digital encoding and computers are widely used to control the communications process.
As a result, professionals in both areas are finding it increasingly necessary to be competent in computing, digital technology and communications. Unfortunately few people have had the opportunity to acquire this range of expertise, either through educational courses or through work experience.
The Graduate Diploma in Digital Communications is intended for professionals in either computing or communications who wish to undertake studies in computer communications Its aims are to provide a thorough understanding of the central subject of the course, computer communications; to consolidate students' skills in the underlying foundation disciplines of computing, digital technology and communications.
The course is available either part-time taking a minimum of two years or full-time taking a minimum of one calendar year.
Admission requirements
The normal entry requirement is a three-year degree or diploma-level qualification in a discipline which provides a suitable basis for the course, eg computer science, data processing or electrical, electronic or communications engineering.
Applicants with a degree or diploma in a discipline not directly related to the course will be considered if they have relevant work experience in computers or communications.
Applicants without degree or diploma qualifications may also be admitted on the basis of work experience, subject to the approval of the faculty's admissions committee. The level of work experience required would be at least five years in a position carrying significant technical responsibility in an area relevant to the course. Applicants should also be able to demonstrate an ability to study at tertiary level. The number of places available to applicants in this category is limited.
Applicants should note that demand for this course usually exceeds the quota of places available and consequently not everyone qualified for entry to the course can be admitted. Applicants are therefore advised to present their cases strongly when applying for the course.
Fees for Australian residents
In 1995 the course fee is $6000 or $750 per subject.
Course structure
In order to satisfy the course requirements, each student must pass a total of seven coursework subjects and complete a project. Subjects may be taken in any order, subject to the pre and corequisites defined for each subject. The subjects are grouped as follows.
Bridging subjects
Before proceeding with the core subjects in the course, students must have reached a minimum standard in programming in the C language, digital electronics, operating system principles and introductory data communications. Students with insufficient prior study in one or more of these topics must enrol in the bridging subject RDT6800 (Topics in digital technology), during which they will undertake an assessed program of reading and self-study.
Core subjects
There are six compulsory core subjects:
* RDT6810 Computer networks
* RDT6820 Digital communications technologies
* RDT6830 Communications software
* RDT6840 Network design and management
* RDT6850 Communications practical
* RDT6860 Project (digital communications)
Elective subjects
Students must complete two electives from the following:
* RDT6900 Proprietary network architectures
* RDT6910 Public telecommunication networks
* RDT6920 Information security
* One approved subject from another graduate diploma