Clayton campus
Course code: 0361
Course leader: Professor J Breen
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 and to consolidate students' skills in the underlying foundation disciplines of computing, digital technology and communications.
The minimum entry requirement is a three-year degree or diploma in a discipline which provides a suitable background, eg computer science, data processing, electrical engineering, electronic engineering and communications engineering. Applicants without such a qualification may be admitted on the basis of suitable work experience in computing or communications. Normally four years relevant experience is required plus evidence of the ability to undertake study at a tertiary level.
The course is available either part-time taking a minimum of two years or full-time taking a minimum of one calendar year.
The normal entry requirement is a three-year degree or diploma-level qualification in a discipline that 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.
In 1996 the course fee is $6000 or $750 per subject.
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.
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 DGS6800 (Topics in digital technology), during which they will undertake an assessed program of reading and self-study.
There are six compulsory core subjects:
Students must complete two electives from the following:
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