The objective of this minor is to provide the student with a broad introduction to computer engineering with emphasis on computer-based solutions to engineering problems. The minor combines a strong base in science, math, computer science, engineering science and design. After completing this minor, students will be able to design and build computer-based digital electronic systems.

A minimum g.p.a. of 2.0 overall is required for all courses in the minor. None of these courses may be taken on a credit/no-credit basis.

Prerequisite: (16 hours)

CSA 271 Object Oriented Programming (3)
MTH 245 Differential Equations for Engineers (3) or equivalent
PHY 181, 182 The Physical World (4,4)
PHY 183, 184 Physics Labs (1,1)

Required Courses: (14-15 hours)

ECE 205 Electric Circuit Analysis (3) Study of electric circuits and networks with emphasis on industrial applications. Includes resistive circuits, first-order transients and sinusoidal steady state. Study of the principles and analysis of polyphase distribution circuits. (Prerequisite: PHY 182 and Concurrent: MTH 249 or 251 or 257H)
 
PHY 292/294 Electronic Instrumentation (3) and Laboratory (2)

ECE 278 Computer Architecture (3) Principles of Von Neumann computer architecture. Data representation and computer arithmetic. Memory hierarchy. CPU structure and instruction sets. Assembly language programming to better understand and illustrate computer architecture concepts. Performance considerations and alternative computer architectures. (Prerequisite: CSA 271 or equivalent)

ECE 287 Digital Systems Design (4) Design of digital systems. Topics include switching algebra and switching functions, logic design of combinational and sequential circuits using TTL, combinational logic design with MSI and LSI, busing, flip-flops, registers counters, programmable logic devices, memory device, register-level design, and microcomputer system organization. Students must show competency in the computer-aided design (CAD) and laboratory implementation of digital systems. (Prerequisite: none)

ECE 387 Embedded Systems Design (4) Fundamentals of computer systems design, interfacing and basics of embedded computers (microprocessors). Laboratory projects will require students to successfully design, implement, debug, and document computer solutions, requiring a mix of hardware and software. Models and methodologoies for designing systems containing both hardware and software components, or co-design will be introduced. Substantial design projects will be required of each student. (Prerequisites: ECE 287 and CSA 153 or CSA 274) 

Elective Courses: (6-7 hours) Any two of these.*

CSA 381 Operating Systems (3)
ECE 304 Electronics (3)
ECE 305 Electric Circuit Analysis II (3)
ECE 414 Introduction to VLSI System Design (3)
ECE 436 Control of Dynamic Systems (3)
ECE 461 Network Performance Analysis (3)
ECE 470 Special Topics in computer engineering and related areas (3)

* ECE, PHY, and CSA majors must select both courses outside of their home department.