Welcome to Practical RF and Antenna Applications in Wireless Communications
Description: Wireless communication is the backbone of our interconnected world, driving innovations in everything from mobile devices to smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and the Internet of Things (IoT). As the demand for faster, more reliable, and more efficient communication networks continues to grow, the need for advanced expertise in Radio Frequency (RF) and antenna technologies has never been greater.
This course is designed specifically for Ph.D. students who are eager to contribute to the next generation of wireless technologies. This comprehensive program offers a deep dive into the critical aspects of RF and antenna engineering, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to innovate and lead in this rapidly evolving field.
This course provides an opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technologies and methodologies, positioning you at the forefront of wireless communication advancements. Whether your goal is to advance academic research, contribute to industry innovation, or develop new wireless communication solutions, this program will prepare you to excel and lead in the dynamic world of RF and antenna engineering.
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of electromagnetics, microwave related technologies, as obtained through MSc engineering studies at Aalborg University, is expected.
Learning objectives:
1. The course participants will know the state-of-the-art technologies related to RF and antennas.
2. The course participants will learn different types of antennas in wireless communication systems.
3. The course participants will figure out the basic principles of different types of antennas.
4. The course participants will further understand the propagation of radios and know related measurement.
Organizer: Prof. Shuai Zhang
Lecturers: Prof. Peng Mei, Assistant Prof. Zhinong Ying
ECTS: 3
Time: 18, 20, 22 & 25 November 2025
Place: Aalborg University
Zip code: 9220
City: Aalborg
Maximal number of participants: 20
Deadline: 28 October, 2025
Important information concerning PhD courses:
There is a no-show fee of DKK 3,000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before the start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately four months before start of the course.
We cannot ensure any seats before the deadline for enrolment, all participants will be informed after the deadline, approximately 3 weeks before the start of the course.
To attend courses at the Doctoral School in Medicine, Biomedical Science and Technology you must be enrolled as a PhD student.
For inquiries regarding registration, cancellation or waiting list, please contact the PhD administration at aauphd@adm.aau.dk When contacting us please state the course title and course period. Thank you.
Description: Wireless communication is the backbone of our interconnected world, driving innovations in everything from mobile devices to smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and the Internet of Things (IoT). As the demand for faster, more reliable, and more efficient communication networks continues to grow, the need for advanced expertise in Radio Frequency (RF) and antenna technologies has never been greater.
This course is designed specifically for Ph.D. students who are eager to contribute to the next generation of wireless technologies. This comprehensive program offers a deep dive into the critical aspects of RF and antenna engineering, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to innovate and lead in this rapidly evolving field.
This course provides an opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technologies and methodologies, positioning you at the forefront of wireless communication advancements. Whether your goal is to advance academic research, contribute to industry innovation, or develop new wireless communication solutions, this program will prepare you to excel and lead in the dynamic world of RF and antenna engineering.
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of electromagnetics, microwave related technologies, as obtained through MSc engineering studies at Aalborg University, is expected.
Learning objectives:
1. The course participants will know the state-of-the-art technologies related to RF and antennas.
2. The course participants will learn different types of antennas in wireless communication systems.
3. The course participants will figure out the basic principles of different types of antennas.
4. The course participants will further understand the propagation of radios and know related measurement.
Organizer: Prof. Shuai Zhang
Lecturers: Prof. Peng Mei, Assistant Prof. Zhinong Ying
ECTS: 3
Time: 18, 20, 22 & 25 November 2025
Place: Aalborg University
Zip code: 9220
City: Aalborg
Maximal number of participants: 20
Deadline: 28 October, 2025
Important information concerning PhD courses:
There is a no-show fee of DKK 3,000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before the start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately four months before start of the course.
We cannot ensure any seats before the deadline for enrolment, all participants will be informed after the deadline, approximately 3 weeks before the start of the course.
To attend courses at the Doctoral School in Medicine, Biomedical Science and Technology you must be enrolled as a PhD student.
For inquiries regarding registration, cancellation or waiting list, please contact the PhD administration at aauphd@adm.aau.dk When contacting us please state the course title and course period. Thank you.
- Teacher: Peng Mei
Welcome to Electromagnetics
Description: This course should provide the PhD candidates in the Wireless Communications program the necessary background on the physical aspects of radiowave communication. The motivation follows the well-known fact that students in this program come from various backgrounds, often specialized in communication protocols and information theory, but lacking the necessary physical insight into electromagnetic fields, antennas and radiowave propagation. For the rest of the participants, this course should give a recapitulation of the previously acquired knowledge and extending it to meet the needs of their dissertation, as many of them will need to design an antenna and/or carry out electromagnetic simulations in their projects. Both basic and advanced aspects of electromagnetic theory will be covered, together with numerical methods for solving electromagnetic fields at high frequencies. The course consists of total 12 hours of lectures divided in 4 days plus a mini-project of approx. 1 month duration supervised and evaluated by the lecturer. Criteria for assessment are attendance of the lectures and evaluation of the mini-project.
