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The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

The computer engineering program at CSU, Chico bridges the curriculum gap between electrical/electronic engineering and computer science. The program is designed to provide a broad background in both the theory and practice of computer hardware and software design and the integration of both into usable computer systems. The curriculum includes courses in logic design, microprocessor system design, computer interfacing, programming and data structures, computer architecture and assembly language programming, embedded system design, and system requirements and design. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Computer Engineering Program Mission

The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department educates each student to be a responsible and productive computer engineer who can effectively respond to future challenges.

Computer Engineering Program Objective

The objective of the Computer Engineering Program is to produce graduates able to:

1. Apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to identify, formulate, and solve computer engineering problems.

2. Use industry standard tools to analyze, design, develop, and test computer-based systems containing both hardware and software components.

3. Achieve success in graduate programs in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science.

4. Continue to develop their knowledge and skills after graduation in order to succeed personally and contribute to employer success.

5. Work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary development team and undertake leadership roles when appropriate.

6. Communicate their thoughts, in both written and oral forms, so that others can comprehend and build on their work.

7. Appreciate the importance of ethics in the profession and the need to act in society's best interest.

Computer Engineering Design Experience

Design is a fundamental aspect of the computer engineering curriculum and it is integrated into the curriculum beginning in the freshman year where students are introduced to both hardware and software design. As students expand their knowledge and analysis skills through the sophomore and junior years, the design problems they are assigned increase in complexity. Design problems are assigned in electronics, digital and microprocessor systems, embedded systems, and software systems.

The design experience culminates in the senior year when all students are required to identify a design project, create testable requirements for the project, design the project, and construct the project to prove the design works. Projects chosen by students often include elements of both hardware and software design. In the past, students have designed computer-controlled robots, security systems, sophisticated Web applications, and peripheral interfaces.

Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree: 132 units

See "Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree" in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 40 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.

A suggested Major Academic Plan (MAP) has been prepared to help students meet all graduation requirements within four years. Please request a plan from your major advisor.

General Education Requirements

Computer Engineering is a major with modifications to the University's General Education Requirements. The following requirements, together with the approved General Education courses required for the Computer Engineering major, fulfill the General Education Requirement.

1. Select two courses, one from each of the Core Areas A1 and A2.

2. Select one course from Breadth Area C1 or C2 or C3. A course that also fulfills the U.S. Diversity or Global Cultures requirement is recommended.

3. Select one course from Breadth Area D1 or D2 or D3. A course that also fulfills the U.S. Diversity or Global Cultures requirement is recommended.

4. Upper-division theme modification has been approved for this major. See the General Education chapter in the University Catalog for specifics on how to apply this modification.

Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units

See "Diversity" in the University Catalog . Most courses used to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education Areas C and D.

U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals Requirement: 6 units

This requirement is normally fulfilled by completing HIST 130 and POLS 155. For other alternatives, see the "Bachelor's Degree Requirements" section.

Literacy Requirement:

See Math and Writing Requirements in the University Catalog. Writing proficiency in the major is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of a course in your major which has been designated as the Writing Proficiency (WP) course for the semester in which you take the course. Students who earn below a C- are required to repeat the course and earn a C- or higher to receive WP credit. See the Class Schedule for the designated WP courses for each semester. You must pass ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a C- or higher before you may register for a WP course.

Course Requirements for the Major: 108 units

Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree.

Enrollment in any mathematics course requires a grade of C- or higher in all prerequisite courses or their transfer equivalents.

