AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA School of Information Technology & Communications Higher Degree Courses in Information Technologies & Telecommunications

Systems Start Date: January 2012 (spring)

Telecommunications (Part-Time, Block Release) Options: 1. Postgraduate Diploma in Telecommunications 2. M Sc in Telecommunications Systems 3. PhD in Telecommunications Systems by Research Introduction The Higher degrees in Telecommunications Systems will appeal to graduates with primary degrees in electronics or computing who wish to focus or enhance their career in telecommunications. The graduate programs are also recommended to those with other science or engineering backgrounds, who wish to work in the telecommunications industry. The course is offered as a part-time degree program leading to the award of any of the following certificates: a. Diploma Certificate b. Masters Degree c. Doctorate Degree This opportunity will facilitate students currently in employment as well as those that are progressing straight after their primary degree program from AUN, and other accredited Universities. It is a block-release in-class course over two summer terms, spanning 18 36 months for those interested in diploma or Masters Degree option, or a minimum of 3 - 5 years for those interested in the doctorate option by research and thesis. 1. Objectives This course is designed to equip students with detailed knowledge of communications and wireless systems and its application to real life situations. 2. Core modules (for Diploma, Masters, and PhD candidates): Summer of Year 1 (Mandatory) Advanced Programming in C++ or Java (3 Credits), Stochastic Methods and Analysis (3 Credits), Real-time DSP for Wireless Communications (3 Credits) Advanced Mobile Systems & Wireless Networks (3 Credits), Select one module from Electives 1 or 2: 1. Satellite and Optical Communications (3 Credits), 2. Communications Security (3 Credits) Summer of Year 2 (Mandatory) Pedagogical Methods and Practice (Workshop) (3 Credits), Advanced Digital Communications (3 Credits), Telecom Project Management and Laws (2 Credits), Technical Research Methods and Writing (1 Credit), Advances in Telecoms & Data Communications (3 Credits) Commence MSc Dissertation (6 Credits) PhD by Research (36 Credits)

3. Certificate Options: i. Candidates for Diploma certificate in Telecommunications are expected to satisfactorily complete the above modules and attain a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.0 or better in order to be eligible for an AUN diploma certificate in Telecommunication Systems. ii. To proceed to the MSc degree program, students will be required to complete the above modules and also attain minimum CGPA points of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. In addition to this, candidates will be expected to submit a dissertation based on practical research work completed by December of the second year, but no later than summer of the third year. Students would be required to defend the MSc dissertation before the award of the degree. iii. For those aspiring for the Doctoral Degree program, it is mandatory to complete the above listed modules with a minimum CGPA of 2.5 and also must be successful in the AUN administered 3-hour PhD comprehensive written examination at the end of second year. The examination will naturally assess the technical and emotional competence of the candidates to commence research program for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Telecommunications Systems. The candidate may then proceed to the research phase of the PhD program which will see him working more closely with his/her assigned supervisor (local/abroad) for a minimum of 3 years. 4. Careers The Higher certificate Degrees in Telecommunications Systems is designed to produce graduates with in-depth skills in contemporary computer networks and telecommunications. Prospective careers for such graduates include the design of telecommunications systems (hardware and software), planning, research, and a niche career in telecommunications consultancy, amongst others. Typical Telecommunications career with MTN, NITEL, NTA, NOKIA, AUN, Government establishments, etc. 5. Program of Study: The general course component of the higher degree course in telecommunications is a two-year, part-time, taught postgraduate program. It consists of ten taught modules and a major project during the third year for those proceeding to the Masters Degree program. Each taught module is worth 1, 2 or 3 credit points and the final dissertation is worth 6 credit points. Each credit points are worth 15 hours of lecture times. The course runs over two years during the summer terms. Taught material is presented by certified instructors from AUN and top American and European Universities. For those proceeding to the Masters degree, the final year project is meant to be completed at the end of the end of December of the second academic year, but not later summer of the third year. In the first year of study, students will study five modules over a 5/6-week period. Lectures are delivered as block-release modules starting at 8:30am and ending at 5:30pm Monday through Friday (breaks inclusive). The same regime holds on the second summer except that the credit weight becomes lighter to facilitate students who will be engaged in dissertation work and research. PhD students, on successful completion of the final comprehensive exams at the end of year 2, will be allocated one advisor from AUN and another one from the US or UK. The advisors shall supervise the PhD Proposal and manage the remaining research segment of the student until completion of the PhD Thesis. Thereafter, the PhD examination would be conducted by a panel of at least three doyens in the field; at least one must be AUN Faculty and at least one external examiner. 6. Program Fees: The fee for the Telecommunications program per year is N750, 000.00. 7. List of Lecturers for the Telecommunications Program: a. Prof. Augustine Odinma (AUN), PhD in Computer engineering with Specialization in Telecommunications, University of London, UK. Professor of IT & Telecommunications, AUN. b. Prof. M Obaidat (US), PhD in Computer Science, Ohio State University, US; Prof of Computer Science & Computer Engineering, Monmouth University, NJ, US. http://bluehawk.monmouth.edu/mobaidat/ c. Prof. John Cosmos (UK), PhD in Electrical Engineering, University of Liverpool, UK; Professor of Telecommunications & Wireless, University of Brunel, London, UK. http://people.brunel.ac.uk/~eestjpc/ d. Dr Jonathan Loo (UK), PhD in Communications & Electronics, University of Hertfordshire; Reader Digital Signal Processing, Middlesex University, London, UK. http://www.mdx.ac.uk/aboutus/staffdirectory/jonathanloo.aspx http://www.wuncogcom.org/members/Middlesex.html e. Prof. Anthony Nzeako (UNN), PhD, UK; Prof. of Electrical Engineering, UNN.

