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Computer Engineering
Baskin School of Engineering
335 Baskin Engineering Building
(831) 459-2158
http://www.soe.ucsc.edu
Program Description | Faculty
| Course Descriptions
Program Description
Computer engineering focuses on the design, analysis,
and application of computers and on their applications as components of
systems. The UCSC Department of Computer Engineering sustains and strengthens
its teaching and research program to provide students with inspiration and
quality education in the theory and practice of computer engineering.
The UCSC B.S. in computer engineering prepares
graduates for a rewarding career in engineering. UCSC computer engineering
graduates will have a thorough grounding in the principles and practices of
computer engineering and the scientific and mathematical principles upon which
they are built; they will be prepared for further education (both formal and
informal) and for productive employment in industry.
Because computer engineering is so broad, we offer
five specialized concentrations for completing the program: systems
programming, computer systems, autonomous and embedded systems, networks, and
digital hardware. Descriptions of these concentrations follow in the section on
major requirements.
The Department of Computer Engineering offers two
undergraduate minors, described after the B.S. program below. The minor in
computer technology provides a broad look at computer hardware, computer
software, engineering design, and the interface between computer technology and
society. This minor is particularly recommended for students interested in the
use of computer technology in another discipline or in K-12 teaching. The minor
in computer engineering focuses on the technical aspects of computer hardware,
embedded system, and software design. This minor is particularly recommended
for students interested in the design of computer technology for use in another
discipline.
Many computer engineering students continue their
education through the M.S. degree. The Department of Computer Engineering
offers an accelerated combined B.S./M.S. degree in computer engineering that
enables eligible undergraduates to move without interruption to the graduate
program. Interested computer engineering majors should contact their adviser
for more details. The graduate program of the Department of Computer
Engineering also offers both the standard M.S. and the Ph.D. degrees.
Every major and minor must have a computer
engineering faculty adviser, assigned by the Baskin School of Engineering
Undergraduate Advising office, and with that adviser must formulate a program
of proposed course work that meets the major or minor requirements.
The computer engineering B.S. program is accredited
by the Engineering Accreditation Committee of the Accreditation Board for
Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Courses for Nonmajors
The Department of Computer Engineering offers course 1, Hands-on Computer Engineering: a 2-unit laboratory course
designed to introduce students to Computer Engineering via many short fun
projects, and course 3, Personal Computer Concepts:
Software and Hardware, providing students an introductory course on the
design and use of computers from an engineering viewpoint. Other computer
engineering courses of interest to nonmajors include course 12, Computing Systems and Assembly Language, an introductory
course on computer systems, system software, and machine-level programming;
course 16, Applied Discrete Mathematics, an
introduction to applications of discrete mathematical systems; course 80N, Introduction to Networking and the Internet, an
introduction to technological services of the Internet; course 80H, History of Modern Computing; and course 80E, Engineering Ethics.
Computer Engineering Policies
Admissions Policy
Admission to the computer engineering major is
selective. Freshmen applicants may receive early admission at the time they
apply to UCSC, based on their high school record and test scores.
Admission to the major after a student has entered
UCSC is based on performance in all courses required for the major. At least
five required five-unit courses, with associated laboratories, must be
completed prior to requesting admission to the major. Required courses are
listed below.
Transfer Students
Admission to the computer engineering major for
transfer students is based on their performance in all transferable science,
math, and engineering courses. To be admitted, at least four courses required
for the major must transfer for a student to be eligible for admission.
Requirements are listed below. We recommend, in particular, substantial
completion of the mathematics series, as well as programming or physics.
Disqualification Policy
Please refer to the Engineering section of this
catalog for the School of Engineering's Major Disqualification Policy.
Letter Grade Policy
The Computer Engineering Department requires letter
grading for all courses applied to the degree with the exception of two
lower-division courses, which students may elect to take Pass/No Pass. This
policy includes courses required for the computer engineering major but
sponsored by other departments.
School of Engineering Policies
Please refer to the School of Engineering section of
the catalog for additional policies that apply to all School of Engineering
programs.
Major Requirements
All students in the computer engineering major take the
same core courses, which give the fundamentals of programming and hardware
design, supported by the physics and mathematics necessary to understand them.
The core courses also cover the fundamentals of computer architecture and
designing with microprocessors.
