Guide
Fall HELP! 2005/Spring 2006
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Colorado Boulder Engineering Center Room ECEE 1B55 Campus Box 425 UCB Boulder, CO 80309-0425
Revision 9/23/05
Table of Contents
Welcome to Electrical & Computer Engineering Welcome to ECE...................................................................................................................................................4 Mission and Objectives.........................................................................................................................................5 Department Overview ..................................................................................................................................5 Mission Statement ........................................................................................................................................5 Employment Opportunities ..........................................................................................................................5 Electrical & Computer Engineering Disciplines ...................................................................................................6 Program Objectives EE.........................................................................................................................................7 Program Objectives ECE ......................................................................................................................................8 Basic Program Requirements EE Curriculum ....................................................................................................................................................10 ECE Curriculum..................................................................................................................................................12 Humanities and Social Sciences Requirement ....................................................................................................14 Herbst Program for Humanities..................................................................................................................14 Pre-Requisites and Co-Requisites .......................................................................................................................15 Graduation Requirements ...................................................................................................................................16 Advising Resources.............................................................................................................................................17 Program Enrichment Options Co-Op Program...................................................................................................................................................19 Certificate Programs ...........................................................................................................................................24 Embedded System Design..........................................................................................................................24 Software Engineering .................................................................................................................................24 College of Arts and Sciences......................................................................................................................24 ATLAS .......................................................................................................................................................24 International Engineering Certificate in German........................................................................................24 Biomedical Engineering Option..........................................................................................................................25 Study Abroad Program........................................................................................................................................26 Semester at Sea ...................................................................................................................................................26 Concurrent BS/MS Program ...............................................................................................................................27 Other Information Department Regulations and Useful Information ...............................................................................................29 Other Important Publications ..............................................................................................................................32 Miscellaneous Curriculum Notes ........................................................................................................................32 Minimum Academic Preparation Standards (MAPS) .........................................................................................33 Faculty Directory ................................................................................................................................................34 Index ...................................................................................................................................................................35 EE Advisors Grid .......................................................................................................................................................36 ECE Advisors Grid.....................................................................................................................................................37
Welcome to Electrical & Computer Engineering
Welcome Mission and Objectives Department Overview Employment Opportunities Electrical & Computer Engineering Disciplines Program Objectives for EE Program Objectives for ECE
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Welcome to the ECE Department!
We are pleased you have chosen the Electrical and Computer Engineering department. There are two baccalaureate degrees offered by the Department, B.S. in Electrical Engineering and B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Both are accredited by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. This HELP! Guide has been written to assist you in understanding Department curriculum requirements and regulations. You should also be familiar with the Advising Guides published by the Deans Office. In some cases, the rules of the Department differ from those of the College; the Department rules supersede in that case. You are responsible for knowing both sets of rules. Because the curriculum is continually changing, in general you will be expected to follow the curriculum in effect when you entered the program as reflected in this HELP! Guide. If, for some reason, that becomes impossible, you must petition to follow a different curriculum. The ECE faculty and staff are here to help you with whatever problems you may have along the way. You should become familiar with the people listed in the box on this page. As a freshman, you should see any of the freshman advisors or the Undergraduate Staff Advisor whenever you have questions. At the beginning of your sophomore year, you will be assigned a permanent faculty advisor for the remainder of your program. If you have questions about curriculum requirements, department regulations, course sequences, etc., the Undergraduate Staff Advisor is the one to contact. She can perform a degree audit which will tell you the courses you have already completed and also which courses you still need to take to complete your degree requirements. If you have technical questions about course content or desirability of certain courses in the marketplace see a freshman advisor or your faculty advisor. Your faculty advisor may also assist you with career counseling and other similar topics. The semester-by-semester schedule listed in this Guide is intended as a guideline; few students find that they can follow it exactly. When rearranging courses to fit your particular needs, be sure to consider how postponing a course that is a prerequisite to others will affect the remainder of your schedule. You will find that some courses may be moved without penalty while postponing others will delay your graduation by a semester or more. College is very different from high school. You are expected to take much more initiative in such things as arranging your own schedule, gathering information, and seeking help when needed. If you find you need help whether for academic or personal difficulties there are lots of resources available on this campus. Please come see us before the problem becomes serious. If we cant help you solve your problem, we can certainly refer you to someone who can help.
Information is also available on the ECE Department web page at: http://ece.colorado.edu Check regularly for updated schedules, course information, faculty office hours and locations, job postings, and much more. Electrical & Computer Engineering Advisors Associate Chair and Head of the Undergraduate Program: Prof. Ruth Dameron EE 1B67 303-492-8369 Undergraduate Staff Advisor: Ms. Valerie Matthews Freshman Advisors: Prof. James Avery Prof. Dejan Filipovic Prof. Thomas Mullis Prof. Wounjhang Park Transfer Credit Evaluator: Prof. Edward Kuester EE 1B51 OT 240 OT 243 OT 335 EE 248 OT 248 303-492-7671 303-492-6310 303-735-6319 303-492-8718 303-735-3601 303-492-5173
Academic and Career Advisors: Your assigned faculty advisor or any ECE faculty member
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Mission and Objectives for the EE/ECE Undergraduate Programs
Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Overview The department was founded in the 1890s, in the earliest days of the College of Engineering. Today it has 39 tenured and tenure-track professors, 10 professors with secondary appointments to the department, 3 research professors, and over 10 adjunct professors, instructors, and lecturers. Two of our faculty are members of the National Academy of Engineering, fourteen are Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Fellows, three are Optical Society of America Fellows and eight are members of Eta Kappa Nu, the national Electrical and Computer Engineering honors society. Our faculty are active in research, with research expenditures totaling about $5.2 million annually. Our research is concentrated in ten different areas, from biomedical engineering to VLSI/CAD. Mission Statement The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Colorado at Boulder is the premier undergraduate and graduate EE/ECE program in the state of Colorado and all adjoining states, as measured by reputation, national rankings, and department size. The primary mission of the ECE department is: To provide relevant and highly-respected undergraduate EE and ECE degree programs to on-campus students, To provide excellent graduate degree programs in electrical and computer engineering, To advance industry in the state of Colorado and the nation, as well as the accumulated knowledge of mankind, through our high quality research programs, and To use our on-campus educational activities to provide high-quality continuing education programs for offcampus students.
It is widely acknowledged that an engineering undergraduate education is a strong foundation for a successful career in many different disciplines including, of course, engineering, but additionally management, business, law, medicine and even politics. While our primary focus is on engineering careers we are pleased when our graduates take, into diverse careers, their foundations in analysis, problem solving and understanding of complex systems. Our curriculum is designed to help our graduates become viable in a globally competitive work environment. Our graduates are able to establish a portfolio of up-to-date skills, abilities, and accomplishments that distinguish them from the competition. Further, the core disciplines and intellectual skills they develop form the framework for a successful career in an environment where the state of practice advances rapidly. Employment Opportunities According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrical, electronics, and computer engineers make up the largest branch of engineering. They are found in professional, scientific, and technical services firms, government agencies, manufacturers of computer and electronic products and machinery, wholesale trade, communications, and utilities firms. On the CU-Boulder campus, recruiters request interviews with electrical engineering and computer engineering graduates in numbers several times those of other majors, even other engineering majors. Our graduates go to work for both large engineering companies (Lockheed Martin, IBM, Agilent, Hewlett Packard, Xilinx, Intel, Northrup Grumman, Ball Aerospace, Maxtor, Seagate, Sun Mircosystems, National Instruments, Texas Instruments, Apple Computers, Micron) and smaller, local firms such as SpectraLogic and Level 3 Communications. Some of our graduates go on to graduate school and a few of our faculty even graduated from our program!
