Navigating the Electrical Engineering Undergraduate Curriculum
Electrical engineering is a broad and dynamic field that underpins many of the technologies we rely on daily. From electrification and electronics to the internet and medical devices, electrical engineers are at the forefront of innovation. An undergraduate curriculum in electrical engineering is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the fundamental principles and practical skills necessary to succeed in this exciting field. This article provides a comprehensive overview of a typical electrical engineering undergraduate curriculum, outlining the core courses, electives, and other requirements that students must complete to earn their degree.
Core Curriculum: Building a Foundation
The first two years of an electrical engineering program typically focus on building a strong foundation in mathematics, basic sciences, and engineering sciences. This coursework provides students with the essential tools and knowledge needed to tackle more advanced topics in later years.
Mathematics
Course work in mathematics is an essential part of the curriculum, which gives engineering students essential tools for modeling, analyzing, and predicting physical phenomena. Foundational mathematics courses usually include:
- Calculus: A sequence of courses covering single-variable and multivariable calculus, providing the mathematical tools for analyzing continuous systems. (APPM 1350 Calculus 1 for Engineers, APPM 1360 Calculus 2 for Engineers, APPM 2350 Calculus 3 for Engineers)
- Differential Equations and Linear Algebra: Covering methods for solving differential equations and the principles of linear algebra, essential for analyzing dynamic systems and circuits. (APPM 2360 Diff Eq with Linear Algebra, MATH 2341 Differential Equations and Linear Algebra for Engineering)
Basic Sciences
The basic sciences are represented by physics and chemistry, which provide an appropriate foundation in the physical sciences. Typical science courses include:
- General Physics: A two-semester sequence covering mechanics, electricity, magnetism, and optics, providing a fundamental understanding of the physical world. (PHYS 1110 General Physics 1, PHYS 1120 General Physics 2, PHYS 1140 Experimental Physics, PHYS 1151 Physics for Engineering 1, PHYS 1152 Physics for Engineering 2, PHYS 1153 Physics for Engineering 1 Lab, PHYS 1155 Physics for Engineering 2, PHYS 1156 Physics for Engineering 2 Lab, PHYS 1157 Interactive Learning Seminar for PHYS 1155)
- General Chemistry: Covering the fundamental principles of chemistry, relevant to understanding materials and devices used in electrical engineering. (CHEM 1151 General Chemistry for Engineers, CHEM 1153 Recitation for CHEM 1151)
Engineering Fundamentals
The introductory engineering courses provide students with an overview of the electrical engineering field, introduce them to design principles, and develop their problem-solving skills. These courses often include:
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- Introduction to Electronics: A course combining theory, laboratory measurement, and design, providing beginning students with a substantive introduction to their major and a better appreciation for the basic science and mathematics courses taken during the first two years of study. (ECE 110 Introduction to Electronics)
- Freshman Projects: Providing hands-on experience with engineering design and problem-solving. (ECEN/GEEN 1400 Freshman Projects)
- Computing Fundamentals: Introducing students to programming and computational tools used in electrical engineering. (EECE 2140 Computing Fundamentals for Engineers, ECEN 1310 C Prog. for EE/ECE)
- Digital Logic: Covering the fundamentals of digital logic design, essential for understanding computer systems and digital circuits. (ECEN 2350 Digital Logic)
- Circuits and Signals: Introducing the fundamental concepts of circuits and signal processing. (EECE 2150 Circuits and Signals: Biomedical Applications)
- Embedded Design: Enabling Robotics (EECE 2160 Embedded Design: Enabling Robotics)
Sophomore Year: Deepening the Knowledge
The sophomore year builds upon the foundational knowledge gained in the first year, introducing more advanced concepts in circuit theory, electronics, and computer engineering.
- Intro to Circuits & Electronics (ECEN 2250 Intro to Circuits & Electronics)
- Circuits as Systems (ECEN 2260 Circuits as Systems)
- Electronics Design Lab (ECEN 2270 Electronics Design Lab)
Advanced Core: Specialization and Depth
In the final two years, students complete an advanced core that includes circuit analysis, electronics, electromagnetic fields and waves, and digital systems. The electrical engineering core curriculum focuses on fundamental electrical engineering knowledge: circuits (ECE 110), systems (ECE 210), electromagnetics (ECE 329), semiconductor devices (ECE 340), computer engineering (ECE 120, ECE 220, ECE 385), and design (ECE 445). The large number of laboratory courses and superb access to advanced computer facilities provide excellent practical experience in the field.
