Computer Engineering

College of Engineering and Mines
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
907-474-7137
http://cem.uaf.edu/ece/

B.S. Degree

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Minimum Requirements for Degree: 134 credits

The mission of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department is to offer the highest quality, contemporary education in electrical and computer engineering at the undergraduate and graduate levels and to perform research appropriate to the technical needs of the state of Alaska, the nation and the world.

Computer engineering is a relatively new discipline. It lies somewhere in the middle between computer science, which covers theory, algorithms, software, networking, graphics and computer architecture -- and electrical engineering, which covers microelectronics, electrical circuits and devices, networks, communications systems, computer architecture, hardware design and systems analysis. Computer engineers design, analyze, produce, operate, program and maintain computer and digital systems. They apply theories and principles of science and mathematics to the design of hardware, software, networks and processes to solve technical problems.

Over the past decade, computers have evolved into complex systems that may consist of single machines or many interconnected computers linked by a data network. In one form or another, computers now control most telephone and communications systems, process control and manufacturing automation systems, management information systems, household appliances, automobiles, transportation systems and medical instrumentation. Computers also form the core of the Internet. To work in the constantly evolving discipline of computer systems engineering, the computer engineer must acquire competence in both digital computer hardware and the fundamentals of software engineering.

Careers in computer engineering are as wide and varied as computer systems themselves. Systems range from embedded computer systems found in consumer products or medical devices; control systems for automobiles, aircraft and trains; to more wide-ranging applications in telecommunications, financial transactions and information systems.

The faculty of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department provide a positive learning environment that enables students to pursue their goals in an innovative program that is rigorous and challenging, open and supportive. The B.S. program develops practical skills by emphasizing hands-on experience in the design, implementation, and validation of electrical systems in an environment that fosters and encourages innovation and creativity. This approach builds the foundation for the program's educational objectives:

  1. Breadth: Graduates will utilize their broad education emphasizing computer engineering to serve as the foundation for productive careers in the public or private sectors, graduate education, and lifelong learning.
  2. Depth: Graduates will apply their understanding of the fundamental knowledge prerequisite for the practice of and/or advanced study in computer engineering, including its scientific principles, rigorous analysis, and creative design.
  3. Professional skills: Graduates will apply skills for clear communication, responsible teamwork, professional attitudes and ethics needed to succeed in the complex modern work environment.

These objectives serve the department, college and university missions by insuring that all graduates of the program have received a high quality, contemporary education that prepares them for a rewarding career in computer engineering.

Candidates for the B.S. degree are required to take the state of Alaska Fundamentals of Engineering Examination in their general field.

For more information about the computer engineering program mission, goals and educational objectives, visit http://cem.uaf.edu/ece/abet/.

Major -- B.S. Degree

  1. Complete the general university requirements. (As part of the core curriculum requirements, complete: MATH F251X, CHEM F105X and CHEM F106X or PHYS F213X.)*
  2. Complete the B.S. degree requirements. (As part of the B.S. degree requirements, complete: MATH F252X, PHYS F211X and PHYS F212X.)*
  3. Complete the following program (major) requirements:*
    CS F201--Computer Science I--3 credits
    CS F202--Computer Science II--3 credits
    CS F301--Assembly Language Programming--3 credits
    CS F311--Data Structures and Algorithms--3 credits
    CS F321--Operating Systems--3 credits
    CS F331--Programming Languages--3 credits
    EE F102--Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering--3 credits
    EE F203--Electrical Engineering Fundamentals I--4 credits
    EE F204-- Electrical Engineering Fundamentals II--4 credits
    EE F333W--Physical Electronics--4 credits
    EE F311--Applied Engineering Electromagnetics--3 credits
    EE F331--High Frequency Lab--1 credit
    EE F343--Digital Systems Analysis and Design--4 credits
    EE F353--Circuit Theory--3 credits
    EE F354--Engineering Signal Analysis--3 credits
    EE F443--Computer Engineering Analysis and Design--4 credits
    EE F444W,O--Embedded Systems Design--4 credits
    EE F463--Communication Networks--3 credits
    ES F101--Introduction to Engineering--3 credits
    ESM F450W--Economic Analysis and Operations--3 credits
    MATH F253X--Calculus III--4 credits
    MATH F302--Differential Equations--3 credits
    MATH F307--Discrete Mathematics--3 credits
    Approved electives**--6 credits
    Approved engineering science elective***--3 credits
  4. Complete the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination administered by the State of Alaska.
  5. Minimum credits required--134 credits

* Students must earn a C- grade or better in each course.

** Recommended electives are: EE F334, EE F434, EE F451, EE F461, EE F464, EE F471, CS F361, CS F381, CS F472, CS F411, CS F421, CS F431, CS F471, CS F481

*** Engineering science elective to be chosen from ES F208, ES F331, ME F334, ES F341, ES F346.