305 Engineering Tower; (949) 824-4821
Nader Bagherzadeh, Department Chair
Faculty
Nicolaos G. Alexopoulos: High-frequency integrated circuit antennas, wireless communication, materials
Nader Bagherzadeh: Parallel processing, computer architecture, computer graphics, VLSI design
Neil J. Bershad (Emeritus): Communication and information theory, signal processing
Douglas M. Blough: Parallel processing, fault-tolerant computing
Lynn Choi: Microprocessor design, parallel architectures, optimizing and parallelizing compilers
Pai Chou: Hardware/software co-design, embedded systems, component-based design, specification methodology, interface synthesis, real-time systems
Rui J. P. de Figueiredo: Machine intelligence and neural and soft computing; signal and image processing; applied mathematics
Franco De Flaviis: microwave systems, wireless communications and electromagnetic circuit simulations
Hideya Gamo (Emeritus): Quantum electronics, electromagnetics
Michael M. Green: Analog IC design, circuit simulation, theory of nonlinear circuits
Glenn E. Healey: Machine vision, computer engineering, image processing, computer graphics, intelligent machines
Scott Jordan: Modeling and analysis of behavior, control, and pricing in computer/telecommunication networks
K. H. (Kane) Kim: Ultra-reliable distributed and parallel computing, real-time object-based system engineering
Fadi J. Kurdahi: VLSI system design, design automation of digital systems
Tomas Lang: Numerical processors and multiprocessors, parallel computer systems
Chin C. Lee: Electronic packaging, microwave devices and measurements, thermal management, integrated optics
Henry P. Lee: Optoelectronics semiconductor materials and devices
Guann Pyng Li: High-speed semiconductor technology, optoelectronic devices, integrated circuit fabrication and testing
Kwei-Jay Lin: Real-time systems, distributed systems, e-commerce
Richard D. Nelson: Sensors, microelectronics, photonics, medical imaging
Douglas C. Schmidt: Adaptive real-time middleware, distributed object computing, design patterns, and high-performance network programming
Phillip C-Y. Sheu: Database systems, interactive multimedia systems
Roland Schinzinger (Emeritus): Electromagnetics, power systems, operations research
Jack Sklansky (Emeritus): Pattern recognition, machine vision, medical imaging, neural learning, computer engineering
Keyue M. Smedley: Power electronics
Allen R. Stubberud: Control systems, digital signal processing, estimation and optimization
Harry H. Tan: Communication and information theory, stochastic processes
Chen S. Tsai: Integrated and fiber optics, devices, and materials, acoustooptics, magnetooptics, acoustic microscopy
Wei Kang (Kevin) Tsai: Data communication networks, neural networks, parallel algorithms and architectures, CAD for VLSI systems engineering
Affiliated Faculty
Lubomir Bic: Parallel processing, dataflow systems, database machines
Nikil D. Dutt: VLSI design automation tools, design methodologies, design languages, high-level synthesis
Daniel D. Gajski: Parallel algorithms and architectures, design methodology, design science, CAD algorithms and tools, software/hardware co-design
Julius M. Gardin: Cardiology, echocardiography, image process and pattern recognition computer-aided diagnoses
Sabee Molloi: Physics of medical imaging
Orhan Nalcioglu: Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy, digital radiography, computed tomography, medical imaging
Alexandru Nicolau: Architecture, parallel computation, programming languages and compilers
Issac Scherson: Parallel computing architectures, massively parallel systems, parallel algorithms, interconnection networks, performance evaluation
Tatsuya Suda: Computer networks, distributed systems, performance evaluation
Lecturers
Syed Ahmed: Electric power systems
Harut Barsamian: Computer systems, architectural technology
Robert C. Carden, IV: C/C++, real-time system program
Maqsood Chaudhry: Field theory, numerical analysis, analog circuits
Gerard Coutu: Adaptive pattern recognition and signal processing
Alirea Kavianpour: Multi-processor systems
Electrical and Computer Engineering is a broad field encompassing such diverse subject areas as computer systems, distributed computing, computer networks, control, electronics, photonics, digital systems, mixed-mode circuits (analog and digital), communications, signal processing, electromagnetics, and physics of semiconductor devices. Knowledge of the mathematical and natural sciences is applied to the theory, design, and implementation of devices and systems for the benefit of society. The Department offers two ABET-accredited undergraduate degrees: Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering.
