UR - Elearning Platform

This module is an introduction to the scientific study of language. It intends to offer basic knowledge of Phonetics, Phonology, Morphology, Syntax, Semantics and Pragmatics as branches of linguistics.

The ability to communicate in French is a valuable skill because French is one of Rwanda’s three official languages and is also widely used around the world. Foreign-language learning in general is valuable for a number of reasons. Research confirms that knowledge of foreign languages strengthens first-language skills and that the ability to speak two or more languages generally enhances problem-solving and reasoning skills, the capacity for creative thinking, and the ability to respect and understand other cultures. Foreign-language learning strengthens students’ ability to communicate and participate effectively in the workplace and the global community. It also increases their ability to understand themselves and other people, and helps them to appreciate the power of different uses of language.

This module is concerned with explaining the relevance and requirements of translation and interpreting in the modern world, applying various techniques and procedures of translation such as literal and non-literal translation to various kinds of texts. It aims at introducing students to basic techniques for translating simple and non-technical texts from English into French/Kinyarwanda/Kiswahili and vice versa. It also introduces students to the use of internet and ICT tools for translation purposes (Online translation softwares, dictionaries, encyclopedia, etc.).

Muri iyi mbumbanyigisho umunyeshuri azigishwa mu buryo bwimbitse gutegura inyandiko za gihanga, gutegura intekerezo, gukoresha imvugo inoze kandi iboneye y'Ikinyarwanda ikoreshwa by'umwihariko mu ruhame. 

The module intends to enable students to know the theories and principles governing academic research design and writing so that they eventually apply them to their own research projects. 

The module covers the following four components: 

Component 1: Research approaches and designs taught by Prof Anne Marie Kagwesage

Component 2 : Literature Review by Dr Mildred Nyamayedenga

Component 2 : Sampling and data collection methods taught by Prof Telesphore Ngarambe

Component 3: Data analysis and interpretation/discussion taught by Dr Faustin Mutwarasibo. 

Component 4: Research writing and referencing  taught by Mr Jean Baptiste Nzanana

This module aims at providing students with basic elements related to linguistic meaning and at enabling them to enhance their capacity in translation and interpreting activity.

This is a 20-credit module taught in Year III. It is divided into two separate components: 

-        Introduction to Interpreting

-        Note-taking Techniques for Interpreters

 At the end of the course, students should be able:

-        To distinguish, classify and practice the various modes of interpreting (simultaneous, consecutive, whispering, etc.) from-into English/French/Kinyarwanda/Kiswahili;

-        To produce an interpretation of texts of 5 to 10 minutes with the help of shorthand notes;

-        To identify the various types of problems and challenges faced by interpreters;

-        To enable students to manipulate and use modern interpreting equipment.

This is a 20-credit module taught in Year IV. It is an advanced continuation of the Professional Practice of Interpreting I covered in Year III, and it is indented to allow students:

• To make further practice in interpreting (simultaneously and consecutively) relatively longer discourses/ speeches of both general and specialized nature;

• To further identify and solve various types of problems and challenges faced by interpreters.
• To reinforce other skills learned in the previous module.

This is a 20-credit module equivalent to 200 hours. It is taught in Year III and divided into three main units: Practical Aspects of the Translator/Interpreter’s Profession; Film subtitling and Translation; Cultural Entrepreneurship.

Isesenguramyandiko n'ijoranganzo byimbitse ni imbumbanyigisho ikubiyemo amahange y'isesenguramyandiko. Ikubiyemo kandi uburyo bunyuranye bwo gusesengura imyandiko, ndetse harimo n'uburyo ingeri zimwe na zimwe z'ubuvanganzo zisesegurwa hifashishijwe Ikeshamvugo.

Welcome note:

Dear students, welcome to this module and I hope you will enjoy it.

The purpose of the module is to enable the students know different types of writings and technics of writing a play, a short story, a scenario and a poem.

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed the module, student shall be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

i. To differentiate several types of writings;

ii. To elaborate a short dialogue elements by using an appropriate language

iii. to elaborate a physical/moral description

 Cognitive/Intellectual skills/Application Knowledge

Having successfully completed the module, students shall be able to:

iii. Apply different processes of literary writing;

iv. Do a good distribution of characters;

v. Establish the difference between imitative, figurative and narrative language 

vi. Write a play for stage, a short story, a poem and a scenario;

vii. Use effectively the figurative language in writing a poem.

