DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING (ECE)
Professor Jeff Jackson, Department Head
Office: 317 Houser Hall
Electrical engineering, the largest of the engineering fields, is the application of mathematics, sciences, and electrical and electronic technologies to the needs of society. This broad and diverse discipline touches almost every aspect of people's lives and occupations, from communication systems such as cellular phones, radio, television, and the Internet to computer systems, including personal computers, and the hidden processors that control automobiles and household appliances.
Electrical and computer engineering at The University of Alabama offers programs in "traditional" electrical engineering and in computer engineering. Electrical engineering students get deeply involved with at least two of the following areas: communication systems, computers, control systems, electromagnetics, electronics and microelectronics, power systems, and signal processing. Students in the computer engineering option specialize in the software and hardware components of modern computing systems. The programs provide a sound foundation for entry into the engineering profession, and opportunities for graduates are extensive, often depending only on the interests of the individual. Graduates work in most industries, including the computer, telecommunications, power, aerospace, manufacturing, defense, and electronics industries. They design high-tech devices ranging from tiny microelectronic chips to powerful computers that utilize those chips to efficient telecommunication systems that interconnect those computers. They design and operate a wide array of complex technological systems, such as power generation and distribution systems and modern computer-controlled manufacturing plants. They are also involved in sales, marketing, testing, quality control, and research. With additional training, they may even contribute in other professions, including education, medicine, and law.
Program Objectives
The mission of the undergraduate electrical engineering and computer engineering programs is to provide high-quality and broad-based education in electrical engineering or computer engineering that emphasizes critical thinking and communication skills and prepares graduates for professional careers and a lifetime of learning. The faculty has adopted the educational objectives listed below for the electrical and computer engineering undergraduate programs. The department has included a process to provide continual improvement of the curricula. Students are expected to
- obtain an ability to identify, formulate, and solve electrical engineering or computer engineering problems, using processes that include the planning, specification, design, implementation, and testing of a system, component, and process with performance, economic, time, safety, and quality requirements
- obtain an ability to understand, analyze, and solve electrical engineering or computer engineering problems in practice of applying fundamental knowledge of mathematics, science, computer science, and engineering and using modern engineering techniques, skills, and tools will be used, particularly computer-based approaches
- obtain an ability to design and conduct experiments in an effective, safe manner, as well as to analyze and interpret data
- obtain a knowledge of contemporary issues in electrical engineering or computer engineering
- obtain a broad education necessary to understand the impact of electrical engineering or computer engineering solutions in a global, societal, and environmental context consistent with the principles of sustainable development
- obtain an ability to communicate effectively in oral, written, and graphic forms
- obtain an ability to work effectively as a contributing member of a multidisciplinary team
- understand the ethical and professional responsibility of engineers and act ethically and responsibly
- obtain an ability to engage in, and recognize the need for, lifelong learning
Laboratories. Coursework in basic and advanced subjects in electrical and computer engineering is supported by specialized laboratories and continuously updated computer facilities. The laboratories are located in the East Engineering Building, Houser Hall, and the Houser Hall Annex.
Capstone Design Laboratory. The Capstone Design Laboratory is used for senior design projects and includes a wide variety of software tools, electronic components, various analog and digital development kits and instrumentation to support design projects in all fields of electrical and computer engineering.
Control Systems Laboratory. The Control Systems Laboratory is equipped for the experimental study of electrical and electromechanical systems. Direct-current motors and servo-amplifiers are available to implement position and velocity control systems. Analog computer equipment is available for use in simulating systems and as components of control systems. Sufficient equipment is available for students to experimentally determine system models and develop and test original control-system configurations.
Circuits Laboratory. The Circuits Laboratory, which is used in ECE 225, affords the student an opportunity to study both circuit phenomena and the proper use of instruments in measuring circuit parameters and circuit variables.
Communications Laboratory. The Communications Laboratory is an undergraduate laboratory in which students are introduced to amplitude, frequency, and pulse modulation; spectral analysis; frequency and time-division multiplexing; and noise analysis. Special laboratory equipment includes a storage scope, spectrum analyzer, recording wave analyzer, digital noise generator, and A/D interfaces to a dedicated IBM-PC system with signal-processing software packages.
Digital Logic Laboratory. The Digital Logic Laboratory is used in ECE 380. Students design and test various combinational and sequential network circuits.
Digital Systems Design Laboratory. The Digital Systems Design Laboratory uses a network of up-to-date CAD software, instrumentation, and FPGA development systems to give students hands-on hardware design experience. Students design simple and complex digital circuits ranging from simple finite state machines to microprocessors.
Electric Power and Machines Laboratory. This facility houses many types of AC and DC motors and generators, transformers, and other devices typically found in the electric-power industry. In addition, suitable instrumentation is available for steady-state and transient monitoring of individual experiments. The laboratory provides an excellent environment for research and studies of fundamental and advanced power-system and electric-machinery concepts.