Lower-Division Requirements
Core Requirements
Computer
Engineering
12/L, Computer
Systems and Assembly Language/Laboratory
Computer
Science
12A/L, Introduction
to Programming; and
12B/M, Introduction
to Data Structures; or 13H, Introduction to
Programming and Data Structures (Honors)
Electrical
Engineering
70/L, Introduction
to Electronics/Laboratory
Mathematics
Computer Engineering 16, Applied Discrete Mathematics;
Mathematics 19A-B, Calculus for Science, Engineering,
and Mathematics
Mathematics 23A, Multivariable Calculus
Electrical Engineering 103, Signals and Systems
Applied Mathematics and
Statistics 27/L, Mathematical Methods for
Engineers/Laboratory; or Mathematics 21, Linear
Algebra; and Mathematics 24, Ordinary Differential
Equations
Science
Students must complete Physics 5A/L or 6A/L, Physics
5C/N or 6C/N, and any two the following science classes:
Biology: Chemistry 1B/M; and
Biology 20A or 21A
Chemistry: Chemistry 1B/M;
Chemistry 1C/N
Earth Science: Earth Science
10/L; a choice of one 5-credit Earth science upper-division course, excluding
Earth Science 111
Physics: Physics 5B/M or
6B/M; Physics 5D or one 5-credit upper-division physics course
Ethics
Students must take Computer Engineering 80E, Engineering
Ethics; or another approved ethics course.
This course is required even for transfer students
who have had their general education requirements waived.
Upper-Division Requirements
Core Requirements
Computer
Engineering
100/L, Logic
Design/Laboratory
121/L, Microprocessor
System Design/Laboratory
110, Computer
Architecture
107, Mathematical
Methods of Systems Analysis: Stochastic
185,
Technical Writing for Computer Engineers
Computer
Science
101, Abstract
Data Types
Concentrations
The following concentrations are specializations for the
computer engineering student. Students must complete all of the courses listed
within their selected concentration, and they must complete the capstone
sequence.
Systems Programming Concentration
The systems programming concentration focuses on
software systems: courses include operating systems, compilers, software
engineering, and advanced programming. Students finishing this concentration
are very well prepared for building large software systems of all types. This
concentration is the closest one to a computer science major-the main
differences are that it does not require computer science theory courses, but
because of the core computer engineering requirements, includes more hardware
and electronics than a computer science bachelor's degree.
- Computer Science 111, Introduction to Operating Systems
- Computer Science 115, Software Methodology
- Elective: Upper-division
elective from approved list
Any two of the following
courses:
Computer Engineering 113, Parallel and Concurrent Programming
Computer Engineering 117/L, Embedded Software/ Laboratory
Computer Engineering 118/L, Introduction to Mechatronics/Laboratory
Computer Engineering 156, Network Programming (requires course 150)
Computer Science 104A, Fundamentals of Compiler Design I
Computer Science 104B, Fundamentals of Compiler Design II
Computer Science 116, Software Design Project
Computer Systems Concentration
The computer systems concentration provides a balance
between software and hardware design. Students are prepared for a large variety
of different design tasks, especially those requiring the integration of
hardware and software systems, but may need further training for any particular
specialization.
- Computer Engineering 125/L, Logic Design with Verilog/Laboratory; or 126/L, Advanced
Logic Design/Laboratory
- Computer Science 111, Introduction to Operating Systems
- Elective: Two upper-division
or graduate electives from approved list
This concentration covers the hardware, software,
sensing, and control aspects of autonomous and embedded systems. Students
receive training in the theory, design, and realization of complex systems such
as mobile robots. The concentration emphasizes integration of embedded software
with hardware systems that interact with the environment.
Three out of the following four courses:
- Computer
Engineering 117/L, Embedded Software/Laboratory
- Computer
Engineering 118/L, Mechantronics/Laboratory
- Computer
Engineering 163/L, Multimedia Processing and
Application/Laboratory
- Electrical Engineering 154, Feedback Control Systems
Elective: (three
possibilities):
- Completion of
all four courses listed above, or
- Computer
Engineering 174, Tools for Digital Systems Design Lab
and any approved School of Engineering upper-division elective, or
- Computer
Engineering 161533/L, Signal Processing
- Applied Math
and Statistics 146, Chaotic Dynamical Systems
- Applied Math
and Statistics 162, Design and Analysis of Computer
Simulation Experiments
- Computer
Engineering 242, Applied Feedback Control
- Computer
Engineering 240, Introduction to Linear Dynamical Systems
- Information
Systems Management 206, Optimization Theory and
Applications
The networks concentration focuses on communication
between computers, covering both network hardware and protocols. Students
finishing this concentration are well prepared for the design of wired and
wireless network systems.
