Summary of Undergraduate Curriculum
Overview:
The curriculum is designed to meet the Departmental objectives outlined above, provides increased flexibility and the ability for students to concentrate their studies in one of several important areas within the broad EE discipline. The curriculum is built around a common core of electrical and computer engineering courses taken by all students, followed by selection of one of three distinct curricular tracks, designated as Electrical, Computer and Information. The Electrical track is intended to provide a broad background in electrical engineering concepts and practice that prepares students for electrical engineering careers in a wide range of industries and organizations. The Computer track provides focus and depth for students preparing for a career, or graduate study, in computer system hardware or software engineering. The Information track acknowledges the increasingly information-centric nature of our society and the burgeoning growth of information-related technologies such as networks and wireless communication systems. Graduates choosing this track will be well prepared for careers or advanced study in the telecommunications or information technology fields.
The curriculum is designed to ensure an appropriate level of technical depth and breadth for all students while providing maximum flexibility and the opportunity for students to customize their programs according to their own personal objectives. Each of the curricular tracks provides 42 semester hours of electives. Of these, 15 semester hours are designated as general education component (GEC) courses in the humanities and social sciences, and six semester hours are constrained track electives. The remaining 21 semester hours are designated as an elective focus area (EFA). The EFA can be used to access the broad range of educational resources available within the Department, College, and University. Each student works with his or her academic advisor to develop an approved EFA plan, tailored toward a variety of personalized objectives. These include, but are not limited to: acquisition of additional technical depth in one or more EE areas, completion of a minor in a relevant area, earning of a technical entrepreneurship certificate, or pursuit of interdisciplinary experience
- Use this form to specify your subtrack. (PDF version, Word version.)
- Use this form to specify your career objective, track electives, and Elective Focus Area (EFA) courses. (PDF version, Word version.)
- Policy for selecting EFA courses. (PDF version, Word version.)
- Use this form to document your multidisciplinary team experience. (PDF version, Word version.)
The curriculum listed below is effective for new students starting in the fall semester of 2002. Students who began their engineering studies prior to this time can expect to continue to follow the curriculum that was in force at the time of their admission. In some cases, course substitutions may be made during the transition period. Continuing students may, in some circumstances, be permitted to switch to the new curriculum. Further details can be obtained by consulting the EE Undergraduate Handbook.
First Semester:
| 22M:031 Engineering Math I-Calculus of a Single Variable | 4 s.h. |
| 59:005 Engineering Problem Solving I | 3 s.h. |
| 4:011 Principles of Chemistry I | 4 s.h. |
| 10:003 Accelerated Rhetoric (or 10:001 & 10:002) | 4 s.h. |
| 55:090 Electrical Engineering Freshman Seminar | 0 s.h. |
Second Semester:
| 22M:032 Engineering Math II--Calculus of Multiple Variables | 4 s.h. |
| 59:006 Engineering Problem Solving II | 3 s.h. |
| 29:081 Introductory Physics I | 4 s.h. |
| 22M:033 Engineering Math III--Matrix Algebra | 2 s.h. |
| General Education Component (GEC) elective #1 | 3 s.h. |
Third Semester:
| 22M:034 Engineering Math IV--Differential Equations | 3 s.h. |
| 29:082 Introductory Physics II | 4 s.h. |
| 59:007 Fundamentals of Engineering I--Statics | 2 s.h. |
| 59:008 Fundamentals of Engineering II--Electrical Circuits | 3 s.h. |
| 59:009 Thermodynamics | 3 s.h. |
Fourth Semester:
| Math V | 3 s.h. |
| 55:040 Linear Systems I (new course--first offering: 2003-04 AY) | 3.s.h. |
