Undergraduate Teaching 2025-26

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Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4B29: Wireless Communication, 2025-26

Module Leader

Prof OB Akan

Timing and Structure

Lent term. 75% exam / 25% coursework

Prerequisites

3B2 and 3F4 useful

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

  • Provide an in-depth understanding of wireless communication systems, covering both fundamental principles and advanced methodologies, including the challenges and demands faced by modern wireless communication technologies.
  • Explore the evolution of wireless communication, from traditional systems to advanced technologies like 6G, and examine how wireless communication has transformed society, influencing how people live, work, and interact through ubiquitous networks such as
  • Equip students with the tools to understand key concepts in wireless systems, such as signal propagation, channel models, and path loss, establishing a strong foundation to evaluate and design complex wireless systems.
  • Delve into statistical channel analysis, diversity techniques, and advanced methods for optimizing communication efficiency. This includes applying techniques such as Maximal Ratio Combining (MRC), Equal Gain Combining (EGC), and OFDM, and focusing on optim
  • Investigate multicarrier systems, including the application of OFDM, NOMA, and spread spectrum techniques, and explore their use in modern wireless communications, preparing students for the latest trends such as 6G technologies, Integrated Sensing and Co
  • Prepare students to design, analyze, and optimize wireless systems by providing a comprehensive understanding of wireless communication technologies. This enables students to address real-world challenges through practical applications of OFDM, MIMO, and

Objectives

As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:

  • Develop a strong foundation in wireless communication systems, focusing on concepts such as signal propagation, channel models, path loss, and shadowing effects. Understand how these principles apply to the design and evaluation of communication systems an
  • Analyze wireless channel models, including statistical models for Narrowband fading, Markov channels, and wideband channels. Assess the impact of delay spread, Doppler shift, and capacity in various channel conditions (e.g., AWGN, flat fading, and frequen
  • Explore diversity techniques such as MRC, EGC, adaptive modulation and coding, and Alamouti coding. Implement these techniques to improve system reliability and data transmission rates, while also understanding their performance in diverse channel conditi
  • Master multiple-antenna systems, including MIMO, massive MIMO, and beamforming techniques, essential for modern communication systems. Apply these techniques to improve signal reception, transmission efficiency, and system capacity.
  • Investigate advanced techniques, such as OFDM, NOMA, and spread spectrum techniques (DSSS, FHSS), to optimize wireless communication systems. Apply the knowledge of OFDM in multicarrier systems to handle high-data-rate wireless transmission, particularly
  • Understand emerging wireless technologies such as ISAC, Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS), Terahertz communications, and gain insights into how these technologies will be integrated into next-generation networks like 6G.
  • Apply these concepts in practical scenarios through coursework that focuses on the design and implementation of systems like OFDM and basic communication technologies for real-world applications. This hands-on approach will provide students with valuable

Content

Introduction to Wireless Communications & Channel Models (2L)

  • Overview of wireless communications and channels
  • Signal propagation
  • Tx/Rx signal models
  • Path loss models and shadowing effects
  • Combined path loss/shadowing models
  • Coverage area in cellular systems

Statistical Channel Models and Capacity (2L)

  • Statistical wireless channel models
  • Narrowband fading models
  • Markov channel
  • Wideband channel models
  • Delay spread and Doppler
  • Capacity of wireless channels: capacity in AWGN, flat and FS fading channels

Diversity Techniques (2L)

  • Diversity techniques overview
  • MRC and EGC diversity
  • Transmit diversity
  • Adaptive modulation and coding

Multiple-Antenna Systems and Beamforming (2L)

  • Multiple-antenna wireless communications
  • MIMO channel capacity and diversity
  • Massive MIMO
  • Beamforming
  • mmWave Beamforming

Multi-carrier Systems & Spread Spectrum Techniques (2L)

  • Time, Frequency, and Code Division Multiple Access (TDMA, FDMA, CDMA)
  • Multicarrier Systems, OFDM, and other multi-carrier waveforms
  • NOMA System
  • Frequency domain equalization
  • Spread spectrum techniques (DSSS, FHSS)
  • RAKE receivers

Advanced Topics and Applications (2L)

  • Multi-user systems and Cellular Systems
  • 6G roadmap and key technologies
  • Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC)
  • Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS)
  • Terahertz (THz) wireless 
  • Space communications

Examples papers

Two example papers will be issued with an example class for each example paper.

