Overview of the course

The Central Queensland University is offering a single non-award course on railway telecommunications in conjunction with the Railway Signalling and Telecommunications program. The objective of the program is to facilitate the development of competent railway signalling and railway telecommunications engineers; by providing students with a well-rounded knowledge base, supplemented by relevant work based exercises, to complement employer’s graduate development program for new graduates.

All course materials were developed by the Cooperative Research Centre for Railway Engineering and Technologies (Rail CRC) in collaboration with its industry and university partners, with significant contribution by IRSE (Australasia) members.  Central Queensland University has been licensed by the Rail CRC to offer programs using the course materials.

The course will be offered only in distance learning mode using a web-based multi-media online learning platform (BlackBoard).  Students enrolled in the course will develop their professional network and practice their team work skill through assignments and project work in a multi-location team environment (Project-based Learning).  Each student is jointly supervised by an academic and an industry-based supervisor (mentor).  In addition, a current practitioner of the discipline will be employed as Tutor to guide students through their learning activities.

While people anywhere in the world can undertake this program, the required support arrangement is such that we are only able to accept applicants who can arrange local mentoring support from their employer.

Student Prerequisites

The course is targeted primarily for recent (within 5 years) graduates of Bachelor of Electrical Engineering programs.  Candidates who do not meet the above requirements but have at least 5 years of work experience in the appropriate field and show learning maturity and capability may be accepted.

For acceptance into the course, students must be employed within the railway industry sector and have employer support, including the allocation of a work-based Mentor for the duration of the study period.  Candidates whose employer can meet the course support requirements but have difficulties finding a suitably qualified work-based Mentor should contact the Program Coordinator for the appointment of a state-based Mentor.

Mode of Enrolment

Course support

Students will be provided with weekly study guides covering several topics each with recommended reading and workplace activities.  In addition to the print-based learning material, the distance learning for this program will be supported by a course web site and the following learning support:

·          University based Course Coordinator and Academic Supervisor

·         Tele-tutorial (via internet) if required

·         Tutor(s) for each course

·         Industry-based Mentor for each course

·         Course based online discussions and bulletin board facilities (BlackBoard)

·         Ad hoc scheduled teleconference (on an as needs basis)

Average weekly learning workload for each candidate is envisaged to be 12 hours private learning time, plus 4 hours of work-based learning activities.  The actual time required may vary according to student’s current skill base and motivation.

The synopsis of the course is as follows.

RAIL29010 – CPD7 Railway Telecommunications

To provide broad, systematic knowledge and skills for the application of telecommunications systems in a railway environment.  Students will develop a professional understanding of the factors to be considered in applying telecommunications systems and equipment in a railway environment in a safe, fit for purpose and cost effective manner.

Topics covered include:

·       The role of telecommunications in the safe operation of railways

·       The hazards and associated risks of various types of telecommunications equipment under normal and fault conditions

·       Network architecture including bandwidth, bearer selection, backbone vs local

·       Transmission systems and equipment: copper, fibre and radio

·       Train control requirements and systems

·       Human factors in the development of telecommunications systems including user interfaces particularly in times of stress

·       Mobile radio systems for train control, maintenance services and shunting, on board equipment

·       Telemetry systems for signalling, power supervisory and network control

·       Diversity in bearers and equipment

·       Fundamentals of good design for safe outcomes

·       Management of electromagnetic radiation including immunisation from traction interference

·       Power supplies, and earthing

·       Cable construction, selection and installation

·       Station operations including CCTV, PIDS, emergency phones and PA systems

·       Business communications data and voice, linking regional areas to main offices

·       Logging equipment, voice recorders and master clocks

·       Telecommunications for underground railways.

Please refer to the CQU online Handbook for further details.

Application

Information related to the program and application forms are available for downloading from the program web site