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Electrical & Computer Engineering Disciplines
Biomedical Engineering Biomedical engineering is concerned with the development and manufacture of prostheses, medical devices, diagnostic devices, drugs, and other therapies. It is more concerned with biological, safety, and regulatory issues than other disciplines in engineering. Our faculty are currently doing research in bioelectromagnetics which involves the use of electromagnetic fields to probe biological functions, MRI, and other diagnostic tools. Communications and Signal Processing Communication engineering and information theory are concerned with the efficient representation and reliable transmission and/or storage of information. Communications engineers develop: digital audio, pattern recognition, speech processing and recognition, audio and image compression, medical imaging, digital filtering, and more. Computer Engineering A computer engineer is an electrical engineer with a focus on digital logic systems, and less emphasis on radio frequency or power electronics. From a computer science perspective, a computer engineer is a software architect with a focus on the interaction between software programs and the underlying hardware components. Dynamics and Controls Control techniques are used whenever some quantity, such as speed, temperature, or force must be made to behave in some desirable way over time. Currently, our dynamics and controls group are working on diverse problems such as developing controllers for aircraft, spacecraft, information storage systems, human-machine interfaces, manufacturing processes, and power systems. Electromagnetics, RF, and Microwaves This specialty area is concerned with the use of the electromagnetic spectrum. In particular, our faculty focus on current commercial and military needs such as active circuits, antennas for communications and radar, theoretical and numerical techniques for analysis of high-frequency circuits and antennas, and artificial electromagnetic materials. Nanostructures and Devices Solid-state devices form the basis of integrated circuits, which have a variety of electronic, optoelectronic, and magnetic applications. The research in this field is concerned with design, fabrication, and characterization of novel materials and devices with sub-micron feature sizes. Their potential applications include very high-speed devices, optical sources and detectors, optoelectronic components and all-optical devices. The design and fabrication of devices and integrated circuits are inextricably related to device physics, solid-state materials, and sophisticated processing techniques. Optics and Photonics This area emphasizes the design, fabrication, and characterization of materials, devices and systems for the generation, transmission, amplification, detection, and processing of light signals. These are enabling and pervasive technologies applied in fields like communications, sensing, bio-medical instrumentation, consumer electronics and defense. Power Electronics and Renewable Energy Systems Power electronics is the technology associated with the efficient conversion, control and conditioning of electronic power by static means from its available input form into the desired electrical output form. In contrast to electronic systems concerned with transmission and processing of signals and data, in power electronics substantial amounts of electrical energy are processed. VLSI/CAD Very Large Scale Integration a term applied to most modern integrated circuits which comprise from hundreds to thousands to millions of individual components. Research in this area works toward developing new algorithms and design methodologies to efficiently design VLSI ICs.
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Program Objectives for a BS Degree in Electrical Engineering (EEEN) Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
EE-1 Graduates will be situated in growing careers involving the design, development or support of electrical or electronic systems, devices, instruments, or products, or will be successfully pursuing an advanced degree. Graduates attaining the EE degree will have comprehensive knowledge and experience in the concepts and design of electrical and electronic devices, circuits, and systems. This is achieved through a sequence of required courses in these areas, culminating in a major design project incorporating realistic engineering constraints. Moreover, graduates will have advanced, specialized knowledge and skills in elective areas such as communications and digital signal processing, control systems, analog and digital integrated circuit design, semiconductor devices and optoelectronics electromagnetics and wireless systems, power electronics and renewable energy, bioelectronics, and digital systems. EE graduates will have attained other professional skills that will be useful throughout their careers, including verbal and written communication and the ability to function on multidisciplinary teams. The EE curriculum is rich in laboratory work. EE graduates will have achieved extensive practical experience in the laboratory techniques, tools, and skills that provide a bridge between theory and practice. EE-2 Graduates will have advanced in professional standing based on their technical accomplishments, and will have accumulated additional technical expertise to remain globally competitive. EE graduates experience a curriculum that contains a broad core of classes focused on mathematical and physical principles that are fundamental to the field of electrical engineering. Hence, they understand the physical and mathematical principles underlying electrical and electronic technology, and are able to analyze and solve electrical engineering problems using this knowledge. In addition to basic classes in mathematics, science, and computing, the EE curriculum includes a sequence of courses in analog and digital electronic circuits and systems, and electromagnetic fields. EE-3 Graduates will have demonstrated professional and personal leadership and growth. To lay the foundation for a long career in a rapidly changing field, a broad background of fundamental knowledge is required. This is achieved in the EE curriculum through a sequence of required classes in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and he EE core. In addition, the graduate must be capable of lifelong learning; this is taught through assignments and projects that require independent research and study. The curriculum includes a significant component of electives in the humanities and social sciences. EE graduates will have knowledge of the broader contemporary issues that impact engineering solutions in a global and societal context. They will have the verbal and written communications skills necessary for a successful career in industry or academia. Graduates also understand the meaning and importance of professional and ethical responsibility.
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Program Objectives for a BS Degree in Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECEN)
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
ECE-1 Graduates will be situated in growing careers involving the design, development or support of electrical, electronic, and computer hardware and software systems, software engineering, devices instruments, or products, or will be successfully pursuing an advanced degree..
Graduates attaining the ECE degree will have comprehensive knowledge and experience in the concepts and design of electrical, electronic, and computer devices, circuits, and systems. Besides emphasizing computer hardware and software, the ECE curriculum also emphasizes design, integration, implementation, and application of computer systems, as well as experience in software development. This is achieved through a sequence of required courses in these areas, culminating in a major design project incorporating realistic engineering constraints. The curriculum also provides opportunities for specialization in areas such as compiler design, embedded systems, software engineering, and VLSI design, as well as in the electrical engineering specialties. ECE graduates will have attained other professional skills that will be useful throughout their careers, including verbal and written communication and the ability to function on multidisciplinary teams. The ECE curriculum is rich in laboratory work. ECE graduates will have achieved extensive practical experience in the laboratory techniques, tools, and skills that provide a bridge between theory and practice. ECE-2 Graduates will have advanced in professional standing based on their technical accomplishments and will have accumulated additional technical expertise to remain globally competitive.
ECE graduates experience a curriculum that contains a broad core of classes focused on mathematical and physical principles that are fundamental to the fields of electrical and computer engineering. Hence, they understand the physical and mathematical principles underlying electrical and electronic technology and computer systems, and are able to analyze and solve electrical and computer engineering problems using this knowledge. In addition to basic classes in mathematics, science, and computing, the ECE curriculum includes a sequence of courses in analog and digital electronic circuits and systems, electromagnetic fields, probability, computer software, and computer design and architecture. ECE-3 Graduates will have demonstrated professional and personal leadership and growth.
To lay the foundation of a long career in a rapidly changing field, a broad background of fundamental knowledge is required. This is achieved in the ECE curriculum through a sequence of required classes in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and the ECE core. In addition, the graduate must be capable of lifelong learning; this is taught through assignments and projects that require independent research and study. The curriculum includes a significant component of electives in the humanities and social sciences. ECE graduates will have knowledge of the broader contemporary issues that impact engineering solutions in a global and societal context. They will have the verbal and written communications skills necessary for a successful career in industry or academia. Graduates also understand the meaning and importance of professional and ethical responsibility.