Some electrical engineers focus on the study of electronic devices and circuits that are the basic building blocks of complex electronic systems. Others study the generation, transmission, and utilization of electrical energy. A large group of electrical engineers studies the application of these complex systems to other areas, including medicine, biology, geology, and ecology. Still another group studies complex electronic systems such as automatic controls, telecommunications, wireless communications, and signal processing.
Computer engineers are trained in various fields of computer science and engineering. They engage in the design and analysis of digital computers and networks, including software and hardware. Computer design includes topics such as computer architecture, VLSI circuits, computer graphics, design automation, system software, data structures and algorithms, distributed computing, and computer networks. Computer Engineering courses include programming in high-level languages such as C++ and Java; use of software packages for analysis and design; design of system software such as compilers, debuggers, and operating systems; and application of computers in solving engineering problems. Laboratories in both hardware and software experiences are integrated within the Computer Engineering curriculum.
The undergraduate curricula in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering provide a solid foundation for future career growth, enabling graduates' careers to grow technically, administratively, or both. Many electrical and computer engineers will begin work in a large organizational environment as members of an engineering team, obtaining career satisfaction from solving meaningful problems that contribute to the success of the organization's overall goal. As their careers mature, technical growth most naturally results from the acquisition of an advanced degree and further development of the basic thought processes instilled in the undergraduate years. Administrative growth can result from the development of management skills on the job and/or through advanced degree programs in management.
Graduates of Electrical and Computer Engineering will find a variety of career opportunities in areas including wireless communication, voice and video coding, biomedical electronics, circuit design, optical devices and communication, semiconductor devices and fabrication, power systems, computer hardware and software design, computer networks, design of computer-based control systems, application software, data storage and retrieval, computer graphics, pattern recognition, computer modeling, parallel computing, and operating systems.
The undergraduate Computer Engineering curriculum includes a core of mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Engineering courses in fundamental areas fill in much of the remaining curriculum.
High School Students: See page 156.
Transfer Students. Preference will be given to junior-level applicants with the highest grades overall, and who have satisfactorily completed the following required courses: one year of calculus, one year of engineering physics (with laboratory), one course in computational methods (C, C++), and two additional approved courses for the major.
Students are encouraged to complete as many of the lower-division degree requirements as possible prior to transfer. Students who enroll at UCI in need of completing lower-division course work may find that it will take longer than two years to complete their degrees. For further information, contact the Henry Samueli School of Engineering at (949) 824-4334.
Credit for at least 190 units including:
University Requirements: See pages 54-59.
School Requirements: See pages 156-157.
Departmental Requirements:
Mathematics Courses: Mathematics 2A-B, 2D, 2J, 3D, and 6A (24 units).
Basic Science Courses: Chemistry 1A or Physics 51A, Physics 7A-B-D-E, 7LA-LB-LD, 52A-B (at least 27 units).
Basic Engineering Courses: ECE10, ECE20, ECE31, ECE31LB, ECE40, ECE70A, ECE70B, ECE70LB (27 units).
Computer Engineering Core Courses: Information and Computer Science (ICS) 23, ICS161; Engineering ECE113A, ECE113LA, ECE113B, ECE113LB, ECE120A, ECE120B, ECE132, ECE132L, ECE142, ECE145, ECE151, ECE180 or Mathematics 114A, and ECE186 (52 units).
Technical Electives: 15 units; at least three courses should be selected from the following list: ECE104, ECE137, ECE143, ECE146, ECE161, and Information and Computer Science 142. Others may be chosen from the following list: ECE113D, ECE128, ECE135A, ECE135B, ECE136, ECE199 or ECEH199 (up to 3 units). All technical electives must be approved by the faculty advisor.