| 57:017 Computers in Engineering | 3 s.h. |
| 57:018 Principles of Electronic Instrumentation | 4 s.h. |
| GEC Elective #2 | 3 s.h. |
Fifth Semester:
| 22S:043 Probability and Statistics for Engineers (new course) | 3 s.h. |
| 55:032 Introduction to Digital Design | 3 s.h. |
| 55:070 Electromagnetic Theory | 3 s.h. |
| Required Track Course #1 | 3 s.h. |
| Required Track Course #2 | 3 s.h. |
| 55:091 Professional Seminar | 0 s.h. |
Sixth Semester:
| Required Track Course #3 | 3 s.h. |
| Required Track Course #4 | 3 s.h. |
| Required Track Course # 5 | 3 s.h |
| Elective Focus Area (EFA) Elective #1 | 3 s.h. |
| EFA Elective # 2 | 3 s.h. |
| GEC Elective # 3 | 3 s.h. |
Seventh Semester:
| 55:088 EE Design | 3 s.h. |
| Track Breadth Elective | 3 s.h. |
| EFA Elective # 3 | 3 s.h. |
| EFA Elective #4 | 3 s.h. |
| EFA Elective #5 | 3 s.h. |
| GEC Elective # 4 | 3 s.h. |
Eighth Semester:
| 55:089 Senior Design | 3 s.h. |
| Track Depth Elective | 3 s.h. |
| EFA Elective # 6 | 3 s.h. |
| EFA Elective # 7 | 3 s.h. |
| GEC Elective # 5 | 3 s.h. |
* For semesters 5, 6, and 7 changes in red are effective immediately (3/31/04).
Required Track Courses:
Each of the three curricular tracks has five required track courses. The required track courses are as follows: (Note: those courses listed without a course number are under development at the time of publication and are subject to change):
Computer Engineering Track Courses
(Click to see Prerequisite Flow Chart)
22C:019 Discrete Structures (New
course number)
55:033 Software Design
55:035 Computer Architecture
55:036 Embedded Systems and System Software (new course)
22C:031 Algorithms and Data Structures (New
course number)
Electrical Engineering Track Courses
(Click to see Prerequisite Flow Chart)
55:043 Linear Systems II (new course)
55:041 Electronic Circuits
55:050 Communications Systems
55:060 Control Systems
55:072 EE Materials and Devices
Information Engineering Track Courses
(Click to see Prerequisite Flow Chart)
55:043 Linear Systems II (new course)
55:054 Computer Networks (new course)
55:050 Communications Systems
55:046 Digital Signal Processing (new course)
55:051 Randomness and Information (new course)
Track Breadth Elective
The track breadth elective for a track must be chosen from among the required track courses from the other two tracks.
Track Depth Elective
The track depth elective must be an advanced course in a subject area within the track. Normally this is defined as a 100-level course which has one of the required track courses as a prerequisite.
EFA Electives
Elective Focus Area courses provide the opportunity for students to tailor their academic program to accommodate individual interests and objectives. Each student defines his or her focus area in consultation with their academic advisor, in accordance with departmental guidelines and regulations. An approved list of EFA courses and plan of study (PDF version, Word version) must be on file prior to the student registering for EFA courses as an ECE student. The policy for selecting EFA courses is given in the following document. (PDF version, Word version)
Multidisciplinary Team Experience Report
On September 16, 2003, the Electrical and Computer Engineering faculty adopted the requirement that all undergraduate students graduating from the ECE program must demonstrate that they have the ability to function on multidisciplinary teams. This requirement must be met in one of several ways. Elective Focus Area (EFA) courses, cooperative education and internship work experiences, special design sequences such as PEDE, and extracurricular design team activities may all be used to satisfy this requirement. Each student must fill out the following report to document their multidisciplinary team experience. (PDF version, Word version)
GEC Electives
These electives must be selected from course offerings in the humanities and social sciences to satisfy the GEC requirements of the College of Engineering. For specific information regarding these requirements, consult the general College of Engineering portion of the University catalog, contact the College's Student Development Center, or visit the web site http://www.engineering.uiowa.edu/sdc/human_and_soc_temp.php.