Lower-Division Requirements: 48 units

14 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
CHEM 111 General Chemistry   4.0 FS  GE
Prerequisites: Second-year high school algebra; one year high school chemistry. (One year of high school physics and one year of high school mathematics past Algebra II are recommended.)
Principles of chemistry for students in science, medical, and related professions. Atomic structure, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, periodic table, gases, solids, liquids, solutions, and equilibrium. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. (001816)
CSCI 211 Programming and Algorithms II   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: CSCI 111 or EECE 135, with a grade of C- or better.
A second semester object-oriented programming course in computer science that emphasizes problem solving. This course continues the study of software specification, design, implementation, and debugging techniques while introducing abstract data types, fundamental data structures and associated algorithms. Coverage includes dynamic memory, file I/O, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, recursion, and an introduction to the complexity of algorithms. Students are expected to design, implement, test, and analyze a number of programs. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (002282)
CSCI 221 Assembly Language Programming   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: CSCI 111 or EECE 135, with a grade of C- or better.
Topics include number systems and their rules for arithmetic; basic central processing unit (CPU) organization concepts such as registers, data paths, the arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) and the interface to random access memory (RAM); instruction formats, addressing modes and their uses with a variety of data structures; and parameter passing techniques including the use of a stack frame. The use of good programming methodologies to develop and document algorithms at the assembly language level is emphasized. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (002290)
EECE 101 Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering   2.0 FS  
Survey of topics from the fields of electrical and computer engineering. Applications of critical thinking to the solution of engineering problems. Using the computer and sensors to control mechanical devices. 2 hours lecture. (002092)
EECE 135 Algorithms and Programs for Engineers   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: MATH 120 is recommended.
Introduces students to the software development life cycle and the elements of a computer system. Teaches the syntax common to both C and C++. Shows how to split large program into segments and explains the role of algorithms in programming. Programming assignments are taken from simple engineering and mathematics problems. 3 hours discussion. (002518)
EECE 144 Logic Design Fundamentals   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: Recommended: EECE 101, MECH 100.
Definition and properties of switching algebra. Minimization of algebraic function. Use of Karnaugh maps for simplification. Design of combinational logic networks. Design of sequential logic devices including flip-flops, registers, and counters. Analysis and applications of digital devices. Analysis and design of synchronous and asynchronous sequential state machines, state table derivation and reduction. Use of such CAD tools for schematic capture and logic device simulations. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (002614)
EECE 211 Linear Circuits I   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: MATH 121, PHYS 204B.
DC and sinusoidal circuit analysis, including resistive, capacitive, and inductive circuit elements and independent sources. Ideal transformer. Thevenin and Norton circuit theorems and superposition. Phasors, impedance, resonance, and AC power. Three-phase AC Circuit analysis. 3 hours discussion. (002519)
EECE 211L Linear Circuits I Activity   1.0 FS  
Corequisites: EECE 211.
Experiments to reinforce the principles taught in EECE 211. 2 hours activity. (002520)
MATH 120 Analytic Geometry and Calculus   4.0 FS  GE
Prerequisites: Completion of ELM requirement; both MATH 118 and MATH 119 (or high school equivalent); a score that meets department guidelines on a department administered calculus readiness exam.
Limits and continuity. The derivative and applications to related rates, maxma and minima, and curve sketching. Transcendental functions. An introduction to the definite integral and area. A grade of C- or higher is required for GE credit. 4 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. (005506)
MATH 121 Analytic Geometry and Calculus   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: MATH 120.
The definite integral and applications to area, volume, work, differential equations, etc. Sequences and series, vectors and analytic geometry in 2 and 3-space, polar coordinates, and parametric equations. 4 hours discussion. (005507)
MATH 220 Analytic Geometry and Calculus   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: MATH 121.
Vector functions and space curves. Functions of several variables, partial derivatives, and multiple integrals. Vector calculus line integrals, surface integrals, divergence/curl, Green's Theorem, Divergence Theorem, and Stokes' Theorem. 4 hours discussion. (005508)
MATH 260 Elementary Differential Equations   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: MATH 121.
First order separable, linear, and exact equations; second order linear equations, Laplace transforms, series solutions at an ordinary point, systems of first order linear equations, and applications. 4 hours discussion. (005509)
PHYS 204A Physics for Students of Science and Engineering: Mechanics   4.0 FS  GE
Prerequisites: High school physics or faculty permission. Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of MATH 121 (second semester of calculus) or equivalent.
Vectors, kinematics, particle dynamics, friction, work, energy, power, momentum, dynamics and statics of rigid bodies, oscillations, gravitation, fluids. Calculus used. A grade of C- or higher is required before progressing to either PHYS 204B or PHYS 204C. 3 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. (007401)
PHYS 204B Physics for Students of Science and Engineering: Electricity and Magnetism   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: MATH 121, PHYS 204A with a grade of C- or higher.
Charge and matter, electric field, Gauss' law, electric potential, capacitors and dielectrics, current and resistance, magnetic field, Ampere's law, Faraday's law of induction, magnetic properties of matter, electromagnetic oscillations and waves. Calculus used. 3 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (007402)