No more than 6 units of ECE199 OR ECEH199 can be applied to the major in Computer Engineering.
The sample program of study chart shown is typical for the major in Computer Engineering. Students should keep in mind that this program is based upon a sequence of prerequisites, beginning with adequate preparation in high school mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Students who are not adequately prepared, or who wish to make changes in the sequence for other reasons, must have their program approved by their advisor. Computer Engineering majors must consult at least once every year with the academic counselors in the Student Affairs Office and with their faculty advisor.
| Sample Program of Study -- Computer Engineering | ||
| FALL | WINTER | SPRING |
| Freshman | ||
| Mathematics 2A | Mathematics 2B | Mathematics 2D |
| Physics 7A, 7LA | Physics 7B, 7LB, | Physics 7D, 7LD |
| ECE10 | Chemistry 1A, 1LA | ECE20 |
| Breadth | Breadth or ECE10 | Breadth |
| Sophomore | ||
| Mathematics 2J | Mathematics 3D | Mathematics 6A |
| Physics 7E, 52A | Physics 52B | ECE40 |
| ECE31 | ECE70A | ECE70B, 70LB |
| ECE31LB | Breadth | |
| Junior | ||
| ECE113A, 113LA | ECE113B, 113LB | ECE120B |
| ECE180 or Math. 114A | ECE120A | ECE132L |
| ICS 23 | ECE132 | ICS161 |
| Breadth | Breadth | Breadth |
| Senior | ||
| ECE142 | ECE145 | ECE186 |
| ECE151 | Technical Elective | Technical Elective |
| Breadth | Breadth | Technical Elective |
| Technical Elective | Breadth | Breadth |
Students must obtain approval for their program of study and must see their faculty advisor at least once each year.
The undergraduate Electrical Engineering curriculum is built around a basic core of humanities, mathematics, and natural and engineering science courses. It is arranged to provide the fundamentals of synthesis and design that will enable graduates to begin careers in industry or to go on to graduate study. UCI Electrical Engineering students take courses in network analysis, electronics, electronic system design, signal processing, control systems, electromagnetics, and computer engineering. They learn to design circuits and systems to meet specific needs and to use modern computers in problem analysis and solution.
Electrical engineering majors have the opportunity to select a specialization in Electro-optics and Solid-State Devices; Power Systems; and Systems and Signal Processing. In addition to the courses offered by the Department, the major program includes selected courses from the Department of Information and Computer Science.
High School Students: See page 156.
Transfer Students. Preference will be given to junior-level applicants with the highest grades overall, and who have satisfactorily completed the following required courses: one year of calculus, one year of engineering physics (with laboratory), one course in computational methods (C, C++), and two additional approved courses for the major.
Students are encouraged to complete as many of the lower-division degree requirements as possible prior to transfer. Students who enroll at UCI in need of completing lower-division course work may find that it will take longer than two years to complete their degrees. For further information, contact the Henry Samueli School of Engineering at (949) 824-4334.
Credit for at least 191 units including:
University Requirements: See pages 54-59.
School Requirements: See pages 156-157.
Departmental Requirements:
Mathematics Courses: Mathematics 2A-B, 2D, 2J, 3D, and 2E (24 units).
Basic Science Courses: Chemistry 1A and 1LA, Physics 7A-B-D-E, 7LA-LB-LD, 51A-B, 52A-B-C (at least 38 units).
Basic Engineering Courses: Engineering E80 or E54, ECE10, ECE31, ECE31LA, ECE70A, ECE70B, and ECE70LB (22 units).
Electrical Engineering Core Courses: Engineering ECE113A, ECE113LA, ECE113B, ECE113LB, ECE113C, ECE113LC, ECE113D, or ECE151, ECE120A, ECE120B, ECE140A, ECE140LA, ECE170, ECE180 or Mathematics 114A, and ECE186 (43 units).
