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Systems and Computer Engineering (SYSC) Courses

SYSC 5001 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6101)
Simulation and Modeling

Simulation as a problem solving tool. Random variable generation, general discrete simulation procedure: event table and statistical gathering. Analyses of simulation data: point and interval estimation. Confidence intervals. Overview of modeling, simulation and problem solving using SIMSCRIPT, MODSIM and other languages.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as SYSC 4005, for which additional credit is precluded.

SYSC 5004 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6104)
Optimization for Engineering Applications

Introduction to algorithms and computer methods for optimizing complex engineering systems. Includes linear programming, networks, nonlinear programming, integer and mixed-integer programming, genetic algorithms and search methods, and dynamic programming. Emphasizes practical algorithms and computer methods for engineering applications.

SYSC 5101 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6111)
Design of High Performance Software

Designing software to demanding performance specifications. Design analysis using models of computation, workload, and performance. Principles to govern design improvement for sequential, concurrent and parallel execution, based on resource architecture and quantitative analysis.
Prerequisite(s): SYSC 5704 (ELG 6174) and a course in software engineering, or equivalent.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as SYSC 4102, for which additional credit is precluded.

SYSC 5103 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6113)
Software Agents

Agent-based programming; elements of Distributed Artificial Intelligence; beliefs, desires and intentions; component-based technology; languages for agent implementations; interface agents; information sharing and coordination; KIF; collaboration; communication; ontologies; KQML; autonomy; adaptability; security issues; mobility; standards; agent design issues and frameworks, applications in telecommunications.
Prerequisite(s): Knowledge of Java, C/C++ or Smalltalk.

SYSC 5104 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6114)
Methodologies For Discrete-Event Modeling And Simulation

Methodological aspects of simulation. Modeling discrete events systems. Modeling formalisms: FSA, FSM, Petri Nets, DEVS, others. Verification and validation. Cellular models: Cellular Automata, Cell-DEVS. Continous and hybrid models. Parallel and Distributed simulation (PADS) techniques. PADS middleware: HLA, Parallel-DEVS, Time-Warp.
Prerequisite(s): knowledge of C++ and of basic concepts of concurrency and distributed systems.

SYSC 5105 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6115)
Software Quality Engineering and Management

All aspects of software quality engineering. Software testing, at all stages of the software development and maintenance life cycle. Software reviews and inspections. Use of software measurement and quantitative modeling for the purpose of software quality control and improvement.
Precludes additional credit for CSI 5111 (COMP 5501).
Prerequisite(s): an undergraduate course in software engineering such as SYSC 4800 or SEG 3300, or equivalent, and basic statistics.

SYSC 5108 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6118)
Topics in Information Systems

Recent and advanced topics in the field of Information Systems and its related areas.

SYSC 5200 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6120)
Algebraic Coding Theory

Review of Algebra, Finite Fields, Linear Block Codes and their Properties, Hamming Codes, Cyclic Codes, Hadamard Matrices and Hadamard Codes, Golay Codes, Reed-Muller Codes, BCH and Reed-Solomon Codes, Decoding Algorithms, Coding Bounds.

SYSC 5201 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6121)
Computer Communication

Computer network types, introductory queuing theory and performance analysis. OSI layering and BISDN layering modifications. Data link layer. Local area networks and random access (CSMA- CD, switched ethernet, token ring, wireless LAN). Public Networks. IP networks, addressing, routing. Transport layer, flow control. Introduction to ISDN.
Precludes additional credit for EACJ 5607 (ELG 5374) or SYSC 4602 (ELG 4181).
Prerequisite(s): Undergraduate preparation in probability theory equivalent to STAT 3502.

SYSC 5202 [0.5 credit] (BMG 5107)
Applications in Biomedical Image Processing

Image processing methods applied to biomedical images. Overview of medical imaging modalities. Image enhancement, segmentation, registration and fusion. Image quality metrics. Image formats. Application examples.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Also listed as BIOM 5202.

SYSC 5206 [0.5 credit]
Resource Management on Distributed Systems

Principles and techniques for resource management on distributed systems including clouds, grids and data analytics platforms; management of computing and storage resources; service level agreements; performance and energy aware techniques for scheduling, allocation, dynamic resource provisioning; cyber-physical systems and BigData; resource management for BigData analytics.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

SYSC 5207 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6127)
Distributed Systems Engineering

Techniques for representing distributed systems: graphical and textual models. Processes, threads, synchronization and inter-process communication techniques, RPC. Middleware: client-server (CORBA), grids, Web services. Resource management: processor allocation, load sharing, Grid scheduling, real-time issues. Protocol: OSI model, application and presentation layers.
Prerequisite(s): permission of the Department.

