Course Title: Radar Systems

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Radar Systems

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Coordinator: A. Prof. Kamran Ghorbani

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925

Course Coordinator Email: kamran.ghorbani@rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Assumed Knowledge

You are required to demonstrate knowledge of signal descriptions in the time and frequency domains and modulation techniques.


Course Description

This course will introduce you to basic radar principles and microwave systems. You will be familiarised with critical topics such as receiver sensitivity, dynamic range, jamming, and communication links.

The emphasis will be placed on airborne radars currently in service in applications ranging from long-range surveillance to environmental monitoring. The laboratory program will provide you with the opportunity to utilise modern CAD tools to design receivers and the latest in microwave test equipment to characterise your receiver designs.

The course will be strongly design oriented with a strong development of practical design skills.

Particular topics to be investigated will include:

  1. Basic mathematical concepts: dB values and equations.
  2. Introduction to radar systems and classification of radar: pulsed radar, CW radar.
  3. Receivers: crystal video receiver, IFM receiver, tuned radio frequency receiver, and superheterodyne receiver.
  4. Jamming: classifications of jamming, jamming-to-signal ratio, burn-through and cover jamming.
  5. Direction finding methods and synthetic aperture radar.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes

This course develops the following Program Learning Outcomes of the Master of Engineering:

PLO 1. Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding  of engineering theories, principles and concepts within multi-disciplinary engineering practice ​
PLO 2. Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline
PLO 5. Utilise advanced mathematics, software, tools and techniques, in the conduct of research into the design and analysis of complex engineering systems
PLO 8. Communicate engineering designs and solutions respectfully and effectively, employing a range of advanced communication methods in interpreting and transmitting knowledge, in an individual or team environment, to diverse audiences.​​
PLO 11. Collaborate and contribute as an effective team member or leader in diverse specialist and multi-disciplinary teams, with commitment to First Nations peoples and/or globally inclusive perspectives and participation in an engineering context.​

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.  


Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

CLO1 Describe microwave radar systems' principles of operation.

CLO2 Simulate microwave radar systems using Systems Engineering principles.

CLO3 Profile microwave radar systems performance and accuracy with advanced tools and systematic evaluation techniques.

CLO4 Critically review public domain information on design and performance in radar applications.

CLO5 Communicate contextualised advanced radar systems report findings to both professional and non-professional audiences.

CLO6 Collaborate in a team using professional behaviours, processes and standards.


Overview of Learning Activities

Student Learning occurs through the following experiences and evaluation processes:

  • Attendance at lectorials where the syllabus material will be presented.
  • Completion of the tutorial questions which consist of numerical and analytical problems.
  • Completion of writing assignments (group work) including design and analysis of a microwave system using available software. Both tutorials and assignments are designed to give feedback on your progress and understanding.
  • Private study, working through the course as presented in classes and learning materials.


Overview of Learning Resources

You will be able to access course information and learning materials through RMIT’s online systems and will be provided with copies of additional materials in class. Lists of relevant reference texts, resources in the library and freely accessible Internet sites will be provided. You will also use laboratory equipment and computer software within the School during laboratory and assignment work.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Task 1: Assignments, 30%, CLO1 and CLO2
Assessment Task 2: Tests, 40%, CLO1, CLO2 and CLO4
Assessment Task 3: Lab reports, 30%, CLO3, CLO4, CLO5 and CLO6

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.