Prerequisites: Basic BSc/MSc course in electromagnetics ; Vector calculus on MSc level
Learning objectives:
Electromagnetic theory:
Fundamentals of electromagnetics for wireless communication; Maxwell's equations; material properties; boundary conditions; concepts of perfect electric and magnetic conductors; time-harmonic fields; superposition principle; vector potentials; coordinate systems; dyadic Green’s functions; power and energy; Poynting's theorem; wave equation and its solutions; wave propagation; standing waves; polarization; reflection and transmission; radiation; duality theorem; uniqueness theorem; image theory; reciprocity theorem; surface equivalence theorem; Huygens' principle; induction theorem.
Numerical methods:
Most common numerical methods in electromagnetics and their classification; introduction to the method of moments; Hallén’s and Pocklington’s equations; thin-wire dipole; introduction to the FDTD method; stability; dispersion; magic time step; boundary conditions; absorbing boundary conditions; near to far field transformation; characteristic problems; examples of FDTD software; AFC (in-house APMS FDTD Code); CST Microwave Studio; comparison between FDTD and FIT methods; advantages and disadvantages of FDTD and MoM; electromagnetic wave absorption in human tissues; specific absorption rate; homogeneous and heterogeneous human phantoms.
Organizer: Ondrej Franek
Lecturers: Ondrej Franek
ECTS: 3
Time: November 9 - 12, 2025
Place: Aalborg University
Zip code: 9220
City: Aalborg
Maximal number of participants: 15
Deadline: October 19, 2025
Important information concerning PhD courses:
There is a no-show fee of DKK 3,000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before the start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately four months before start of the course.
We cannot ensure any seats before the deadline for enrolment, all participants will be informed after the deadline, approximately 3 weeks before the start of the course.
To attend courses at the Doctoral School in Medicine, Biomedical Science and Technology you must be enrolled as a PhD student.
For inquiries regarding registration, cancellation or waiting list, please contact the PhD administration at aauphd@adm.aau.dk When contacting us please state the course title and course period. Thank you.
Description: This course should provide the PhD candidates in the Wireless Communications program the necessary background on the physical aspects of radiowave communication. The motivation follows the well-known fact that students in this program come from various backgrounds, often specialized in communication protocols and information theory, but lacking the necessary physical insight into electromagnetic fields, antennas and radiowave propagation. For the rest of the participants, this course should give a recapitulation of the previously acquired knowledge and extending it to meet the needs of their dissertation, as many of them will need to design an antenna and/or carry out electromagnetic simulations in their projects. Both basic and advanced aspects of electromagnetic theory will be covered, together with numerical methods for solving electromagnetic fields at high frequencies. The course consists of total 12 hours of lectures divided in 4 days plus a mini-project of approx. 1 month duration supervised and evaluated by the lecturer. Criteria for assessment are attendance of the lectures and evaluation of the mini-project.
Prerequisites: Basic BSc/MSc course in electromagnetics ; Vector calculus on MSc level
Learning objectives:
Electromagnetic theory:
Fundamentals of electromagnetics for wireless communication; Maxwell's equations; material properties; boundary conditions; concepts of perfect electric and magnetic conductors; time-harmonic fields; superposition principle; vector potentials; coordinate systems; dyadic Green’s functions; power and energy; Poynting's theorem; wave equation and its solutions; wave propagation; standing waves; polarization; reflection and transmission; radiation; duality theorem; uniqueness theorem; image theory; reciprocity theorem; surface equivalence theorem; Huygens' principle; induction theorem.
Numerical methods:
Most common numerical methods in electromagnetics and their classification; introduction to the method of moments; Hallén’s and Pocklington’s equations; thin-wire dipole; introduction to the FDTD method; stability; dispersion; magic time step; boundary conditions; absorbing boundary conditions; near to far field transformation; characteristic problems; examples of FDTD software; AFC (in-house APMS FDTD Code); CST Microwave Studio; comparison between FDTD and FIT methods; advantages and disadvantages of FDTD and MoM; electromagnetic wave absorption in human tissues; specific absorption rate; homogeneous and heterogeneous human phantoms.
