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
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
Stephen F. Jenks: Parallel and distributed processing, multithreading, embedded systems
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, micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS)
Roland Schinzinger (Emeritus): Electromagnetics, power systems, operations research
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
Jack Sklansky (Emeritus): Digital radiology, pattern recognition, 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
Magda S. El Zarki: Computer networking, telecommunications networks, wireless networking
Daniel D. Gajski: Parallel algorithms and architectures, design methodology, design science, CAD algorithms and tools, software/hardware co-design
Daniel Hirschberg: Analyses of algorithms, concrete complexity, data structures, models of computation
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
Peter M. Rentzepis: Physical chemistry, picosecond spectroscopy
Issac Scherson: Parallel computing architectures, massively parallel systems, parallel algorithms, interconnection networks, performance evaluation
Carlton H. Scott: Operations research, production management, total quality management, statistics
Andrei M. Shkel: Design and advanced control of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS)
Tatsuya Suda: Computer networks, distributed systems, performance evaluation
Lecturers
Syed Ahmed: Electric power systems
Harut Barsamian: Computer systems, architectural technology
Maqsood Chaudhry: Field theory, numerical analysis, analog circuits
Gerard Coutu: Adaptive pattern recognition and signal processing
Shahriar Jamasb: Integrated electronic circuit design
Alirea Kavianpour: Multi-processor systems
Bijan Lashgari: Linear systems
Arthur Palisoc: Electromagnetics
Douglas Pinnow: Electro-optic devices
Simin Shoari: C/C++, real-time system programming
Paul Walker: Analog integrated circuit design
Hadar Ziv: C, C++, real-time system programming
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, circuits (analog, digital, mixed-mode, and power processing), 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 power electronics and 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 163.
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.
University Requirements: See pages 54-59.
School Requirements: See page 164.
Major Requirements:
Mathematics and Basic Science Courses: Mathematics 2A-B, 2D, 2J, 3D, and 6A; Physics 7A-B-D-E, 7LA-LB-LD, 51A, 52A-B; Engineering ECE180 or Mathematics 114A.
Engineering Topics Courses: Students must complete a minimum of 26 units of engineering design.
Core Courses: Engineering ECE10, ECE20, ECE31, ECE31LB, ECE40, ECE70A, ECE70B, ECE70LB, ECE113A, ECE113LA, ECE113B, ECE113LB, ECE120A, ECE120B, ECE132, ECE132L, ECE142, ECE145, ECE151, ECE186, Information and Computer Science 23, 161. With the approval of a faculty advisor, students select any additional engineering topics courses needed to satisfy school and department requirements.
Engineering Elective Courses: Students select, with the approval of a faculty advisor, a minimum of 15 units of engineering topics courses. At least three courses must be chosen from ECE104, ECE137, ECE143, ECE146, ECE161, and Information and Computer Science 142. Additionally, ECE113D, ECE128, ECE135A, ECE135B, ECE136, ECE199 or ECEH199 (up to 3 units) are approved as technical electives.
At most an aggregate total of 6 units of 199 or H199 courses may be used to satisfy degree requirements; 199 and H199 courses are open to students with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
(The nominal Computer Engineering program will require 192 units of courses to satisfy all university and major requirements. Because each student comes to UCI with a different level of preparation, the actual number of units will vary.)
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 | Breadth or ECE10 | ECE20 |
| Breadth | Breadth | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Mathematics 2J | Mathematics 3D | Mathematics 6A |
| Physics 7E, 52A | Physics 51A, 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 163.
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.
University Requirements: See pages 54-59.
School Requirements: See page 164.
Major Requirements:
Mathematics and Basic Science Courses: Mathematics 2A-B, 2D, 2J, 3D, and 2E; Chemistry 1A and 1LA; Physics 7A-B-D-E, 7LA-LB-LD, 51A-B, 52A-B-C; Engineering ECE180 or Mathematics 114A.
Engineering Topics Courses: Students must complete a minimum of 26 units of engineering design including at least one course with more than 50 percent design content. Engineering E54 or E80, ECE10, ECE31, ECE31LA, ECE70A, ECE70B and ECE70LB, ECE113A, ECE113LA, ECE113B, ECE113LB, ECE113C, ECE113LC, ECE113D (or ECE151), ECE120A, ECE120B, ECE140A, ECE140LA, ECE170, ECE186. Students select, with the approval of a faculty advisor, any additional engineering topics courses needed to satisfy school and department requirements.
Technical Elective Courses: Students select, with the approval of a faculty advisor, a minimum of 19 units of technical elective courses. Students may select an area of specialization and complete the associated requirements, as shown below.
