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Information Theory I
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:48:23
Abstract
This course covers the basic concepts of information theory and of communication theory. Topics covered include the entropy rate of a source, mutual information, typical sequences, the asymptotic equi-partition property, Huffman coding, channel capacity, the channel coding theorem, the source-channel separation theorem, and feedback capacity.
Objective
The fundamentals of Information Theory including Shannon's source coding and channel coding theorems
Content
The entropy rate of a source, Typical sequences, the asymptotic equi-partition property, the source coding theorem, Huffman coding, Arithmetic coding, channel capacity, the channel coding theorem, the source-channel separation theorem, feedback capacity
Resources
Literature
T.M. Cover and J. Thomas, Elements of Information Theory (second edition)
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 180 minutes
- Aids
- Hardcopies of the course textbook, course handouts, and personal notes.
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Information Theory I |
|
4 h weekly |
Offered In
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Electives (In the ‘electives’ subcategory, at least two course units must be successfully completed.)
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Electives (In the ‘electives’ subcategory, at least two course units must be successfully completed.)
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Application Area (Only necessary and eligible for the Master degree in Applied Mathematics. One of the application areas specified must be selected for the category Application Area for the Master degree in Applied Mathematics. At least 8 credits are required in the chosen application area.)
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Signal Processing and Machine Learning (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Signal Processing and Machine Learning ", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
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Specialisation Courses (These specialisation courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Signal Processing and Machine Learning", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialisation courses during the MSc EEIT.)
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Communication (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Communication", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
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Core Courses (These core courses are particularly recommended for the field of "Communication". You may choose core courses form other fields in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 24 credits must be obtained from core courses during the MSc EEIT.)
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Advanced Core Courses (Advanced core courses bring students to gain in-depth knowledge of the chosen specialization. They are MSc level only.)
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Major Courses (A total of 42 CP must be achieved during the Master Programme. The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
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Core Subjects (These core subjects are particularly recommended for the field of "Communication".)
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Doctoral Department of Mathematics (More Information at: The list of courses (together with the allocated credit points) eligible for doctoral students is published each semester in the newsletter of the ZGSM. WARNING: Do not mistake ECTS credits for credit points for doctoral studies!)
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Graduate School (Official website of the Zurich Graduate School in Mathematics:)
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Doctoral Dep. of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (More Information at: )
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Doctoral and Post-Doctoral Courses (A minimum of 12 ECTS credit points must be obtained during doctoral studies. The courses on offer below are only a small selection out of a much larger available number of courses. Please discuss your course selection with your PhD supervisor.)
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Core Courses (A minimum of 24 credits must be obtained from core courses during the MSc QE, course selection is subject to the tutor's agreement.)
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Engineering Core Courses (These core courses target students with a physics background and all those who need additional engineering foundations.)
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