Course syllabus - Wireless Communications for Collaborating Embedded Systems, 4 credits
Information about the course
- Course code: FDAV001
- Third-cycle subject: Computer Science
- School: School of Innovation, Design and Engineering
- Responsible department: NES
- Valid from: 2025-12-19
- Established by: Dean of School
- Decision date: 2025-12-19
- Level of education: Third cycle level
Course objective
The course aims to provide the participants with the opportunity to acquire theoretical and practical knowledge of wireless communication for collaborating embedded systems. After completing the course, the participant should have attained knowledge that will enable assessment of various wireless communication protocols suitable for distributed embedded systems. The participants should also have the ability to evaluate and compare the performance of wireless communication systems both in theory, regarding properties of electromagnetic waves and interference, and in practice regarding legislation and standardization.
Course content
- Communication requirements for some typical distributed embedded systems
- Properties of carrier frequencies and wireless channels
- Wireless signal quality and mitigation techniques
- Wireless protocols – functions and limitations
- Spectrum use and legislation
- Standardization and interoperability within wireless communications
- Rules of thumb when selecting technologies for wireless communications between collaborating embedded systems.
- Societal and ethical aspects of wireless communications
Intented learning outcomes
After completing the course, the student should be able to:
- specify and analyze the communication requirements for certain typical distributed control systems, sensor networks and surveillance applications so that suitable wireless communication solutions can be selected,
- analyse the properties of different carrier frequencies and explain how these affect range, penetration and sensitivity to interference
- account for spectrum use and associated legislation in different countries, and discuss its impact on global access to wireless technologies
- explain the reasons for varying signal quality in wireless communication and demonstrate the ability to choose among common techniques that exist to counteract this
- explain and compare the functions and limitations of some common wireless protocols and demonstrate the ability to assess their suitability for different application needs
- select and justify the choice of appropriate technologies and protocols to realize wireless communication between embedded systems with real-time requirements,
- explain the principles behind standardization of wireless protocols and analyze its importance for interoperability and technology development
- reflect on the societal aspects of wireless communication, including issues related to conflicts of interest, energy consumption and concerns about electromagnetic radiation, based on current research and international guidelines.
The intended qualitative targets in relation to the Higher Education Ordinance, appendix 2.
Knowledge and understanding
For the Degree of Doctor, the doctoral student shall demonstrate:
- A1: broad knowledge and systematic understanding of the research field as well as advanced and up-to-date specialised knowledge in a limited area of this field
Competence and skills
For the Degree of Doctor, the doctoral student shall demonstrate
- B1: the capacity for scholarly analysis and synthesis as well as to review and assess new and complex phenomena, issues, and situations autonomously and critically,
- B5: the ability to identify the need for further knowledge, and
- B6: the capacity to contribute to social development and support the learning of others both through research and education and in some other qualified professional capacity.
Judgement and approach
For a Degree of Doctor the doctoral student shall demonstrate
- C1: intellectual autonomy and disciplinary rectitude as well as the ability to make assessments of research ethics, and
- C2: specialised insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used.
Teaching formats
Seminars, group activities to prepare seminars, case studies, elevator pitch, debates, and a written quiz.
Examination
Seminar SEM1, 3 hp, targets learning outcomes 1-6 and 8, grade U/G
Exercise OVN, 1 hp, targets learning outcomes 3 and 7, grade U/G
Grade
Examinations included in the course are assessed according to a two-grade scale, fail or pass.
Grades are to be decided by a teacher specially appointed by the university.
A person who has not passed the regular examination shall be given the opportunity to retake the test.
Requirements
To participate in the course and the examinations included in the course, the applicant must be admitted to doctoral studies.
Subject to availability, teachers at Mälardalen University, or employees in Swedish industry or administration that hold a doctorate can be offered to take part of the course.
Selection criteria
Selection of applicants will be made in accordance with the ranking below.
- Doctoral students in the research schools ARRAY and RELIANT or third-cycle subject Computer Science at MDU
- Doctoral students at Mälardalen University
- Doctoral students at other universities in Sweden