Computer Engineering 

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

• General Information
• Curriculum 
  • Electives

 Note: For Faculty listing please see the Electrical Engineering program section.

General Information

Computer Engineering is a multi-disciplinary program that combines the two disciplines of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. The applications of Computer Engineering are highly diversified with an emphasis on the application of computers in solving real-world problems. Students in Computer Engineering develop an expertise with interfacing and integrating computers and computer communications for creating new and innovative products and services. Engine control computers, industrial distributed computer control systems, DVD players, wireless computer networks, embedded computers and computer games are but a few.

The Computer Engineering Program is one of three distinct programs offered by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The Department also administers the Electrical Engineering Program and the Software Engineering Program is administered jointly with the Faculty of Computer Science. The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is committed to delivering a high quality program that prepares students for entering the workforce as Professional Engineers.

A foundation is first developed in Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering Science. Students are then introduced to more specialized topics in Computer Engineering and in the final year students broaden their knowledge by choosing a number of elective courses in Electrical and Computer Engineering or in such related areas as Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science and other Engineering disciplines. The program also makes available courses in cultural subjects that provide an awareness of social and professional perspectives both as individuals and as future engineers.

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering believes strongly in the value of relevant industrial experience. The Department endorses the Professional Experience Program and the Co-op Program as described under Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Section E and students who wish to gain industrial experience are strongly encouraged to participate in either of these internship programs. Students planning to participate in the Co-op or PEP Program must obtain approval of their work/study plan from the CMPE Program Coordinator

The Department also supports emerging research that advances technology and fosters scientific discovery.

Curriculum

Compulsory Program Core Courses

 A minimum grade of C is required for all courses used for credit towards the BScE degree. The following is a list of the courses that are core to the program.

PHYS 1081 * Foundations of Physics for Engineers
ENGG 1082 * Mechanics for Engineers
CHE 2501 General Materials Science
CHE 2506 Materials Science Laboratory
CHEM 1982 General Applied Chemistry
CHEM 1987 * General Applied Chemistry Laboratory
ECE 2213 Digital Systems (replacing CMPE 2213)
ECE 2412 Simulation and Engineering Analysis (replacing CMPE 2412)
ECE 3221 Computer Organization (replacing CMPE 3221)
ECE 3232 Embedded System Design (replacing CMPE 3232)
ECE 3242 Computer Architecture (replacing CMPE 3242)
ECE 3812 Data Communications and Networking (replacing CMPE 3812)
ECE 4251 Real Time Systems (replacing CMPE 4251)
ECE 4261 Digital System Design (replacing CMPE 4261)
ECE 4040 Electrical and Computer Engineering Design Project (replacing CMPE 4040)
(or SWE 4040 or ENGG 4025 or TME 5025)
CS 1003 * Programming and Problem Solving for Engineers
CS 1023 Data Structures and Algorithms
CS 2033 Software Design for Engineers
ECE 1813 * Electricity and Magnetism
ECE 2711 Electric Circuits
ECE 2722 Circuits and Systems
ECE 3111 Electronics I
ECE 3122 Electronics II
ECE 3312 Systems and Control
ECE 3511 Signals
ECE 3821 Electromagnetics I
ENGG 1001 Engineering Practice Lecture Series
ENGG 1003 Technical Communication
ENGG 1015 Intro. to Engineering Design and Problem Solving
ENGG 4013 Law and Ethics for Engineers
MATH 1003 * Introduction to Calculus I
MATH 1013 * Introduction to Calculus II
MATH 1503 * Introduction to Linear Algebra
MATH 2513 Multivariable Calculus for Engineers
MATH 3503 Differential Equations for Engineers
ME 3232 Engineering Economics
Or
CE 3963 Engineering Economy
STAT 2593 Probability & Statistics for Engineers
TME 3313 Managing Engineering and Information Technology Projects

Note:* Denotes standard first year course.

In addition to the core courses there is also requirement to complete four technical elective courses (normally 16 ch), one basic science elective (3 ch) and three complementary studies electives (normally 9 ch).

Electives

Basic Science Electives

Each student is required to take one 3 ch basic science course chosen from physics, chemistry, and the life or earth sciences.

Technical Elective Courses

Each student is required to take four technical elective courses (normally 16 ch). At least one of the electives must be from this list ( ECE 4273 , ECE 4433 , ECE 4823 , ECE 4253 and ECE 4913).

ECE 4273 VLSI System Design (replacing CMPE 4273)
ECE 4433 Safety Critical System Design (replacing CMPE 4433)
ECE 4823 Communications Network Engineering (replacing CMPE 4823)
ECE 4253 Digital Communications (replacing CMPE 4833)
ECE 4943 Topics in Computer Engineering (replacing CMPE 4913)
ECE 3612 Electric Machines and Design in Sustainable Energy Systems
ECE 3832 Electromagnetics II
ECE 4133 Instrumentation Design
ECE 4143 Electronic Circuit Design
ECE 4173 Devices and Circuits for VLSI
ECE 4323 Industrial Control Systems
ECE 4333 Robotics
ECE 4523 Communications Systems
ECE 4531 Digital Signal Processing I
ECE 4542 Digital Signal Processing II
ECE 4843 Optical Fiber Communications
ECE 4913 Independent Project
ECE 4923 Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
SWE 4103 Software Quality and Project Management
SWE 4203 Software Evolution and Maintenance
SWE 4303 Performance Analysis of Computer Systems
SWE 4403 Software Architecture and Design Patterns

Students are encouraged to take combinations of electives which will permit some degree of specialization in one or more of the major fields of Computer Engineering. Two of the technical electives may be taken in another discipline subject to Department pre-approval. For instance, a number of 3000 and 4000 level courses in Math, Science, Computer Science and other Engineering disciplines are eligible. NOTE: Not all technical electives are offered every year.

Complementary Studies Electives

The CMPE program requires 9 credit hours of Complementary Studies electives. The choice of courses is subject to the Faculty of Engineering regulations for Complementary Studies Electives and the following:

a. An additional 3 ch must be an HSS related to technology and society (examples: HIST 3925 Technology and Society, SOCI 2534 Technology and Social Change). 
b. A minimum of 3 ch of non-language Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) courses is required from the following: Anthropology, Classics, Literature, History, Philosophy, Political Science and Sociology. 
c. The remaining 3 ch may be taken from: Administration, Technology Management and Entrepreneurship (TME) or the Humanities and Social Sciences.

Students are encouraged to seek out courses of interest and value to them. The final choice of electives is subject to the approval of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Recommended Program
The program has been designed to be completed in eight study terms. The General Regulations of the Faculty of Engineering, including minimum credit hour requirements that are listed under Bachelor of Science in Engineering, apply to the Computer Engineering program.