Electromagnetics Laboratory. The Electromagnetics Laboratory has experimental capabilities for the generation, transmission, radiation, and measurement of radio frequency (rf) and microwave energy and signals. There are facilities for antenna impedance characterization studies, and an indoor anechoic chamber for microwave radiation pattern measurements. The laboratory has a complement of equipment that includes solid-state signal generators, TWT amplifiers, spectrum and network analyzers, and an extensive holding of passive components.
Electronics Laboratories. The Electronics Laboratories are well equipped with modern digital and analog electronic instruments. Students study the theory of electronic instruments and make practical use of instruments in measuring the electrical characteristics of discrete and integrated solid-state electronic circuits, which they design and assemble.
Embedded Systems Laboratory. The Embedded Systems Laboratory serves both undergraduate and graduate students. It plays a central role in the integration of embedded systems through the computer engineering program. It is equipped with up-to-date computers, specialized embedded system equipment, and instrumentation such as oscilloscopes and logic analyzers. The specialized embedded systems equipment includes programmable logic development systems, FPGA development systems, VMEbus-based equipment, and other embedded system components.
Instrumentation Laboratory. Students use this laboratory to study DC and AC circuit phenomena and the proper use of instruments such as oscilloscopes, voltmeters, ammeters, wattmeters, power supplies, and function generators.
Microprocessor Laboratory. The Microprocessor Laboratory is equipped with a network of personal computers, 6812, 8051, and Atmel microprocessor development systems, FPGA development systems, video terminals, ROM programmers, and additional electronic instrumentation needed for designing and testing microprocessor systems. Software used in the laboratory includes code assemblers and debuggers, C/C++ compilers and integrated development systems, and electronic design automation software.
Graduate programs. The department offers programs leading to the degrees of master of science in electrical engineering, master of science in engineering, and doctor of philosophy. Please refer to the University of Alabama graduate catalog for details of these programs.
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING CURRICULUM
The overall goal of the electrical engineering program is to prepare students for engineering careers within the discipline. The first year and a half of the electrical engineering curriculum includes basic courses in mathematics and physical science, broadening courses in humanities and social science, and foundation courses in engineering. The next three semesters provide the core education in electrical engineering, with courses in computers, electronics, circuits, systems, and electromagnetics. The last year of study includes technical electives to allow students to concentrate in selected areas of the discipline. For seniors, the department offers advanced courses in computers, communication, control, electromagnetics, microelectronics, materials, and power.
Students must select two electrical engineering electives with labs. The elective areas are computers, microelectronics, electromagnetics, power systems, communication systems, and control systems. Materials that describe each area are available in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering office.
| FRESHMAN YEAR | |
| First Semester | Hours |
| CH 101 General Chemistry I (N) | 4 |
| GES 131 Foundations Engineering I | 2 |
| EN 101 English Composition I (FC) | 3 |
| MATH 125 Calculus I (MA) | 4 |
| History (HI) or social and behavioral sciences (SB) elective | 3 |
| DR 100 Engineering Sketching | 1 |
| ___ | |
| 17 | |
| Second Semester | |
| ECE 125 Fundamentals of Electrical and Computer Engineering | 2 |
| EN 102 English Composition II (FC) | 3 |
| MATH 126 Calculus II (MA) | 4 |
| PH 105 General Physics with Calculus I (N) | 4 |
| Humanities (HU), literature (L), or fine arts (FA) elective | 3 |
| ___ | |
| 16 | |
| SOPHOMORE YEAR | |
| First Semester | |
| CS 114 Introduction to Computer Programming | 3 |
| CS 116 Introduction to Computer Programming Laboratory | 1 |
| MATH 227 Calculus III (MA) | 4 |
| MATH 237 Applied Matrix Theory | 3 |
| PH 106 General Physics with Calculus II (N) | 4 |
| ___ | |
| 15 | |
| Second Semester | |
| CS 124 Introduction to Computer Science (C) | 3 |
| ECE 225 Electric Circuits | 3 |
| ECE 380 Digital Logic | 4 |
| MATH 238 Applied Differential Equations I | 3 |
| PH 253 Introduction to Modern Physics | 3 |
| ___ | |
| 16 | |
| JUNIOR YEAR | |
| First Semester | |
| ECE 332 Electronics I (W) | 4 |
| ECE 370 Signals and Systems | 3 |
| ECE 383 Microcomputers (C) | 4 |
| MATH 355 Theory of Probability | 3 |
| PH 301 Mechanics | 3 |
| ___ | |
| 17 | |
| Second Semester | |
| ECE 326 Electric Networks | 3 |
| ECE 333 Electronics II (W) | 4 |
| ECE 340 Electromagnetics | 4 |
| ECE 350 Electromechanics | 3 |
| Humanities (HU), literature (L), or fine arts (FA) elective1 | 3 |
| ___ | |
| 17 | |
| SENIOR YEAR | |
| First Semester | |
| IE 203 Engineering Economics | 3 |
| Electrical engineering elective with laboratory2 | 4 |
| Electrical engineering elective with laboratory2 | 4 |
| History (HI) or social and behavioral sciences (SB) elective1 | 3 |
| Humanities (HU), literature (L), or fine arts (FA) elective1 | 3 |
| ___ | |
| 17 | |
| Second Semester | |
| ECE 494 Capstone Design | 3 |
| Electrical engineering elective2 | 3 |
| Electrical engineering elective2 | 3 |
| History (HI) or social and behavioral sciences (SB) elective4 | 3 |
| Professional elective3 | 3 |
| ___ | |
| 15 | |
| Total: 130 hours | |
2Students must complete ECE elective courses in at least four of the following areas: communication, computers, control, electromagnetics, electronics, optics, and power.
