Work in Progress: Project-Based Assignments for a Graduate-Level Digital Signal Processing Course

Abstract

We explore the use of projects to replace conventional problem sets as learning tools in a graduate-level digital signal processing (DSP) course. To help students draw strong connections between the theory and practice of DSP, we propose replacing weekly problem sets with four larger-scale projects. Each project is based on a real-world application of DSP and is designed to incorporate a subset of the core concepts covered in the course. In addition to theoretical components, the projects include hands-on MATLAB elements. We hypothesize that employing application-based projects rather than conventional problem sets will improve students' understanding of fundamental DSP concepts and their ability to make connections between theory and practice. The success of the project-based assignments will be evaluated by administering the Signals and Systems Concept Inventory, as well as a student survey.