Program Overview
The University of Connecticut's Computer Engineering program combines computer science and electrical engineering to prepare students for careers in hardware and digital systems design. The program's curriculum includes coursework in data structures, computer architecture, operating systems, and embedded systems, as well as electrical circuits, signals and systems, and digital systems design. Graduates are equipped with the skills to make technical contributions in their field and pursue advanced degrees or professional development.
Program Outline
It requires the completion of 126 credits, which includes courses in both disciplines.
Objectives:
The program's educational objectives are:
- To enable graduates to make technical contributions to design, development, and manufacturing in their practice of computer engineering.
- To prepare graduates for advancement in their professional careers and engagement in professional development or post-graduate education to pursue flexible career paths amid future technological changes.
Description:
The program provides students with a strong foundation in both computer science and electrical engineering, allowing them to design and develop computer hardware and software systems. Students learn about digital logic design, computer architecture, operating systems, and embedded systems. They also gain experience in designing and building electronic circuits and systems.
Outline:
Content:
The program covers a wide range of topics in computer science and electrical engineering, including:
- Computer Science: Data structures, object-oriented design, algorithms, complexity analysis, computer networks, data communication, computer security, embedded systems, software engineering, and numerical methods.
- Electrical Engineering: Electrical circuits, signals and systems, electronic circuit design and analysis, digital systems design, very large-scale integrated (VLSI) design and simulation, and digital communications and networks.
Structure:
The program's curriculum is divided into four categories:
- Core Courses: These courses provide students with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed for computer engineering.
- Professional Requirements: These courses allow students to specialize in a particular area of computer engineering.
- Design Laboratories: These courses provide students with hands-on experience in designing and building computer hardware and software systems.
- Electives: These courses allow students to explore their interests and pursue additional coursework in computer science or electrical engineering.
Course Schedule:
The program offers a variety of courses each semester, and students can choose from a variety of schedules to fit their needs.
Individual Modules:
The program consists of several individual modules, each with its own description:
- Data Structures and Object-Oriented Design: This module introduces students to the fundamental concepts of data structures and object-oriented design.
- Systems Programming: This module teaches students how to program in a low-level language and how to interact with the operating system.
- Principles and Practice of Digital Logic Design: This module introduces students to the basics of digital logic design.
- C++ Essentials: This module teaches students the basics of C++ programming.
- Electrical Circuits: This module introduces students to the basic concepts of electrical circuits.
- Signals and Systems: This module teaches students how to analyze and design signals and systems.
- Electronic Circuit Design and Analysis: This module teaches students how to design and analyze electronic circuits.
- Digital Systems Design: This module teaches students how to design digital systems.
- Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) Design and Simulation: This module teaches students how to design and simulate VLSI circuits.
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Design II: This module is the second part of a two-part senior design project.
- Multivariable Calculus: This module teaches students the basics of multivariable calculus.
- Applied Linear Algebra: This module teaches students the basics of linear algebra.
- Elementary Differential Equations: This module teaches students how to solve differential equations.
Assessment:
The program uses a variety of methods to assess student learning, including:
- Exams: Exams are used to assess students' understanding of the material covered in lectures and readings.
- Assignments: Assignments are used to assess students' ability to apply the concepts learned in class to real-world problems.
- Projects: Projects are used to assess students' ability to design and build computer hardware and software systems.
- Presentations: Presentations are used to assess students' ability to communicate their ideas effectively.
Teaching:
The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields. The faculty use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities. The program also offers a variety of support services, such as tutoring and academic advising.
Careers:
Graduates of the program can pursue a variety of careers in computer engineering and related fields. Some common career paths include:
- Hardware engineer
- Software engineer
- Systems engineer
- Network engineer
- Security engineer
- Data scientist
- Research scientist
Other:
The program also offers a concentration in Naval Science and Technology. This concentration is designed to expose students to engineering concepts and topics of importance to the Navy. Students who complete the concentration will be prepared for careers in the Navy or in industries that support naval science and technology.
