Signals & Linear Systems

Instructor Information

• Instructor: Dr. Elif Kaya (Associate Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering)
• Email: ekaya@university.alkimi.ai
• Office: Rowan Engineering Center 216
• Office Hours:
  • Monday & Thursday: 1:00–2:30 p.m. (In person, Rowan Engineering Center 216)
  • Friday: 4:00–5:00 p.m. (Virtual via Zoom; link posted in Canvas)
  • Also available by appointment.

Course Description

Continuous- and discrete-time signals, linear time-invariant systems, convolution, Fourier series and transforms, Laplace and z-transforms, and sampling. EE 301 provides a thorough mathematical and practical foundation in the analysis of continuous-time and discrete-time signals and linear time-invariant (LTI) systems. Students study time-domain system representations via convolution, frequency-domain representations via Fourier series and transforms, and complex-frequency methods using the Laplace and z-transforms. The course bridges theoretical transform calculus with physical applications in communications, audio signal processing, biomedical instrumentation, and control system engineering.

Prerequisites

EE 201 and MATH 340.

Measurable Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of EE 301, students will be able to:

1. Classify Signals and System Properties: Characterize continuous- and discrete-time signals and rigorously evaluate system linearity, time-invariance, causality, memory, and bounded-input bounded-output (BIBO) stability.
2. Compute System Convolution: Calculate time-domain system responses by evaluating the continuous-time convolution integral and discrete-time convolution sum using graphical and analytical methods.
3. Apply Fourier Analysis: Determine Fourier series and Fourier transforms of continuous- and discrete-time signals, and utilize transform properties to analyze filtering and amplitude modulation.
4. Evaluate Sampling and Reconstruction: Explain the Nyquist-Shannon sampling theorem, calculate minimum sampling rates to prevent aliasing, and formulate time- and frequency-domain signal reconstruction.
5. Utilize Laplace and z-Transforms: Determine regions of convergence, locate poles and zeros, invert rational transfer functions, and evaluate stability and causality for continuous and discrete LTI systems.

Required Course Materials & Approximate Costs

1. Oppenheim, Alan V., Alan S. Willsky, and S. Hamid Nawab. Signals and Systems. 2nd ed., Pearson, 1996. Approx. $75 digital rental ($190 purchase; reserve copies available in Alkimi Library).
2. MATLAB and Signal Processing Toolbox (available through Alkimi University campus software license). Free to registered engineering students.
3. Total estimated cost: Approx. $0 (library reserve & campus software) to $75 (textbook rental).

Generative AI Policy (AI Level 2: AI Permitted with Disclosure for Specified Tasks)

In accordance with Alkimi University Academic Policies (Student Handbook §5.8), EE 301 operates under AI Level 2.

• What is permitted: Students may use AI assistants to generate MATLAB or Python scripts for plotting signal waveforms, computing numerical Fast Fourier Transforms (FFT), and graphing pole-zero constellations.
• What is prohibited: AI tools must not be used to perform analytical signal transformations, derive convolution integrals or sums, or generate complete mathematical proofs for graded homework sets. All exams and quizzes are strictly closed-book and AI-free.
• Disclosure: Any computational script or figure in project submissions that was generated or refined with AI assistance must include a citation noting the tool used, the prompt supplied, and the mathematical verification performed.

Grading Components and Weights

• Weekly Problem Sets: 15% (Due Wednesdays at 11:59 p.m. in Canvas (weeks 2–14; lowest dropped))
• Biweekly Mathematical Concept Quizzes: 10% (Administered in class on alternate Thursdays (weeks 3, 5, 9, 13; lowest dropped))
• Midterm Exam 1 (LTI Systems, Convolution & CTFT): 20% (In class, Thursday, October 1)
• Midterm Exam 2 (Sampling, DTFT & Laplace Transform): 20% (In class, Thursday, November 5)
• MATLAB Audio Filtering & Spectral Analysis Project: 10% (Due Friday, November 20 at 11:59 p.m.)
• Comprehensive Final Examination: 25% (Thursday, December 17, 2026, 1:00–3:00 p.m.)

Grading Scale (Alkimi University Standard)

• A: 93–100% | A-: 90–92%
• B+: 87–89% | B: 83–86% | B-: 80–82%
• C+: 77–79% | C: 73–76% | C-: 70–72%
• D+: 67–69% | D: 60–66% | F: Below 60%
• Extra credit: No individual extra credit assignments will be granted in EE 301.

Course Schedule (Fall 2026)

Course Policies

Attendance Policy

Class attendance at every lecture is required. The conceptual frameworks of Fourier, Laplace, and z-transforms build sequentially each week, and in-class mathematical derivations provide vital insights not easily replicated from textbooks alone. If an illness or university-approved absence arises, inform Dr. Kaya promptly. Students who miss the first two class meetings without notifying the instructor may be dropped. Students may miss class for religious observance without penalty if they notify the instructor in writing within the first two weeks of the semester (by Wednesday, September 9, 2026). Absences for university-sponsored activities (athletics, performances, conferences) are excused with a letter from the sponsoring office at least one week in advance.

Late Work Policy

Homework problem sets submitted after the Wednesday 11:59 p.m. deadline will incur a 15% deduction per 24 hours up to 48 hours late, after which no credit can be awarded. The lowest homework set grade and lowest quiz grade are dropped to accommodate personal illness or family emergencies.

Final Exam Policy

The final examination (Thursday, December 17, 2026, 1:00–3:00 p.m.) is scheduled by the University Registrar and can't be moved without the Dean's written approval (Faculty Handbook §5.5). A student with three or more final exams on the same calendar day may reschedule one of them. Requests go to the instructor of the middle exam by the last day of classes. For this term, send the request by Wednesday, December 9, 2026 (Student Handbook §6.4).