82089 - Radioprotection and Spectrum and Management M

Learning outcomes

Provide the criteria for evaluation and control of electromagnetic fields in terms of interference and environmental impact. This course aims at providing the basis of generation, propagation and interaction of electromagnetic fields with the environment and with biological systems, related to radio frequencies. Students will learn how to identify the main transmission characteristics for industrial and residential electromagnetic sources (radio broadcasting systems, cellular mobile radio systems, household (electrical) appliance, industrial equipment, etc.) and the main bioelectromagnetics mechanisms of interaction. Moreover student will have gained the capacity to identify the suitable prediction models and measurement tools in order to survey, assess and mitigate electromagnetic field exposure. This course is designed in order to provide direction for radio systems frequency planning and radio spectrum efficiency use.

Course contents

The course aims at providing the fundamental principles governing the generation, propagation, and interaction of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields with the environment and biological systems. It will also address the main international standards and guidelines for electromagnetic exposure assessment and protection, together with the basic concepts of frequency planning for radio systems and radio spectrum management and optimization.

At the end of the course, students will be able to identify and characterize the radiofrequency electromagnetic emission features of the main sources present in outdoor, industrial, and residential environments. They will also acquire knowledge of the main mechanisms of bioelectromagnetic interaction, as well as the skills required to select appropriate measurement methods and instrumentation for the detection, assessment, and mitigation of electromagnetic exposure.

• Radiofrequency electromagnetic field sources and their characterization: radio-frequency identification systems (RFID), radio access systems, mobile radio systems, and analogue and digital radio and television broadcasting systems. 
• Electromagnetic exposure in free space and in real environments. 
• Measurement methods and instrumentation for environmental and personal detection and monitoring of electromagnetic exposure.
• Legislation, regulations, and standards concerning environmental protection and the exposure of the general public and workers.
• Interaction between electromagnetic fields and biological systems: mechanisms of action and effects; in vitro and in vivo exposure systems; basic concepts of epidemiological studies.
• Spectrum efficiency and efficient use of the radio spectrum.
• Management and planning of spectrum resources: frequency compatibility, licensed systems, and unlicensed systems.

Teaching methods

During the lectures, the fundamental principles underlying radiofrequency exposure assessment and the optimized management of the radio spectrum will be presented.

During classroom and outdoor practical sessions, broadband and narrowband measurements of electromagnetic field levels will be carried out. Self-assessment questionnaires will also be used as a basis for classroom discussion.

Assessment methods

The exam is organized into a written and a following oral test.

The written test is a multiple choice test aiming at assessing the knowledge of general concepts provided to the students during the course. The use of books and notes is not allowed. The result of the written test is expressed through a synthetic assessment: fail, satisfactory, good, excellent. Students must obtain at least a satisfactory assessment in order to proceed to the oral part of the exam.

The oral discussion aims at assessing the comprehension of the main concepts explained during the course. Written and oral tests should be preferably held on the same exam session; in any case the validity of the written test score is limited to the current academic year.

The final mark is the synthetic evaluation of both written and oral tests.

Teaching tools

Further material available at: https://virtuale.unibo.it/ (access through personal username and password).

Office hours

See the website of Marina Barbiroli