Moduli hii inahusu Mofosintaksia ya Kiswahili. Ni moduli inayozingatia vipengele mbalimbali vinavyohusiana na muundo wa Kiswahili kwa kuchunguza kwa pamoja viwango vya Mofolojia na Sintaksia ya Kiswahili. Ili kutalii maswala muhimu kuhusu Mofosintaksia ya Kiswahili, viwango vingine vya uchunguzi wa kiisimu vimeshughulikiwa kwa kiasi fulani katika moduli hii. Hivyo, mwanafunzi ataweza kunufaika kwa kuyachanganua maswala yenyewe ambapo mwingiliano kati ya vipashio vinavyounda lugha utaangaziwa. Pamoja na hayo, muundo wa Kiswahili utachunguzwa kwa kuzingatia nadharia za kisasa za uchunguzi wa kiisimu ambapo maswala ya ufundishaji na ujifunzaji wa muundo wa Kiswahili yatajadiliwa kwa kina.

Moduli hii inaenda kwa anwani ya Uchambuzi wa Matini za Kifasihi na Uhakiki. Maneno makuu yanayojitokeza katika anwani hii sio mageni masikioni mwetu. Habib (2005) katika andiko lake lenye anwani ya “A History of Literary Criticism: From Plato to the Present” katika sehemu ya utangulizi anabainisha kwamba katika dunia yetu, imekuwa muhimu zaidi kuliko kipindi kingine chochote kujifunza kusoma kihakiki. Ijapokuwa yeye ameweka mkazo tu katika matini andishi. Ila kile anachokibainisha ni muhimu katika aina nyingine yoyote ya matini. Anazidi pia kusisitiza kuwa hatuwezi kuwa raia wema wawe ni wa nchi mahsusi au dunia kutokana na kujikuta tukiwa waathirika wa kani mbalimbali zinazotenda kazi duniani ambazo zinatuhamasisha kubakia tukiwa wajinga, kufuata kama vipofu iwe ni kwa jina la upofu wa kiutaifa, upofu wa kidini, au upofu wa uzalendo uliopitiliza. Anahitimisha kwa kutanabahisha kwamba, mojawapo ya funguo za kukabiliana na kani mbalimbali ambazo zingeweza kutuweka sisi katika uongo wenye giza ni desturi ya kujisomea ya mtu binafsi na taasisi yaani kujisomea kwa ukaribu, umakini na kihakiki.

Hivyo basi, Moduli hii imeandaliwa ili kutoa mwongozo na msaada wa ufundishaji uhakiki na uchambuzi wa matini katika kiwango cha juu. Inakusudiwa kukuza tathimini na ufurahiaji wa matini muhimu kwa upande wa wanafunzi. Moduli inaeleza bayana kwamba wanafunzi wanapaswa kujenga maarifa ya kichambuzi na kihakiki na pia kuwa na ufahamu matini wanazopewa kwa kuegemea katika uchambuzi wa kina wa matini hizo.

Moduli hii ni inahusu Uchakataji wa lugha na utumizi katika Kiswahili. Ni moduli inayozingatia vipengele mbalimbali vinavyohusiana na maswala ya lugha kwa kuchunguza hali na mbinu za menejimenti ya lugha, uhusiano kati ya lugha na akili pamoja na mchakato wa lugha unaoathiri ujifunzji na ufundishaji wake.  Aidha, moduli hii inalenga kumwezesha mwanafunzi kushiriki katika mijadala mbalimbali kuhusu Menejimenti ya lugha, na matumizi ya lugha katika elimu. Vilevile, moduli hii itamwezesha pia kupendekeza masuluhisho kwa masuala mengi yanayohusiana na upangaji lugha kwa kuchunguza uhusiano uliopo kati ya lugha na fikra, na lugha na Tekinolojia ya kisasa ambapo nafasi yake katika ujifunzaji na ufundishaji wa lugha itachunguzwa. Hivyo, Moduli hii itazingatia vipengele muhimu vifuatavyo : Upataji na ujifunzaji lugha Upangaji lugha, Lugha na fikra pamoja na Isimu Kokotozi.