- Computer Engineering 150, Introduction to Computer Networks
- Computer Engineering 151, Network Administration; or 156, Network
Programming
- Computer Engineering 156, Network Programming
- Computer Science 111, Introduction to Operating Systems
- Electives: Upper-division or
graduate elective from approved list
The digital hardware concentration focuses on hardware
design and includes more electronics than the other concentrations. Students
finishing this concentration are well prepared for building hardware systems.
This concentration is the closest one to an electronics major; the main
differences are that it does not require as much electronics theory or analog
electronic design, but because of the core computer engineering requirements,
requires more software skills.
- Computer Engineering 125/L, Logic Design with Verilog/Laboratory; or 126/L, Advanced Logic Design/Laboratory
- Computer Engineering 173/L, High-Speed Digital Design
- Electrical Engineering 171/L,
Analog Electronics
- Elective: Upper-division or
graduate elective from approved list
All computer engineering students complete a
two-quarter capstone project sequence. Working with students from different
concentrations and majors, student sapply the skills and techniques from their
own chosen concentration to a major design problem.
Computer Engineering
- 123A, Computer
Engineering Design Project I
- 123B, Computer
Engineering Design Project II; or 195, Senior
Thesis Research
Portfolio Exit Requirement Students are required to submit a portfolio and exit
survey. Students whose submissions are deemed inadequate, either in
presentation or in content, may be required to revise and rewrite the portfolio
or to complete an additional project course. The portfolios must be turned in
electronically via http://www.soe.ucsc.edu/programs/ce/undergraduate/portfolio.html
at least seven days before the end of instruction in the quarter of graduation.
The portfolios will be reviewed quarterly by the
computer engineering undergraduate committee and must include the following:
If a project report is associated with a course,
it must be an upper-division or graduate course. One of the reports must be the
result of a multi-person project. One of the reports must be the result of an
individual project. One of the reports must be the result of the student's
capstone design project.
Comprehensive Requirement
The senior comprehensive requirement for computer
engineering majors is satisfied by completion of the capstone course and the
portfolio exit requirement.
Computer Engineering Major Planners
The following are two sample academic plans for students
to complete during their first two years as preparation for the computer
engineering major. Plan One is suggested guidelines for students who are
committed to the major early in their academic career. Plan Two is for students
who are considering the major.
| Plan One |
| Year |
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
1st
(frsh) |
Math 19A
Cmps 12A/M
Cmpe 1 (2 unit) |
Math 19B
Cmpe 12L
Cmpe 1 (2 unit) |
Cmpe 80E
Cmps 12B/N
|
2nd
(soph) |
Phys 5A/L
Math 23A |
Ams 27/L
Cmpe 100 |
Phys 5C/N
Cmpe 16 |
| Plan Two |
| Year |
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
1st
(frsh) |
Math 3 (pre-calc)
Cmps 3
Cmpe 1 (2 unit) |
Math 19A
Cmps 12/L |
Math 19B
Cmps 12A/L
|
2nd
(soph) |
Phys 5A/L
Cmps 12B/M |
Cmpe 100/L
Cmpe 16 |
Phys 5C/N
AMS 27/L
Cmpe 80E |
Computer Engineering Minor
The computer engineering minor provides a solid
foundation in digital hardware, electronics, and computer software, as well as
the prerequisite material in mathematics and physics. The minor is well-suited
to students who wish to take part in the design of computer and embedded
systems in any discipline. Course 121/L, Microprocessor
System Design and Laboratory, provides a
capstone engineering design experience for students pursuing the Computer
Engineering minor.
Computer Engineering Minor Requirements
Requirements for the minor in computer engineering are
the following:
Mathematics
19A-B, Calculus
for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics
23A, Multivariable
Calculus
Applied Mathematics and
Statistics 27/L, Mathematical Methods for
Engineers/Laboratory (formerly Mathematics 27); or Mathematics 21, Linear Algebra; and 24, Ordinary
Differential Equations
Computer Engineering 16, Applied Discrete Mathematics;
Science
Physics 5A/L or 6A/L, and 5C/N or 6C/N
Core Requirements
Computer
Engineering
12/L, Computer
Systems and Assembly Language/ Laboratory
100/L, Logic
Design/Laboratory
110, Computer
Architecture
121/L, Microprocessor
System Design/Laboratory
Computer
Science
12A/L, Introduction
to Programming/Computer Programming Laboratory; and
12B/M, Introduction
to Data Structures/Data Structures Laboratory; or 13H/L, Introduction to Programming and Data Structures (Honors)/
Laboratory
101, Abstract
Data Types
Electrical
Engineering
70/L, Introduction to
Electronics/Laboratory
At most, two of the upper-division core courses
and the lower-division electrical engineering course may be used to satisfy the
requirements of another major or minor degree.
