Computer Engineering
Computer Engineers (CPE) are electrical engineers that have additional training in the areas of software design and hardware-software integration. Common CPE tasks include writing embedded software for real-time microcontrollers, designing VLSI chips, working with analog sensors, designing mixed signal circuit boards, and designing operating systems. Computer engineers are also well-suited for research in the field of robotics, which relies on using computers together with other electrical systems. Below is a recommended plan of study for CPE.
CPE program educational objectives
Computer Engineering graduates shall:
- Practice excellence in their profession using a systems approach encompassing technological, economic, ethical, environmental, social, and human issues within a changing global environment;
- Function independently and in leadership positions within multidisciplinary teams;
- Continue life-long learning by acquiring new knowledge, mastering emerging technologies, and using appropriate tools and methods;
- Adapt and independently extend their learning to excel in fields about which they are passionate;
- Strengthen teams and communities through collaboration, effective communication, public service, and leadership.
At the time of graduation, students will have demonstrated:
- an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
- an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
- an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
- an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
- an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
- an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
- an ability to communicate effectively
- the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and social context
- a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning
- a knowledge of contemporary issues
- an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice
The computer engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET,
COMPUTER ENGINEERING CORE COURSES
Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
ECE160 | Engineering Practice | 2 |
ECE180 | Introduction to Signal Processing | 4 |
ECE203 | DC Circuits | 4 |
ECE204 | AC Circuits | 4 |
ECE205 | Circuits and Systems | 4 |
ECE230 | Introduction to Embedded Systems | 4 |
ECE233 | Introduction to Digital Systems | 4 |
ECE250 | Electronic Device Modeling | 4 |
ECE300 | Continuous-Time Signals Systems | 4 |
ECE312 | Communication Networks | 4 |
ECE332 | Computer Architecture II | 4 |
ECE343 | High Speed Digital Design | 4 |
ECE362 | Principles of Design | 3 |
ECE380 or ECE320* |
Discrete-Time Signals and Systems or Linear Control Systems |
4 |
ECE460 | Engineering Design I | 3 |
ECE461 | Engineering Design II | 4 |
ECE462 | Engineering Design III | 2 |
*CPE students who are also earning the robotics minor MUST take ECE320.
SECOND MAJOR IN COMPUTER ENGINEERING
The ECE Department will not allow the following second major combinations:
- Degree in Electrical Engineering and a Second Major in Computer Engineering.
- Degree in Computer Engineering and a Second Major in Electrical Engineering.
MINOR IN ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING (ECE)
The Minor in ECE is designed to allow students to add another dimension to their Rose-Hulman degree.
Advisor: ECE Department Head
Requirements for Minor in ECE
- ECE203, or ES203, or both ES213 and ES213L
- Plus five additional ECE courses, except ECE160, ECE362, ECE460, ECE461, ECE462, ECE466, and ECE206
AREAS OF CONCENTRATION
ENHANCED STUDY IN COMMUNICATION SYSTEMSCommunications Certificate
Certificate Advisor: Dr. Yong Jin Kim
ECE 300 Continuous-Time Signals Systems
ECE 380 Discrete-Time Signals and Systems
ECE 312 Communication Networks
MA 381 Introduction to Probability with Applications to Statistics
Plus any three courses from the following list. Additional courses not in this list may be approved by the Certificate Advisor.
ECE 310 Communication Systems
ECE 414 Wireless Systems
ECE 512 Probability, Random Processes, and Estimation
ECE 553 Radio-Frequency Integrated Circuit Design
CSSE 432 Computer Networks
MA 476 Algebraic Codes
Plan of Study
Total credits required: 194
NOTES
* CPE students who are also earning the robotics minor MUST take ECE320.
AREA ELECTIVES
At least 8 of the 12 credit hours of Area Elective must bear an ECE prefix at the 400 level or above.
At most 4 credit hours of the Area Electives can bear an ECE or CSSE prefix at the 300 level or above
No more than 4 credit hours of the ECE498 can be counted towards Area Electives and ECE398 cannot be counted as Area Elective credit.
Exceptions to this requirement may be granted by the ECE Department Head.
TECHNICAL ELECTIVE - CHEM and BIO 100 level courses or other courses at the 200 level or above NOT bearing an HSSA prefix. Exceptions can be made for the 200 level requirement with Department Head and Advisor approval.
- MA 351-356 Problem Solving Seminar may not be combined and substituted for the math elective.
- CPE majors are not permitted to take ECE 206 Elements of Electrical Engineering as a free elective or technical elective. Free electives may be selected from any other Rose-Hulman courses.
- CPE majors may take any additional mathematics or biomathematics classes to satisfy the departmental mathematics requirement, and any biology, chemistry, geology or physics courses to satisfy the departmental science requirement. Courses that are cross-referenced with any engineering courses will not satisfy either the mathematics or science requirements.
CHEM111, PH255, PH405, BIO110, BIO120, BIO130