Information Theory (ELEN90030)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2025

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Overview

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AIMS

Information Theory is the fundamental backbone of reliable communications, reliable data storage, and data compression. This subject provides the rigorous basis of `information', showing it to have deep links to the ability to reduce data to its essence, and to the ultimate limits to communication.

INDICATIVE CONTENT

This subject is aimed at postgraduate (research) students. The subject material covers the core topics of Information Theory including: Shannon entropy, Mutual Information, lossless and lossy source coding, Shannon's celebrated channel capacity and channel coding theorem, differential entropy and the Gaussian channel. Technically the subject combines probabilistic models of idealised communication and the mathematics of applied probability.

Intended learning outcomes

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs)


Having completed this subject it is expected that the student be able to:



  • Understand and apply the Shannon notion of entropy to model data coding and communication situations
  • Manipulate Information Theoretic identities and to understand their intuitive meanings
  • Analyse and understand the classic channel models and their capacity analysis in particular discrete memoryless channels, the Gaussian channel, and the critical ideas of random coding and joint typicality
  • Understand the limits to data compression and be able to design codes which can approach the ultimate Shannon limit

Generic skills

On completion of this subject, students will have developed the following skills:

  • Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals;
  • In-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline;
  • Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution;
  • Ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance;
  • Expectation of the need to undertake lifelong learning, capacity to do so;
  • Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning;
  • Intellectual curiosity and creativity, including understanding of the philosophical and methodological bases of research activity;
  • Openness to new ideas and unconventional critiques of received wisdom;
  • Profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Admission into a research higher degree (MPhil or PhD) in Engineering.

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Continuous assessment in the form of two homework assignments (worth 20% each), not exceeding 30 pages in total over the semester (addressing ILOs 1-4)

  • 55-60 hours (of work required)
Throughout the teaching period40%

One written examination (addressing ILOs 1-4)

  • 3 hours
Hurdle requirement: Students must pass the written exam to pass the subject.		End of semester60%

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Dates & times

Not available in 2025

Time commitment details

200 hours

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    None

  • Subject notes

    LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS

    The subject is delivered through lectures and homework assignments.

    INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES

    Students are provided with lecture notes, including worked examples, assignment problems, and recommended reading lists comprising textbooks and journal articles.

    CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS

    Exposure to research literature and the rigour expected at the level of postgraduate study.

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    CoursePh.D.- Engineering
    CourseDoctor of Philosophy - Engineering
    CourseMaster of Philosophy - Engineering
  • Available through the Community Access Program

    About the Community Access Program (CAP)

    This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.

    Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants

    Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.

    Additional information for this subject

    Subject coordinator approval required

  • Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students

    This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.

Last updated: 4 March 2025