Technical Electives: 19 units; students may select, with the approval of their faculty advisor, an area of specialization and complete the associated requirements, as shown below.
The technical electives requirement also may be fulfilled by completing courses from other science and engineering fields, with written approval of the faculty advisor.
Specialization in Electro-optics and Solid-State Devices: 11 units selected from Engineering ECE113D (if not used to satisfy major requirements), ECE114A, ECE114B, ECE176, ECE176L, ECE177, ECE177L, ECE178, ECE198 (Special Topics in Electro-optics or Solid State Materials/Devices), ECE199 or ECEH199 (up to 3 units).
Specialization in Power Systems: 12 units selected from Engineering ECE140B, ECE160, ECE160L, ECE163, ECE163L, ECE199 or ECEH199 (up to 3 units).
Specialization in Systems and Signal Processing: 12 units selected from Engineering ECE128, ECE135A, ECE135B, ECE136, ECE140B, ECE163, ECE163L, ECE198 (Special Topics in Computer Graphics or Digital Signal Processing Laboratory), or ECE199 or ECEH199 (up to 3 units).
Students should select their electives so that they aggregate a minimum of 26 design units. At least one of the Engineering courses taken to satisfy the graduation requirement should have more than 50 percent design content. Design unit values are indicated at the end of each course description. The faculty advisors and the Student Affairs Office can provide necessary guidance for satisfying the design requirements.
No more than 6 units of ECE199 or ECEH199 can be applied to the major in Electrical Engineering.
Students must complete all required freshman and sophomore courses before they enroll in any junior or senior ECE courses.
The sample program of study chart shown is typical for the accredited major in Electrical Engineering. Students should keep in mind that this program is based upon a rigid set of prerequisites, beginning with adequate preparation in high school mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Therefore, the course sequence should not be changed except for the most compelling reasons. Students who are not adequately prepared, or who wish to make changes in the sequence for other reasons, must have their programs approved by their advisor. Electrical Engineering majors must consult with the academic counselors in the Student Affairs Office and with their faculty advisors at least once a year.
| Sample Program of Study -- Electrical Engineering | |||
| FALL | WINTER | SPRING | |
| Freshman | |||
| Mathematics 2A | Mathematics 2B | Mathematics 2D | |
| Physics 7A, 7LA | Physics 7B, 7LB | Physics 7D, 7LD | |
| ECE10 | Chemistry 1A, 1LA | Breadth | |
| Breadth | Breadth or ECE10 | Breadth | |
| Sophomore | |||
| Mathematics 2J | Mathematics 3D | Mathematics 2E | |
| Physics 7E, 52A | Physics 51A, 52B | Physics 51B, 52C | |
| ECE31, 31LA | ECE70A | ECE70B, 70LB | |
| Junior | |||
| ECE113A, 113LA | ECE113B, 113LB | ECE113C, 113LC | |
| ECE170 | ECE120A | ECE120B | |
| ECE180 or | E54 or E80 | ECE186 | |
| Mathematics 114A | Breadth | Breadth | |
| Breadth | |||
| Senior | |||
| ECE113D | Technical Elective | Technical Elective | |
| ECE140A, 140LA | Technical Elective | Technical Elective | |
| Technical Elective | Breadth | Breadth | |
| Breadth | Breadth | ||
Students must obtain approval for their program of study and must see their faculty advisor at least once each year.
The Department offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering with a concentration in Computer Networks and Distributed Computing, Computer Systems and Software, or Electrical Engineering. The Computer Networks and Distributed Computing concentration covers design and evaluation of computer networks and distributed computer systems, and their integration into a comprehensive computing system. The Computer Systems and Software concentration covers all aspects of computer systems design, from digital VLSI to system software. The Electrical Engineering concentration includes optical and solid-state devices, and systems engineering and signals processing.
Because most graduate courses are not repeated every quarter, students should make every effort to begin their graduate program in the fall.
