Educational Objectives of the BSEE Degree Program

Program Educational Objectives

The BSEE Program provides undergraduates with the broad technical education necessary for productive employment in the public or private sector, and it develops in them an understanding of fundamentals and current issues important for future years of learning. Our program prepares students following graduation for:

1. Electrical engineering practice in technical assignments such as design, product development, research, manufacturing, consulting, testing, sales, and management;
2. Proficiency in the use of modern design tools;
3. Participation and leadership on teams comprised of individuals with diverse professional and cultural backgrounds;
4. Effective written and oral communication skills;
5. Appreciation of the implications of design in a global, societal, and ethical context;
6. Continued learning through such activities as graduate school, distance education, professional training, and membership in professional societies.

Program Outcomes

Outcome #1. Graduates will have attained the fundamental background in mathematics, natural science (physics and chemistry), and computer programming necessary for further study in electrical engineering.

O.1.1. Graduates will possess mathematics skills necessary for electrical engineering. They will

• be able to solve first and second order differential equations
• be able to use complex number algebra
• be able to interchange time-domain and frequency-domain views of a problem

O.1.2. Graduates will have a theoretical and practical background in both physics and chemistry. They will

• demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental laws of electric fields, currents, and magnetics
• demonstrate knowledge of the basics of atomic structure and chemical reactions

O.1.3. Graduates will have attained computer proficiency. They will

• be able to develop numerical methods for problem solutions using general purpose programming languages such as C++ and MATLAB
• demonstrate familiarity with integrated editor, compiler, linker environments
• be able to use computer software analysis tools such as Multisim and MATLAB for modeling and design

Outcome #2. Graduates will have acquired a broad knowledge base in both the quantitative and physical aspects of electrical engineering.

O.2.1. Graduates will understand how to analyze and design simple electrical/electronic circuits. By studying examples of circuit operation through classroom discussions and laboratory assignments, graduates will

• understand the characteristics and I-V relationships of different linear circuit elements (resistors, inductors, capacitors, independent and dependent sources)
• be able to analyze linear circuit operation in both the time and frequency domains using analysis techniques such as node-voltage, mesh-current, Thevenin and Norton equivalents, linearity, superposition, and device models
• be proficient in the use of CAD tools (Multisim, PSpice) for circuit analysis and design
• be familiar with the properties and application of different solid-state devices (diode, MOSFET, BJT, operational amplifier) used in electronic circuit design
• be able to use different solid-state devices in the analysis and design of electronic circuits for satisfying basic analog and digital operations

O.2.2. Graduates will understand electronic devices. They will know

• what a semiconductor material is and why semiconductors are used for solid-state devices
• the physical principles of semiconductor conduction
• the theory of p-n junction operation (rectification)
• the theory of MOS field effect transistor operation
• how MOSFET digital gates operate and some of the factors affecting their performance
• the basics of integrated circuit fabrication technology

O.2.3. Graduates will understand the basic concepts of linear systems and how they interact with continuous-time signals. Through a solid theoretical understanding of linear system concepts, graduates will

• understand the classical solution of ordinary differential equations
• understand the concept of stability
• qualitatively and quantitatively understand convolution
• be able to perform sinusoidal steady-state analysis
• understand and calculate Fourier series, Fourier transforms, and Laplace transforms
• understand the concept of frequency response
• understand the basics of sampling and reconstruction

O.2.4. Graduates will understand fundamental Electricity and Magnetism (E&M) concepts and be able to use them in applications. Graduates will

• understand the coupling between electric and magnetic fields
• be able to analyze the relationship between constitutive material properties and electric and magnetic fields and flux densities
• be able to analyze propagating and standing wave fields
• be able to interpret the energy and power associated with E&M fields
• be able to analyze and design transmission lines and waveguides
• be able to analyze and assess antennas and radiation
• be able to understand and analyze propagation and Rayleigh scattering in free space

O2.5. Graduates will have knowledge of digital systems. They will understand how to analyze and design simple digital logic circuits, and be familiar with microprocessors / embedded microcontrollers. Graduates will

• understand binary arithmetic and boolean algebra functions
• be able to find logic minimizations for combinational logic circuits
• be familiar with the functions of gates, multiplexers, flip-flops, and counters
• understand sequential logic circuits and state minimization
• understand microprocessor architecture, arithmetic calculations, conditional testing, and program operation
• appreciate the microcontroller program development process and software debugging procedures
• understand common microprocessor I/O techniques
• be able to design simple programs and I/O interfaces for embedded microprocessor applications

Outcome #3. Graduates will be able to apply their electrical engineering knowledge base to the solution of engineering problems.

O.3.1.Graduates will have in-depth technical knowledge in one or more areas of specialization. They will

• have an understanding of at least one advanced technical sub-area of electrical engineering
• be able to apply their basic electrical knowledge to the solution of more advanced electrical engineering problems

O.3.2. Graduates will have practical understanding of the major electrical engineering concepts and demonstrate application of their theoretical knowledge of the concepts. Graduates will

• be able to model various electrical engineering phenomena and use these models to predict performance
• be able to integrate the knowledge obtained in various courses into a capstone design project that is interdisciplinary in nature

Outcome #4. Graduates will develop the perspective of electrical engineering as a professsion and will appreciate the importance of life-long learning.

O.4.1. Graduates will interact with industry both within and outside of a classroom setting. They will

• complete a capstone design project within typical industrial constraints (schedule, staffing, budget)
• interact with visitors and guest lecturers from industry
• be aware of co-op or internship opportunities

O.4.2. Graduates will develop an appreciation of continuing educational and professional development. They will

• appreciate the need for life-long learning
• be aware of continued educational opportunities through such resources as academic institutions, the work place, and professional societies

Outcome #5. Graduates will have good interpersonal and communication skills.

O.5.1. Graduates will have teamwork skills. They will

• be able to productively contribute to group projects
• be aware of the dynamics present in any group setting

O.5.2. Graduates will possess oral and written communication skills. They will

• be able to complete precise and accurate laboratory reports
• be able to give clear technical presentations
• be able to distill complex technical information into a form understandable by those outside the profession

Outcome #6. Graduates will understand their role as engineers in society. They will

• have a broad appreciation of the arts, humanities, and social studies
• appreciate the complexity of ethical and diversity issues
• understand the effects of engineering decisions with regard to constraints such as economic, ethical, environmental, social, political, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability