What is Telecommunications at Otago?

Telecommunications is all about the devices, systems, and techniques that enable people to communicate with each other over distances.

In early civilisations drums, signal fires, and smoke signals were used to link tribal communities. Today we use massive computer networks, optical fibres, and all manner of voice, data and video technologies. Innovation in the telecommunications industry is accelerating at a breakneck pace and the opportunities for skilled people in this sector are outstanding.

The University of Otago is New Zealand's top research University, and home of the Information Science department and the Telecommunications programme (http://www.telecom.otago.ac.nz).

2009 will see the introduction of a new suite of telecommunications papers aimed at current students and existing telecommunications professionals wanting to up-skill and develop the necessary background to equip them in the evolving telecommunications industry.

Reasons for Studying Telecommunications

You'll learn the ins and outs of the hardware and software of telecommunications networks and mobile phone technology, in their many and varied configurations.

You'll be in a great position to become a technical innovator in a rapidly-advancing industry.

There's a serious shortage of scientists and technologists in this field, and, as new businesses emerge, this demand will only increase.

Degree Options for Telecommunications

Telecommunications is part of the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc), a four year degree integrating scientific knowledge, technological skills, and commercial know-how.

The programme encourage innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and real-world business awareness, enabling you to apply what you have learnt to any organisation you work for, or helping you into a business of your own.

Applied Science Website: http://www.otago.ac.nz/appsc/index.html

Postgraduate Options for Telecommunications

From 2009 you can gain a Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) or Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad) with a major in Telecommunications, and study from a new extended suite of papers on offer.
A postgraduate degree in Telecommunications can lead to further study if desired: MAppSci, DipBusAdmin, MBus, MEntr, MBA, PhD.

The 400 level Tele papers are suitable for students and existing telecommunications professionals wanting to up-skill and develop the necessary background to equip them in the evolving telecommunications industry.

Places to Find More Information

• Email Professor Martin Purvis, Director of the Telecommunications Programme
• Telecommunications Programme Website: http://www.telecom.otago.ac.nz
• Applied Science Programme Website: http://www.otago.ac.nz/appsc/index.html
• Information Science Department Website: http://www.business.otago.ac.nz/infosci/
• Management Department Website: http://www.business.otago.ac.nz/mgmt/
• Marketing Department Website: http://www.business.otago.ac.nz/marketing/

Next Generation Network Convergence

(First Semester) 18 points

This paper will provide students with an understanding of current telecommunications and computer networks, and their limitations compared with the potential of next generation converged networks. Students will be exposed to some important application types and related technologies and protocols for implementing next generation network services.

Lectures will include guest presenters from industry and academia with specific expertise in Next Generation Network Convergence.

Coordinator:Dr Mariusz Nowostawski (contact)

Multimedia Networking

(First Semester) 18 points

With rapid developments in telecommunications transport technologies, the global network of distributed information systems is increasingly being used for the exchange of multimedia files comprising voice, image, and video information. There is a growing need for professionals who understand the underlying technologies associated with these processes and the technical trade-offs in connection with various alternative choices.

This paper will cover different management approaches, along with their technical solutions and practical designs, in open distributed environments.

Coordinator: Dr Jeremiah Da Deng (contact)

Identity Management and Privacy

(Second Semester) 18 points

With heterogeneous technologies (autonomous and multi-agent systems, mobile systems, web services, etc.) playing an increasingly important role in new distributed computing activities (E-Commerce, Grid Computing, Pervasive Computing, Semantic Web, etc.), there are increasing risks that the privacy and integrity of users’ information will not be maintained. In light of these developments, a thorough analysis of threats to privacy and their causes must be covered.

Issues to be addressed in this paper include the degree of privacy loss, the release of constraints in terms of protection, and how suitable responses can be provided.

Coordinator: Dr Noria Foukia (contact)

Telecommunications Marketing

(Second Semester) 18 points

This paper concentrates on the strategic marketing, sales, and customer service challenges facing the computer and telecommunications industries. Marketing concepts, case studies, and problems will focus on building organizational networks of suppliers, strategic partners, and customers. Emphasis will be placed on the impacts of cost and price pressures, rapid technology shifts, and regulatory uncertainty as key features of the telecommunications environment. Topics will include basic marketing principles, specific business to business marketing issues, telecommunications industry structure (who sells to whom, strategic business alliances), case studies and applications of marketing principles to the telecommunications industry.

Coordinator: TBC (contact)

Telecommunications and Technology Management

(First Semester) 18 points

This paper will focus on the coverage of management issues relating to various aspects, including: the people, the technology within a rapidly changing environment, the intellectual property rights associated with the technology and people, and issues relating to the commercialisation of technology.

This paper is designed to deliver a management-focused paper of high level and quality, targeting the perceived needs of the range of potential students identified above.

Coordinators: Dr Jodyanne Kirkwood (Management), Mr Andrew Long (Information Science) (contact)