Dr Martin ODroma (Ireland), PhD Telecommunications, National University of Ireland, University College Dublin, Ireland. g. Dr Francis Adepoju (AUN), PhD in Computer & Electronics, University of Limerick, Ireland. h. Dr Denis Smoline (AUN), PhD in Computer Science, Novosibiri State University, Russia. i. Dr Mathias Fonkam (AUN), PhD in Computer Science, University of Wales, Cardiff, UK. TELECOMMUNICATIONS COURSE SUMMARY DESCRIPTIONS TEL 511 - Advanced Programming in C++ or Java Basic Objects and Classes, Function and Operator Overloading, Inheritance and Polymorphism, Input and Output, Memory Management, Templates, Exception handling. The Standard API & Library. The ANSI/ISO Standard. Development Environments: Debuggers, Profilers, Browsers, Object Oriented Methodologies (one in detail e.g. OMT/UML). Reverse engineering, Case Study and Project in the area of Software Design for Advanced Communication Systems, Software Reuse. TEL 512 - Stochastic Methods and Analysis This module provides an introduction to stochastic processes in communications, signal processing, digital and computer systems, and control. Topics will include introduction to discrete and continuous probability spaces (including numerical generation of pseudo random samples from specified probability distributions), continuous and discrete random processes, correlation and power spectral density, optimal filtering, Markov processes in discrete and continuous time with discrete and continuous sample spaces, point processes including homogeneous and inhomogeneous Poisson processes and Markov chains, queuing theory, etc. Numerical methods will be developed using MATLAB and relevant statistical package. The Module will end with Student mini projects based on principles learnt on the module. TEL 513 Real-time DSP for Wireless Communications, This module provides the students with the confidence and capability to successfully map DSP algorithms used in wireless communication systems to an advanced DSP system. Students will first learn the principle of real-time DSP especially the issues related to analogue signal sampling, digital representation, digitization effects on analogue signals and real-time processing constraints. Subsequently, students will learn the latest and advanced Texas Instrument (TI) TMS320C6000 DSP family, in particular, TMS320C6416T. Issues related to the processor architecture, its peripherals and operation, software development tools and real-time DSP programming will be covered. Students will be able to design real time embedded systems for wireless communications using different design methodologies and advanced arithmetic techniques suitable for DSP implementation. A range of DSP algorithms for wireless communication applications will be studied and analyzed for example, digital filter (FIR), adaptive filter, modulation techniques (PAM, PSK, QAM), phase-lock loop (costas-loop), FFT, CDMA, spectrum analysis etc. TEL 514 - Advanced Mobile Systems & Wireless Networks, This module covers the fundamental principles of mobile communication systems and provides the knowledge and a practical understanding of the evolution and up-to-date technologies in mobile systems. It includes GSM/GPRS/UMTS/4G, multiple access technologies, cellular systems, multipath fading, QoS management and control, radio resource management and mobility and security management. Topics also includes Wireless access technologies, wireless LAN, mobile IP mobile transport layer and wireless multimedia applications TEL 517 - Satellite and Optical Communications, This module covers the advanced topics in satellite and optical communications, which allow the students to follow the most recent technologies in the field. Central to these concepts are the satellite orbits, link budget analysis, multiplexing techniques, DVB-S, transponders, satellite networks, optical fibres (signal propagation and attenuation), optical sources, photo detectors and optical networks. TEL 519 - Communications Security Introduces the fundamental theory that enables what is achievable through the use of cryptography to be determined and presents the practical techniques and algorithms that are currently important for the efficient and secure communication over wireless networks.