Two plans are offered for the M.S. degree: a thesis option and a comprehensive examination option. For both options, students are required to develop and obtain approval by the Department's graduate advisor of a complete program of study. Opportunities are available for part-time study toward the M.S. degree. The program of study must be completed within four calendar years from first enrollment.
Plan I: Thesis Option
The thesis option requires completion of 36 units of study; the completion of an original research investigation; the writing of the thesis; and approval of the thesis by a thesis committee. Required undergraduate core courses and seminar courses such as ECE294 and ECE295 may not be counted toward the 36 units. No more than four units of ECE299 and three units of undergraduate electives may be counted.
The thesis option is available for those graduate students who might best benefit from concentration on a specific research problem. A committee of three full-time faculty members is appointed to guide development of the thesis and, to approve it.
Plan II: Comprehensive Examination Option
The comprehensive examination option requires the completion of 36 units. Students must take four courses among the concentration core courses (see listings under Computer Networks and Distributed Computing, Computer Systems and Software, and Electrical Engineering concentrations) and a coherent set of courses in a specialization approved by their faculty advisor. In addition to the University's grade-point-average requirements, each of the core courses taken must be completed with a grade of B or better. Undergraduate core courses or equivalent and seminar courses such as ECE294 and ECE295 may not be counted toward the 36 units. No more than three units of ECE299 and six units of undergraduate electives may be counted.
All M.S. students with the comprehensive examination option are required to enroll in ECE294 for at least two quarters.
The doctoral program in Electrical and Computer Engineering is tailored to the individual needs and background of the student. There are several milestones to pass: admission to the Ph.D. program by the faculty; within one year of arrival on the campus, passage of a preliminary examination on the student's background and potential for success in the doctoral program; meeting departmental teaching requirements which can be satisfied through service as a teaching assistant or equivalent; research preparation; development of a research proposal; formal advancement to candidacy through qualifying examination conducted on behalf of the Irvine division of the Academic Senate; completion of a significant research investigation, and completion and approval of a dissertation. Four quarters of ECE294 must be completed. The degree is granted upon the recommendation of the Doctoral Committee and the Dean of Graduate Studies. Part-time study toward the Ph.D. degree is not permitted. Doctoral programs must be completed in seven calendar years from the date of admission.
The Ph.D. preliminary examination contains two parts: a depth examination and a breadth examination both administered near the end of the first year of doctoral study by faculty in the student's area of specialization (for details see listing under the three concentrations below).
The concentration in Computer Networks and Distributed Computing is concerned with the design and evaluation of computer networks and distributed computer systems, and their integration into a comprehensive computing system. Both hardware and software aspects of these systems are covered. Specific topics include computer communication protocols; performance modeling and analysis of computer networks; computer network hardware; reliability, security, and fault tolerance in computer networks and distribution computer systems; distributed operating systems; distributed software architectures, distributed data bases, network-based parallel computing, and programming languages for parallel/distributed processing. Related topics are addressed within the Computer Systems and Networks concentration in the Department of Information and Computer Science (ICS).
Master of Science Degree
Plan I: Thesis Option
A total of 36 units are required for the degree. Four core courses must be completed with a grade of B (3.0) or better; a minimum of three additional core or concentration courses must also be completed. The required concentration and core courses will be selected from the list of relevant courses corresponding to the Computer Networks and Distributed Computing concentration. No more than 12 units of ECE296 (M.S. Thesis Research) may be counted toward the degree.
Plan II: Comprehensive Examination Option
The comprehensive examination option requires the completion of 36 units. A minimum of seven Computer Networks and Distributed Computing concentration courses are required. Four of these courses must be the core courses; the other three may be chosen from the core or concentration courses. The remainder of the 36 units must be selected from the list of relevant courses corresponding to the Computer Networks and Distributed Computing concentration.
Doctor of Philosophy Degree
The Ph.D. preliminary examination consists of breadth and depth components in the form of taking courses, written examination and oral examination, including a GRE subject test in Computer Science or Mathematics. A student must pass the Ph.D. preliminary examination within one academic year from first enrollment. A public Ph.D. dissertation defense must be given.