- Advanced Analog Electives: Courses covering advanced topics in analog circuit design. (ECEN 3XXX Advanced Analog Elective 1, ECEN 3XXX Advanced Analog Elective 2, ECEN 3XXX Advance Along Elective 3)
- Programming of Digital Systems (ECEN 3350 Pog. of Digital Systems)
- Digital Design Lab (ECEN 3360 Digital Design Lab)
- Probability (ECEN 3810 Probability)
- Fundamentals of Electronics and Lab (EECE 2412 and EECE 2413 Fundamentals of Electronicsand Lab for EECE 2412)
- Fundamentals of Linear Systems (EECE 2520 Fundamentals of Linear Systems)
- Fundamentals of Electromagnetics and Lab (EECE 2530 and EECE 2531 Fundamentals of Electromagneticsand Lab for EECE 2530)
Technical Electives: Tailoring Your Expertise
A key component of the electrical engineering curriculum is the opportunity to choose technical electives. These courses allow students to specialize in areas of particular interest, such as:
- Computer Engineering: Focusing on digital systems, computer architecture, and embedded systems.
- Power Systems: Covering the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power.
- Signal Processing: Exploring techniques for analyzing and manipulating signals, with applications in communications, audio, and image processing.
- Microelectronics: Delving into the design and fabrication of integrated circuits and semiconductor devices.
- Electromagnetics: Studying the behavior of electromagnetic fields and waves, with applications in antennas, microwaves, and optics.
The elective requirement gives each student freedom to define a technical course of study in electrical engineering of considerable breadth and focus. The Advanced Core ECE electives are introductory to major specialty areas of electrical engineering. Choices should be made with care, planning, and consultation with an adviser.
*EE majors can choose to have CSCI341 or CSCI442 count towards their EE electives. However, both of these courses cannot count towards their EE electives! EE majors can earn a minor in many other disciplines! Visit Undergraduate Minors webpage for a current list of available undergraduate minors.
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Students can register for EECE 4991/EECE 4992 more than once. For these courses combined, a maximum of 8 semester hours will be allowed to satisfy the requirement of technical electives. An additional 4 semester hours will be allowed as a general elective. At most, one of these courses (4 semester hours) can be taken in a semester. Though students may register for EECE 2750 more than once, only 4 semester hours will be allowed to satisfy the requirements of technical electives. An additional 4 semester hours will be allowed as a general elective. EECE 2310 is not an approved course option for ECE majors to select for a technical elective. It is only for Khoury students. Students who choose to complete the optional concentration in semiconductor engineering may fulfill this requirement with concentration coursework.
Capstone Design Project: Applying Your Knowledge
In their final year, students complete a capstone design course that is focused on an in-depth engineering project. The curriculum culminates in a capstone design project, providing students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to solve a real-world engineering problem. This project typically involves teamwork, project management, and technical communication, preparing students for professional practice.
- Capstone (Part 1) (ECEN 4610 Capstone (Part 1))
- Capstone (Part 2) (ECEN 4620 Capstone (Part 2))
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Capstone 1 (EECE 4791 Electrical and Computer Engineering Capstone 1)
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Capstone 2 (EECE 4792 Electrical and Computer Engineering Capstone 2)
Other Requirements: Rounding Out Your Education
In addition to the core technical courses and electives, electrical engineering programs typically include other requirements designed to provide students with a well-rounded education.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Students are required to take courses in the humanities and social sciences to broaden their perspectives and develop critical thinking skills. These courses can cover a wide range of topics, such as history, literature, philosophy, economics, and sociology. When selecting humanities/social sciences (HSS) electives, students should consult the college's degree requirements in this area, and departmental requirements in the ECEE Help!
Students must also complete the campus cultural studies requirement by completing (i) one western/comparative culture(s) course and (ii) one non-western culture course and (iii) one US Minority culture course from the general education cultural studies lists. Most students select liberal education courses that simultaneously satisfy these cultural studies requirements.
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Writing and Communication
Effective communication is essential for engineers. Students are typically required to take courses in technical writing and communication to develop their ability to write clear and concise reports, presentations, and other technical documents. A grade of C or higher is required:
- First-Year Writing (ENGW 1111 First-Year Writing)
- Advanced Writing in the Technical Professions (ENGW 3302 Advanced Writing in the Technical Professions)
- Interdisciplinary Advanced Writing in the Disciplines (ENGW 3315 Interdisciplinary Advanced Writing in the Disciplines)
Free Electives
(16 hours) These electives give the student the opportunity to explore any intellectual area. This freedom plays a critical role in helping students to define minor concentrations in areas such as bioengineering, technology and management, languages, or research specialties.
Professional Development
- Introduction to Engineering Co-op Education (ENCP 2000 Introduction to Engineering Co-op Education)
- Professional Issues in Engineering (ENCP 3000 Professional Issues in Engineering)
Curriculum Structure Examples
The following flow map offers a quick summary of the main features of the Electrical Engineering curriculum and includes many useful links. These flowcharts have been created to help you understand the requirements for your degree program. Degree requirements change over time. You can switch to a later catalog, if you desire. You may not switch to an earlier catalog. So as not to confuse or mislead, these flowcharts simply represent a sample curriculum. Contact the Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering Department for specific degree requirements corresponding to a particular catalog year.
