Monash University: University Handbooks: Postgraduate Handbook 2001: Subjects indexed by faculty
Previous page | Next page | Section contents | Title and contents

Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering


The Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering at Monash University is one of the leading research departments in Australia. It is host to four major research and development centres which are strongly linked to the department's undergraduate and graduate programs. The centres are the Centre for Telecommunications and Information Engineering (CTIE), the Intelligent Robotics Research Centre (IRRC), the Monash University Centre for Biomedical Engineering (MUCBE) and the Centre for Electrical Power Engineering (CEPE). CTIE provides consulting to the telecommunications industry and its clients. The IRRC specialises in autonomous robotic systems with particular emphasis on sensors and sensor fusion. MUCBE is responsible for the Federal Government funded Rehabilitation Technology Group, which specialises in medical instrumentation and prosthetics. CEPE is funded by the Victorian electrical power industry and provides extensive consultancy services to that industry and its clients.
Further details of the department's postgraduate studies and research activities and application forms are available on its website at http://www.ecse.monash.edu.au

Graduate Certificate in Biomedical Engineering

The principal aim of the course is to enable currently practising engineers and scientists to renew their professional qualifications in response to rapid changes in biomedical and associated technology. It is also intended to permit recent graduates, usually from other universities, to enhance their first qualification with studies in biomedical engineering to improve their prospects in this area of sustained employment growth.
The course will permit mature students to select subjects which suit their personal and professional needs as they develop from time to time and in so doing to accumulate credit towards awards on a flexible timetable. Single-subject enrolments are available in support of this.
The course provides a mix of subjects permitting students to develop an understanding of the interaction of the various layers of modern biomedical systems. All subjects in the course use case studies and exercises to build understanding of the concepts and theoretical principles. In particular, they will develop an understanding of specification, selection, performance, commissioning and operation of biomedical systems.
The course will develop self-study techniques and provide a framework for continuing professional development.

Course outline and structure

The graduate certificate consists of subjects totalling 24 credit points, of which 18 must be group 1 subjects and six must be subjects currently approved for the Master of Biomedical Engineering course.
Group 1 subjects: level 4 subjects offered by the Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering related to the study of biomedical engineering and its applications, and subjects as determined by the course director.

Length of course

The minimum length of the course is six months full-time, or the equivalent part-time. As the course is intended to be a professional development program, there is no maximum duration for completion of studies.

Admission requirements

The normal entry requirement is a degree in a discipline that provides a suitable basis for the course, for example biomedical, electrical, electronic or computer systems engineering, or biomedical science.
Applicants with a degree or diploma in a discipline not directly related to the course will be considered if they have relevant experience in biomedical engineering.
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. Applicants should also be able to demonstrate an ability to study at a tertiary level and have relevant experience in biomedical engineering. The number of places available to applicants in this category is limited and entry will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.

Credit provision

This is an update course which may be used as a preparatory course for the Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Engineering, to which students may articulate with full credit. Credit may not be claimed for subjects completed as part of a Monash Bachelor of Engineering degree in the Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering.

Graduate Certificate in Telecommunication Engineering

The principal aim of the course is to enable currently practising engineers and scientists to renew their professional qualifications in response to rapid changes in telecommunications and associated computer technology. It is also intended to permit recent graduates, usually from other universities, to enhance their first qualification with studies in telecommunications engineering to improve their prospects in this area of sustained employment growth.
The course will permit mature students to select subjects which suit their personal and professional needs as they develop from time to time and in so doing to accumulate credit towards awards on a flexible timetable. Single-subject enrolments are available in support of this.
The course provides a mix of subjects permitting students to develop an understanding of the interaction of the various layers of modern telecommunication systems. All subjects in the course use case studies and exercises to build understanding of the concepts and theoretical principles. In particular, they will develop an understanding of specification, selection, performance, commissioning and operation of telecommunication systems.
The course will develop self-study techniques and provide a framework for continuing professional development.

Course outline and structure

The graduate certificate consists of subjects totalling 24 credit points, of which 18 must be group 1 subjects and six must be group 2 subjects, from subjects currently approved for the Master of Telecommunication Engineering course.

Length of course

The minimum length of the course is six months full-time, or the equivalent part-time. As the course is intended to be a professional development program, there is no maximum duration for completion of studies.

Admission requirements

The normal entry requirement is a degree in a discipline that provides a suitable basis for the course, for example electrical, electronic, computer systems 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 experience in computer systems or communications engineering.
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. Applicants should also be able to demonstrate an ability to study at a tertiary level and have relevant experience in computer systems or communications engineering. The number of places available to applicants in this category is limited and entry will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.

Credit provision

This is an update course which may be used as a preparatory course for the Postgraduate Diploma in Telecommunication Engineering, to which students may articulate with full credit. Credit may not be claimed for subjects completed as part of a Monash Bachelor of Engineering degree in the Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering.