At most an aggregate total of 6 units of 199 or H199 courses may be used to satisfy degree requirements; 199 and H199 courses are open to students with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
(The nominal Electrical Engineering program will require 192 units of courses to satisfy all university and major requirements. Because each student comes to UCI with a different level of preparation, the actual number of units will vary.)
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).
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 Electrical Engineering, Computer Networks and Distributed Computing, or Computer Systems and Software. The Electrical Engineering concentration includes optics and electronic devices and circuits, communications, signal processing, machine vision, and system 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.
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 either option, students are required to develop a complete program of study with advice from their faculty advisor. The graduate advisor must approve the study plan. Part-time study toward the M.S. degree is available. 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; an original research investigation; the completion of an M.S. thesis; and approval of the thesis by a thesis committee. The thesis committee is composed of three full-time faculty members with the faculty advisor of the student serving as the chair. Required undergraduate core courses and graduate 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 toward the 36 units.
Plan II: Comprehensive Examination Option
The comprehensive examination option requires the completion of 36 course units and a comprehensive examination. Students must take four courses from among the core courses of the specific concentration and several concentration courses (see listings under Electrical Engineering, Computer Networks and Distributed Computing, and Computer Systems and Software concentrations). 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 and graduate 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. In fulfillment of the comprehensive examination element of the M.S. degree program, students will complete two term paper-length reports on the current state-of-the-art of two separate technical fields corresponding to the concentration area. The term papers are completed as part of the end-of-course class requirements for ECE294 (Electrical and Computer Colloquium), two units of which are needed to fulfill degree requirements. Each term paper must be completed with a grade of B or better; and each Colloquium section used to meet M.S. degree requirements must be completed with a satisfactory grade. Both Colloquium sections used must be completed following first enrollment in the ECE graduate program.
The doctoral program in Electrical and Computer Engineering is tailored to the individual background and interest of the student. There are several milestones to pass: admission to the Ph.D. program by the Graduate Committee; Ph.D. preliminary examination on the background and potential for success in the doctoral program; departmental teaching requirement which can be satisfied through service as a teaching assistant or equivalent; original research work; development of a research report and dissertation proposal; advancement to Ph.D. candidacy through the Ph.D. 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. A public Ph.D. dissertation defense may be required as specified in each concentration. During the Ph.D. study, four quarters of ECE294 must be completed.
The Ph.D. preliminary examination consists of two parts: a breadth requirement and a depth examination. The depth examination is conducted during each spring quarter. A student must pass the Ph.D. preliminary examination within two complete academic year cycles after entering the Ph.D. program. A student has only two chances to take and pass the Ph.D. preliminary examination. A student who fails the Ph.D. preliminary examination twice will be asked to withdraw from the program, or will be dismissed from the program, and may not be re-admitted into the program.
The Ph.D. 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 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, microwave and microwave devices, and scanning acoustic microscopy; and systems engineering and signal processing, including machine vision, signal processing, power systems, neural networks, communications networks, systems engineering, and control systems.
In addition to the general departmental requirements, the following requirements must be met.
Master of Science Degree
Plan I: Thesis Option
A total of 36 units are required. Graduate seminar courses, such as ECE294 and ECE295, may not be counted toward the 36 units. At least seven concentration courses in the Electrical Engineering (EE) concentration must be completed. At most 12 of the required 36 units may be from ECE296 (M.S. Thesis Research). The concentration courses are listed at the end of this section.
Plan II: Comprehensive Examination Option
The comprehensive examination option requires the completion of 36 course units and a comprehensive examination. Graduate seminar courses, such as ECE294 and ECE295, may not be counted toward the 36 units. Each of the four core courses in the Electrical Engineering (EE) concentration must be completed with a grade of B (3.0) or better. At least five additional core or concentration courses must also be completed. In fulfillment of the comprehensive examination element of the M.S. degree program, students complete two term paper-length reports on the current state-of-the-art of two separate technical fields corresponding to the concentration area. The term papers are completed as part of the end-of-course class requirements for ECE294 (Electrical and Computer Colloquium), two units of which are needed to fulfill degree requirements. Each term paper must be completed with a grade of B or better; and each Colloquium section used to meet M.S. degree requirements must be completed with a satisfactory grade. Both Colloquium sections used must be completed following first enrollment in the ECE graduate program.
Doctor of Philosophy Degree
There are two options for satisfying the breadth requirement of the Ph.D. preliminary examination. One option is to take the GRE Subject Test in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or Engineering. The other option is to take three courses in a minor field chosen by the student and approved by the faculty advisor. Detailed requirements are specified in the departmental Ph.D. preliminary examination policies. During the Ph.D. study, four quarters of ECE294 must be completed.
Electrical Engineering Courses
Core courses: ECE210A, ECE235, ECE240A, ECE275A, ECE279A, and ECE287A.
