305 Engineering Tower; (714) 824-4821
Allen R. Stubberud, Department Chair
Nader Bagherzadeh: Parallel processing, computer architecture
Casper W. Barnes, Jr.: Digital signal processing
Neil J. Bershad: Communication and information theory, signal processing
Lubomir Bic: Parallel processing, dataflow systems, database machines
Douglas M. Blough: Parallel processing, fault-tolerant computing
Rui J. P. de Figueiredo: Machine intelligence and neural and soft computing; signal and image processing; applied mathematics
Nikil D. Dutt: VLSI design automation tools, design methodologies, design languages, high-level synthesis
Leonard Ferrari: Machine vision, signal processing, computer graphics
Daniel D. Gajski: Parallel algorithms and architectures, design methodology, design science, CAD algorithims and tools, software/hardware co-design
Ian A. Galton: Signal processing and communications
Hideya Gamo: Quantum electronics, electromagnetics
Glenn E. Healey: Machine vision, computer engineering, image processing, computer graphics, intelligent machines
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, 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
Orhan Nalcioglu: Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy, digital radiography, computed tomography, medical imaging
Richard D. Nelson: Sensors, microelectronics, Photonics, medical imaging
Alexandru Nicolau: Architecture, parallel computation, programming languages and compilers
Robert M. Saunders: Electromechanics, power systems
Issac Scherson: Parallel computing architectures, massively parallel systems, parallel algorithms, interconnection networks, performance evaluation
Phillip C-Y. Sheu: Database systems, interactive multimedia systems
Roland Schinzinger: Electromagnetics, power systems, operations research
Kai-Yeung (Sunny) Siu: Artificial neural networks, high-performance computing, fault-tolerant distributed systems, parallel algorithms
Jack Sklansky: Pattern recognition, machine vision, medical imaging, neural learning, computer engineering
Keyue M. Smedley: Power electronics
Gregory J. Sonek: Devices, electrooptics and fiber optics, biomedical applications, optoelectronic
Allen R. Stubberud: Control systems, digital signal processing, estimation and optimization
Tatsuya Suda: Computer networks, distributed systems, performance evaluation
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
Rainer Zuleeg: Semiconductor devices
Syed Ahmed: Electric power systems
Maqsood Chaudhry: Field theory, numerical analysis, analog circuits
Martin Dowd: Computer graphics
Mohammed S. Santina: Control systems
Electrical and Computer Engineering is a broad field encompassing such diverse subject areas as computers, control, electronics, digital systems, communications, signal processing, electromagnetics, and physics of electronic 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.
Some electrical engineers focus on the study of behavior 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 the behavior of complex electronic systems such as computers, automatic controls, telecommunications, and signal processing. Of this latter group, those engaged in designing a variety of electronic computers and computer-based application systems are often called computer engineers.
The undergraduate curriculum in Electrical Engineering provides a solid foundation for future career growth, enabling graduates' careers to grow technically, administratively, or both. Many electrical 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.
The undergraduate curriculum in Computer Engineering addresses the design and analysis of digital computers, including both software and hardware. Computer design includes topics such as computer architecture, VLSI circuits, design automation, system software, and data structures and algorithms. Computer Engineering courses include programming in high-level languages such as Pascal, C, FORTRAN; use of software packages for analysis and design; design of system software such as editors, compilers, debuggers, and operating systems; and application of computers in solving engineering problems. Laboratories in both hardware and software experiences are integrated within the curriculum.
Graduates of Computer Engineering will find a variety of career opportunities. The information technology areas include computer hardware and software design, design of computer-based control systems, application software, artificial intelligence, data storage and retrieval, 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 154.
Transfer Students. Preference will be given to applicants with the highest grades overall, and who have satisfactorily completed the following required courses: one year of calculus, one course in general chemistry, one year of engineering physics (with laboratory), one course in computational methods (C or C++), and one year of approved lower-division writing. Courses in linear algebra, differential equations, discrete mathematics, second-year engineering physics (with laboratory), digital systems, and systems programming are required for junior academic standing, and it is recommended that these courses be completed prior to transfer. Digital systems and network analysis may be offered during summer session at UCI. Students should work closely with the UCI Office of Admissions and Relations with Schools to ensure that they are enrolled in the appropriate courses.
For further information, contact the School of Engineering Undergraduate Student Affairs Office at (714) 824-4334.
Credit for at least 191.5 units including:
Mathematics Courses: Mathematics 2A-B-C, 3A, 3D, and 6A (24 units).
