Coding Theory (6539.6)
Please note these are the 2018 details for this unit
| Available teaching periods | Delivery mode | Location |
|---|---|---|
| View teaching periods | ||
| EFTSL | Credit points | Faculty |
| 0.125 | 3 | Faculty Of Science And Technology |
| Discipline | Study level | HECS Bands |
| Academic Program Area - Technology | Level 3 - Undergraduate Advanced Unit | Band 2 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021) Band 3 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021) |
Coding theory is the area of applied mathematics concerned with the efficient and accurate communication and storage of digital data. Sophisticated mathematical concepts such as finite fields have turned out to be exactly the right tools here. Applications range from mobile phones to deep space communications, computer networks to DVDs. This unit develops the mathematics needed and proceeds to its application in error detection and correction via linear, cyclic and/or convolutional codes. Examples such as Hamming, BCH and/or Reed-Solomon codes will be examined, along with their applications in various fields. This unit provides the students with the solid knowledge in the coding theory as well as in the coding theory applications. In addition, the unit promotes and strengthens important generic skills, such as communication, analysis and inquiry, problem solving, independent and group working, and professionalism and social responsibility.
1. Understand and apply the techniques of error detection and correction, to prove the properties of the codes studied;
2. Demonstrate the familiarity with issues arising from the applications of these coding;
3. Apply their knowledge to invent new coding algorithms; and
4. Will further strengthen important generic skills, such as communication, analysis and inquiry, problem solving, independent and group working, and professionalism and social responsibility.
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to;1. Understand and apply the techniques of error detection and correction, to prove the properties of the codes studied;
2. Demonstrate the familiarity with issues arising from the applications of these coding;
3. Apply their knowledge to invent new coding algorithms; and
4. Will further strengthen important generic skills, such as communication, analysis and inquiry, problem solving, independent and group working, and professionalism and social responsibility.
Graduate attributes
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
Prerequisites
6543 Mathematical Structures OR 8110 Linear AlgebraCorequisites
None.Incompatible units
None.Equivalent units
None.Assumed knowledge
None.| Year | Location | Teaching period | Teaching start date | Delivery mode | Unit convener |
|---|
Not available
Required texts
R. Hill. A First Course in Coding Theory, Oxford Univ. Press, 1986. ISBN 0-19-853803-0.
This is the only text you need to buy; it covers the whole unit in Chapters 1–9 and 12. Some supplementary materials will also be handed out.
Additional perspective on the unit content can be had from books in the UC library, which has a couple of dozen books on Coding Theory, mostly under QA268 or TK5102, 5103.
Keywords to try are ‘coding theory', ‘error correcting codes', ‘error control codes' and the like. Four good books, which are on reserve in the library, are:
- P. Garrett, 2003. The Mathematics of Coding Theory, Pearson / Prentice Hall. ISBN 0-13-101967-8. Undergrad text, pretty good on the maths – more than we do in Coding Theory – but weak on applications
- Hoffman, et al., 1992. Coding Theory–The Essentials, Dekker. ISBN 0-8247-8611-4. Similar in coverage and philosophy to Hill. Deals only with binary codes (plus some on binary extension fields), but includes a chapter on convolution codes (not covered by Hill). Many exercises, some with answers.
- R. Wells, 1999. Applied Coding and Information Theory for Engineers, Prentice-Hall. ISBN 0-13-961327-7. One of the best introductory books on coding and transmission of data. Includes chapter on convolution codes.
- S.B. Wicker, 1995. Error Control Systems: For digital communication and storage, Prentice Hall. ISBN 0-13-200809-2. Excellent, thorough book on error control codes for graduate students of electronic engineering. A bit harder than our coverage in Coding Theory.
Learner engagement
| Weekly lecture: 2 hrs/week, 12 times | 24 |
| Weekly tutorial: 2 hour/week, 11 times | 22 |
| Weekly study commitment, in addition to the 2 items above: 3hrs/week, 12 times | 36 |
| Assignment: 25 hrs, 1 time | 30 |
| Final exam preparation: 35 hrs, 1 time | 35 |
| Final exam | 3 |
| Total | 150 |
Participation requirements
Participation is desired
Required IT skills
None
Work placement, internships or practicums
N/A
