Course Details in 2025/26 Session

Module Title	LH Physical Principles of Radar
School	Physics and Astronomy
Department	Physics & Astronomy
Module Code	03 31150
Module Lead	M. Antoniou, C.J. Baker and M. Gashinova
Level	Honours Level
Credits	10
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites	LI Mathematics for Physicists 2A - (03 34465) LI Electromagnetism 2 - (03 00953) LI Mathematics for Physicists 2B - (03 34469) LI Statistical Physics and Entropy - (03 17296) LI Differential Equations - (06 25670) LI Multivariable & Vector Analysis - (06 25667)
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-24 hours Guided independent study-76 hours Total: 100 hours
Exclusions
Description	This module will describe the physical principles of radar systems and their applications. There will be emphasis on the underlying concepts enabling the measurement of target parameters by means of radar with application to ranging, tracking, mapping, and navigation. Specifically, the principles of coherent echolocation, the radar equation, measurement of range, Doppler, range rate, the role of the radar waveform, methods for measuring target location, track smoothing, track estimation and imaging techniques will be introduced, contextualised by real world applications in each case.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Explain the physical principles of radar in terms of the generation, propagation and detection of electromagnetic waves. Derive the radar equation and use it to analyse radar systems; Describe the operation of common radar systems and the trade-offs in their design; Explain the basic principles of radar signal processing and show how they are used in real-world applications; Explain the basic principles of radar imaging and show how they are used in real-world applications.
Assessment	31150-01 : Exam : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (80%) 31150-02 : Assessed problems : Coursework (20%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Coursework (20%); 1.5 hour Examination (80%)
Other
Reading List