Coursework

For the coursework there will be a design exercise worth 25%. Since the coursework will assess OFDM design, OFDM design will not be assessed in the end of year examination.

Advanced OFDM System Design, CFO Estimation and Correction for 5G and Beyond Wireless Communications

In this project, you will design and implement an OFDM-based communication system for 5G wireless networks, with a specific focus on Carrier Frequency Offset (CFO) estimation and correction. The project will be conducted in two phases: first, simulating the OFDM system and CFO estimation/correction techniques in MATLAB/Python, followed by real-time transmission and performance evaluation using the ADALM Pluto SDR platform. You will investigate the impact of CFO on system performance and develop optimization strategies to improve signal quality and system reliability in real-world conditions. Through this coursework, you will gain valuable insights into how advanced synchronization techniques enhance the robustness and efficiency of wireless communication systems. Additionally, this project will provide a foundation for understanding the critical role of synchronization in future 6G networks, where addressing challenges such as CFO will be essential for supporting massive device connectivity and ensuring seamless communication in complex environments.

Learning objectives:

  • Simulate a 5G OFDM with key physical layer parameters (subcarrier spacing, FFT size, cyclic prefix, and modulation schemes) in MATLAB/Python.
  • Configure and operate the ADALM Pluto SDR for real-time transmission and reception of OFDM signals.
  • Implement Carrier Frequency Offset (CFO) estimation and correction techniques on real-world IQ data captured from the SDR platform.
  • Evaluate system performance by measuring Bit Error Rate (BER), Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), and throughput before and after CFO correction under AWGN, Rayleigh fading, and Doppler shifts in a hardware-in-the-loop environment.
  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of synchronization challenges and mitigation strategies in SDR-based 5G wireless communication systems.

Format

The report should be no more than 10 sides of A4 with minimum font size of 11. Individual report anonymously marked. 

Due date & marks

Wednesday of  Week 9,  [15/60].

 

Examination Guidelines

Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.

 
Last modified: 05/06/2025 18:16

Engineering Tripos Part IIA, 3D9: Construction Management, 2025-26

Module Leader

Prof Ioannis Brilakis

Lecturer

Prof Ioannis Brilakis

Lab Leader

Prof Ioannis Brilakis

Timing and Structure

Michaelmas term, 16 lectures

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

  • Familiarise students with core methods and principles for managing construction projects and businesses.
  • Introduce planning, scheduling, monitoring, productivity, road earthworks, and risk techniques.
  • Understand the fundamentals of Building Information Modelling and Digital Twins
  • Explore procurement, contracts, health and safety, and sustainability in a construction context.

Objectives

As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:

  • Grasp the key challenges associated with managing major construction projects.
  • Implement lean construction and production management techniques effectively.
  • Analyse various bidding strategies and procurement methods.
  • Design appropriate organizational structures and ownership models tailored to different construction environments at local, national, and international levels.
  • Utilize Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Digital Twins for planning, simulation, and project management.
  • Grasp the significance of information management in the construction industry.
  • Identify risks, explore organizational structures, and understand the implications of contract law.
  • Learn the basics of health, safety, and wellbeing within the construction sector.
  • Understand earthworks balancing and logistics for roadway projects.

Content

This module equips students with the essential concepts and tools for managing construction operations and companies. The content spans project scheduling, productivity, digital tools (BIM and Digital Twins), sustainability, procurement, safety, and legal aspects. Emphasis is placed on UK-based civil engineering and building projects, supported by expert industry lectures and lab-based digital simulations. 
 
Project & information management (6L) 2 lectures/week, weeks 1-3
 
• Introduction, roles & responsibilities 
 
• Project scheduling 
 
• Project monitoring 
 
• Productivity improvement, workforce motivation & agile management 
 
• Building Information Modelling 
 
• Digital Twins  
 
 
 
Production management (6L) 2 lectures/week, weeks 4-6
 
• Lean & Sustainable Construction 
 
• Earthworks Fundamentals 
 
• Soil Excavation 
 
• Rock Excavation 
 
• Loading and Hauling 
 
• Health, Safety, Wellbeing, and risk management 
 
 
 
Business management (4L) 2 lectures/week, weeks 7-8
 
• Procurement & Partnering 
 
• Construction contract law 
 
• Estimating, tendering & competitive bidding 
 
• Business methods, organisational structures 

Examples papers

Three example papers related to the lecture course will be distributed by the end of each section of the module. Please check the 3D9 Moodle page for updates. 