Organizer: Ondrej Franek
Lecturers: Ondrej Franek
ECTS: 3
Time: November 9 - 12, 2025
Place: Aalborg University
Zip code: 9220
City: Aalborg
Maximal number of participants: 15
Deadline: October 19, 2025
Important information concerning PhD courses:
There is a no-show fee of DKK 3,000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before the start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately four months before start of the course.
We cannot ensure any seats before the deadline for enrolment, all participants will be informed after the deadline, approximately 3 weeks before the start of the course.
To attend courses at the Doctoral School in Medicine, Biomedical Science and Technology you must be enrolled as a PhD student.
For inquiries regarding registration, cancellation or waiting list, please contact the PhD administration at aauphd@adm.aau.dk When contacting us please state the course title and course period. Thank you.
- Teacher: Ondrej Franek
Welcome to Convex Optimization, Game Theory, and Machine Learning for Upcoming 6G Networks (2025)
Description: Nowadays, wireless networks have faced an explosive growth of data traffic because of the dramatic increase in the use of mobile devices and, consequently, data-greedy and delay-sensitive applications. Furthermore, bringing everyone and everything unconnected to the connected world is crucial. Thus, researchers in both industry and academia have introduced various promising technologies, such as aerial networks, integrated space-air-ground (ISAG) networks, and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS)(both active and passive RISs)-assisted wireless networks, simultaneously transmission and reflection (STAR) RIS-assisted wireless networks, integrated sensing and communication (ISAC), and semantic communication, to fulfill the traffic demands and provide the seamless wireless connectively in the upcoming generation of wireless networks (i.e., 6G networks). However, we must overcome several research challenges, e.g., how to integrate non-terrestrial networks with the existing terrestrial networks not only to provide seamless wireless connectivity but also to improve the spectrum and energy efficiency in the ISAG networks, how to design optimal phase-shift in the RIS- and STAR-RIS-assisted wireless networks, how to integrate communication and sensing function in the same infrastructure, how to optimize beamforming design, and how to optimize the spectrum allocation between these two functions in ISAC, and among others, before deploying those technologies in the real world. Fortunately, methodologies such as convex optimization, game theory, and machine learning algorithms will help us to overcome challenges. Thus, in this course, we first comprehensively review the technologies appearing in 6G networks. Secondly, we give the theory background of convex optimization, game theory, and machine learning algorithms. Finally, we discuss how to implement those algorithms for cross-layer design optimization in the technologies appearing in 6G networks.
Prerequisites: The students must have the basic knowledge of linear algebra, probability and statistics, ordinary differential equations (ODE), partial differential equations (PDE), and wireless networking.
Learning objectives: The main objective is to introduce the technologies appearing in 6G networks and use convex optimization, game theory, and machine learning algorithms for cross-layer design optimization in the technologies appearing in 6G networks.
Organizer: Yan Kyaw Tun
Lecturers: Yan Kyaw Tun
ECTS: 3.0
Time: 23-25 June 2025
Place: Aalborg University (Room: TBA)
Zip code: 9220
City: Aalborg
Maximal number of participants: 30
Deadline: 2 June 2025
Important information concerning PhD courses:
There is a no-show fee of DKK 3,000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before the start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately four months before start of the course.
We cannot ensure any seats before the deadline for enrolment, all participants will be informed after the deadline, approximately 3 weeks before the start of the course.
To attend courses at the Doctoral School in Medicine, Biomedical Science and Technology you must be enrolled as a PhD student.
For inquiries regarding registration, cancellation or waiting list, please contact the PhD administration at aauphd@adm.aau.dk When contacting us please state the course title and course period. Thank you.
Description: Nowadays, wireless networks have faced an explosive growth of data traffic because of the dramatic increase in the use of mobile devices and, consequently, data-greedy and delay-sensitive applications. Furthermore, bringing everyone and everything unconnected to the connected world is crucial. Thus, researchers in both industry and academia have introduced various promising technologies, such as aerial networks, integrated space-air-ground (ISAG) networks, and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS)(both active and passive RISs)-assisted wireless networks, simultaneously transmission and reflection (STAR) RIS-assisted wireless networks, integrated sensing and communication (ISAC), and semantic communication, to fulfill the traffic demands and provide the seamless wireless connectively in the upcoming generation of wireless networks (i.e., 6G networks). However, we must overcome several research challenges, e.g., how to integrate non-terrestrial networks with the existing terrestrial networks not only to provide seamless wireless connectivity but also to improve the spectrum and energy efficiency in the ISAG networks, how to design optimal phase-shift in the RIS- and STAR-RIS-assisted wireless networks, how to integrate communication and sensing function in the same infrastructure, how to optimize beamforming design, and how to optimize the spectrum allocation between these two functions in ISAC, and among others, before deploying those technologies in the real world. Fortunately, methodologies such as convex optimization, game theory, and machine learning algorithms will help us to overcome challenges. Thus, in this course, we first comprehensively review the technologies appearing in 6G networks. Secondly, we give the theory background of convex optimization, game theory, and machine learning algorithms. Finally, we discuss how to implement those algorithms for cross-layer design optimization in the technologies appearing in 6G networks.