Sample plan: Four Years, Two Co-ops in Summer Second Half/Fall
Year 1
- Fall: CHEM 1151 (4 hours), CHEM 1153 (0 hours), ENGW 1111 (4 hours), GE 1000 (1 hour), GE 1501 (4 hours), MATH 1341 (4 hours). Total: 17 hours
- Spring: GE 1502 (4 hours), MATH 1342 (4 hours), PHYS 1151 (3 hours), PHYS 1152 (1 hour), PHYS 1153 (1 hour), General Elective (4 hours). Total: 17 hours
- Summer 1: General Elective (4 hours), General Elective (4 hours). Total: 8 hours
- Summer 2: General Elective (4 hours). Total: 4 hours
Year 2
- Fall: EECE 2140 (4 hours), EECE 2150 (5 hours), MATH 2341 (4 hours), PHYS 1155 (3 hours), PHYS 1156 (1 hour), PHYS 1157 (1 hour). Total: 18 hours
- Spring: EECE 2160 (4 hours), ENCP 2000 (1 hour), MATH 2321 (4 hours), EE Fundamentals (5 hours), General Elective (4 hours). Total: 18 hours
- Summer 1: General Elective (4 hours), General Elective (4 hours). Total: 8 hours
- Summer 2: Co-op (0 hours). Total: 0 hours
Year 3
- Fall: Co-op (0 hours). Total: 0 hours
- Spring: EECE 3468 (4 hours), ENCP 3000 (1 hour), ENGW 3302 or 3315 (4 hours), CE Fundamentals (4 hours), EE Fundamentals (5 hours). Total: 18 hours
- Summer 1: EECE 4791 (2 hours), Technical Elective (4 hours), Technical Elective (4 hours). Total: 9 hours
- Summer 2: Co-op (0 hours). Total: 0 hours
Year 4
- Fall: Co-op (0 hours), Technical Elective (4 hours), General Elective (4 hours), General Elective (4 hours). Total: 0 hours
- Spring: EECE 4792 (4 hours), Technical Elective (4 hours), Technical Elective (4 hours), General Elective (4 hours). Total: 16 hours
Sample plan: Five Years, Three Co-ops in Summer Second Half/Fall
Year 1
- Fall: CHEM 1151 (4 hours), CHEM 1153 (0 hours), ENGW 1111 (4 hours), GE 1000 (1 hour), GE 1501 (4 hours), MATH 1341 (4 hours). Total: 17 hours
- Spring: GE 1502 (4 hours), MATH 1342 (4 hours), PHYS 1151 (3 hours), PHYS 1152 (1 hour), PHYS 1153 (1 hour), General Elective (4 hours). Total: 17 hours
Year 2
- Fall: EECE 2140 (4 hours), EECE 2150 (5 hours), MATH 2341 (4 hours), PHYS 1155 (3 hours), PHYS 1156 (1 hour), PHYS 1157 (1 hour). Total: 18 hours
- Spring: EECE 2160 (4 hours), ENCP 2000 (1 hour), MATH 2321 (4 hours), EE Fundamentals (4 hours), General Elective (4 hours). Total: 17 hours
- Summer 2: Co-op (0 hours). Total: 0 hours
Year 3
- Fall: Co-op (0 hours). Total: 0 hours
- Spring: CE Fundamentals (4 hours), ENGW 3302 or 3315 (4 hours), EE Fundamentals (5 hours), General Elective (4 hours). Total: 18 hours
- Summer 2: Co-op (0 hours). Total: 0 hours
Year 4
- Fall: Co-op (0 hours), General Elective (4 hours). Total: 0 hours
- Spring: EECE 3468 (4 hours), ENCP 3000 (1 hour), Technical Elective (4 hours), General Elective (4 hours). Total: 17 hours
- Summer 1: EECE 4791 (2 hours), Technical Elective (4 hours). Total: 5 hours
- Summer 2: Co-op (0 hours). Total: 0 hours
Year 5
- Fall: Co-op (0 hours), Technical Elective (4 hours), General Elective (4 hours). Total: 0 hours
- Spring: EECE 4792 (4 hours), Technical Elective (4 hours), General Elective (4 hours). Total: 16 hours
Honors Programs and Combined Degrees
Students wishing to do honors work are encouraged to apply to the James Scholar Program administered jointly by the College of Engineering and the ECE Department. In consultation with departmental honors advisers, students create and carry out honors activity contracts. They must also participate in the ECE Honors Seminar and are encouraged to participate in the yearly Undergraduate Honors Symposium.
The Electrical Engineering Department offers the opportunity to begin working on a Masterâs Non-Thesis Degree while completing the requirements for their Bachelorâs Degree. Students accepted into a combined program may substitute up to six credits of graduate coursework to fulfill requirements of their undergraduate degree and then also use these credits to fulfill the requirements of their graduate degree.
Preparing for the Curriculum
To be adequately prepared for an electrical engineering program, students should have a strong background in mathematics and science. This includes coursework in algebra, trigonometry, calculus, physics, and chemistry.
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