SYSC 5302 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6321)
Biomedical Instrumentation

Instrumentation designed to measure physiological variables related to the function of the heart, lungs, kidney, nervous and musculo-skeletal system; emergency, critical care, surgery and anaesthesia equipment.
Also listed as EACJ 5302 (ELG 6321).
Precludes additional credit for BIOM 5100 (BMG 5103).
Prerequisite(s): permission of the instructor.


SYSC 5303 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6133)
Interactive Networked Systems and Telemedicine

Telemanipulator; human motoring and sensory capabilities; typical interface devices; mathematical model of haptic interfaces; haptic rendering; stability and transparency; remote control schemes; time delay compensation; networking and realtime protocols, history and challenges of telemedicine; telemedicine applications: telesurgery, telemonitoring, telediagnosis and telehomecare.
Also listed as BIOM 5402 (BMG 5304).
Prerequisite(s): permission of the Department.


SYSC 5304 [0.5 credit] (ELG 5127)
Medical Imaging Modalities

Mathematical models of image formation based on the image modality and tissue properties. Linear models of image degradation and reconstruction. Inverse problems and regularization for image reconstruction. Image formation in radiology, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, positron emission tomography.
Also listed as BIOM 5200 (BMG 5105).


SYSC 5306 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6136)
Mobile Computing Systems

Systems to build mobile applications. Covers data link layer to application layer. Emphasis on existing wireless infrastructure and IETF protocols. Focuses on view of mobile application developer; communication systems, middleware and application frameworks, defacto standards proposed/developed by industry consortia.
Precludes additional credit for COMP 5402 (CSI 5142).
Prerequisite(s): EACJ 5607 (ELG 5374) or SYSC 5201 (ELG 6121) or permission of the Department.

SYSC 5307 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6307)
Biological Signals

Modeling of neuromuscular biological signals, including subthreshold phenomena, active behaviour of cell membranes, and innervation processes. Measurement of biological signals, including electrode effects. Time domain, frequency domain, and adaptive filtering techniques for noise reduction.
Precludes additional credit for BIOM 5101 (BMG 5104).

SYSC 5370 [0.5 credit] (ELG 5370)
Wavelets and Multiresolution Signal Analysis

Multirate signal processing: sampling rate conversion, polyphase representation. Bases, filter banks: series expansion of discrete-time signals, series expansion of continuous-time signals, multiresolution concept and analysis, construction of wavelet, wavelet series. Complexity of multirate discrete-time processing, filter banks, and wavelet series computation.

SYSC 5401 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6141)
Adaptive and Learning Systems

System identification. Least squares and recursive identification techniques. Asymptotic and theoretical properties. Model structure selection. Prediction and estimation. Model reference adaptive control and self-tuning regulators. Nonlinear adaptive systems. Stability. Neural networks and neuro-control. Applications to robotics, control and pattern recognition.
Prerequisite(s): SYSC 5502 (ELG 6152) or equivalent.

SYSC 5403 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6143)
Network Access Techniques

A range of access technologies with emphasis on broadband access. Physical channels and the state-of-the-art of coding, modulation, multiplexing strategies to overcome physical impairments. including high-speed transmission over twisted pair, wireless, fibre and co-axial media.
Prerequisite(s): SYSC 5503 (ELG 6153), and SYSC 5504 (ELG 6154) or ELG 5375 (EACJ 5506).

SYSC 5405 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6102)
Pattern Classification and Experiment Design

Introduction to a variety of supervised and unsupervised pattern classification techniques with emphasis on correct application. Statistically rigorous experimental design and reporting of performance results. Case studies will be drawn from various fields including biomedical informatics.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Also listed as BIOM 5405.
Prerequisite(s): undergraduate introductory probability and statistics.


SYSC 5407 [0.5 credit] (ELG 5137)
Planning and Design of Computer Networks

Planning process of computer networks; needs and technical requirements; modeling of different network planning problems; exact and approximate algorithms; topological planning and expansion problems; equipment (switch, router) location problem; approximate and optimal routing algorithms; presentation of various case studies.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

SYSC 5408 [0.5 credit]
Cross Layer Design for Wireless Networks

Quality of service measures at different layers. Parameter adaptation, tradeoffs, and optimization at physical, data-link, network, transport, and application layers. Examples of cross-layer design in cellular, ad hoc, sensor, local area, green, and cognitive radio networks.

SYSC 5500 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6189)
Designing Secure Networking and Computer Systems

Network security with coverage of computer security in support of networking concepts. Covers various security issues in data networks at different protocol layers. Routing security, worm attacks, and botnets. Security of new mobile networks and emerging networked paradigms such as social networks and cloud computing.
Precludes additional credit for SYSC 5801 Section “X” (ELG 6181).