Basic Science Courses: Chemistry 1A, Physics 5A-B-C-D and 5LB-LC-LD, and one course selected from Physics 5E, Biological Sciences 91, or Biological Sciences 94 (at least 28.5 units).
Basic Engineering Courses: ECE11, ECE20, ECE31, ECE31LB, ECE40, ECE70A, ECE70B, ECE70LB (27 units).
Computer Engineering Core Courses: Information and Computer Science (ICS) 23E, ICS161; Engineering ECE110A, ECE110LA, ECE110B, ECE110LB, ECE113, ECE120A, ECE120B, ECE132, ECE132L, ECE142, ECE145, ECE151, ECE180 or Mathematics 114A, and ECE186 (56 units).
Technical Electives: 11 units; all technical electives must be selected from the following list and must be approved by the faculty advisor: ECE104, ECE115A, ECE128, ECE135A, ECE135B, ECE136, ECE137, ECE143, ECE161, ICS 142, ICS 184.
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 Undergraduate Student Affairs Office and with their faculty advisor.
| Sample Program of Study -- Computer Engineering | |||
| FALL | WINTER | SPRING | |
| Freshman | |||
| Mathematics 2A | Mathematics 2B | Mathematics 2C | |
| Chemistry 1A | Physics 5A | Physics 5B. 5LB | |
| Breadth | ECE11 | ECE20 | |
| Breadth | Breadth | Breadth | |
| Sophomore | |||
| Mathematics 6A | Mathematics 3D | Breadth | |
| Physics 5C, 5LC | Physics 5D, 5LD | ECE40 | |
| ECE31 | ECE31LB | ECE70B, 70LB | |
| Mathematics 3A | ECE70A | Breadth | |
| Junior | |||
| ICS23E | ECE110A, 110LA | ECE110B, 110LB | |
| ECE113 | ECE132 | ECE132L | |
| ECE180 or | ICS 161 | ECE142 | |
| Mathematics 114A | Breadth | Breadth | |
| Breath | |||
| Senior | |||
| ECE151 | ECE120A | ECE120B | |
| Technical Elective | ECE145 | ECE186 | |
| Technical Elective | Technical Elective | Breadth | |
| Breadth | Science Elective | ||
Students must obtain approval for their program of study and must see their facutly 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, 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 154.
Transfer Students. Preference will be given to applicants with the highest grades overall, and who have satisfactorily completed the following required courses: one year of calculus, one course in general chemistry (with laboratory), one year of engineering physics (with laboratory), one course in computational methods (C or C++), and one year of approved lower-division writing. Courses in linear algebra, differential equations, second-year engineering physics (with laboratory), digital systems, dynamics, and network analysis are required for junior academic standing, and it is recommended that these courses be completed prior to transfer. Courses in digital systems, dynamics, and network analysis may be offered during the summer session at UCI. Students should work closely with the UCI Office of Admissions and Relations with Schools to ensure that they are enrolled in the appropriate courses.
For further information, contact the School of Engineering Undergraduate Student Affairs Office at (714) 824-4334.
Credit for at least 185 units including:
Mathematics Courses: Mathematics 2A-B-C-D, 3A, and 3D (24 units).
Basic Science Courses: Chemistry 1A and 1LA, Physics 5A-B-C-D-E and 5LB-LC-LD-LE (at least 31 units).
Basic Engineering Courses: Engineering E80, E101, ECE11, ECE31, ECE31LA, ECE70A, ECE70B, and ECE70LB (23 units).
Electrical Engineering Core Courses: Engineering ECE110A, ECE110LA, ECE110B, ECE110LB, ECE113, ECE113L, ECE120A, ECE120B, ECE140A, ECE140LA, ECE151, 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 ECE114A, ECE114B, ECE115A, ECE176, ECE176L, ECE177, ECE177L, ECE178, ECE178L, ECE198 (Special Topics in Electro-optics or Solid State Materials/ Devices).
Specialization in Microelectronics Systems Manufacturing: At least 12 units. Required courses are Engineering ECE116, ECE117, ECE151L. Recommended courses are Engineering ECE198, Management 183, Management 188.
Specialization in Power Systems: 12 units selected from Engineering E20, ECE140B, ECE160, ECE160L, ECE163, ECE163L, ECE199 (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 (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 Undergraduate Student Affairs Office can provide necessary guidance for satisfying the design requirements.