Computer Networks and Distributed Computing Courses
Core courses: ECE231, ECE233, ECE235, ECE252.
Concentration courses: ECE229A, ECE229B, ECE255, ECE281B.
Other related courses: ECE253, ECE254, ECE257, ECE281A, ICS 244, ICS 248.
The Computer Systems and Software Concentration is concerned with the set of engineering principles which are used for design and construction of information-processing systems and software. The engineering design procedures are based on both the computational principles and theories discovered in the field of computer science and new highly integrated component devices made by electrical engineers. The main research activities of the faculty of this concentration are in the areas of fault-tolerant computing, parallel and distributed computer systems, ultra-reliable real-time computer systems, VLSI architectures, computer design automation, numerical processing, and intelligent management.
In addition to the general department requirements, the following requirements must be met.
Master of Science Degree
Plan I: Thesis Option
A total of 36 units are required for the degree. Four core courses must be completed with a grade of B (3.0) or better; a minimum of three additional core or concentration courses must also be completed. The required concentration and core courses will be selected from the list of courses corresponding to the Computer Systems and Software concentration. (With approval of the student's thesis advisor and the Department's graduate advisor, two of the three additional non-core concentration courses may be non-research, non-seminar, graduate-level courses offered outside of the Computer Systems and Software concentration. Any substitution courses chosen must be related to the student's thesis topic.) No more than 12 units of ECE296 (M.S. Thesis Research) may be counted toward the degree. Two quarters of ECE294 must be completed in addition to the required 36 units.
Plan II: Comprehensive Examination Option
The comprehensive examination option requires the completion of 36 units. A minimum of seven Computer Systems and Software courses are required. Four of these must be core courses completed with a grade of B (3.0) or better; the remaining three must be selected from the list of core and concentration courses corresponding to the Computer Systems and Software concentration.
Doctor of Philosophy Degree
The Ph.D. preliminary examination consists of breadth and depth components in the form of taking courses, written examination and oral examination, including a GRE subject test in Computer Science or Mathematics. A student must pass the Ph.D. preliminary examination within one academic year. A public Ph.D. dissertation defense must be given.
Computer Systems and Software Courses
Core courses: ECE231, ECE233, ECE235, ECE251, and ECE252.
Concentration courses: ECE207, ECE253, ECE254, ECE257, and ECE258.
The Electrical Engineering faculty study the following areas: optical and solid-state devices, including quantum electronics and optics, integrated electro-optics and acoustics, design of semiconductor devices and materials, and scanning acoustic microscopy; and systems engineering and signal processing, including machine vision, signal processing, power systems, neural networks, communications networks, systems engineering, control systems, and manufacturing systems.
In addition to the general departmental requirements, the following requirements must be met.
Master of Science Degree
Plan I: Thesis Option
A minimum of seven Electrical Engineering concentration courses must be completed. No more than eight of the required 36 units may be from ECE296 (M.S. Thesis Research). The required concentration and core courses will be selected from the list of relevant courses corresponding to the Electrical Engineering concentration.
Plan II: Comprehensive Examination Option
A minimum of nine Electrical Engineering core or concentration courses of which four are core courses must be completed. The required concentration and core courses will be selected from the list of relevant courses corresponding to the Electrical Engineering concentration.
Doctor of Philosophy Degree
A GRE Subject Test in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or Engineering is required for the breadth portion of the preliminary examination.
Electrical Engineering Courses
Core courses: ECE233, ECE235, ECE240A, ECE275A, ECE279A, and ECE287A.
Concentration courses: ECE206, ECE207, ECE210A-B, ECE212, ECE217A-B, ECE227A-B, ECE228A-B, ECE229A-B, ECE230A, ECE234A-B, ECE240-B-C, ECE242, ECE251, ECE260, ECE275B-C, ECE279B, ECE281A, and ECE281B.