Basic Program Requirements
Electrical Engineering Curriculum Electrical & Computer Engineering Curriculum Pre-Requisites and Co-Requisites Are You Graduating? Advising Resources
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COURSES REQUIRED FOR B.S. IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING (128 HOURS)
Math (16 hours) APPM 1350 APPM 1360 APPM 2350 APPM 2360 Theory distribution courses (9 hours) - choose three from at least two different subject areas: Unused ECE Elective from list ECEN 4106 3 Photonics ECEN 4138 3 Control System Analysis ECEN 4167 3 Energy Conversion 2 ECEN 4242 3 Communication Theory ECEN 4345 3 Intro. To Solid State ECEN 4553 3 Intro. To Compiler Construction ECEN 4583 3 Software Systems Development ECEN 4593 3 Computer Organization ECEN 4623 3 Real-Time Embedded Systems ECEN 4632 3 Digital Filtering ECEN 4645 3 Intro. to Optical Electronics ECEN 4703 3 Discrete Mathematics ECEN 4797 3 Introduction to Power Electronics ECEN 4811 3 Neural Sigs & Functional Brain Img. ECEN 4821 3 Neural Systems & Physiological Ctrl. ECEN 4827 3 Analog IC Design ECEN 4831 3 Brains, Minds, & Computers Capstone Design Lab (3 hours) ECEN 4610 3 Capstone Laboratory* Additional Laboratory Courses (4-6 hours) - choose two: ECEN 4375 3 Microstructures Lab ECEN 4517 2 Power Electronics Lab ECEN 4532 3 Digital Signal Processing Lab ECEN 4606 3 Undergrad Optics Lab ECEN 4613 3 Embedded Systems Design ECEN 4633 3 Hybrid Embedded Systems ECEN 4634 2 Transmission Lab ECEN 4638 2 Controls Lab ECEN 4652 2 Communications Lab Humanities & Social Sciences (21 hours) WRTG 3030 3 Writing on Science & Society 3 Upper division course 15 Courses from approved list (hours) Free Electives (5 hours maximum) Student's choice of courses up to a maximum of 5 semester credit hours. Technical Electives (variable) 3000-level or above of approved engineering, math, or physics courses or others by petition. Number of hours needed varies with hours in other categories. TOTAL HOURS = 128
4 4 4 4
Calculus 1 for Engineers Calculus 2 for Engineers Calculus 3 for Engineers Linear Algebra & Diff. Equations
Science (12 hours) CHEN 1211 3 CHEM 1221 2 PHYS 1110 4 PHYS 2130 3
General Chemistry for Engineers General Chemistry Lab General Physics 1 General Physics 3
Freshman Elective (3-5 hours) - freshmen choose one: ECEN 1400 3 Introduction to Digital and Analog Electronics GEEN 1400 3 Freshman Projects CHEM 1131 5 General Chemistry 2 EBIO 1210 3 General Biology 1 plus EBIO 1230 1 General Biology Lab 1 or MCDB 1150 3 Intro to Molecular Biology plus MCDB 1151 1 Intro to Molecular Biology Lab Introductory freshman course from other engr. Dept. Freshman Seminar (1 hour) - freshmen choose one: ECEN 1100 1 Freshman Seminar GEEN 1500 1 Introduction to Engineering Introductory freshman seminar from other engr. dept. Computer Science (4 hours) CSCI 1300 4 Computer Science 1: Programming Electrical Engineering Core (38 hours)* ECEN 2120 5 Computers as Components ECEN 2250 5 Circuits/Electronics 1 ECEN 2260 5 Circuits/Electronics 2 ECEN 3100 5 Digital Logic ECEN 3250 5 Circuits/Electronics 3 ECEN 3300 5 Linear Systems ECEN 3400 5 Electromagnetic Fields & Waves ECEN 3810 3 Introduction to Probability ECE Electives (6 hours) - choose two: ECEN 3170 3 Energy Conversion ECEN 3320 3 Semiconductor Devices ECEN 3410 3 Electromagnetic Waves & Trans. *Students are not allowed to register for Capstone Laboratory until all Electrical Engineering Core courses are passed with a grade of C- or better.
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Sample Schedule for Electrical Engineering Program
Freshman Year
Fall Course PHYS 1110 APPM 1350 CSCI 1300 ECEN 1100 Title Physics 1 Calculus 1 CS1: Programming Freshman Seminar Humanities & Social Sciences Total Credit Hours Hrs. 4 4 4 1 3 16 Course CHEN 1211 CHEM 1221 APPM 1360 Spring Title General Chemistry for Engineers Engineering General Chemistry Lab Calculus 2 Freshman Elective Humanities & Social Sciences Total Credit Hours Hrs. 3 2 4 3 3 15
Sophomore Year
Fall Course APPM 2360 ECEN 2120 ECEN 2250 Title Linear Algebra/Diff. Eq. Computers as Components Circuits/Electronics I Humanities & Social Sciences Total Credit Hours Hrs. 4 5 5 3 17 Course APPM 2350 ECEN 2260 ECEN 3100 Spring Title Calculus 3 Circuits/Electronics 2 Digital Logic Humanities & Social Sciences Total Credit Hours Hrs. 4 5 5 3 17
Junior Year
Fall Course ECEN 3300 ECEN 3400 ECEN 3810 Title Linear Systems EM Fields Probability Free Elective Total Credit Hours Hrs. 5 5 3 3 16 Course PHYS 2130 ECEN 3250 Spring Title Modern Physics Circuits/Electronics 3 ECE Elective Technical Elective Writing on Science & Society Total Credit Hours Hrs. 3 5 3 3 3 17
WRTG
3030
Senior Year
Fall Course Title ECE Elective ECE Theory Elective ECE Theory Elective ECE Lab Elective Technical Elective Humanities & Social Sciences Total Credit Hours Hrs. 3 3 3 2 3 3 17 Course Spring Title ECE Theory Elective ECE Lab Elective Capstone Laboratory Free Elective Upper Division H&SS Total Credit Hours Hrs. 3 2 3 2 3 13
ECEN
4610
The above schedule is intended only as a sample. Few students find that they can follow it exactly. In fact, only about 40% of our students elect to complete their requirements in eight semesters, and fewer than 20% graduate with exactly 128 hours.
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COURSES REQUIRED FOR B.S. IN ELECTRICAL & COMPUTER ENGINEERING (128 HOURS)
Math (16 hours) APPM 1350 APPM 1360 APPM 2350 APPM 2360 Non-computer Theory Course (3 hours) - choose one: ECEN 3170 3 Energy Conversion ECEN 3320 3 Semiconductor Devices ECEN 3410 3 Electromagnetic Waves & Trans ECEN 4106 3 Photonics ECEN 4138 3 Control Systems Analysis ECEN 4167 3 Energy Conversion 2 ECEN 4242 3 Communication Theory ECEN 4345 3 Introduction to Solid State ECEN 4632 3 Digital Filtering ECEN 4645 3 Intro to Optical Electronics ECEN 4797 3 Introduction to Power Electronics ECEN 4811 3 Neural Sigs & Functional Brain Img. ECEN 4821 3 Neural Systems & Physiological Ctrl. ECEN 4827 3 Analog IC Design ECEN 4831 3 Brains, Minds & Computers Non-computer Lab Course (2-3 hours) choose one: ECEN 4375 3 Microstructures Lab ECEN 4517 2 Power Lab 1 ECEN 4532 3 Digital Signal Processing Lab ECEN 4606 3 Undergrad Optics Lab ECEN 4634 2 Transmission Lab ECEN 4638 2 Controls Lab ECEN 4652 2 Communication Lab Capstone Design Lab ECEN 4610 3
4 4 4 4
Calculus 1 for Engineers Calculus 2 for Engineers Calculus 3 for Engineers Linear Algebra & Diff. Equations
Science (12 hours) CHEN 1211 3 CHEM 1221 2 PHYS 1110 4 PHYS 2130 3
General Chemistry for Engineers General Chemistry Lab General Physics 1 General Physics 3
Freshman Elective (3-5 hours) - freshmen choose one: ECEN 1400 3 Intro to Digital & Analog Electron. GEEN 1400 3 Freshman Projects CHEM 1131 5 General Chemistry 2 EBIO 1210 3 General Biology 1 plus EBIO 1230 1 General Biology Lab 1 or MCDB 1150 3 Intro to Molecular Biology plus MCDB 1151 1 Intro to Molecular Biology Lab Introductory freshman course from other engr. dept. Freshman Seminar (1 hour) - freshmen choose one: ECEN 1100 1 Freshman Seminar GEEN 1500 1 Introduction to Engineering Introductory freshman seminar from other engr. dept. Computer Science (8 hours) CSCI 1300 4 Computer Science 1: Programming CSCI 2270 4 CS 2: Data Structures Electrical Engineering Core (38 hours) ECEN 2120 5 Computers as Components ECEN 2250 5 Circuits/Electronics 1 ECEN 2260 5 Circuits/Electronics 2 ECEN 3100 5 Digital Logic ECEN 3250 5 Circuits/Electronics Lab 3 ECEN 3300 5 Linear Systems ECEN 3400 5 Electromagnetic Fields & Waves ECEN 3810 3 Introduction to Probability Computer Engineering Core (6 hours) ECEN 4593 3 Computer Organization ECEN 4703 3 Discrete Mathematics
Capstone Laboratory*
Software Elective (3-4 hours) choose one: ECEN 4583 3 Software System Development ECEN 4563 3 Compiler Code Generation CSCI 3287 3 Database & Information Systems 3 Software Engr. Methods & Tools CSCI 3308 CSCI 4273 3 Network Systems CSCI 3753 4 Operating Systems CSCI 4753 3 Computer Performance Modeling CSCI 4576 4 High-Performance Scientific Comp 1 CSCI 4586 4 High-Performance Scientific Comp 2 Humanities & Social Sciences (21 hours) WRTG 3030 3 Writing on Science & Society 3 Upper division course 15 Courses from approved list (hours) Free Electives (6 hours maximum) Student's choice of courses up to a maximum of 6 semester credit hours. Technical Electives (variable) 3000-level or above or approved engineering, Math, or physics courses or others by petition. Number of hours needed varies with hours in other categories.
*Students are not allowed to register for Capstone Laboratory until all Electrical Engineering Core courses and ECEN 4593 are passed with a grade of Cor better. TOTAL HOURS = 128
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Sample Schedule for Electrical and Computer Engineering Program
Freshman Year
Fall Course PHYS 1110 APPM 1350 CSCI 1300 ECEN 1100 Title Physics 1 Calculus 1 CS1: Programming Freshman Seminar Humanities & Social Sciences Total Credit Hours Hrs. 4 4 4 1 3 16 Course CHEN 1211 CHEM 1221 APPM 1360 Spring Title General Chemistry for Engineers General Chemistry Lab Calculus 2 Freshman Elective Humanities & Social Sciences Total Credit Hours Hrs. 3 2 4 3 3 15
Sophomore Year
Fall Course APPM 2360 ECEN 2120 ECEN 2250 Title Linear Algebra/Diff. Eq. Computers as Components Circuits/Electronics I Humanities & Social Sciences Total Credit Hours Hrs. 4 5 5 3 17 Course APPM 2350 ECEN 2260 ECEN 3100 Spring Title Calculus 3 Circuits/Electronics 2 Digital Logic Humanities & Social Sciences Total Credit Hours Hrs. 4 5 5 3 17
Junior Year
Fall Course ECEN 3300 ECEN 3400 ECEN 3810 CSCI 2270 Title Linear Systems EM Fields Probability CS2: Data Structures Total Credit Hours Hrs. 5 5 3 4 17 Course ECEN ECEN WRTG 3250 4593 3030 Spring Title Software Elective Circuits/Electronics 3 Computer Organization Writing on Science & Society Total Credit Hours Hrs. 3 5 3 3 14
Senior Year
Fall Course PHYS 2130 Title Modern Physics Tech Elective ECE Theory Elective ECE Lab Elective Free Elective Humanities & Social Sciences Total Credit Hours Hrs. 3 3 3 2 3 3 17 Course ECEN 4703 ECEN 4610 Spring Title Discrete Mathematics Capstone Laboratory Technical Elective Free Elective Upper Division H&SS Total Credit Hours Hrs. 3 3 3 3 3 15
The above schedule is intended only as a sample. Few students find that they can follow it exactly. In fact, only about 40% of our students elect to complete their requirements in eight semesters, and fewer than 20% graduate with exactly 128 hours.
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Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements
An undergraduate degree program in the ECE Department requires a minimum of 21 semester hours of approved courses in the humanities and social sciences. These courses are required to prepare you to face lifes non-technical challenges. At least six semester credit hours must be taken at the 3000level or above. You should develop a coherent plan for the humanities and social science component of their curriculum. A coherent plan reflects a rationale and will provide both breadth and depth of study. The courses should not be limited to a selection of unrelated or introductory courses. WRTG 3030, Writing on Science and Society, is required of all students with the exceptions noted below. This course fulfills three hours of the 21 total credit hour requirement as well as three hours of the six credit hour upper division requirement. a. Students who successfully complete the first full year of the Herbst Program for Humanities for Engineers 1 and 2 (HUEN 3100 and HUEN 3200) are not required to take WRTG 3030. This sequence satisfies the requirements for six credit hours of upper division humanities and social sciences courses. b. Any other exceptions to the WRTG 3030 requirement must be approved by the Dean of Engineering in consultation with the University Writing Program. All humanities and social science courses must be selected from a list published by the College and made available on the College and Department web pages. The list is comprehensive and includes all courses published in the Schedule of Courses which meet ABET standards. This list is updated each semester to reflect new courses available and courses no longer being offered. The approved list of humanities and social science courses may be viewed at http://ecadw.colorado.edu/homer/ . Any exceptions must be approved in writing. For assistance in planning, see the above website and click Advising Guide. If you have further questions, see the Undergraduate Staff Advisor.
Herbst Program for Humanities
The Herbst Program for Humanities is a two-year program beginning in the students junior year. Admission is by application and limited to 60 students enrolled in the College of Engineering and Applied Science. Up to sixteen students and two moderators form a small discussion group. Frequent writing assignments help the students learn to write lucidly and to find the expression of intellectual discipline in good writing. The small group setting creates a community of learning. Seminar moderators do not seek to impart textbook knowledge to the students. Instead all participants share in a discussion of original masterpieces from various fields of human achievement. The readings extend from Homer to Einstein and include Dante, Descartes and the Federalist Papers among others. Students learn to examine their own convictions, to listen attentively to the opinions of others, and to engage in a conversation which leads away from having unreflected points of view to a responsible consideration of ideas. In so doing, it also develops skills of unquestionable practical value: speaking, writing, thinking critically. Students gain a broader view of what there is to know and a deeper understanding of what it means to know. The program encourages a flexibility of mind which engineers, like other skilled professionals require in a rapidly changing technological and social environment. Finally, the program helps liberate the creative imagination that is essential in the highest reaches of engineering design and management. A series of lectures is designed to place the readings in context and to widen the perspectives opened in the seminar. The program allows students to gain a keener sense of their intellectual inheritance, enhance their aesthetic sensibility, refine their ethical sensitivity and develop habits of understanding, human fellowship, and articulate discourse. For additional information and application forms, contact the Herbst Program, located in the Lesser House, 2501 Colorado Avenue, 303-735-2444.
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Prerequisites, Co-Requisites, and Cross Listings
No. 1100 1400 2120 2250 2260 3100 3170 3250 3300 3320 3400 3410 3810 4106 4138 4167 4242 4345 4375 4517 4532 4553 4583 4593 4606 4610 Title Freshman Seminar Methods & Problems in ECE Computers as Components Circuits/Electronics 1 Circuits/Electronics 2 Digital Logic Energy Conversion 1 Circuits/Electronics 3 Linear Systems Semiconductor Devices Electromagnetic Fields and Waves Electromagnetic Waves & Transmission Introduction to Probability Photonics Control Systems Analysis Energy Conversion 2 Communication Theory Introduction to Solid State Microstructures Laboratory Power Laboratory DSP Laboratory Introduction to Compiler Construction Software Systems Development Computer Organization Optics Laboratory Capstone Laboratory Prerequisites None APPM 1350 (co-req) CSCI 1300 APPM 1360, APPM 2360 (co-req) ECEN 2250, APPM 2360 CSCI 1300 ECEN 3250 ECEN 2260 APPM 2360, ECEN 2260 ECEN 3250 APPM 2350, ECEN 2260, PHYS 1110 ECEN 3400 APPM 2350, APPM 2360 ECEN 3300, PHYS 2130 ECEN 3300 ECEN 3170 ECEN 3300, ECEN 3810 ECEN 3400 ECEN 3320 ECEN 3170 ECEN 3300, ECEN 4632 (co-req) ECEN 2120 CSCI 2270 ECEN 2120, ECEN 3100 ECEN 3400 or PHYS 4510 ECEN 2120, ECEN 2250, ECEN 2260, ECEN 3100, ECEN 3250, ECEN 3300, ECEN 3400, ECEN 3810, and ECEN 4593 (ECE majors only) ECEN 2120, ECEN 3100 (ECEN 3250, ECEN 4953 recommended) ECEN 2120, ECEN 3100, (ECEN 4613 recommended) ECEN 3300, ECEN 3810 ECEN 2120, ECEN 3100, ECEN 4593 ECEN 3410 ECEN 3300, ECEN 4138(co-req) ECEN 3410 ECEN 4242 (co-req) ECEN 2120, ECEN 3810 ECEN 3250 ECEN 2260 or equiv. ECEN 2260 or equiv. ECEN 3250 ECEN 2260 Cross Listing
CSCI 4555 CSCI 4593
4613 4623 4632 4633 4634 4638 4645 4652 4703 4797 4811 4821 4827 4831
Embedded Systems Design Real-Time Embedded Systems Introduction to Digital Filtering Hybrid Embedded Systems Transmission Laboratory Control Systems Laboratory Introduction to Optical Electronics Communication Laboratory Discrete Mathematics Introduction to Power Electronics Neural Signals and Functional Brain Imaging Neural Systems and Physiological Control Analog IC Design Brains, Minds, and Computers
ASEN 4216 ASEN 4426 ASEN 4436
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ARE YOU GRADUATING?
To be eligible for a Bachelor of Science degree from this Department, you must meet the following requirements: 1. Successfully complete a minimum of 128 semester credit hours according to the curriculum in effect at the time the student was officially admitted to the EEEN or ECEN degree program. The last 45 credit hours must be earned after admission to the College of Engineering and Applied Science as a degree student unless exempted by prior petition. Achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or better in all courses taken at the University of Colorado (all campuses) as well as a grade point average of 2.00 or better in all courses taken from, or cross listed in, the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Satisfy any outstanding MAPS deficiencies. These deficiencies should have been resolved in the first year or two of enrollment in the College, but students cannot graduate without having met the basic requirements in effect at the time of their admission. Meet with the Undergraduate Staff Advisor the semester prior to the semester of intended graduation for a comprehensive review and approval of remaining courses needed to satisfy graduation requirements. Notify the Engineering Deans Office of your intent to graduate by filling out an Application for Diploma Card and taking it to the Deans Office. This needs to be done at the beginning of your final semester. A graduation list is posted near the Deans Office (AD 110) and the ECE Undergraduate Office (EE 1B51) about a month after the beginning of each semester. Students intending to graduate should make certain that their names are listed. Any omissions or changes should be reported to both the Deans Office and the ECE Undergraduate Office as soon as possible. Obtain the recommendation of the ECEN faculty and the College faculty. This is handled by the department and college staff. You will be notified if you have not been recommended and the specific reasons. If you are completing a minor, a Minor Completion form must be submitted to the Deans Office.
2.
3.
4. 5. 6.
7. 8.
It is the responsibility of each student to be certain that all degree requirements have been met and to keep the Department and the Engineering Deans Office informed of any change in graduation plans.
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Advising Resources
There are a vast number of advising resources available to students at CU-Boulder, but students frequently do not know about them. Please do not hesitate to contact any of these places for assistance. Electronic Advising System The advising system used by the ECE department to track student progress is Degreement by Optioventory. Use your IdentiKey login to access the system. The web address is https://ece.colorado.edu/gmsas/. This system provides a degree audit, planning, and more. College of Engineering Advising Guides These College guides, published by the Engineering Deans office, are a series of individual sheets which cover a wide range of topics, including everything from academic honesty and ethics to scholarships to descriptions of every degree program offered in the College. They are located in a wall-mounted display in the front hallway of the Engineering Center just southeast of the revolving doors. These guides are also available online at http://engineering.colorado.edu/students/advising.htm. Engineering Peer Advocates Office This office provides services which include academic advising, assistance with major selection, tutoring, and test files as well as providing general information about study skills, test anxiety, resume writing, study abroad opportunities and much more. The office is staffed by sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have been trained to answer questions about anything that may affect you as an engineering student. It is located in ECCR 263 (303-4920828), and is open and free to all current and prospective engineering students. Pre-Professional Advising Center Located in Old Main, room 1B90 (303-735-3000), the advisors provide support services to all CU-Boulder students preparing for careers in the medical sciences, health professions, and law. Career Counseling in Career Services The professional career counselors can help students and alumni clarify career interests, values and work-related skills; explore potential careers and employers; and refine job seeking, interviewing, and resume preparation skills. They host Career Fairs and Internship Fairs, sponsor resume writing workshops, and hold mock interview sessions. Career Services is located in Willard Hall, Room 34 (303-492-6541), or you may visit their website at http://www.colorado.edu/careerservices/index.html Counseling and Psychological Services: A Multicultural Center This center provides a variety of programs and assistance to address general academic or personal issues. They are located in Willard Hall, room 134, or call 303-492-6766. Women In Engineering Program (WIEP) This program was created to recruit and retain women students in the College of Engineering and Applied Science. WIEP conducts activities and programs that help make the educational experience rewarding for all students. The office is located in ECCE 113A (303-492-0083). You can get further information about WIEP http://engineering.colorado.edu/wiep. Multicultural Engineering Program (MEP) The Multicultural Engineering Program is an academic excellence community dedicated to the success of multicultural and first generation students historically underrepresented in engineering and applied science. The MEP Resource Center serves as a central meeting place for forming study groups and networking while providing access to MEP staff, computer stations, and more. The MEP office is located in ECCE 100 (303-492-6606). For additional information please visit the website: http://www.colorado.edu/engineering/MEP/.
Program Enrichment Options
Co-Op Program Certificate Programs Biomedical Engineering Option Concurrent BS/MS Program
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CO-OP Program
How does the co-op program work? Co-op students participate on a year-round schedule that combines professional related work experiences with classroom work. Normally a student co-ops for a total of four semesters plus an optional internship semester during the summer between the Freshman and Sophomore years. The program is designed so a student can earn the B.S. degree in five years by following either Schedule A or Schedule B. Deviations from these schedules are possible, but the student should have any other proposed schedule checked by the Undergraduate Staff Advisor to ensure that all required courses will be available when the student is on campus to take them. Normally a company would hire two co-op students, one on Schedule A and one on Schedule B. This way there will always be one student employed at the company. When can I join the co-op program? Students entering the program must have had at least one semester of physics, two semesters of circuits, the introductory CS computer programming course, Digital Logic, Circuits I, Computers as Components, plus three semesters of calculus, and a semester of linear algebra/differential equations. You may register at the beginning of your Sophomore year, but normally your first co-op semester would be either the summer after your sophomore year or the spring of your junior year. See the Sample Co-Op schedules on the following pages. How much can I expect to be paid? Wages of co-op students are usually determined by the location and type of work to which they are assigned. Salary would be negotiated between you and the company proposing to hire you as a co-op student. During co-op semester, wages are received by the students directly from their employers. Salaries are generally in the $16 - $24 range. How are students selected for employment once they have been admitted to the program? Students volunteer for the co-op program. To qualify for admission to the program, a student must be in good academic standing, have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.85, and be free from any restrictions that prevent a co-op assignment. At this point only U.S. citizens and international students with resident alien status are eligible for admission to the program. Students prepare a resume following a specified format, and these resumes are reviewed by companies interested in hiring co-op students. Students who meet the employers criteria and have an interest in the position will be referred to the hiring company for consideration. Companies select those candidates they wish to interview and arrange for interviews. After reviewing resumes and/or portfolios, normal hiring procedures are followed. Some employers choose to interview at their location, some on campus at the College of Engineering and others schedule phone interviews with student candidates due to geographic limitations. How am I evaluated during program? the Once a co-op student has been hired the employer evaluates the student through regular performance reports. These evaluations are used as a basis for counseling and advising the student in their professional development. At the same time the Co-op Director tracks student progress through their participation in ECEN 3930, ECE Co-Op Education. What are the duties and responsibilities of the company that employs a co-op student? Participating employers are expected to provide work experiences directly related to the students field of study, provide appropriate supervision and related appraisal of the students performance, provide assistance in helping the student achieve his/her identified learning objective, pay a wage which is commensurate with the full-time co-op position, and evaluate the students performance and then discuss the assessment with him/her. Note about Student Applications and Resumes You should submit your application and resume to the Undergraduate Staff Advisor. You will be notified when your application has been accepted. At that point you should e-mail a copy of your resume in Adobe Acrobat .pdf format to the Program Director to be posted (confidentially, only prospective employers will have access) on the web for examination by prospective employers. For more information about the Co-Op program go to http://ece.colorado.edu/coop.
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Electrical Engineering Sample Co-Op Schedule Schedule A
Freshman Year
Fall Course PHYS 1110 APPM 1350 CSCI 1300 ECEN 1100 Title Physics 1 Calculus 1 CS1: Programming Freshman Seminar Humanities & Social Sciences Total Credit Hours Hrs. 4 4 4 1 3 16 Course CHEN 1211 CHEM 1221 APPM 1360 Spring Title General Chemistry for Engineers General Chemistry Lab Calculus 2 Freshman Elective Humanities & Social Sciences Total Credit Hours Hrs. 3 2 4 3 3 15
Sophomore Year
Fall Course APPM 2360 ECEN 2120 ECEN 2250 Title Linear Algebra/Diff. Eq. Computers as Components Circuits I Humanities & Social Sciences Total Credit Hours Summer Co-Op Session Hrs. 4 5 5 3 17 Course APPM 2350 ECEN 2260 ECEN 3100 Spring Title Calculus 3 Circuits 2 Digital Logic Humanities & Social Sciences Total Credit Hours Fall Co-Op Session Hrs. 4 5 5 3 17
Junior Year
Course ECEN 3300 ECEN 3400 ECEN 3810 Spring Title Linear Systems EM Fields Probability Free Elective Total Credit Hours Hrs. 5 5 3 2 15 Fall Co-Op Session
Course PHYS 2130 ECEN 3250
WRTG
3030
Spring Title Modern Physics Circuits 3 ECE Elective Free Elective Writing on Science & Society Total Credit Hours
Hrs. 3 5 3 3 3 17
Summer Co-Op Session
Senior Year
Fall Course Title ECE Elective ECE Theory Elective ECE Theory Elective ECE Lab Elective Technical Elective Humanities & Social Sciences Total Credit Hours Hrs. 3 3 3 2 3 3 17 Course Spring Title ECE Theory Elective ECE Lab Elective Capstone Laboratory Technical Elective Upper Division H&SS Total Credit Hours Hrs. 3 2 3 3 3 14
ECEN
4610
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Electrical Engineering Sample Co-Op Schedule Schedule B
Freshman Year
Fall Course PHYS 1110 APPM 1350 CSCI 1300 ECEN 1100 Title Physics 1 Calculus 1 CS1: Programming Freshman Seminar Humanities & Social Sciences Total Credit Hours Hrs. 4 4 4 1 3 16 Course CHEN 1211 CHEM 1221 APPM 1360 Spring Title General Chemistry for Engineers General Chemistry Lab Calculus 2 Freshman Elective Humanities & Social Sciences Total Credit Hours Hrs. 3 2 4 3 3 15
Sophomore Year
Fall Course APPM 2360 ECEN 2120 ECEN 2250 Title Linear Algebra/Diff. Eq. Computers as Components Circuits I Humanities & Social Sciences Total Credit Hours Hrs. 4 5 5 3 17 Course APPM 2350 ECEN 2260 ECEN 3100 Spring Title Calculus 3 Circuits 2 Digital Logic Humanities & Social Sciences Total Credit Hours Hrs. 4 5 5 3 17
Junior Year
Fall Course ECEN 3300 ECEN 3400 ECEN 3810 Title Linear Systems EM Fields Probability Free Elective Total Credit Hours Hrs. 5 5 3 2 15 Spring Co-Op Session
Summer Co-Op Session
Fall Course PHYS 2130 ECEN 3250 Title Modern Physics Circuits 3 ECE Elective Free Elective Writing on Science & Society Total Credit Hours Summer Co-Op Session Hrs. 3 5 3 3 3 17
WRTG
3030
Spring Co-Op Session
Senior Year
Fall Course Title ECE Elective ECE Theory Elective ECE Theory Elective ECE Lab Elective Technical Elective Humanities & Social Sciences Total Credit Hours Hrs. 3 3 3 2 3 3 17 Course Spring Title ECE Theory Elective ECE Lab Elective Capstone Laboratory Technical Elective Upper Division H&SS Total Credit Hours Hrs. 3 2 3 3 3 14
ECEN
4610
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Electrical and Computer Engineering Sample Co-Op Schedule Schedule A
Freshman Year
Fall Course PHYS 1110 APPM 1350 CSCI 1300 ECEN 1100 Title Physics 1 Calculus 1 CS1: Programming Freshman Seminar Humanities & Social Sciences Total Credit Hours Hrs. 4 4 4 1 3 16 Course CHEN 1211 CHEM 1221 APPM 1360 Spring Title General Chemistry for Engineers General Chemistry Lab Calculus 2 Freshman Elective Humanities & Social Sciences Total Credit Hours Hrs. 3 2 4 3 3 15
Sophomore Year
Fall Course APPM 2360 ECEN 2120 ECEN 2250 Title Linear Algebra/Diff. Eq. Computers as Components Circuits I Humanities & Social Sciences Total Credit Hours Summer Co-Op Session Hrs. 4 5 5 3 17 Course APPM 2350 ECEN 2260 ECEN 3100 Spring Title Calculus 3 Circuits 2 Digital Logic Humanities & Social Sciences Total Credit Hours Fall Co-Op Session Hrs. 4 5 5 3 17
Junior Year
Course ECEN 3300 ECEN 3400 ECEN 3810 CSCI 2270 Spring Title Linear Systems EM Fields Probability CS2: Data Structures Total Credit Hours Spring Title Software Elective Circuits 3 Computer Organization Writing on Science & Society Total Credit Hours Hrs. 5 5 3 4 17 Fall Co-Op Session
Course ECEN ECEN WRTG 3250 4593 3030
Hrs. 3 5 3 3 14
Summer Co-Op Session
Senior Year
Fall Course PHYS 2130 ECEN 4610 Title Modern Physics Capstone Laboratory ECE Theory Elective ECE Lab Elective Free Elective Humanities & Social Sciences Total Credit Hours Hrs. 3 3 3 2 3 3 17 Course ECEN 4703 Spring Title Discrete Mathematics Technical Elective Technical Elective Free Elective Upper Division H&SS Total Credit Hours Hrs. 3 3 3 3 3 15
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Electrical and Computer Engineering Sample Co-Op Schedule Schedule B
Freshman Year
Fall Course PHYS 1110 APPM 1350 CSCI 1300 ECEN 1100 Title Physics 1 Calculus 1 CS1: Programming Freshman Seminar Humanities & Social Sciences Total Credit Hours Hrs. 4 4 4 1 3 16 Course CHEN 1211 CHEM 1221 APPM 1360 Spring Title General Chemistry for Engineers General Chemistry Lab Calculus 2 Freshman Elective Humanities & Social Sciences Total Credit Hours Hrs. 3 2 4 3 3 15
Sophomore Year Fall Course APPM 2360 ECEN 2120 ECEN 2250 Title Linear Algebra/Diff. Eq. Computers as Components Circuits I Humanities & Social Sciences Total Credit Hours Hrs. 4 5 5 3 17 Course APPM 2350 ECEN 2260 ECEN 3100 Spring Title Calculus 3 Circuits 2 Digital Logic Humanities & Social Sciences Total Credit Hours Hrs. 4 5 5 3 17
Junior Year
Fall Course ECEN 3300 ECEN 3400 ECEN 3810 CSCI 2270 Title Linear Systems EM Fields Probability CS2: Data Structures Total Credit Hours Hrs. 5 5 3 4 17 Spring Co-Op Session
Summer Co-Op Session
Fall Course ECEN ECEN WRTG 3250 4593 3030 Title Software Elective Circuits 3 Computer Organization Writing on Science & Society Total Credit Hours Summer Co-Op Session Hrs. 3 5 3 3 14
Spring Co-Op Session
Senior Year
Fall Course PHYS 2130 ECEN 4610 Title Modern Physics Capstone Laboratory ECE Theory Elective ECE Lab Elective Free Elective Humanities & Social Sciences Total Credit Hours Hrs. 3 3 3 2 3 3 17 Course ECEN 4703 Spring Title Discrete Mathematics Technical Elective Technical Elective Free Elective Upper Division H&SS Total Credit Hours Hrs. 3 3 3 3 3 15
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Certificate Programs
Certificate programs are similar to minor programs, and upon completion will be identified on the students transcript immediately following the semester in which the certificate was completed. It is possible that course work used to satisfy the certificate can also be used for free electives, technical electives, or humanities/social sciences electives. Check with the Undergraduate Advisor to determine how a certificate program fits in with your degree plans. Embedded System Design Commercially available digital systems (microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory chips, interface systems, and systems that handle image, voice, music, and other types of signals) have experienced explosive growth in the electronics industry. These devices are increasingly powerful, cheap, and flexible as design components. The certificate in embedded systems offers students the hardware and software knowledge and skills needed to design and implement these systems. The curriculum consists of two core courses and one elective course from an approved list. The two core courses are: ECEN 4613 Embedded System Design ECEN 4623 Real-Time Embedded Systems The list of approved electives is periodically updated and currently includes: ECEN 4610 Capstone Laboratory ECEN 43443 Software Engineering of Stand-Alone Programs ECEN 4633 Hybrid Embedded Systems ECEN 4583 Software Systems Development Software Engineering Experienced software professionals work in a field that has maintained a relentlessly rapid rate of change for decades making it impossible to stay current in all aspects of software engineering. Those with limited experience find that the challenges of work assignments exceed their preparation from most undergraduate degree programs. In a typical computer-related undergraduate curriculum, it is not possible to devote enough credit hours specifically to software engineering to address all of the aspects of engineering complex systems including, for example, design for maintainability, concurrency, and distributed systems. The professional certificate in software engineering covers the body of knowledge necessary to develop products more predictably and reliably for stand-alone programs as well as for software in more complex environments. The curriculum consists of three core courses: ECEN 4033 Software Engineering of Stand-Alone Programs or ECEN 4583 Software Systems Development and ECEN 4043 Software Engineering of Multi-Program Systems ECEN 4053 Software Engineering of Distributed Systems College of Arts and Sciences Arts and Sciences offers certificate programs in the following areas: Actuarial Studies, British Studies, Central and Eastern European Studies, Cognitive Sciences, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies, Medieval and Early Modern Studies, Neurosciences and Behavior, Peace and Conflict Studies, and Western American Studies. Completion of specified course work in these programs entitles students to a certificate issued by the Dean of Arts & Sciences. Students interested in these programs should contact the appropriate program. ATLAS The Alliance for Technology, Learning, and Society (ATLAS) offers two certificates: Technology, Arts, and Media (TAM) and Multidisciplinary Applied Technologies (MAT). Both require 18 credit hours. For additional information, call 303-735-6588 or visit the website: http://www.colorado.edu/ATLAS. International Engineering Certificate in German This is a new undergraduate academic program established at CU-Boulder in 2003. It offers students enrolled in an engineering degree program the opportunity to obtain an interdisciplinary certificate in International Engineering and German. The program prepares engineers for a global economy through language, cultural awareness, and international work experience. Students who have had German language instruction in high school, as well as students with other language experience who would like to begin studying German may apply. If interested, please contact the Deans Office at 303-492-5071, or visit the website at http://ecadw.colorado.edu/engineering/academics/german.htm.
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Biomedical Engineering Option (BME)
The Biomedical Engineering (BME) option, available to both electrical and computer engineering majors, focuses on the application of biophysical and engineering concepts to the improvement and protection of human health. Successful completion of this option is noted on a students transcript and meets most medical school admission requirements. Coursework in the Electrical and Computer Engineering curriculum is coupled with specialized courses linking electrical engineering to biomedical applications such as neural signals and systems, bioeffects of electromagnetic fields, therapeutic and diagnostic uses of bioelectric phenomena and medical image processing. Undergraduates may also elect independent study courses in these areas. Students interested in the BME option may receive elective credit for two semesters of biology if they also complete two bioengineering courses from the ECE offerings. One of these ECE courses also may be used to satisfy distribution requirements. The basic BME option includes two semesters of biology and two junior or senior bioengineering courses in the ECE Department taken in lieu of other electives. Several of these BME electives are also applicable to the Boulder campus Neurosciences Program. ECE Biomedical Engineering courses regularly offered include: ECEN 4811/5811 Neural Signals and Functional Brain Imaging ECEN 4821/5821 Neural Systems and Physiological Control ECEN 4831/5831 Brains, Minds, and Computers ECEN 40x1/50x1 Special Topics in Biomedical Engineering For more information on the content of the BME-ECE courses and pre-medical studies in ECE contact Professor Howard Wachtel, [e-mail], OT 433. For specific advice on fitting the BME Option into an existing ECE program contact the Undergraduate Staff Advisor.
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Study Abroad Program
A very special opportunity is available to engineering students through the Office of International Education. Study Abroad Programs, usually undertaken in the students junior year, have been established with several universities around the world offering technical as well as elective social science and humanities courses. In recent years, ECE students have gone to Germany, Italy, France, and England to study. Programs can be arranged for either one semester or one academic year. A formal exchange program has been established with the University of East Anglia (UEA) in Norwich, England, and a number of students from both CUBoulder and UEA have participated. Course equivalents have been established so that, before they travel, students know what courses they will be taking and exactly how the credits will count. No CU student has lost a single credit hour by participating in this particular exchange program. In most cases, students going abroad are registered on the Boulder campus so they maintain all of the rights of a resident student, including financial aid. The exchange agreement with UEA stipulates that students pay tuition to their home universities; all CU-Boulder students pay the in-state rate. Therefore, even with travel costs included, it is only slightly more expensive for instate students to spend a year in England than in Boulder and several thousand dollars less expensive for out-of-state students. An international perspective will be increasingly important in the marketplace of the future. Students who are able to take advantage of such opportunities as studying abroad will have a distinct head start in the business world as well as a unique experience to offer future employers. The personal advantages of spending a year in a different cultural setting are immeasurable. The Department strongly encourages all students to consider participating in the Study Abroad Program. All interested ECE students should contact the ECE Undergraduate Office prior to applying to the program. More information is available at the Office of International Education, Environmental Design Building, Room 92, 492-7741.
Semester at Sea
The semester at sea is a study abroad program designed to incorporate a global semester into your undergraduate curriculum. Administered through the Office of International Education, and managed by the University of Pittsburghs Institute for Shipboard Education, students explore and learn valuable insights into the various societies visited and allows students to analyze and discuss their observations in formal classes on the shipboard campus. Set sail aboard the SS Universe Explorer each semester and summers. Contact the Office of International Education for more information in the Environmental Design Building, Room 1B45, [phone] or visit their website at http://www.colorado.edu/OIE/StudyAbroad/index.html
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Concurrent BS/MS Program
Students with strong academic records who plan to continue in the Graduate School for a Masters in the same discipline usually find it advantageous to apply for admission to the concurrent BS/MS degree program. Purpose of the Program The concurrent BS/MS program in Electrical and Computer Engineering enables especially well-qualified students to be admitted to the MS program during the junior year of their BS program, and to work thereafter towards both the BS and MS degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering. This program allows for early planning of the MS portion of the students education, taking graduate courses as part of the BS degree, more flexibility in the order in which courses are taken, and more efficient use of what would otherwise be a final semester with a light credit hour load. Due to the tighter coordination of courses within the ECE Department than is possible for students who come to UCB from other institutions to pursue the MS degree, up to six (6) credit hours may be counted toward both the BS and MS degree programs. Admission to the Program Application for admission to the Concurrent BS/MS program in the ECE Department may be made at any time during or after the student enters his or her junior year. Minimum requirements for admission to the concurrent program are: (i) completion of the eight core EE courses, (II) a minimum overall GPA of 3.25, (iii) a minimum GPA of 3.25 in ECE Department courses, and (iv) at least three (3) letters of recommendation must be provided by the applicant (at least two (2) must be from ECE faculty at UCB). Transfer students in place of requirement (i) above, must have taken at least two (2) of the core ECE courses at the Boulder campus and have completed coursework at another institution (or other institutions) which is approved for the transfer credit equivalent to all ECE core courses not taken on the Boulder campus, and must have completed at least 15 credit hours of total courses at UCB in order to qualify for admission. Staying in the Program The student must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 over all undergraduate courses taken, and a GPA of at least 3.0 in all graduate courses taken in order to remain in good standing in the program. Regulations Until a student in this program reaches a total of 128 credit hours of courses applicable to the BS or MS degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering taken and passed (each with a grade of D or better), he/she will be governed by the rules and regulations applicable to any undergraduate student in the ECE Department, unless specified otherwise in the regulations described herein. After a student has accumulated a total of 128 applicable credit hours, he/she will be governed by the rules and regulations applicable to any graduate student in the ECE Department, unless specified otherwise in the regulations described herein. It is the intention of the department that, as far as possible, a student in this program is treated on the same bases as any other student in the department at a comparable stage of their academic career. Overlapping Credit With the recommendation of the students academic advisor and the approval of the ECE Graduate Coordinator, as many as six (6) credit hours of ECE Department courses at the 5000 level or above may be counted both toward the undergraduate degree requirements and the requirements for the MS degree. In theory, therefore, the minimum number of credits for the Concurrent BS/MS degree will be 152. Advising Students in the Concurrent BS/MS program must have a faculty advisor with whom they must consult to compose a degree plan, including a list of courses to be taken from the senior year through the end of the program. This plan must be filed with the ECE Department Coordinator for Undergraduate Studies by the end of the third week of the first semester in which the student has been admitted into the program.
Other Information
Department Regulations and Other Useful Information Other Important Publications Miscellaneous Curriculum Notes Minimum Academic Preparation Standards (MAPS) Faculty Directory
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Department Regulations and Other Useful Information
Students with questions concerning Departmental regulations and requirements should check with the Undergraduate Staff Advisor first. In some cases, Department regulations differ from those of the College of Engineering. Students should make themselves aware of the following regulations as well as the regulations in the College Advising Guides. Advanced Placement/College-Level Examination Program AP and CLEP credit is handled as transfer credit. For students who have taken an advanced placement course in high school and who make the required score in the College Entrance Examination Boards Advanced Placement examination, advanced placement and college credit will be granted if the subject would normally be part of the students curriculum. If the student elects to take the equivalent college course, the credit for that course will replace the advanced placement credit. All advanced placement credit must be validated by satisfactory achievement in subsequent courses. For a listing of AP examinations, score required for credit, and equivalent courses at CU-Boulder, please refer to the current University of Colorado at Boulder Catalog. You may also find this information at: http://www.colorado.edu/prospective/freshman/requirements/ap.html Course Forgiveness The University currently has in place a pilot program to give students the opportunity to repeat courses in which they received a grade of D+ or lower. Once completed, the original grade will be removed from both total credit hour and GPA computations; however, it will remain on the students transcript. Students may use this program for a maximum of 10 credit hours. NOTE: To date, this program has been extended only through Spring 2006. Check the course forgiveness website for updates and complete rules. http://registrar.colorado.edu/Support/courseforgiveness.html Course Repetition A course in which a grade of C- or better has been received may not be repeated. Discovery Learning Apprenticeships Undergraduate students are encouraged to apply for the opportunity to conduct research via a Discovery learning apprenticeship. Students can earn an hourly wage while engaging in research with college faculty and graduate students. Positions are announced in April for the following fall term and spring term. Students must apply and selection for positions is competitive. For more information, an application and a list of current discovery learning projects visit http://engineering.colorado.edu/activelearning/discovery.htm. Double Degrees It is possible to obtain bachelors degrees in two engineering disciplines or one in EE (or ECE) and one in a second degree. Students must satisfy curricula for both programs and complete a minimum of 30 additional hours beyond the largest minimum required by either program. Of the 30 additional semester credit hours, double degree students must complete 24 semester credit hours in courses offered by the secondary academic department or in courses approved in advance by the department as substitutes. Transfer students pursuing double degrees must complete a minimum of 75 semester credit hours as a degree student in the College of Engineering and Applied Science and must satisfy all other stipulations regarding total hours required and approval of all coursework by both departments concerned. E-Mail Communication E-mail is an official means of communication within the CU-Boulder community. Therefore, the University has the right to send communication to students via e-mail and expect that those communications will be received and read in a timely fashion. The campus recommends checking e-mail once per week, at minimum, because some communications may be time critical. Additionally, the department maintains e-mail lists for communication with its students. You will be automatically placed on this list when you are accepted into the department. If you wish to be removed from this list, contact the Undergraduate Staff Advisor.
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Engineering Management Courses Engineering Management courses equip students with technical management expertise. Areas of technical management emphasis are in quality and process, research and development, operations, and project management. Engineering Management courses may be used to satisfy technical elective requirements for a B.S. degree. Free Electives The Electrical Engineering curriculum includes a maximum of 5 credit hours of free electives and the Electrical and Computer Engineering curriculum has a maximum of 6 credit hours. Free electives may be any course that covers different material than other courses the student has taken. For example, a student may not take APPM 1350 Calculus 1 for Engineers and MATH 1300 Analytic Geometry/Calculus and receive credit for both. Grades Faculty within this College have the option of awarding grades with a plus (+) or minus (-) designation, except for A+. Faculty who teach courses have complete authority for calculating and assigning final grades in courses they teach. A final grade of D- or better in a course is sufficient to satisfy degree requirements unless the course is a prerequisite for another course in the students program (see Prerequisite Requirements). GPA In addition to other University requirements, each student must satisfy the following at the time of graduation: a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 in all courses taken on any campus at the University of Colorado; a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 in all departmental courses (labeled ECEN xxxx or cross-listed with ECEN) taken on any campus at the University of Colorado. Courses taken means all courses for which a letter grade has been received, including all grades for repeated courses. Graduate-Level Courses Courses at the ECEN or CSCI 5000-level are closed to undergraduates with a GPA of less than 2.85 except by petition. Other campus departments may have different restrictions. Courses at the 6000-and 7000-level are closed to all undergraduate students. Graduate level courses applied towards the graduation requirement for the B.S. degree cannot be used again toward a graduate degree, either here or at another school. The only exception to this rule is students who are enrolled in the Concurrent BS/MS program. See the section about the Concurrent BS/MS program for further details. Graduation Check Each student should make an appointment with the Undergraduate Staff Advisor one semester prior to the semester in which he or she plans to graduate to review credits toward graduation. Even though all students are invited to review credits several times throughout their studies, this final graduation check is extremely important. If a student has not been through the graduation check and problems are found at graduation, an extra semester may be necessary. Graduation Requirements A complete listing of all requirements for graduating from the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is listed in the section titled Graduation Requirements on a separate page in this HELP! Guide. Honors Students with cumulative GPA between 3.75 and 3.89 at the end of the semester prior to graduation will be awarded the designation With Distinction on their diploma. A GPA of 3.90 or higher earns the citation With High Distinction. At least 50 hours must have been earned at the Boulder campus and grades earned during the semester of graduation will not be considered. Eligible students are also encouraged to participate in the College of Arts and Sciences Honors Program. Criteria for the designations of cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude are set by the Honors Council and are recorded on the students diploma and in the commencement program. This is a separate program and both distinction and cum laude can be earned. Interested students should consult with the Director of the Honors Program for detailed information.
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Independent Study Upper division independent study (ECEN 3840/4840) may be used as a technical elective to fulfill graduation requirements without petitioning. If it is used to fulfill any other requirement, it must be approved ahead of time by petition. Any Independent Study course sponsored by a faculty member in another department must be approved by petition and may not be used to fulfill the senior theory or lab requirements. If interested, an Independent Study Agreement form must be completed and signed by both the student and the sponsor of the Independent Study or Undergraduate Research. These forms are available in the ECEN Department Of...