Undergraduate Course Offering Schedule
This list specifies the minimum offering frequency for the courses listed. (Revised 3/16/04)
| FALL | SPRING |
| 59:005 Engineering Prob. Solv. I | |
| 59:006 Engineering Prob. Solv. II | |
59:008 Engr. Fund. II-Elec. Circuits |
|
| 57:017 Computers in Engineering | 57:017 Computers in Engineering |
| 57:018 Princ. of Elect. Instrumentation | 57:018 Prin. of Elect. Instrumentation |
| 55:032 Intro. to Digital Design | 55:032 Intro. to Digital Design |
| 55:033 Intro. to Software Design | |
| 55:035 Comp. Arch. & Organization | |
| 55:036 Embedded Systems & Systems Software | |
| 55:040 Linear Systems I | 55:040 Linear Systems I |
| 55:041 Electronic Circuits | |
| 55:043 Linear Systems II | 55:043 Linear Systems II |
| 55:046 Digital Signal Processing | |
| 55:050 Communication Systems | |
| 55:051 Randomness in Information | |
| 55:054 Communication Networks | |
| 55:060 Control Systems | |
| 55:070 Electromagnetic Theory | |
| 55:072 EE Materials & Devices | |
| 55:088 Princ. of EE Design | |
| 55:089 Senior EE Design |
Elective Focus Area (EFA) Examples
A few specific examples of Elective Focus Area (EFA) choices that might satisfy particular objectives for individuals are presented below. It should be clearly understood that these examples are only intended to stimulate the imagination and encourage that some thought be given to defining a coherent program of study not to present a specific set of alternatives from which students must choose. Thus, under each heading there may be other choices that satisfy the same objective. Also, there may be other headings that could have been listed in addition to these.
GENERAL BREADTH IN E.E.
All Track Courses
22M:118 Complex Variables
55:130 Switching Theory
55:144 Digital Integrated Electronics
55:150 Communication Theory
55:160 Control Theory
55:163 Random Processes in Control and Communication
55:170 Advanced Electromagnetic Theory
SPECIALIZATION IN COMPUTER ENGINEERING
All Computer Engineering Track Courses
55:130 Switching Theory
55:131 Introduction to VLSI Design
55:132 High Performance Computer Architecture
55:138 Testing Digital Logic Circuits
55:180 Fundamentals of Software Engineering
55:181 Formal Methods in Software Engineering
55:182 Software Engineering Languages and Tools
55:183 Software Engineering Project
SPECIALIZATION IN COMMUNICATIONS
All Information Engineering Track Courses
55:130 Switching Theory
55:134 Computer Communications
55:150 Communication Theory
55:151 Statistical Communication Theory
55:152 Introduction to Information and Coding Theories
55:163 Random Processes in Communication and Control
55:170 Advanced Electromagnetic Theory
6K:180 Management Information Systems
SPECIALIZATION IN SIGNAL PROCESSING
All Information Engineering Track Courses
55:060 Control Systems (Required for EE Track)
22M:118 Complex Variables
55:131 Introduction to VLSI Design
55:148 Digital Image Processing
55:150 Communication Theory
55:163 Random Processes in Control and Communication
55:164 Computer Based Control Systems
SPECIALIZATION IN MEDICAL IMAGING
All Information Engineering Track Courses
55:033 Intro. to Software Design (Required for CE
Track)
55:035 Computer Architecture (Required for CE Track)
22C:031 Algorithms and Data Structures (Required
for CE Track)
22M:118 Complex Variables
55:145 Pattern Recognition (Required)
55:148 Digital Image Processing (Required)
55:163 Random Processes in Control and Communication
51:185 Physics of Medical Imaging (Required)
51:186 3D Image Processing
51:188 Imaging Practicum
55:178 Optical Signal Processing
55:132 High Performance Computer Architecture
55:180 Fundamentals of Software Engineering
55:181 Formal Methods in Software Engineering
55:182 Software Engineering Languages and Tools
55:183 Software Engineering Project
SPECIALIZATION IN CONTROL SYSTEMS
22M:127 Matrix Theory