Upper-Division Requirements: 60 units

16 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
CIVL 302 Engineering Economy and Statistics   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: MATH 121, junior standing.
Analysis of alternatives by basic engineering economic methods and applications of statistics including probability, sampling theory and data analysis, and tests of hypotheses. 3 hours discussion. (001495)
CIVL 495 Professional Issues in Engineering   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 or equivalent; senior standing.
History of engineering, professional registration, codes of ethics, management issues, diversity, outsourcing, intellectual property, international development and technology transfer, sustainable design. A substantial written project with oral presentation is required. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (003716)
CSCI 430 Software Engineering   3.0 FA  GW
Prerequisites: CSCI 311 for CSCI/CINS/APCG majors or EECE 337 for Engineering majors; ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) all with a grade of C- or higher.
An overview of software engineering principles and practice. Topics include: traditional software engineering methodologies, agile software engineering methodologies, requirements engineering, software design, risk analysis, quality assurance, testing, group dynamics, communication, and project planning/management. Students work in groups to design and implement a semester long software project. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. (002310)
EECE 311 Linear Circuits II   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: EECE 211; MATH 260 (may be taken concurrently).
Circuit analysis techniques for networks with both independent and dependent sources. Network topology. Natural and forced responses for RLC circuits. Complex frequency, poles, and zeros. Magnetically coupled circuits and two-port networks. Introduction to linear algebra, circuit simulation using PSPICE, and mathematical analysis using MATLAB. 4 hours discussion. (002527)
EECE 315 Electronics I   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: EECE 211, EECE 211L.
 Corequisites: EECE 311, MATH 260.
Ideal diodes. Zener diodes and regulation. Photodiodes and solar cells. Biasing and DC behavior of bipolar transistors. JFETs and MOSFETS. Small-signal AC equivalent circuits. Single-state transistor amplifiers. Low-frequency response. Discrete feedback amplifiers. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (002530)
EECE 320 System Architecture and Performance   3.0 FA  
Prerequisites: CSCI 221 with a grade of C- or higher; EECE 144 or MATH 217.
Study of computing architecture and how the structure of various hardware and software modules affects the ultimate performance of the total system. Topics include qualitative and quantitative analysis of bandwidths, response times, error detection and recovery, interrupts, and system throughput; distributed systems and coprocessors; vector and parallel architectures. 3 hours discussion. (002104)
EECE 335 Project Requirements, Design, and Testing   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: ENGL 130; CSCI 211 or CSCI 221.
Students are introduced to methodologies used to specify system descriptions. Hardware and software documentation standards are described. Methodologies for modeling systems and development of presentation materials are discussed, and students are required to make both written and oral presentations. 3 hours discussion. (002099)
EECE 337 Embedded Systems Development   3.0 FA  
Prerequisite: CSCI 111.
This course presents the concepts and techniques associated with developing low level Embedded Systems Applications, using both Assembly Language and C. Topics include microprocessor architecture concepts, instruction set architectures, Assembly Language programming, data representations, interrupt handling and execution modes, low level C programming, and the use of on-chip and external peripherals. 3 hours lecture. (020657)
EECE 343 Computer Interface Circuits   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: EECE 144, EECE 315.
Circuit design techniques for interfacing computers and digital systems to analog systems. Topics include interfacing to sensors, transduction, pulse generation and shaping, level detection, triggering, A/D and D/A conversions, timers, pulse width modulation, VGA signal generation and mouse design. Interface-development methodologies, implementation tools, testing, and quality assessment, including VHDL and PSPICE. State machine design and analysis. 4 hours discussion. (002105)
EECE 344 Digital Systems Design   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: EECE 144, CSCI 221; either EECE 110 or both EECE 211 and EECE 211L.
Extends the study of digital circuits to LSI and VLSI devices. Use of computer simulation in system analysis and design verification. 8-bit and 16-bit microprocessors, architecture, bus organization and address decoding. Design concepts for microprocessor systems, including system integration with programmable logic devices. Interfacing to A/D and P/A Converters. Design of input and output ports and interface to programmable ports. Serial communications; interrupt processing. Use of codes for storage and transmission of information: parity, ASCII, Hamming and other error detecting and correcting codes. 3 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (002102)
EECE 365 Signals, Systems, and Transforms   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: EECE 311, MATH 260.
Modeling and analysis of Signals and Systems both continuous and discrete, in the time and frequency domains. Topics include theorey and application of Fourier series, Fourier transforms, Parseval's Theorem and the Convolution, Laplace Transform Sampling Theorem, Z transform, discrete Fourier Transform and FFT. 4 hours discussion. (002528)
EECE 437 Real-Time Embedded Systems   4.0 SP  
Prerequisites: CSCI 111, CSCI 221. Recommended: CSCI 211, EECE 320.
This course presents the concepts and techniques associated with designing, developing, and testing real-time and embedded systems. Topics include the nature and uses of real-time systems, architecture and design of real-time systems, embedded development and debugging environments, embedded programming techniques, real-time operating systems and real-time scheduling and algorithms. Special attention is given to the study of real-time process scheduling and performance, including mathematical analysis of scheduling algorithms. 4 hours discussion. (002118)
EECE 444 Microprocessor Systems Design   4.0 SP  
Prerequisites: EECE 344.
Advanced microprocessor design concepts and techniques. Timing considerations and calculations for reliable high-speed processor operating frequencies. Interrupts for real-time processing; interfacing microprocessors to Dynamic Random Access Memories. Designing DRAM controllers using state machine design procedures. Direct Memory Access Controllers (DMAs) and multi-master systems. Programmable Parallel Ports and Timers. Special purpose processors for digital signal processing, communications and multimedia applications. 3 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (002120)
EECE 482 Control System Design   4.0 FA  
Prerequisites: EECE 211, EECE 365, MATH 260. Recommended: MECA 380, MECH 320; either EECE 135 or MECH 306.
Modeling and simulation of dynamic system performance. Control system design for continuous systems using both analog and digital control techniques. 4 hours lecture. (002577)
EECE 490A Senior Project Design and Documentation   3.0 FS  GW
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher; EECE 335, EECE 343, EECE 344; either EECE 316 or EECE 444 (may be taken concurrently).
Students prepare, plan, design, and document a senior project. The complete design and documentation process must include the project concept with ethical, environmental, and social impact; project requirements; full and complete design; work schedule. Requirements and design address human factors, safety, reliability, maintainability, and customer cost. In additon to communicating and documenting the project, the oral and written reports meet the University's writing proficiency requirement and provide materials for evaluating several ABET outcomes assessment criteria. 1 hour lecture, 4 hours activity. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. (002569)
EECE 490B Senior Project Implementation   2.0 FS  
Prerequisites: EECE 490A; either EECE 316 or EECE 444.
In a continuation of EECE 490A, students complete detailed designs, construct, test, and demonstrate their senior design project. Design documentation must address sustainability, manufacturability and, if appropriate, health and safety issues. Formal oral and written reports documenting the project are required. 4 hours activity. (002570)