Moduli hii inalenga kumpa mwanafunzi uwezo wa kufanya uchunguzi wa kina katika semantiki, leksikolojia, teminolojia na pragmatiki katika muktadha wa elimu. Moduli hii inatarajia pia kumwezesha mwanafunzi kupata stadi za kufanya utafiti na uhakiki wa tafiti za hivi karibuni katika nyanja za semantiki, leksikolojia, teminolojia na pragmatiki kwa ajili ya matumizi yake katika elimu. Hatimaye, mwanafunzi ataweza kufanya kazi mbalimbali kwa kueleza na kuhakiki tafiti zilizojitokeza katika utunzi wa kamusi na pragmatiki katika Kiswahili na hata kuchunguza msamiati na kamusi mbalimbali zilizoandikwa katika lugha ya Kiswahili.

Moduli hii inatarajiwa kumfanya mwanafunzi afahamikiwe  ujuzi wa jumla kuhusiana na fasihi linganishi kwa ajili ya lugha katika elimu. Wanafunzi watatambulishwa  kwa masuala mengi mtambuka ya kinadharia, matini za kifasihi, kutalii masuala ya kihistoria na sasa yanayohusiana na usasa, usasaleo na utanadawazi. Hii itawasaidia wanafunzi kuchambua kazi mbalimbali za kifasihi kutoka katika visasili, dhamira na motifu za kiutu na zile za mikabala ya kifeministi zinazojitokeza kati sio tu katika tamaduni  na nyakati tofauti bali pia zinajitokeza kwa waandishi tofauti pamoja na tanzu tofauti. Haya yote yatatazamwa mkazo ukiwekwa katika malengo ya  ufundishaji wa lugha na fasihi katika elimu. Hii ikiwa na maana ya ufundishaji wa fasihi linganishi kwa minajili ya kufundishia lugha na fasihi katika elimu.

1. AIMS

Mobile communications and the internet are now an essential part of everyday life. The aim of the module is to introduce the students to the design of wireless networks and in particular to illustrate the differences between fixed and mobile voice and data networks. The design of cellular networks will be motivated in terms of the properties of wireless signal transmission. GSM, GPRS, UMTS, HSPDA and LTE cellular networks will be used as examples of cellular network technology. Medium access control for packet oriented wireless networks will be discussed with examples from data-oriented network technologies such as WiFi (IEEE 802.11 family), WiMax (IEEE 802.16 family) and Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15). Quality of Service support for these policies will be presented.

2. LEARNING OUTCOMES

A. Knowledge and Understanding

At the end of the programme students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of
A1.The techniques required for cellular mobile communication system design and performance analysis;
A2. The currently operational digital mobile communication systems;
A3. The principles of mobility and handover, and compare the performance of various handover techniques;
A4. The protocols and architectures of various cellular and wireless networks including GSM, GPRS, UMTS, LTE, WiFi, WiMax, and Bluetooth;
A5. The new emerging systems for support of broadband mobile internet (4G and 5G);

B. Cognitive/ Intellectual Skills/ Application of Knowledge

At the end of the programme students should be able to:
B1. Explore real-life engineering scenarios to identify solutions both in cellular and in other mobile environments;
B2. Appreciate the design issues of TDMA and CDMA cellular systems;
B3. Calculate loss for radio signals using various loss models;
B4. Calculate and compare the performance of various signal modulation techniques,describe spread spectrum techniques, and calculate spreading codes using different methods;
B5. Derive a cellular coverage system using a basic loss model;

C. Communication/ICT/Numeracy/Analytic Techniques/Practical Skills

At the end of the programme students should be able to:
C1. Develop an ability to undertake research analysis, design, simulation and/or implementation given an appropriate level of supervision;
C2. Develop objectives and program of work;
C3. Collect information, assess it and present it in an orderly and coherent form;
C4. Work a document, which presents clearly findings, related to the study;
C5. Demonstrate practical applications mobile communications using simulations;

D. General transferable skills

At the end of the programme students should be able to:
D1. Design a wireless access system as an integral part of a larger ICT implementation;
D2. Locate and access current research materials;

3. INDICATIVE CONTENT

Cellular Systems
Cellular Concept, Design of cellular systems based on a simple loss model. Concepts of channel Reuse, Signal Interference Ratio, System Capacity.

Traffic Engineering
Erlang's formula and its application to cellular systems, Trunking and Grade of Service.
Modulation, Equalization &Multiple Access Techniques:
Spread spectrum techniques, GMSK, OFDM, RAKE Receiver,FDMA, TDMA, CDMA, SDMA.

Cellular Networks
Basic properties of cellular networks, mobility and handover, Evolution of cellular networks from voice to data oriented traffic, Generations of cellular networks from 1G to 4G illustrated using GSM, GPRS, UMTS, HSPDA, HSUPA, LTE from the viewpoints of system architecture, the physical layer and system implementation.
Data-Oriented Wireless Networks
802.11 (WiFi), 802.15 (Bluetooth and Zigbee) and 802.16 (WiMAX) standards, Emphasis on MAC layer issues,QoS and Mobility support.