The portfolio exit requirement does not apply for
the computer engineering minor.
Computer Technology Minor
The computer technology minor provides a broad exposure
computer hardware and software technology. The minor is intended for
non-engineering majors who would like to develop an understanding of the design
and use of computer technology. The minor may be particularly valuable for
students who expect to use computer technology in another discipline, who are
interested in K-12 teaching, or who have a general interest in computer
technology and how it works. The minor includes a required capstone essay.
The computer technology minor is not available to
computer engineering, computer xcience, electrical engineering, or information
systems management majors, or to computer engineering minors.
Computer Technology Minor Requirements
Computer
Engineering
Four required courses, one optional course:
1, Hands-On
Computer Engineering (2 credits)
3. Personal
Computer Concepts: Hardware and Software (optional)
12/L, Computer
Systems and assembly Language/Laboratory
100/L, Logic
Design/Laboratory
80N, Networking
and the Internet; or 150, Introduction to Computer
Networks
Programming
Two of the following courses (only one 60 course is
permitted):
Biomolecular Engineering 60, Programming for Biologists and Biochemists
Computer Science 60G, Beginning Programming: Social Sciences and Humanities
Computer Science 60N, Beginning Programming: Natural Sciences
Computer Science 12A/L, Introduction to Programming/Computer Programming Laboratory
Computer Science 12B/M, Introduction to Date Structures/Data Structures Laboratory
Computer
Technology and Society
Three courses:
80E, Engineering
Ethics; and
80H, History
of Modern Computing, or
Electrical Engineering 80T, Modern Electronic Technology and How it Works; and ISM
101, Management of Technology Seminar (1 credit)
Elective
Two five-unit upper-division School of Engineering
electives and any associated laboratories
Capstone Requirement
194F, Group Tutorial (2
units). A group tutorial completed during the winter quarter prior to
graduation considering the impact of computer technology. Students will
complete papers considering aspects of the impact of computer technology on the
students' discipline. Contact the School of Engineering Undergraduate Advising
office during fall quarter to join this course.
Materials Fee and Miscellaneous Fees
Please see the section on fees under the School of
Engineering.
Undergraduate Programs
B.S./M.S. Undergraduate Program
The Department of Computer Engineering offers a
combined bachelor and master of science degree program in computer engineering,
providing the opportunity to earn both degrees in five years. The B.S./M.S.
program offers a competitive edge to students who are completing their
undergraduate degree at UCSC, by enabling those with advanced preparation to
move directly from the undergraduate to the graduate program. The program
assists qualified enrolled students with a simplified graduate application
process and makes it possible to complete an M.S. degree with just seven
courses beyond the B.S. program.
The program prepares students for engineering
positions in industry, and it is particularly attractive for undergraduate
students planning to engage in engineering research in industry or academia.
The School of Engineering has many opportunities for undergraduate research,
especially for honors-level students. B.S./M.S. students can continue their
undergraduate research projects with the same research group. Upon advancement
to graduate standing, B.S./M.S. students are eligible for support as graduate
research assistants. The B.S./M.S. program provides knowledge and training in
important and contemporary areas of computer engineering.
Particularly motivated B.S./M.S. students can
complete the entire program in 14 quarters (or fewer with Advanced Placement
credit); however, advance planning is essential. Interested students should
contact the department and their faculty adviser early in their college
career-no later than the start of their junior year. B.S./M.S. students retain
undergraduate status until the completion of all undergraduate requirements,
but may begin graduate course work in advance of graduate standing.
The undergraduate degree requirements are the same
as those for other computer engineering majors; however, the B.S./M.S. program
capitalizes on graduate-level courses that may apply toward both degree
requirements. B.S./M.S. candidates may apply (at most) two graduate courses
taken as undergraduates toward both the M.S. degree and B.S. degree electives.
At the time graduate status is achieved, no more than three graduate courses
taken as an undergraduate may count toward the nine courses required for the
M.S. degree. B.S./M.S. students may not apply undergraduate courses toward the
M.S. degree.