SYSC 5502 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6152)
Advanced Linear Systems

Modeling and state space realization. Review of signals and systems. Solution to the matrix DE. Discrete time systems and the Z transform. Canonical representations and transformations. Controllability, observability and controller and observer design. LQR design and the Kalman filter. Numerous examples and applications.
Precludes additional credit for MECH 4501.

SYSC 5503 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6153)
Stochastic Processes

Basic concepts of randomness, as applied to communications, signal processing, and queuing systems; probability theory, random variables, stochastic processes; random signals in linear systems; introduction to decision and estimation; Markov chains and elements of queuing theory.
Precludes additional credit for EACJ 5109 (ELG 5119).

SYSC 5504 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6154)
Principles of Digital Communication

Elements of communication theory and information theory applied to digital communications systems. Characterization of noise and channel models. Optium Receiver theory. Modulation and coding for reliable transmission: MPSK, MQAM, M-ary orthogonal modulation. Channel coding, trellis coded modulation. Spread spectrum and CDMA communications.
Precludes additional credit for EACJ 5506 (ELG 5375).
Prerequisite(s): SYSC 5503 (ELG 5503) or ELG 5119 (EACJ 5109) or equivalent (may be taken concurrently).

SYSC 5506 [0.5 credit] (ELG 5170)
Information Theory

Measure of information: entropy, relative entrophy, mutual information, asymptotic equipartition property, entropy rates for stochastic processes; data compression: Huffman code, arithmetic coding; channel capacity: random coding bound, reliability function, Blahut-Arimoto algorithm, Gaussian channels, coloured Gaussian noise and 'water-filling'; rate distortion theory; network information theory.
Precludes additional credit for EACJ 5501 (ELG 5170).
Prerequisite(s): SYSC 5503 (ELG 6153) or EACJ 5109 (ELG 5119) or equivalent.


SYSC 5600 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6160)
Adaptive Signal Processing

Theory and techniques of adaptive filtering, including Wiener filters, gradient and LMS methods; adaptive transversal and lattice filters; recursive and fast recursive least squares; convergence and tracking performance; implementation. Applications, such as adaptive prediction, channel equalization, echo cancellation, source coding, antenna beamforming, spectral estimation.
Precludes additional credit for EACJ 5800 (ELG 5377).
Prerequisite(s): SYSC 5503 (ELG 5503)or ELG 5119 (EACJ 5109) or equivalent; SYSC 5602 (ELG 6162) or ELG 5376 (EACJ 5507) or equivalent.

SYSC 5602 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6162)
Digital Signal Processing

Review of discrete time signals and systems, A/D and D/A conversions, representation in time, frequency, and Z domain, DFT/FFT transforms, FIR/IIR filter design, quantization effects. Correlation functions. Cepstrum analysis. Multi-rate signal processing. Power spectrum estimation. Introduction to joint time-frequency analysis. DSP architecture: implementation approaches. Applications.
Precludes additional credit for EACJ 5507 (ELG 5376).

SYSC 5605 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6165)
Advanced Digital Communication

Techniques and performance of digital signalling and equalization over linear bandlimited channels with additive Gaussian noise. Fading multipath channels: diversity concepts, modeling and error probability performance evaluation. Synchronization in digital communications. Spread spectrum in digital transmission over multipath fading channels.
Precludes additional credit for EACJ 5704 (ELG 5780).
Prerequisite(s): SYSC 5504 (ELG 6154) or equivalent.

SYSC 5606 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6166)
Introduction to Mobile Communications

Mobile radio channel characterization: signal strength prediction techniques and statistical coverage; fading; delay spread; interference models and outage probabilities. Digital modulation and transmission system performance. Signal processing techniques: diversity and beamforming, adaptive equalization, coding. Applications to TDMA and CDMA cellular systems.
Prerequisite(s): SYSC 5503 (ELG 5503) and SYSC 5504 (ELG 6154) (may be taken concurrently with SYSC 5606).

SYSC 5607 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6167)
Source Coding and Data Compression

Discrete and continuous sources. Discrete sources: Huffman coding & run length encoding. Continuous sources: waveform construction coding; PCM, DPMC, delta modulation; speech compression by parameter extraction; predictive encoding; image coding by transformation and block quantization. Fourier and Walsh transform coding. Applications to speech, television, facsimile.
Prerequisite(s): SYSC 5503 (ELG 5503) or ELG 5119 (EACJ 5109) or equivalent.

SYSC 5608 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6168)
Wireless Communications Systems

Fundamentals of antenna systems and radio propagation, wireless channel characterization, link budget, spectrum, cellular and personal wireless communication systems, channel reuse, system capacity, mobility and location management, channel resource allocation, radio access network (RAN), multiple access principles, security and authentication, satellite networks, wireless LANs.