Simulation of Wireless Networks
Introduction to NS-2 and modelling of wireless networks.

4. LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGY

A course handbook will be provided in advance and this will contain in depth information relating to the course content. This will give an opportunity to the students to prepare the course. The lecture materials will be posted on the web page that will also contain comprehensive web links for further relevant information. The module will be delivered through lectures, tutorial/practice sessions and group discussions. In addition to the taught element, students will be expected to undertake a range of self-directed learning activities.

5. ASSESSMENT STRATEGY

As this is a theoretical and practical module: The Final assessment shall include 50% of continuous and 50% of End of Module assessment.
The assessments shall be made 50% each for practical and theoretical aspects.
For Example: one quiz (5%), one/two practical assignment (10%), one mini project for presentation (10%), one tutorial session (5%), short practical test (10%) and a short written test (10%) followed by final assessment (50%) of End of Module Examination divided equally into practical viva-voce and theoretical examination.

6. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:

For the assignment, criteria will be drawn up appropriate to the topic, based on the learning outcomes.

7. STRATEGY FOR FEEDBACK AND STUDENT SUPPORT DURING MODULE

• Interactive lecturing style, with opportunities for questions, and requirement to work on simple problems.
• Peer marking of tutorial questions for formative feedback.
• Tutorial classes where students can ask questions and be lead through solutions as required.
• Marked summative assessments (laboratory report and assignment) handed back to students, with comments.
• Opportunities to consult lecturer and/or tutorial assistant in office hours.

8. INDICATIVE RESOURCES

Core Text

1. William Stallings: 2005, Wireless Communications, 2, Pearson/Prentice Hall,
2. Mobile Communications: Jochen Schiller, Addison-Wesley, 2000.
3. William Stallings: 2008, Data and Computer Communications, 8, Prentice Hall,

Background Text

1. T. Rappaport, Wireless Communications: Principles and Practice, Prentice Hall 

2. R. Blake, “Wireless Communication Technology”, Thomson Delmar, 2003.
3. W.C.Y.Lee, "Mobile Communications Engineering: Theory and applications, Second Edition, McGraw-Hill International, 1998.
4. D. N. C. Tse and P. Viswanath, Fundamentals of Wireless Communication, Cambridge, U.K., 2005.

Other resources

1. GPRS overview, http://www.radio-electronics.com/info/cellulartelecomms/gprs/gprs_tutorial.php, 110, 0, UMTS overview,
2. http://www.radio-electronics.com/info/cellulartelecomms/umts/umts_wcdma_tutorial.php, WCDMA,
3. http://privateline.com/, Bluetooth Tutorial,
4. http://www.palowireless.com/infotooth/tutorial.asp,The Nuts and Bolts of WiMAX,
5. http://www.embedded.com/columns/technicalinsights/201802589?cid=RSSfeed_embedded_news, 114, IEC, 0, OFDM for mobile and data communications,
6. http://www.iec.org/online/tutorials/ofdm/,

INDICATIVE CONTENT       :

This course introduces the fascinating varieties of front-end devices used for ubiquitous information access and their operating systems, with an overview of the different development strategies and tools available for various Pervasive Computing platforms. It places a strong emphasis on the business aspects mobile computing like new generation of services, delivering added value to a growing number of users.

Course Summary

1 Brief description of aims and content

 The course focuses on modelling and analysing communication networks, network protocols and applications, using mathematical tools. Special emphasis is put on the construction of tractable models of complex networking problems and attack performance problems with analytical methods or simulation.

The course is primarily focused on stationary random processes from a probability point of view, analysed both in the time- and the frequency domain.It addresses performance issues in current and future Internet architectures. Applications include multi-access communication schemes (CSMA) and reservation techniques (token and polling) for packet radio networks (WLANs); routing in data networks (shortest path routing, optimal routing and topology design); flow control (TCP); quality of service (QoS) in IP networks requirements for multimedia transmission and network support: scheduling, shaping, forward error correction.