Postgraduate Diploma in Telecommunication Engineering

The principal aim of the course is to enable currently practising engineers and scientists to renew their professional qualifications in response to rapid changes in telecommunications and associated computer technology. It is also intended to permit recent graduates, usually from other universities, to enhance their first qualification with studies in telecommunications engineering to improve their prospects in this area of sustained employment growth.
The course will permit mature students to select subjects which suit their personal and professional needs as they develop from time to time and in so doing to accumulate credit towards awards on a flexible timetable. Single-subject enrolment is provided for and credit will be given for appropriate work experience.
The course provides a mix of subjects permitting students to develop an understanding of the interaction of the various layers of modern telecommunication systems. All subjects in the course use case studies and exercises to build understanding of the concepts and theoretical principles. In particular, they will develop an understanding of specification, selection, performance, commissioning and operation of telecommunication systems.
The course will develop self-study techniques and provide a framework for continuing professional development.

Course outline and structure

The postgraduate diploma requires the completion of subjects totalling 48 credit points, of which subjects totalling at least 36 credit points must be drawn from group 1 subjects, and up to 12 credit points from group 2 subjects currently approved for the Master of Telecommunication Engineering course, and subjects totalling up to 12 credit points which may be taken from any postgraduate program of the university.

Length of course

The minimum length of the course is one year full-time, or the equivalent part-time, post three-year degree. As the course is intended to be a professional development program, there is no maximum duration for completion of studies.

Admission requirements

The normal entry requirement is a degree in a discipline that provides a suitable basis for the course, including electrical, electronic, computer systems 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 experience in computer systems or communications engineering.
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. The number of places available to applicants in this category is limited and entry will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.

Credit provision

Advanced standing in the program is available to applicants who hold a suitable postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience. Credit may not be claimed for subjects completed as part of a Monash Bachelor of Engineering degree in the Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering.

Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Engineering

The principal aim of the course is to enable currently practising engineers and scientists to renew their professional qualifications in response to rapid changes in biomedical and associated technology. It is also intended to permit recent graduates, usually from other universities, to enhance their first qualification with studies in biomedical engineering to improve their prospects in this area of sustained employment growth.
The course will permit mature students to select subjects which suit their personal and professional needs as they develop from time to time and in so doing to accumulate credit towards awards on a flexible timetable. Single-subject enrolment is provided for and credit will be given for appropriate work experience.
The course provides a mix of subjects permitting students to develop an understanding of the interaction of the various layers of modern biomedical systems. All subjects in the course use case studies and exercises to build understanding of the concepts and theoretical principles. In particular, they will develop an understanding of specification, selection, performance, commissioning and operation of biomedical systems.
The course will develop self-study techniques and provide a framework for continuing professional development.

Course outline and structure

The postgraduate diploma requires the completion of subjects totaling 48 credit points, of which subjects totaling at least 36 credit points must be drawn from group 1 subjects, and up to 12 credit points from subjects currently approved for the Master of Biomedical Engineering course, and subjects totaling up to 12 credit points which may be taken from any postgraduate program of the university.
Group 1 subjects: level 4 subjects offered by the Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering related to the study of biomedical engineering and its applications, and subjects as determined by the course director.

Length of course

The minimum length of the course is one year full-time, or the equivalent part-time, post three-year degree. As the course is intended to be a professional development program, there is no maximum duration for completion of studies.

Admission requirements

The normal entry requirement is a degree in a discipline that provides a suitable basis for the course, including electrical, electronic, computer systems engineering or biomedical science.
Applicants with a degree or diploma in a discipline not directly related to the course will be considered if they have relevant experience in biomedical engineering.
A Graduate Diploma in Biomedical Engineering or closely related discipline obtained with a credit level average would also permit entry to the course.
Applicants should note that the demand for this course is expected to exceed 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 admission.

Credit provision

Advanced standing in the program is available to applicants who hold a suitable postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience. Credit may not be claimed for subjects completed as part of a Monash Bachelor of Engineering degree in the Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering.
Credit may be granted for a maximum of 50 per cent of the credit points required to complete this award. Applications for credit will be assessed on an individual basis at the time of enrolment.

Master of Telecommunication Engineering

The principal aim of the course is to enable currently practising engineers and scientists to upgrade their professional qualifications in response to rapid changes in telecommunications and associated computer technology. It is also intended to permit recent graduates, usually from other universities, to enhance their first qualification with studies in telecommunications engineering to improve their prospects in this area of sustained employment growth.
The course will permit mature students to select subjects which suit their personal and professional needs as they develop from time to time and in so doing to accumulate credit towards awards on a flexible timetable. Single-subject enrolment is provided for and credit will be given for appropriate work experience.
The course provides a mix of subjects permitting students to develop an understanding of the interaction of the various layers of modern telecommunication systems. All subjects in the course use case studies and exercises to build understanding of the concepts and theoretical principles. The project or minor thesis will draw upon a number of subjects to gain understanding of telecommunication systems as a whole. In particular, they will develop an understanding of specification, selection, performance, commissioning and operation of telecommunication systems.
The course will develop self-study techniques and provide a framework for continuing professional development.

Course outline and structure

The masters course consists of coursework subjects, and a project or a minor thesis. The course structure is as follows:

Subjects comprising at least 24 credit points must be chosen from the group 2 subject list.