Prerequisites: The students must have the basic knowledge of linear algebra, probability and statistics, ordinary differential equations (ODE), partial differential equations (PDE), and wireless networking.
Learning objectives: The main objective is to introduce the technologies appearing in 6G networks and use convex optimization, game theory, and machine learning algorithms for cross-layer design optimization in the technologies appearing in 6G networks.
Organizer: Yan Kyaw Tun
Lecturers: Yan Kyaw Tun
ECTS: 3.0
Time: 23-25 June 2025
Place: Aalborg University (Room: TBA)
Zip code: 9220
City: Aalborg
Maximal number of participants: 30
Deadline: 2 June 2025
Important information concerning PhD courses:
There is a no-show fee of DKK 3,000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before the start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately four months before start of the course.
We cannot ensure any seats before the deadline for enrolment, all participants will be informed after the deadline, approximately 3 weeks before the start of the course.
To attend courses at the Doctoral School in Medicine, Biomedical Science and Technology you must be enrolled as a PhD student.
For inquiries regarding registration, cancellation or waiting list, please contact the PhD administration at aauphd@adm.aau.dk When contacting us please state the course title and course period. Thank you.
- Teacher: Yan Kyaw Tun
Welcome to Satellite Communications for Global Connectivity and Intelligence
Description: Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites are at the forefront of a technological revolution in space communications, with multiple companies such as Space X, OneWeb, and Amazon deploying their own satellite constellations to provide global Internet connectivity. However, there are many more potential use cases, applications, and opportunities for satellite systems beyond Internet access. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of satellite communications and networking, along with novel use cases, applications, and technologies, which can be divided into two categories. The first category consists of use cases and applications inherited from terrestrial networks and fostered by the envisioned integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial communications systems, such as edge computing, integrated sensing and communications (ISAC), and artificial intelligence (AI)-as-a-service. The second category consists of space-native applications that benefit from recent development in satellite communications, such as Earth observation, space exploration, navigation, remote identification, and disaster management.
Prerequisites: The students must be familiar with the basic concepts of wireless communications in one or more of the following areas: 1) propagation of radio waves; 2) wireless communications protocols at different layers; 3) network architectures and topologies. Knowledge about space communications, orbital mechanics, Earth observation, is not required.
Learning objectives: Knowledge
• Fundamentals of wireless communications in space, including communication technologies, channel models, protocols, and challenges of satellite-to-ground and satellite-to-satellite links.
• Novel use cases and applications of satellites, including edge computing, Earth observation, artificial intelligence (AI)-as-a-service, including their requirements and SotA data processing techniques.
• Satellite form factors, platforms, payloads, subsystems, and basics of space flight, including satellite orbits, orbital design, and orbital mechanics (spatial and temporal sampling), drag effects and atmospheric effects.
• Different requirements for data and tele-control and tele-command communication, as well as the aspects that can lead to performance degradation.
• Opportunities and challenges for satellite edge computing and AI. Including edge computing and AI for satellite communications, as well as AI for space-native applications.
• Relevant AI models and algorithms for both training and inference to support network operations and user applications.
• Novel concepts of wireless communications in the space context, such as architectures such as Open-RAN, semantic and goal-oriented communications, integrated sensing and communications (ISAC), and digital twinning.
• An introduction to Earth Observation and satellite based remote sensing.
Skills
At the end of the course, the students will be able to:
• Identify the main technologies, protocols, mechanisms, and challenges for achieving global connectivity through satellite constellations.
• Understand the diverse communications and data-related tasks that must be performed to fulfil the requirements of novel satellite-based applications.
• Understand how a selected set of environmental models operate, how these are supported by Earth observation, and the roadmap towards novel use cases such as ISAC and digital twinning.
• Identify the benefits, performance trade-offs, and challenges of semantic communications in satellite networks.
• Perform a basic design of satellite constellations regarding coverage and performance, including topologies and dimensioning and management of the communication links.
Competences
• Use the fundamental aspects of relevant models, algorithms, and technologies related to satellite communications to formulate research questions and propose solutions to research problems on satellite communications.
