Develop core expertise in the fundamental principles underpinning modern-day communications engineering, discover the technologies behind modern communication networks such as 5G and IoT, and learn how to design the communication systems of the future.
Specialisation Teaching Team
These are the lecturers and instructors who guide you through the subjects and context bespoke to this specialisation. They are part of the greater teaching team who you meet along your journey through the foundational subjects, your chosen electives, and your capstone project.
It is a great specialisation building on both fundamental principles as well as advanced and cutting-edge topics such as AI, IoT, 5G. It will enable future students to understand the design and development of modern communication networks and even will empower them to unleash their creativity to come up with new ideas in this space. Dr. Fatemeh Jalali, IoT & AI specialist (Alumni)
Specialisation Structure
The following table lists the subjects required to achieve the Intelligent Networks and Communications Specialisation of the Master of Electrical Engineering degree. The table shows the suggested order of taking the subjects, with start and mid-year entry possible. Based on your bachelor's degree, you may be awarded advanced standing for the subjects grouped under Year 1, or part thereof.
The program shown in the table above is built up of the following parts:
- Nine foundational subjects that are core to all specialisations of the degree. The foundational subjects are the eight subjects indicated in Year 1 of the table plus the Embedded Systems Design subject, which together provide you with a solid foundation from which to specialise.
- Six subjects that are bespoke to achieving the Intelligent Networks and Communications Specialisation, described in more detail below. These subject build upon the foundations of electrical engineering.
- An individualised capstone project that is an outlet for all the expertise you have developed, described in more detail below.
- A selective subject that focuses on professional skills development, described in more detail below.
- Six elective subjects to explore your interests and develop expertise across any of our specialisation areas, recommendations provided below.
Intelligent Networks and Communications Core Subjects
The following explains how the topics covered in these subjects are synchronised to develop your communications and networks expertise.
The Intelligent Networks and Communications Specialisation aims to empower students with the knowledge required to analyse, design, and optimise communications systems and networks. The modern applications of communication networks are very broad: ranging from IoT to 6G mobile networks and from network design for mining to molecular communications.
Year 1 subjects prepare the students with foundational knowledge for the specialisation. These subjects cover mathematical and system fundamentals as well as electrical device and network basics. Many Year-2 subjects are specific to this specialisation and cover important topics in communication systems and networks in addition to highly relevant areas such as probability, signal processing, and embedded system design. They are supplemented with recommended electives on machine learning, optimisation, large data methods, etc.
In Year 3, the students will learn about advanced communication systems and apply their knowledge to real-world problems through Communication Design Clinic and Engineering Capstone projects.
Capstone
Core to all specialisations is the year-long capstone project that is completed in teams of 3 or 4. Through the capstone project you and your team develop solutions to an unsolved problem. The project is tailored to your interests, ranging from: research and development projects proposed by our world-class academics; to multi-team projects that partake in international and local competitions; to innovative projects proposed by you. See the handbook entry for further details.
Professional Skills
To develop and strengthen the skills necessary to operate as a professional engineer upon graduation, you take one of the following subjects.
Elective Subjects
In addition you choose 6 elective subjects to explore your interests and develop expertise across any of our specialisation areas. The following subjects are recommended as a complement to the Intelligent Networks and Communications Specialisation:
Sample Course Plan
See the sample course plans on the University of Melbourne Study page for more details.