Coding theory
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This course deals with the theory of error-detecting and error-correcting codes. In particular, it investigates their constraints and bounds, and introduces a wide variety of linear and nonlinear codes – together with associated encoding and decoding procedures. You’ll analyse the structure and properties of these codes, investigate links between the theory of error-correcting codes and other mathematical structures, and examine the applicability of codes to real situations. You’ll also look at the concepts of optimal and perfect codes, and examine a wide variety of codes, including some constructed from other mathematical structures.
Course facts
A postgraduate course in Mathematics and Statistics.
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | M836 |
| Credits | 30 |
| OU Level | Postgraduate |
| SCQF level | 11 |
| FHEQ level | 7 |
| Course work includes: |
|---|
| 4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) |
| Examination |
| No residential school |
Register for the course
This course is available for study in the countries shown.
What you will study
The course is based on the set book A First Course in Coding Theory by R. Hill (Oxford University Press).
You will learn
Successful study of this course should help you to identify appropriate methods for the exchange of information while protecting against transmission errors and ensuring confidentiality. More generally, it should also enhance your skills in communicating mathematical ideas clearly and succinctly, thinking logically and expressing problems in mathematical language.
Entry
You must be registered for the MSc in Mathematics, or for another qualification towards which the course can count. You must normally pass at least one of the Entry modules Calculus of variations and advanced calculus (M820) or Analytic number theory I (M823) before studying this module.
All teaching is in English and your proficiency in the English language should be adequate for the level of study you wish to take. We strongly recommend that students have achieved an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of at least 7. To assess your English language skills in relation to your proposed studies you can visit the IELTS website.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Qualifications
M836 is an optional module in our:
- Postgraduate Certificate in Mathematics (C90)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematics (E23)
- MSc in Mathematics (F04)
Some postgraduate qualifications allow study to be chosen from other subject areas. We advise you to refer to the relevant qualification descriptions for information on the circumstances in which this module can count towards these qualifications because from time to time the structure and requirements may change.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
The material contains small print and diagrams, which may cause problems if you find reading text difficult.
If you are a new student, or new to study using a computer or the internet, you will need to inform us of your particular needs as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Details of how to do this and our range of support services are described in our publication Meeting Your Needs.
You can also find information about accessible study materials, financial support and the Disabled Students' Allowance, equipment and other services, on our Services for disabled students website. It also includes our contact details for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Study materials
What's included
Course notes, other printed materials.
You will need
We recommend that you have access to the internet at least once a week during the course and would like to point out that vital material, such as your assignments, will be delivered online.
Computing requirements
This course includes online computer activities – you can access these using a web browser that can play Flash and Shockwave.
You will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new computer since 2005 it should meet your course computing requirements. Check our Technical Requirements section if your computer is older than this or is otherwise unusual.
Materials to buy
Set books
- Hill, Raymond A First Course in Coding Theory, Oxford University Press £44.00 - ISBN 9780198538035
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will help you with the study material and mark and comment on your written work, and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details can be found in the facts box above.
You will be expected to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) online using a special maths eTMA processor, which is used in place of the main eTMA system, unless there are some difficulties which prevent you from doing so. In these circumstances, you must negotiate with your tutor to get their agreement to submit your assignment on paper.
You will, however, be granted the option of submitting on paper if typesetting electronically or merging scanned images of your answers to produce an electronic TMA would take you an unacceptably long time.
Assessment is an essential part of the teaching, so you are expected to complete it all. But if you unavoidably miss or do badly in an assignment, some courses allow you a ‘substitution score’, calculated as a weighted average of all your scores for the course. In M836 this rule can apply to one assignment only. You will be given more detailed information when you begin the course.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in February 2013. We expect it to next be available in October 2014.
How to register
To register a place on this course return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button. For more information and advice about registration see OU Study Explained.
Course facts
A postgraduate course in Mathematics and Statistics.
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | M836 |
| Credits | 30 |
| OU Level | Postgraduate |
| SCQF level | 11 |
| FHEQ level | 7 |
| Course work includes: |
|---|
| 4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) |
| Examination |
| No residential school |
Study explained
- Course
- - a module of study that can count towards a qualification.
- Credits
- - show how much study is required to complete a course or qualification. One credit represents roughly 10 hours of study.
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about distance learning with the OU.
Student Reviews
Very accessible course. The beginning parts are perhaps the most taxing, and the middle two quarters of the course are, ...
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