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TEL 521 - Pedagogical Methods and Practice (Workshop) Practical work is an important component of the module and gives students experience with relevant techniques and tools. Assignments are of practical nature and involve laboratory work with relevant equipment, hardware and software systems, conducted in a hands-on workshop environment. Typical assignments are: Error control codec Digital modulation Predicting Wireless (802.11) performance. Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) analysis of optical waveguides Design of photonic crystal based devices using FDTD Implementation, analysis of cipher algorithms Satellite vs. Terrestrial link quality 2G cellular planning and optimization 3G cellular planning and optimization TEL 522 - Advanced Digital Communications This module introduces the students to more advanced topics in digital communication systems. It covers channel modeling, digital transmission through wireless channels, advanced error control techniques, multicarrier digital transmission, application and wireless & cellular mobile communications. TEL 528 - Advances in Telecommunications and Data Communications This module provides the student with an in depth knowledge and understanding of the trends in access technologies. Coverage includes wireless applications, multimedia mobile IP networks, Voice/IP technology, Implementing advanced Converged Networks, Contemporary and present based services, ISDB, Quality of Service (QoS) challenges in the Nigerian telecommunication setting, Emerging technologies and infrastructures. TEL 606 Telecoms Project Management and Laws Introduces a range of formal methods and skills necessary to equip the students to function effectively at the higher levels of project management. Module covers the need for the development of project management skills in achieving practical business objectives. Students will learn about relevant and appropriate regulatory bodies in Africa, Europe, Asia and the USA. Students will understand the prevalent Nigerian and international laws related to telecommunications engineering. Laws related to telecommunications hacking will be covered in detail. TEL 607 - Technical Research Methods and Writing This module introduces the students to the dynamics of effective research and technical writing. Students are taught research methods, effective research writing, paraphrasing, and proper referencing. TEL 690 MSc Dissertation The dissertation is a stimulating and challenging part of the MSc programme. It provides the opportunity to apply the knowledge acquired in the taught component of the course and also to specialize in one aspect, developing the students deep understanding and expertise in Wireless Communication Systems related to area of their choice. Students may carry out their project wholly within the University, but industrial based projects are encouraged. For company-sponsored students, projects should be related to the companys present and future enterprise. Industrial projects often lead to recruitment of the student by the collaborating company. TEL 710 PhD Thesis The thesis document is an extensive guided research about a particular topic in the field of telecommunications with a view to contribute to knowledge in the field. Candidates for the Doctor of Philosophy must show a very high level of mastery of the technological components of the communications field and must meet the literary and scholarly standard adjudged by the doyens in the field as sufficient for the award of the degree.

Entry Requirements The principal entry requirement for Higher Degree Courses in the School of Information Technology & Communications is a minimum of second class lower division degree or equivalent. Candidates with Higher National Diploma (HND) and substantial industry experience may be considered. An interview may be part of the admission process. Masters degree is required to enroll in a PhD in Telecommunications; and the School of IT & Communications PhD comprehensive examination given, after the taught compulsory graduate courses must be passed in order to progress to continue PhD research. For further information, please contact: The Program Director: American University of Nigeria, Lamido Zubairu Way, Yola By-Pass, PMB 2250, Yola Adamawa State, Nigeria. Email: sitc.execpg@aun.edu.ng