2  Learning Outcomes

A. Knowledge and Understanding

 At the end of the programme students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of

1.The performance issues in current and future Internet architectures and packet radio networks. (A4)

2. The techniques needed to analyze algorithms and computer systems. (A2)

B. Cognitive/ Intellectual Skills/ Application of Knowledge

 At the end of the programme students should be able to:

1.  To construct tractable models of complex networking problems and attack performance problems with analytical methods or simulation. (B3)

2.  Describe how a problem involving random processes can be identified and solved. (B2)

C. Communication/ICT/Numeracy/Analytic Techniques/Practical Skills

At the end of the programme students should be able to:

1. Discuss and apply computation methods for random processes in linear systems. (C5)

2. Know the most important applications of random processes, especially in electrical engineering, mechanics and economy. (C8)

D. General transferable skills

At the end of the programme students should be able to:

1. Have the capacity to analyse and solve problems related to specific technologies and the success or failure of new trends. (D7)

2.Use the usual English vocabulary concerning random processes(D6)

3  Indicative Content

        i.            Probability &Combinatorics:

Provides the fundamental concepts of set-based probability and the probability axioms. Conditional probability and independence are stressed, as are the laws of total probability and Bayes’ rule. Introduces combinatorics (the art of counting) which is so important for the correct evaluation of probabilities.

        i.            Random variables and distribution functions:

Introduces the concepts of random variables and distribution functions including functions of a random variable and conditioned random variables. Joint and conditional distributions are treated with expectations and higher moments.

      ii.            Discrete and continuous distribution functions

Discrete distribution functions as well as their continuous counterparts, continuous distribution functions, are discussed in this unit. Particular attention is paid to phase-type distributions due to the important role they play in modeling scenarios and the chapter also includes a section on fitting phase-type distributions to given means and variances.

      iii.            Discrete- and Continuous-Time Markov Chains

Contains theoretical aspects of Markov chains, and their numerical solution. The basic concepts of discrete and continuous-time Markov chains and their underlying equations and properties are discussed. Special attention is paid to irreducible Markov chains and to the potential, fundamental, and reachability matrices in reducible Markov chains. It also contains sections on random walk problems and their applications, the property of reversibility in Markov chains, and renewal processes.

      iv.            Numerical solution of Markov Chains

It deals with numerical solutions, from Gaussian elimination and basic iterative-type methods for stationary solutions to ordinary differential equation solvers for transient solutions. Block methods and iterative aggregation-disaggregation methods for nearly completely decomposable Markov chains are considered.

      v.            Elementary queueing:

Introduction to the basic terminology and definitions is followed by an analysis of the simplest of all queueing models, the M/M/1 queue. This is then generalized to birth-death processes, which are queueing systems in which the underlying Markov chain matrix is tridiagonal. It deals with queues in which the arrival process need no longer be Poisson and the service time need not be exponentially distributed. Instead, interarrival times and service times can be represented by phase-type distributions and the underlying Markov chain is now block tridiagonal.

    vi.            The M/G/1 and G/M/1 Queues

Presents the M/G/1 and G/M/1 queues. The approach used is that of the embedded Markov chain. The Pollaczek-Khintchine mean value and transform equations are derived and a detailed discussion of residual time and busy period follows. A thorough discussion of nonpreemptive and preempt-resume scheduling policies as well as shortest- processing-time-first scheduling is presented. An analysis is also provided for the case in which only a limited number of customers can be accommodated in both the M/G/1 and G/M/1 queues.

4 Learning and Teaching Strategy

 A course handbook will be provided in advance and this will contain in depth information relating to the course content. This will give an opportunity to the students to prepare the course. The lecture materials will be posted on the web page that will also contain comprehensive web links for further relevant information. The module will be delivered through lectures, tutorial/practice sessions and group discussions. In addition to the taught element, students will be expected to undertake a range of self-directed learning activities.

By the end of the course students will be able to construct tractable models of complex networking problems and attack performance problems with analytical methods or simulation. These abilities are necessary for everyone working on technical fields - to understand the capabilities of specific technologies and the success or failure of new trends.

5 Assessment Strategy

 100% based on individual assessment.

As this is a Theoretical and Practical module: The Final assessment shall include 50% of continuous and 50% of End of Module assessment.

The assessments shall be made 50% each for practical and theoretical aspects.

For Example:

one quiz (5%), one/two practical assignment (10%), one mini project for presentation (10%), one tutorial session (5%), short practical test (10%) and a short written test (10%) followed by final assessment (50%) of End of Module Examination divided equally into practical viva-voce and theoretical examination.

6 Assessment Criteria:

For the assignment, criteria will be drawn up appropriate to the topic, based on the learning outcomes.