Organizer: Israel Leyva Mayorga
Lecturers: Israel Leyva-Mayorga, Beatriz Soret, Jens Frederik Dalsgaard Nielsen, Ehsan Forootan, Maike Schumacher, and Yan Kyaw Tun
ECTS: 3
Time: May 5 - 8, 2025
Place: Aalborg University
Zip code: 9220
City: Aalborg
Maximal number of participants: 22
Deadline: April 14, 2025
Important information concerning PhD courses:
There is a no-show fee of DKK 3,000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before the start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately four months before start of the course.
We cannot ensure any seats before the deadline for enrolment, all participants will be informed after the deadline, approximately 3 weeks before the start of the course.
To attend courses at the Doctoral School in Medicine, Biomedical Science and Technology you must be enrolled as a PhD student.
For inquiries regarding registration, cancellation or waiting list, please contact the PhD administration at aauphd@adm.aau.dk When contacting us please state the course title and course period. Thank you.
Description: Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites are at the forefront of a technological revolution in space communications, with multiple companies such as Space X, OneWeb, and Amazon deploying their own satellite constellations to provide global Internet connectivity. However, there are many more potential use cases, applications, and opportunities for satellite systems beyond Internet access. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of satellite communications and networking, along with novel use cases, applications, and technologies, which can be divided into two categories. The first category consists of use cases and applications inherited from terrestrial networks and fostered by the envisioned integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial communications systems, such as edge computing, integrated sensing and communications (ISAC), and artificial intelligence (AI)-as-a-service. The second category consists of space-native applications that benefit from recent development in satellite communications, such as Earth observation, space exploration, navigation, remote identification, and disaster management.
Prerequisites: The students must be familiar with the basic concepts of wireless communications in one or more of the following areas: 1) propagation of radio waves; 2) wireless communications protocols at different layers; 3) network architectures and topologies. Knowledge about space communications, orbital mechanics, Earth observation, is not required.
Learning objectives: Knowledge
• Fundamentals of wireless communications in space, including communication technologies, channel models, protocols, and challenges of satellite-to-ground and satellite-to-satellite links.
• Novel use cases and applications of satellites, including edge computing, Earth observation, artificial intelligence (AI)-as-a-service, including their requirements and SotA data processing techniques.
• Satellite form factors, platforms, payloads, subsystems, and basics of space flight, including satellite orbits, orbital design, and orbital mechanics (spatial and temporal sampling), drag effects and atmospheric effects.
• Different requirements for data and tele-control and tele-command communication, as well as the aspects that can lead to performance degradation.
• Opportunities and challenges for satellite edge computing and AI. Including edge computing and AI for satellite communications, as well as AI for space-native applications.
• Relevant AI models and algorithms for both training and inference to support network operations and user applications.
• Novel concepts of wireless communications in the space context, such as architectures such as Open-RAN, semantic and goal-oriented communications, integrated sensing and communications (ISAC), and digital twinning.
• An introduction to Earth Observation and satellite based remote sensing.
Skills
At the end of the course, the students will be able to:
• Identify the main technologies, protocols, mechanisms, and challenges for achieving global connectivity through satellite constellations.
• Understand the diverse communications and data-related tasks that must be performed to fulfil the requirements of novel satellite-based applications.
• Understand how a selected set of environmental models operate, how these are supported by Earth observation, and the roadmap towards novel use cases such as ISAC and digital twinning.
• Identify the benefits, performance trade-offs, and challenges of semantic communications in satellite networks.
• Perform a basic design of satellite constellations regarding coverage and performance, including topologies and dimensioning and management of the communication links.
Competences
• Use the fundamental aspects of relevant models, algorithms, and technologies related to satellite communications to formulate research questions and propose solutions to research problems on satellite communications.
Organizer: Israel Leyva Mayorga
Lecturers: Israel Leyva-Mayorga, Beatriz Soret, Jens Frederik Dalsgaard Nielsen, Ehsan Forootan, Maike Schumacher, and Yan Kyaw Tun
ECTS: 3
Time: May 5 - 8, 2025
Place: Aalborg University
Zip code: 9220
City: Aalborg
Maximal number of participants: 22
Deadline: April 14, 2025
Important information concerning PhD courses:
There is a no-show fee of DKK 3,000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before the start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately four months before start of the course.
We cannot ensure any seats before the deadline for enrolment, all participants will be informed after the deadline, approximately 3 weeks before the start of the course.
To attend courses at the Doctoral School in Medicine, Biomedical Science and Technology you must be enrolled as a PhD student.
For inquiries regarding registration, cancellation or waiting list, please contact the PhD administration at aauphd@adm.aau.dk When contacting us please state the course title and course period. Thank you.
- Teacher: Ehsan Forootan
- Teacher: Israel Leyva Mayorga
- Teacher: Maike Schumacher
- Teacher: Beatriz Soret