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 Undergraduate 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 2C |
| Chemistry 1A, 1LA | Physics 5A | Physics 5B. 5LB |
| Breadth | ECE11 | Breadth |
| Breadth | Breadth | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Mathematics 2D | Mathematics 3D | Mathematics 3A |
| Physics 5C, 5LC | Physics 5D, 5LD | Physics 5E, 5LE |
| Breadth | ECE70A | ECE70B, 70LB |
| ECE31, 31L | Breadth | E80 |
| Junior | ||
| ECE170 | E101 | ECE186 |
| ECE113, 113L | ECE110A, 110LA | ECE110B, 110LB |
| ECE180 or Math 114A | ECE120A | ECE120B |
| Breadth | Breadth | Breadth |
| Senior | ||
| ECE151 | Technical Elective | Technical Elective |
| ECE140A, 140LA | Technical Elective | Technical Elective |
| Technical Elective | Breadth | Breadth |
Students must obtain approval for their program of study and must see their facutly advisor at least once each year.
The Department offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering with concentrations in Computer Engineering and in Electrical Engineering. The Computer Engineering concentration covers VLSI design, architectures, and systems. 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.
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers two plans 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 the date of admission.
The thesis option requires completion of 36 units of study; the completion of an original research investigation; the writing of the thesis describing it; and approval of the thesis by a thesis committee. Required undergraduate 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 intense concentration on a specific problem. A committee of three full-time faculty members is appointed to guide development of the thesis and, to approve it.
The comprehensive examination option requires the completion of 36 units. Students must take four courses among the concentration core courses (see listings under Computer Engineering 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. Required undergraduate courses 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 the weekly departmental seminar, 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. The detailed program of study for each Ph.D. student is formulated in consultation with an advisory committee which takes into consideration the objectives and preparation of the candidate. The program of study must be approved by the faculty of the Department.
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. There is no foreign language requirement. Ph.D. students have to meet departmental research requirements as a research assistant or equivalent, with or without salary. The degree is granted upon the recommendation of the Doctoral Committee and the Dean of Graduate Studies. For at least the final two years of the doctoral program it is expected that the student will be a full-time resident in the School. 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 administered at the end of the first year of doctoral study by faculty in the student's area of specialization; and, preceding it, a breadth examination consisting of the General Record Examination Subject Test in one of several areas (see listings under Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering concentrations). The results of the Subject Test must be made available to the faculty prior to the end of the winter quarter of the student's first year of study in the doctoral program. The Ph.D. preliminary examination may be repeated once.
Computer engineering is concerned with the set of engineering principles which are used for design and construction of information-processing systems. 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. Computer engineers are concerned with design constraints such as cost, performance, reliability, size, and power consumption. The main research activities of the faculty that are related to computer engineering 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, computer graphics, intelligent management, and computer communication networks.
In addition to the general departmental requirements, the following requirements must be met.
Plan I: Thesis Option
Four out of five Computer Engineering core courses must be completed with a grade of B or better. Three additional Computer Engineering concentration courses must be completed. With approval of the thesis advisor and the Department's graduate advisor, two of these courses may be non-seminar graduate courses outside of the Computer Engineering concentration list. These courses 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.
Plan II: Comprehensive Examination Option
A minimum of seven Computer Engineering concentration courses of which four are core courses must be completed. A minimum of three additional non-seminar graduate courses are required.
A GRE Subject Test in Mathematics or Computer Science is required for the breadth portion of the preliminary examination. A public Ph.D. dissertation defense must be given.
Core courses are indicated by an asterisk (*) following the course number: ECE206, ECE207, ECE231*, ECE233*, ECE234A-B, ECE235*, ECE238, ECE251*, ECE252*, 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.
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).
Plan II: Comprehensive Examination Option
A minimum of nine Electrical Engineering concentration courses of which four are core courses must be completed.
A GRE Subject Test in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or Engineering is required for the breadth portion of the preliminary examination.
Core courses are indicated by an asterisk (*) following the course number: ECE206, ECE207, ECE210A-B, ECE212, ECE217A-B, ECE222, ECE227A-B, ECE228A-B, ECE229A-B, ECE230A-B, ECE232, ECE233*, ECE234A-B, ECE235*, ECE236, ECE237, ECE240A*-B-C, ECE241A-B-C, ECE242, ECE251, ECE260, ECE263, ECE270, ECE273A-B, ECE275A*-B-C, ECE279A*-B, ECE281A, ECE281B, and ECE287A*.