Group 1 subjects

Level 4 subjects offered by the Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering related to the study of telecommunications engineering and its applications, and group 1 subjects currently approved for the Master of Digital Communications course as determined by the course director.

Group 2 subjects

Level 5 subjects as determined by the course director including group 2 subjects from the Master of Digital Communications course. Current approved level 5 subjects include:

Note that not all subjects will be available in any given year.

Length of course

The minimum length of the course is one year full-time, or the equivalent part-time, post four-year degree. As the course is intended to be a professional development program, there is no maximum duration for completion of studies.

Admission requirements

The normal entry requirement is a four-year degree or postgraduate diploma-level qualification in a discipline that provides a suitable basis for the course, for example electrical, electronic, computer systems or communications engineering.
Applicants with a four-year degree or postgraduate diploma in a discipline not directly related to the course will be considered if they have relevant experience in computer systems or communications engineering.
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 a tertiary level. The number of places available to applicants in this category is limited and entry will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.

Credit provision

Advanced standing in the program is available to applicants who hold a suitable postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional experience. Candidates with a three-year degree may also enter the program after completing the Postgraduate Diploma of Telecommunications Engineering, which requires a minimum of one year full-time, or equivalent part-time study. A maximum of 12 credit points from the Postgraduate Diploma in Telecommunication Engineering may be counted towards the Master of Telecommunications Engineering. Credit may not be claimed for subjects completed as part of a Monash Bachelor of Engineering degree in the Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering.

Master of Biomedical Engineering

The principal aim of the course is to enable currently practising engineers and scientists to upgrade their professional qualifications in response to rapid changes in biomedical and associated technology. It is also intended to permit recent graduates, usually from other universities, to enhance their first qualification with studies in biomedical engineering to improve their prospects in this area of sustained employment growth.
The course will permit mature students to select subjects which suit their personal and professional needs as they develop from time to time and in so doing to accumulate credit towards awards on a flexible timetable. Single-subject enrolment is available.
The course provides a mix of subjects permitting students to develop an understanding of the interaction of the various layers of modern biomedical systems. Most subjects in the course use case studies and exercises to build understanding of the concepts and theoretical principles. The project or minor thesis will draw upon a number of subjects to gain understanding of biomedical systems as a whole. In particular, they will develop an understanding of specification, selection, performance, commissioning and operation of biomedical systems.
The course will develop self-study techniques and provide a framework for continuing professional development.

Course outline and structure

The masters course consists of coursework subjects, and a project or a minor thesis. The course structure is as follows:

Subjects comprising at least 24 credit points must be chosen from the following level 5 subject list.

Current approved level 5 subjects

Note that not all subjects will be available in any given year.

Length of course

The minimum length of the course is one year full-time, or equivalent part-time, post four-year degree. As the course is intended to be a professional development program, there is no maximum duration for completion of studies.

Admission requirements

The normal entry requirement is a four-year degree or postgraduate diploma-level qualification in a discipline that provides a suitable basis for the course, for example electrical, electronic or computer systems engineering or biomedical science.
Applicants with a four-year degree or postgraduate diploma in a discipline not directly related to the course will be considered if they have relevant experience in biomedical engineering.
Applicants without degree or diploma qualifications should enrol in the Graduate Diploma in Biomedical Engineering and use this to articulate to the Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Engineering or in exceptional cases directly into the Master of Biomedical Engineering.

Credit provision

Advanced standing in the program is available to applicants who hold a suitable postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional experience. Credit may not be claimed for subjects completed as part of a Monash Bachelor of Engineering degree in the Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering.

Master of Engineering Science (Research)

The Master of Engineering Science is the initial postgraduate research degree offered by the department. Candidates commencing this degree often convert to the Doctor of Philosophy degree after one year of study.
As with the Doctor of Philosophy, there are a very wide range of project topics available at any time in the general areas of computer systems and software engineering, control engineering, electronics, telecommunications engineering, electrical power systems, biomedical engineering and robotics. Electrical engineering is among the most rapidly developing areas of knowledge. The range of potential reasearch topics changes frequently and students are encouraged to contact the department's postgraduate affairs director by email at ecse.graduatestudies@eng.monash.edu.au
The Master of Engineering Science is usually completed by research only at the Clayton campus. Under special circumstances, the program may be conducted by external candidature.
For details relating to this program, consult the Faculty of Engineering section in this handbook.

Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy is the highest degree offered by the department.
There are a wide range of topics available at any time in the general areas of computer systems and software engineering, control engineering, electronics, telecommunications engineering, electrical power systems, biomedical engineering and robotics. Electrical engineering is among the most rapidly developing areas of knowledge. The range of potential reasearch topics changes frequently and so students are encouraged to contact the department's postgraduate affairs director by email at ecse.graduatestudies@eng.monash.edu.au
The Doctor of Philosophy is usually completed by research only at the Clayton campus. Under special circumstances, the program may be conducted by external candidature.
For details relating to this program, consult the Faculty of Engineering section in this handbook.

Previous page | Next page | Section contents | Title and contents