55:036 Embedded Systems and System Software (Required
for CE Track)
55:043 Linear Systems II (Required for EE and IE
Tracks)
55:051 Randomness and Information (Required for
IE Track)
55:060 Control Systems (Required for EE Track)
55:160 Control Theory
55:163 Random Processes in Control and Communication
55:164 Computer Based Control Systems
SPECIALIZATION IN APPLIED PHYSICS
55:072 EE Materials and Devices (Required for EE
Track)
55:170 Advanced Electromagnetic Theory
55:172 Solid State Physical Electronics
55:178 Optical Signal Processing
55:179 Electro-Optics
29:115 Intermediate Mechanics
29:140, 1 Introductory Quantum Mechanics I, II
SPECIALIZATION IN ELECTRONICS
(Theoretical Orientation)
55:041 Electronic Circuits (Required for EE Track)
55:072 EE Materials and Devices (Required for EE
Track)
29:115 Intermediate Mechanics
29:140, 1 Introductory Quantum Mechanics I, II
55:131 Introduction to VLSI Design
55:144 Digital Integrated Electronics
55:172 Solid State Physical Electronics
55:178 Optical Signal Processing
SPECIALIZATION IN ELECTRONICS
(Practical Orientation)
55:041 Electronic Circuits (Required for EE Track)
55:072 EE Materials and Devices (Required for EE
Track)
22M:118 Complex Variables
55:131 Introduction to VLSI Design
55:138 Testing Digital Logic Circuits
55:143 Linear Integrated Electronics
55:144 Digital Integrated Electronics
SPECIALIZATION IN ROBOTICS
55:033 Software Design (Required for CE track)
55:035 Computer Architecture and Organization (Required
for CE track)
55:036 Embedded Systems and System Software (Required
for CE Track)
55:043 Linear Systems II (Required for EE and IE
Track)
55:046 Digital Signal Processing (Required for IE
Track)
55:050 Communication Systems (Required for IE Track)
55:148 Digital Image Processing
22C:162 Computer Vision I
55:160 Control Theory
55:164 Computer-Based Control Systems
55:165 Introduction to Robotics
TECHNICAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP CERTIFICATE
The requirements for a technical entrepreneurship certificate can be found
at the following web site. (http://www.engineering.uiowa.edu/about/tech-certificate.php)
56:054 Engineering Economy
6T:120 Entrepreneurship: New Business Formation
6T:133 Capital Acquisition and New Business Formation
6T:192 Entrepreneurship: Business Consulting
6T:146 Strategic Management of Technology & Innovation
55:XXX ECE Course Consistent with Career Objective
Note: Only 4 of the 5 non ECE courses above can be counted as EFA courses
provided that the certificate is earned. This means that 1 of the courses
must be taken in addition to the EE degree requirements.
MINOR IN BUSINESS
The requirements for a business minor can be found at the following web
site. (http://www.biz.uiowa.edu/upo/programs/BusinessMinor.pdf)
6E:001 Principles of Microeconomics (Taken as a
General Education Course)
6E:002 Principles of Macroeconomics (Taken as a
General Education Course)
6A:001 Introduction to Financial Accounting
6A:002 Managerial Accounting
6J:047 Introduction to Law
6J:048 Introduction to Management
6M:100 Introduction to Marketing Strategy
6F:100 Introductory Financial Management
Note: 59:006 Eng. Prob. Solv. II satisfies the Computer
Analysis requirement.
Note: 22M: 031 Eng. Math I satisfies the Calculus requirement.
Note: 22S:039 Prob.& Stats satisfies the Statistics course requirement.
Note: Only 4 of the 6 courses above can be counted
as EFA courses provided that the minor is earned. This means that 2 of
the courses must be taken in addition to the EE degree requirements.
SPECIAL INTEREST IN BIO-ENGINEERING
04:014 Principles of Chemistry II
04:121 Organic Chemistry I
02:010 Principles of Biology (4 s.h.)
55:148 Digital Image Processing
55:160 Control Theory
SATISFY PRE-MED REQUIREMENTS
04:014 Principles of Chemistry II
04:121 Organic Chemistry I
04:122 Organic Chemistry II
02:128 Fundamental Genetics
55:160 Control Theory
55:148 Digital Image Processing