3The professional elective must be chosen from the list of professional electives approved by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
4The College of Engineering Core Curriculum requires a minimum of 9 hours of HU, L, or FA courses and 9 hours of HI or SB courses.
COMPUTER ENGINEERING OPTION IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
The computer engineering option is offered within the electrical engineering department in order to give students a broad knowledge of the software and hardware components of modern computing systems, detailed computer-systems design, and the role of computer systems in various engineering disciplines. A primary goal of the program is to prepare the student for a computer-oriented engineering career with emphasis on computer applications within various subdisciplines of electrical engineering. The computer engineering option includes a broad spectrum of electrical engineering and computer science courses, as well as electives to allow the student to study a specific area in depth and to gain design experience. Areas of specialization may include computer architecture, digital and analog integrated circuit design, microprocessor-based systems, computer graphics, and applications-oriented study in other disciplines of electrical engineering.
| FRESHMAN YEAR | |
| First Semester | Hours |
| CH 101 General Chemistry I (N) | 4 |
| DR 100 Technical Sketching for Engineers | 1 |
| EN 101 English Composition I (FC) | 3 |
| GES 131 Foundations of Engineering I | 2 |
| History (HI) or social and behavioral sciences (SB) elective | 3 |
| MATH 125 Calculus I (MA) | 4 |
| ___ | |
| 17 | |
| Second Semester | |
| ECE 125 Fundamentals of Electrical and Computer Engineering | 2 |
| EN 102 English Composition II (FC) | 3 |
| MATH 126 Calculus II (MA) | 4 |
| PH 105 General Physics with Calculus I (N) | 4 |
| Humanities (HU), literature (L), or fine arts (FA) elective | 3 |
| ___ | |
| 16 | |
| SOPHOMORE YEAR | |
| First Semester | |
| CS 114 Introduction to Computer Programming | 3 |
| CS 116 Introduction to Computer Programming Laboratory | 1 |
| MATH 227 Calculus III (MA) | 4 |
| MATH 237 Applied Matrix Theory | 3 |
| PH 106 General Physics with Calculus II (N) | 4 |
| ___ | |
| 15 | |
| Second Semester | |
| CS 124 Introduction to Computer Science (C) | 3 |
| ECE 225 Electric Circuits | 3 |
| ECE 380 Digital Logic | 4 |
| MATH 238 Applied Differential Equations I | 3 |
| MATH 355 Theory of Probability | 3 |
| ___ | |
| 16 | |
| JUNIOR YEAR | |
| First Semester | |
| ECE 332 Electronics I (W) | 4 |
| ECE 370 Signals and Systems | 3 |
| ECE 383 Microcomputers (C) | 4 |
| MATH 301 Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| Professional elective2 | 3 |
| ___ | |
| 17 | |
| Second Semester | |
| CS 325 Software Development and Systems | 3 |
| CS 357 Data Structures | 3 |
| ECE 326 Electric Networks | 3 |
| ECE 333 Electronics II (W) | 4 |
| Humanities (HU), literature (L), or fine arts (FA) elective1 | 3 |
| ___ | |
| 16 | |
| SENIOR YEAR | |
| First Semester | |
| ECE electives3 | 9 |
| ECE 480 Digital Systems Design | 3 |
| ECE 481 Digital Systems Design Laboratory | 1 |
| Humanities (HU), literature (L), or fine arts (FA) elective1 | 3 |
| ___ | |
| 16 | |
| Second Semester | |
| ECE 484 Computer Architecture | 3 |
| ECE 486 Embedded Systems | 3 |
| ECE 487 Embedded Systems Laboratory | 1 |
| ECE 494 Capstone Design | 3 |
| History (HI) or social and behavioral sciences (SB) electives4 | 6 |
| ___ | |
| 16 | |
| Total: 129 hours | |
2The professional elective must be chosen from the list of professional electives approved by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
3The restricted-area elective must be selected from a list approved by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
4The College of Engineering Core Curriculum requires a minimum of 9 hours of HU, L, or FA courses and 9 hours of HI or SB courses.