Coursework

Labs focusing on BIM-based planning and scheduling will take place in the DPO. The sign-up page (https://teachapp.eng.cam.ac.uk/cuedle2/index.php?context=3D9sa2194) will be activated at the beginning of Michaelmas. Lab reports must be submitted on the 3D9 Moodle page within 15 days following the lab session.
 
Learning objectives:  
 
To gain first-hand experience in applying BIM for construction planning and scheduling. 
 
To simulate and visualise construction workflows using digital tools. 
 
To understand the integration of design and schedule data through 4D modelling. 
 
To evaluate construction sequencing, resource allocation, and project constraints in a virtual environment. 
 
To develop skills in interpreting and manipulating project information in a digital format. 
 
To recognise the practical benefits and limitations of BIM-based construction management systems. 
 
Practical information: 
 
Lab sessions will take place in the DPO. 
 
This activity doesn't involve preliminary work, but it will be beneficial to read the handouts beforehand. 
 
 
Full Technical Report: 
 
There is no Full Technical Report (FTR) associated with this module.  

Booklists

Please consult the Booklist for Part IIA Courses for references pertinent to this module, which can be accessed on the associated Moodle course.  
 
 
The library booklist for this module includes: 
 
Core Reading:
1. HARRIS, F., McCAFFER, R., BALDWIN, A., and EDUM-FOTWE, F. (2021)
MODERN CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT, Wiley Blackwell. 
 
2. Nunnally, S. W. (2014)
Construction Methods and Management. 8th Edition, Pearson New International Edition.
ISBN: 9781292039350
 
3. Parn et al. (2024)
Twin Systems: Digital Twins of the Built Environment
ISBN: 9782634541210
 
4. Alavi H., et al. (2024)
Integrated Building Intelligence. 1st Edition. Springer Cham.
ISBN (eBook): 9783031688645
 
Further Reading:
1. Sacks R., et al. (2018)
BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Designers, Engineers, Contractors, and Facility Managers 
ISBN: 9781119287537
 
2. Gransberg, D.D., Popescu, C.M., & Ryan, R.C. (2020)
Construction Equipment Management for Engineers, Estimators, and Owners. 2nd Edition. CRC/Taylor & Francis.
ISBN: 978-1498788502
 
3. Patricia T. et al. (2018)
Lean Construction: Core Concepts and New Frontiers
ISBN: 9781032919676
 
4. SEARS, S.K., et al., (2015)
CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGEMENT, 6th edition, Wiley Blackwell.
 

Examination Guidelines

Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.

UK-SPEC

This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:

Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.

GT1

Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.

IA1

Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.

KU1

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.

KU2

Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.

D1

Wide knowledge and comprehensive understanding of design processes and methodologies and the ability to apply and adapt them in unfamiliar situations.

S1

The ability to make general evaluations of commercial risks through some understanding of the basis of such risks.

S3

Understanding of the requirement for engineering activities to promote sustainable development.

S4

Awareness of the framework of relevant legal requirements governing engineering activities, including personnel, health, safety, and risk (including environmental risk) issues.

E1

Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.

E2

Ability to extract data pertinent to an unfamiliar problem, and apply its solution using computer based engineering tools when appropriate.

E3

Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.

P1

A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations and some appreciation of likely new developments.

P3

Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).

US1

A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.

US3

An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively in engineering projects.

 
Last modified: 09/04/2026 09:34

Incomers to Engineering

All incomers into Engineering are advised to attend the Introductory Lectures.  Whilst these are primarily aimed at first year incomers they contain relevant information for all incomers into Engineering.  

Incomers into Engineering need to watch the Health and Safety talk, a recording of which can be found here (when available).  No practical work should be undertaken in the Department without seeing this.

Last updated on 01/10/2025 14:33

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