Research and study concept

Communications engineering

Communications engineering plays a fundamental role in modern communication technology. The following concept aims to develop a structured research and study program that addresses the current and future challenges in communications engineering, generates innovative solutions, and trains competent engineers for the communications industry with technical precision.

Objective

The aim of the concept is to strengthen research capacities, intensify cooperation with industrial partners and optimally train students for current and future technologies so that they need as little time as possible to familiarize themselves with the profession. The following specific goals are to be achieved:

  • Training students at the highest and most up-to-date technical level through personal interaction and interesting, entertaining courses.
  • Promotion of basic and applied research, development of new technologies and their implementation in the communications industry (e.g. cooperation with CableLabs, Denver, CO).
  • Intensifying cooperation with industry and national and international research institutions.
  • Generating research funding through industry and funding programs.

Current research work in communications engineering should focus on several key areas, including:

Wireless communication

  • Wireless mobile networks, 5G/6G technologies, WLAN technologies
  • Sensor and IoT networks
  • Radio frequency security → Network security
  • MIMO antenna design and optimization

Optical communication

  • High-speed data transmission, DWDM, CWDM, PON, HFC, Mobile
  • Coherent optical systems
  • Photonics and optical circuits
  • Fiber optic sensors, optical circuits, laser technology

Signal processing

  • Noise reduction algorithms
  • Error correction methods and forward error correction
  • Real-time signal processing, channel estimation, channel coding
  • Pattern recognition and machine learning, artificial intelligence in networks

Network technologies

  • Protocol development and optimization
  • Software-defined networks (SDN), network virtualization
  • Network security and management

Study program

The study program should cover the theoretical and practical aspects of communications engineering and focus on the following areas:

Bachelor’s degree program in Communications Engineering

  • Fundamentals of electrical engineering and electronics
  • Introduction to communications engineering
  • Digital and analog signal processing
  • Practical laboratory courses and project work on relevant topics

Master’s program in Communications Engineering

  • Advanced communication systems
  • Wireless networks and mobile communication
  • Optical communications engineering
  • Research projects and industrial internships on current and, if possible, future topics

Methodology and teaching approach

  • Motivation: Designing entertaining lectures and courses.
  • Interdisciplinary cooperation: Promotion of cooperation between different specialist areas and disciplines.
  • Practical orientation: integration of practical exercises, laboratories and projects into the curriculum, working in teams.
  • E-learning and blended learning: using online resources and virtual classrooms to support learning → "Learn it like you'll work it".
  • Research-integrated learning: Integration of current research projects into teaching in order to involve students in scientific and industrial work at an early stage.

Cooperation and networks

  • Industry partnerships: Establishing and maintaining partnerships with leading companies in the German and international communications industry.
  • Research consortia: Participation in national and international research projects and consortia.
  • Academic networks: Cooperation with other universities and research institutions worldwide.

Funding and resources

  • Acquisition of third-party funding: Active acquisition of third-party funding through research projects and collaborations with industry.
  • Expansion of infrastructure: Investment in modern laboratory equipment and infrastructure to support research and teaching.
  • Scholarships and support programs: Establishment of scholarships and support programs for talented students and young academics.

Evaluation and further development

  • Quality assurance: Regular evaluation of study programs and research activities by internal and external experts.
  • Feedback mechanisms: Obtaining feedback from students, teachers and industry partners to continuously improve the program.
  • Future orientation: adapting the program to technological advances and changing requirements of the labor market.