Concentration courses: ECE206, ECE207, ECE210A-B, ECE212, ECE216, ECE217A-B, ECE227A-B, ECE228A-B, ECE229A-B, ECE230A, ECE233, ECE234A-B, ECE240B-C, ECE242, ECE251, ECE260, ECE266, ECE275B-C, ECE278, ECE279B, ECE281A, and ECE281B.
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).
In addition to the general departmental 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. Graduate seminar courses such as ECE294 and ECE295 may not be counted toward the 36 units. Four core courses, in Computer Networks and Distributed Computing concentration (CNDC) must be completed with a grade of B (3.0) or better. At least three additional core or concentration courses must also be completed. No more than 12 units of ECE296 (M.S. thesis research) may be counted toward the degree. The core courses and concentration courses are listed at the end of this section.
Plan II: Comprehensive Examination Option
The comprehensive examination option requires the completion of 36 course units and a comprehensive examination. Graduate seminar courses, such as ECE294 and ECE295, may not be counted toward the 36 units. Four core courses in the Computer Networks and Distributed Computing concentration (CNDC) must be completed with a grade of B (3.0) or better. At least three additional core or concentration courses must also be completed. The remainder of the 36 units must be selected from the list of relevant courses. The core, concentration, and relevant courses are listed at the end of this section. In fulfillment of the comprehensive examination element of the M.S. degree program, students complete two term paper-length reports on the current state-of-the-art of two separate technical fields corresponding to the concentration area. The term papers are completed as part of the end-of-course class requirements for ECE294 (Electrical and Computer Colloquium), two units of which are needed to fulfill degree requirements. Each term paper must be completed with a grade of B or better; and each Colloquium section used to meet M.S. degree requirements must be completed with a satisfactory grade. Both Colloquium sections used must be completed following first enrollment in the ECE graduate program.
Doctor of Philosophy Degree
The Ph.D. preliminary examination consists of breadth and depth components in the form of GRE subject test in Computer Science or Mathematics, taking courses, and oral examination. A student must pass the Ph.D. preliminary examination within two complete academic year cycles after entering the Ph.D. program. The oral examination can be taken at most twice. Detailed requirements are specified in the departmental Ph.D. preliminary examination policies. During the Ph.D. study, four quarters of ECE294 must be completed. A public Ph.D. dissertation defense must be given.
Computer Networks and Distributed Computing Courses
Core courses: ECE229A, ECE231, ECE233, ECE235, ECE251, ECE252.
Concentration courses: ECE229B, ECE255, ECE281B.
Other related courses: ECE253, ECE254, ECE257, ECE281A, ICS244, ICS248.
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. Graduate seminar courses, such as ECE294 and ECE295, may not be counted toward the 36 units. Four core courses in the Computer Systems and Software concentration (CSS) must be completed with a grade of B (3.0) or better. At least three additional core or concentration courses must be completed. With approval of the faculty advisor and the graduate advisor, two of these three additional concentration courses may be graduate courses offered outside of the Computer Systems and Software concentration. However, they must be non-research and non-seminar courses related to the thesis topic. At most 12 units of ECE296 (M.S. Thesis Research) may be counted toward the degree. The core and concentration courses are listed at the end of this section.
Plan II: Comprehensive Examination Option
The comprehensive examination option requires the completion of 36 course units and a comprehensive examination. Graduate seminar courses, such as ECE294 and ECE295, may not be counted toward the 36 units. Four core courses in the Computer Systems and Software concentration (CSS) must be completed with a grade of B (3.0) or better. At least three additional core or concentration courses must also be completed. The core and concentration courses are listed at the end of this section. In fulfillment of the comprehensive examination element of the M.S. degree program, students complete two term paper-length reports on the current state-of-the-art of two separate technical fields corresponding to the concentration area. The term papers are completed as part of the end-of-course class requirements for ECE294 (Electrical and Computer Colloquium), two units of which are needed to fulfill degree requirements. Each term paper must be completed with a grade of B or better; and each Colloquium section used to meet M.S. degree requirements must be completed with a satisfactory grade. Both Colloquium sections used must be completed following first enrollment in the ECE graduate program.
Doctor of Philosophy Degree
The Ph.D. preliminary examination consists of breadth and depth components in the form of a GRE subject test in Computer Science or Mathematics, taking courses, and oral examination. A student must pass the Ph.D. preliminary examination within two complete academic year cycles after entering the Ph.D. program. The oral examination can be taken at most twice. Detailed requirements are specified in the departmental Ph.D. preliminary examination policies. During the Ph.D. study, four quarters of ECE294 must be completed. A public Ph.D. dissertation defense must be given.
Computer Systems and Software Courses
Core courses: ECE229A, ECE231, ECE233, ECE235, ECE251, and ECE252.
Concentration courses: ECE207, ECE253, ECE254, ECE257, and ECE258.