SYSC 5701 [0.5 credit] (CSI 5117)
Operating System Methods for Real-Time Applications

Principles and methods for operating system design with application to real-time, embedded systems. Concurrent programming: mechanisms and languages; design approaches and issues; run-time support (kernel). Methods for hard real-time applications. Methods for distributed systems. Programming assignments in a suitable programming language.
Prerequisite(s): SYSC 3303 or SYSC 5704 (ELG 6174) or equivalent courses and/or experience. Programming experience in high level and assembly languages.

SYSC 5702 [0.5 credit]
Sensor Fusion for Autonomous Systems

Sensor fusion for autonomous navigation systems. Topics include reference frames, maps representation, state estimation, error modelling, localization and mapping, sensors for autonomous navigation, sensor fusion algorithms. The course is for students with background in signals/systems, linear-algebra, and probability. Programming in Matlab or Python is essential.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

SYSC 5703 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6173)
Integrated Database and Cloud Systems

Review of database concepts: Conceptual database design, relational and object-oriented data models; application of SQL, recursive queries, relational algebra, and data integration; normalization theory, deductive approach to database, and query processing; object-oriented database; OLAP, data warehousing and data mining; Cloud computing, Hadoop, and MapReduce.

SYSC 5704 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6174)
Elements of Computer Systems

Concepts in basic computer architecture, assembly languages, high level languages including object orientation, compilers and operating system concepts (including concurrency mechanisms such as processes and threads and computer communication). Designed for graduate students without extensive undergraduate preparation in computer system engineering (or equivalent experience).
Prerequisite(s): programming experience with at least one high level language and permission of the Department.

SYSC 5708 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6178)
Model-Driven Development of Real-Time and Distributed Software

Advanced development of real-time and distributed systems by model-driven development that shifts the focus from coding to modeling. Different types of models. Generating code by model transformations. Design patterns for distributed/concurrent systems with examples from communication applications. Design issues for reusable software.
Prerequisite(s): knowledge of UML and operating systems concepts, and permission of the Department.

SYSC 5709 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6179)
Advanced Topics in Software Engineering

Recent and advanced topics in the field of software engineering and related areas. Primary references are recent publications in the field.
Prerequisite(s): permission of the Department.

SYSC 5801 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6181)
Advanced Topics in Computer Communications

Recent and advanced topics in computer-communication networks intended as a preparation for research. Students are expected to contribute to seminars or present lectures on selected topics.
Prerequisite(s): SYSC 5201(ELG 6121) or ELG 5374 (EACJ 5607) or equivalent and permission of the Department.

SYSC 5804 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6184)
Advanced Topics in Communications Systems

Recent and advanced topics in communications systems.
Prerequisite(s): permission of the Department.

SYSC 5805 [0.5 credit]
Model-Driven Security Engineering

Fundamentals of security engineering and its activities, with emphasis on model-driven approaches for asset identification, threat and risk assessment, security requirements elicitation, security controls selection, security evaluation, and security assurance for software intensive-systems. Examination of challenges for engineering secure software.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

SYSC 5807 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6187)
Advanced Topics in Computer Systems

Recent and advanced topics in computer systems. The course will generally focus on one or more of the following areas: specification, design, implementation, and modeling/analysis. Students may be expected to contribute to lectures or seminars on selected topics.
Prerequisite(s): permission of the Department.

SYSC 5809 [0.5 credit]
The Internet of Things

Main concepts of the Internet of Things (IoT) ranging from the physical devices and sensor networks to the applications and standards.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

SYSC 5900 [0.5 credit] (ELG 6188)
Systems Engineering Project

Students pursuing the non-thesis M.Eng. program conduct an engineering study, analysis, and/or design project under the supervision of a faculty member.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

SYSC 5902 [0.5 credit]
Research Methods for Engineers

Topics required to perform engineering research including literature surveys, identifying issues, objectives, and methodology. Technical writing, documenting and presenting engineering ideas and a review of statistics, simulation, optimization and data analysis.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

SYSC 5903 [0.5 credit]
Systems Engineering Project II

Students pursuing the non-thesis M.Eng. program conduct an engineering study, analysis, and/or design project under the supervision of a faculty member.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): permission of the Department.

SYSC 5905 [2.0 credits] (ELG 6188)
M.C.S. Thesis

Also listed as MATH 5905, COMP 5905.

SYSC 5906 [0.5 credit]
Directed Studies


SYSC 5909 [2.5 credits]
M.A.Sc. Thesis

Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

SYSC 6909 [0.0 credit]
Ph.D. Thesis

Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

Note: Not all courses listed are offered in a given year. For an up-to-date statement of course offerings for the current session and to determine the term of offering, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca.

Summer session: some of the courses listed in this Calendar are offered during the summer. Hours and scheduling for summer session courses will differ significantly from those reported in the fall/winter Calendar. To determine the scheduling and hours for summer session classes, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca