COMPUTER ENGINEERING

College of Engineering and Mines
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
(907) 474-7137
www.uaf.edu/ece/

B.S. Degree

Minimum Requirements for Degree: 135 credits

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The mission of the UAF 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 Bureau of Labor Statistics lists computer engineering as the fastest growing occupation in the U.S., with 299,000 jobs in 1998 to a predicted 622,000 jobs in 2008.

The computer engineering program education objectives are:

1. Breadth: To provide students with a broad education emphasizing computer engineering that will serve as the foundation for productive careers in the public or private sectors, graduate education and lifelong learning.
2. Depth: To provide students with understanding of the fundamental knowledge prerequisite for practice and/or advanced study in computer engineering, including its scientific principles, rigorous analysis and creative design. The BSEE program offers depth concentration in communications, computer engineering, and power and control.
3. Practical Experience: To provide students with hands-on experience in the design, implementation and validation of computer systems in an environment that fosters and encourages innovation and creativity.
4. Professional Skills: To develop skills for clear communication and responsible teamwork and instill professional attitudes and ethics, so that students are prepared for the complex modern work environment and lifelong learning.
5. Learning Environment: To provide an environment that enables students to pursue their goals in an innovative program that is rigorous and challenging, open and supportive.

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 www.uaf.edu/ece/.

Major--B.S. Degree

1. Complete the general university requirements. (As part of the core curriculum requirements, complete: MATH 200X, CHEM 105X and CHEM 106X or PHYS 213X.)
2. Complete the B.S. degree requirements (As part of the B.S. degree requirements, complete: MATH 201X, PHYS 211X and PHYS 212X.)
3. Complete the following program (major) requirements:*
   CS 201--Computer Science I--3 credits
   CS 202--Computer Science II--3 credits
   CS 301--Assembly Language Programming--3 credits
   CS 311--Data Structures and Algorithms--3 credits
   CS 321--Operating Systems--3 credits
   CS 331--Programming Languages--3 credits
   EE 102--Introduction to Electrical Engineering--3 credits
   EE 203--Electrical Engineering Fundamentals I--4 credits
   EE 204-- Electrical Engineering Fundamentals II--4 credits
   EE 333W--Physical Electronics--4 credits
   EE 334--Electronic Circuit Design--4 credits
   EE 311--Applied Engineering Electromagnetics--3 credits
   EE 331--High Frequency Lab--1 credits
   EE 343--Digital Systems Analysis and Design--4 credits
   EE 443--Computer Engineering Analysis and Design--4 credits
   EE 444W,O--Embedded Systems Design--4 credits
   EE 463--Communication Networks--3 credits
   ES 101--Introduction to Engineering--2 credits
   ESM 450W--Economic Analysis and Operations--3 credits
   MATH 202X--Calculus--4 credits
   MATH 302--Differential Equations--3 credits
   MATH 307--Discrete Mathematics--3 credits
   Approved electives**--9 credits
   Approved engineering science elective***--3 credits
4. Complete State of Alaska Fundamentals of Engineering examination
5. Minimum credits required--135 credits

*Student must earn a C grade or better in each course in the major requirements.
**Recommended electives are: EE 353, EE 354, EE 434, EE 451, EE 461, EE 464, CS 302, CS 381, CS 402, CS 411, CS 421, CS 431, CS 441, CS 471, CS 481
***Engineering science elective to be chosen from ES 208, ES 331, ES 334, ES 341, ES 346.