McMaster University
Signals and Systems

MECHTRON/SFWRENG 3MX3, Term I 2026-2027

Instructor

Dr. M. v. Mohrenschildt, ITB 164, mohrens
Office hours: To be determined My main way to communicate is email. Do not sent me messages in other systems, I am not monitoring them.

Lectures, Tutorials

Lectures are in person: Mo, We, Th 9:30AM - 10:20AM

Tutorials: See your Mosaic choice. 

This course is an in person course (in contract to an online course), we have weekly contact hours in form of
live interactive lectures/tutorials and scheduled assignments/tests  throughout the term.
If you have problems in participating in this live lectures/tutorials structure  please inform the instructor.
If you need accommodation don't hesitate to  contact the instructor  or Student Accommodation Services (SAS). 


Midterms 


  •   Midterm 1: Wed, Oct 21, 9:30-10:20 (rooms to be determined) 

  •   Midterm 2: Wed Nov 18, 9:30-10:20 (rooms to be determined)





    Notices 
    
Updated as needed


  •   No tutorial the first week


  •  material/assignments are  here (password protected)







    Teaching Assistants
    



    Course Information on Web, Communication, Electronic resources
    




    Grades,Tests , and Exams
    




    Book
    
The book is not required, but the course uses the notation form this book
and covers most topics from this book.

    "Structure and Interpretation of Signals and Systems",
E. Lee, P. Varaiya, ISBN 0-201-74551-8 Addison Wesley
    

    

	

     Graduate Attributes 
    

     Major Topics, Timing
    
This is an itemediate level course. We have 34 lectures (+2 midterms = 36)
	and 12 tutorials.  The numbers indicated the estimated amount of lectures per topic.

  Applications and examples are given throughout the course.



     Learning Objectives
    
The Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) is a division of Engineers Canada and is responsible for accrediting undergraduate engineering programs across Canada. Accreditation by the CEAB ensures that the engineering programs meet a national standard of quality and cover essential educational requirements. Graduate Attributes are a set of qualities and skills that the CEAB expects engineering graduates to possess. These attributes are a benchmark for the learning outcomes of accredited engineering programs. This section lists the Graduate Attribute Indicators associated with the Learning Outcomes in this course.  The numbers in brackets define the mapping from indicators to attributes.






     Approved Advisory Statements 
    
The following statements are required to be included in all course outlines by the Undergraduate Course Management Policy.

     Academic Integrity 
    
You are expected to exhibit honesty and use ethical behaviour in all aspects of the learning process. Academic credentials you earn are rooted in principles of honesty and academic integrity.
It is your responsibility to understand what constitutes academic dishonesty.
Academic dishonesty is to knowingly act or fail to act in a way that results or could result in
unearned academic credit or advantage. This behaviour can result in serious consequences, e.g.
the grade of zero on an assignment, loss of credit with a notation on the transcript (notation
reads: “Grade of F assigned for academic dishonesty”), and/or suspension or expulsion from
the university. For information on the various types of academic dishonesty please refer to the
Academic Integrity Policy, located at
https://secretariat.mcmaster.ca/university-policies-procedures-guidelines/
The following illustrates only three forms of academic dishonesty:


     Authenticity/Plagiarism Detection 
    
Some courses may use a web-based service (Turnitin.com) to reveal authenticity and ownership
of student submitted work. For courses using such software, students will be expected to
submit their work electronically either directly to Turnitin.com or via an online learning
platform (e.g. Avenue to Learn, etc.) using plagiarism detection (a service supported by
Turnitin.com) so it can be checked for academic dishonesty.
Students who do not wish their work to be submitted through the plagiarism detection
software must inform the Instructor before the assignment is due. No penalty will be assigned
to a student who does not submit work to the plagiarism detection software. All submitted
work is subject to normal verification that standards of academic integrity have
been upheld (e.g., on-line search, other software, etc.). For more details about McMaster’s
use of Turnitin.com please go to www.mcmaster.ca/academicintegrity.