4 units selected from:

Any approved upper-division engineering, science, or math courses not otherwise required for graduation.

Grading Requirement:

All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.

All students must attain a 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) in all college courses attempted and for all courses attempted at Chico. Computer Engineering majors must also attain a 2.0 GPA in:

(a) All courses required for the major, and

(b) All Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) and Computer Science (CSCI) courses taken to meet major requirements at CSU, Chico.

Advising Requirement:

Advising is mandatory for all majors in this degree program. Consult your undergraduate advisor for specific information.

A sample program for students who wish to complete their major in four years is available upon written request to the department, CSU, Chico, CA 95929-0888, or on the department's website.

Honors in the Major:

Honors in the Major is a program of independent work in your major. It requires 6 units of honors course work completed over two semesters.

The Honors in the Major program allows you to work closely with a faculty mentor in your area of interest on an original performance or research project. This year-long collaboration allows you to work in your field at a professional level and culminates in a public presentation of your work. Students sometimes take their projects beyond the University for submission in professional journals, presentation at conferences, or academic competition. Such experience is valuable for graduate school and professional life. Your honors work will be recognized at your graduation, on your permanent transcripts, and on your diploma. It is often accompanied by letters of commendation from your mentor in the department or the department chair.

Some common features of Honors in the Major program are:

  1. You must take 6 units of Honors in the Major course work. All 6 units are honors classes (marked by a suffix of H), and at least 3 of these units are independent study (399H, 499H, 599H) as specified by your department. You must complete each class with a minimum grade of B.
  2. You must have completed 9 units of upper-division course work or 21 overall units in your major before you can be admitted to Honors in the Major. Check the requirements for your major carefully, as there may be specific courses that must be included in these units.
  3. Your cumulative GPA should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
  4. Your GPA in your major should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
  5. Most students apply for or are invited to participate in Honors in the Major during the second semester of their junior year. Then they complete the 6 units of course work over the two semesters of their senior year.
  6. Your honors work culminates with a public presentation of your honors project.

While Honors in the Major is part of the Honors Program, each department administers its own program. Please contact your major department or major advisor to apply.

Catalog Cycle:11