    Course with an On-Line Element 
    
Some courses may use on-line elements (e.g. e-mail, Avenue to Learn (A2L), LearnLink, web
pages, capa, Moodle, ThinkingCap, etc.). Students should be aware that, when they access the
electronic components of a course using these elements, private information such as first and
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last names, usernames for the McMaster e-mail accounts, and program affiliation may become
apparent to all other students in the same course. The available information is dependent
on the technology used. Continuation in a course that uses on-line elements will be deemed
consent to this disclosure. If you have any questions or concerns about such disclosure please
discuss this with the course instructor.

     On-Line Proctoring 
    
Some courses may use on-line proctoring software for tests and exams. This software may
require students to turn on their video camera, present identification, monitor and record
their computer activities, and/or lock/restrict their browser or other applications/software
during tests or exams. This software may be required to be installed before the test/exam
begins.


     Conduct Expectations 
    
As a McMaster student, you have the right to experience, and the responsibility to demonstrate, respectful and dignified interactions within all of our living, learning and working
communities. These expectations are described in the Code of Student Rights & Responsibilities (the “Code”). All students share the responsibility of maintaining a positive environment
for the academic and personal growth of all McMaster community members, whether in
person or online.
It is essential that students be mindful of their interactions online, as the Code remains in
effect in virtual learning environments. The Code applies to any interactions that adversely
affect, disrupt, or interfere with reasonable participation in University activities. Student
disruptions or behaviours that interfere with university functions on on-line platforms (e.g.
use of Avenue 2 Learn, WebEx or Zoom for delivery), will be taken very seriously and will be
investigated. Outcomes may include restriction or removal of the involved students access to
these platforms.


    Academic Accommodation for Students with Disabilitie 
    
Students with disabilities who require academic accommodation must contact Student Accessibility Services (SAS) at 905-525-9140 ext. 28652 or sas@mcmaster.ca to make arrangements
with a Program Coordinator. For further information, consult McMaster University’s Academic Accommodation of Students with Disabilities policy.



     Requests for Relief for Missed Academic Term Work
    
In the event of an absence for medical or other reasons, students should review and follow the
McMaster Student Absence Form Policy (MSAF Policy).



    Academic Accommodation for Religious, Indigenous or
 Spiritual Observances (RISO)
    
Students requiring academic accommodation based on religious, indigenous or spiritual observances should follow the procedures set out in the RISO policy. Students should submit
their request to their Faculty Office normally within 10 working days of the beginning
of term in which they anticipate a need for accommodation or to the Registrar’s Office prior
to their examinations. Students should also contact their instructors as soon as possible to
make alternative arrangements for classes, assignments, and tests.


     Copyright and Recording
    
Students are advised that lectures, demonstrations, performances, and any other course material provided by an instructor include copyright protected works. The Copyright Act and
copyright law protect every original literary, dramatic, musical and artistic work, including
lectures by University instructors.
The recording of lectures, tutorials, or other methods of instruction may occur during
a course. Recording may be done by either the instructor for the purpose of authorized
distribution, or by a student for the purpose of personal study. Students should be aware that
their voice and/or image may be recorded by others during the class. Please speak with the
instructor if this is a concern for you.


     Extreme Circumstances 
    
The University reserves the right to change the dates and deadlines for any or all courses
in extreme circumstances (e.g., severe weather, labour disruptions, etc.). Changes will be
communicated through regular McMaster communication channels, such as McMaster Daily
News, Avenue to Learn and/or McMaster email.


     Additional Statements 
    

     Generative AI 
    
Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is permitted in this course for all deliverables. However,
the use of AI has to be fully transparent, and all individuals are accountable for the work
they submit. Transparency means that the use of AI is clearly indicated and documented.
Accountability means that each individual is responsible for the work they submit and must
be able to explain any work co-authored with AI.


     Discrimination 
    
The Faculty of Engineering is committed to creating an environment in which students of
all genders, cultures, ethnicities, races, sexual orientations, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds have equal access to education and are welcomed and treated fairly. If you have any
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concerns regarding inclusion in our Faculty, in particular if you or one of your peers is experiencing harassment or discrimination, you are encouraged to contact the Department Chair,
Associate Chair Undergraduate, Academic Advisor, or the Equity and Inclusion Office.