Admission to the B.S./M.S. program is by formal
application. Undergraduate applicants seeking admission as graduate students
generally apply in their last quarter of junior standing. To qualify,
applicants must have completed the following:
Computer Engineering 100/L, Logic Design/Laboratory
Computer Science 101, Abstract Data Types
Computer Engineering 110, Computer Architecture; or 121/L, Microprocessor
System Design/ Laboratory
Electrical Engineering 70/L, Introduction to Electronics/Laboratory
and at least one additional
upper-division School of Engineering course.
Applications will be considered until the
student's first quarter of senior standing. This extension of the application
period into the first quarter of the senior year is specifically geared to
enable eligible transfer students to complete the courses required for
admission.
Students who cannot meet the B.S./M.S. application
requirements or who are not admitted into the program are encouraged to apply
for admission to the standard M.S. or Ph.D. program during their senior year.
Additional information about this program can be
found on the department's web pages at www.soe.ucsc.edu/programs/undergraduate/.
Graduate Programs
M.S. and Ph.D. Degree Programs
The graduate program in computer engineering accepts
students for both the M.S. and the Ph.D. degrees. Graduate students in this
program establish a solid foundation in computer algorithms and architectures
and then proceed to a thorough study of recent developments in their selected
area of specialization. This provides the basis for the M.S. degree and Ph.D.
thesis work. The major areas of research concentration in computer engineering
at UCSC are computer networks, computer systems design, computer-aided design
technologies, digital media and education technology, and software and systems
engineering.
The computer engineering program benefits from a
close relationship with the computer science and electrical engineering
programs at UCSC and ties to industry in the Silicon Valley and Monterey Bay
areas. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in teaching and
research as well as for positions in industrial research and development.
While in the program, most graduate students are
supported as research assistants on faculty-sponsored projects or as teaching
assistants for undergraduate courses.
Additional information on the computer engineering
M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, including degree requirements and applications for
admission, can be found on the department's web pages at www.soe.ucsc.edu/programs/graduate/.
Requirements for the Master's Degree
Base
Requirement
In their first year, graduate students must show
proficiency in three fundamental subjects: 1. data structures; 2. computer
architecture; and 3. one of the following three subjects-logic design,
circuits, and software systems. Proficiency can be demonstrated by either
completing one of the associated undergraduate courses, by establishing that an
equivalent undergraduate course has been completed elsewhere, or by passing the
final exam (or project when deemed appropriate by the faculty responsible) of
an associated course. Students should obtain a Computer Engineering Base
Worksheet for the list of associated courses and instructions on fulfilling
this requirement.
The base requirement must be met by all graduate
students (both M.S. and Ph.D.) by the end of the spring quarter of their first
year in the program.
Course
Requirements
Each student is required to complete a total of 48
units. The course work must include
Computer Engineering 200, Research and Teaching in Computer Science and Engineering
Computer Science 201, Analysis of Algorithms
Computer Engineering 202, Computer Architecture
Up to 10 credits of Computer
Engineering 297, Independent Study or Research; or Computer Engineering 299, Thesis Research
Up to 10 credits of either
graduate courses (not seminars) in related disciplines outside the School of
Engineering (requires adviser and computer engineering graduate committee approval)
or upper-division undergraduate courses when necessary to strengthen the
student's preparation for graduate studies (requires adviser approval)
All remaining credits must be graduate elective
courses from Computer Engineering's list of approved graduate courses
(available online or from the department)
In addition, the selection of graduate elective
courses must show breadth by including a minimum of 5 credits in each of two
categories from Computer Engineering's list of approved graduate electives.
Computer Science 201 and Computer Engineering 202 cannot be used to satisfy the
breadth requirement.
At least half of the units from the graduate-level
courses must be computer engineering graduate courses.
Thesis
Completion of a master's thesis is required for award
of the master's degree. To fulfill this requirement, the student must submit a
written proposal to a faculty member, usually by the third academic quarter. By
accepting the proposal, the faculty member becomes the thesis adviser for the
proposed thesis. In consultation with the adviser, the student must form a
master's thesis reading committee with at least two additional faculty members,
each of whom is provided a copy of the proposal. The student is required to
present an expository talk on the thesis research, and the final thesis must be
accepted by the review committee before the award of the master of science
degree.
Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree
Base
Requirement
In their first year, graduate students must show
proficiency in three of five fundamental subjects: 1. data structures; 2.
computer architecture; and 3. one of the following three subjects-logic design,
circuits, and software systems. Proficiency can be demonstrated by either
completing one of the associated undergraduate courses, by establishing that an
equivalent undergraduate course has been completed elsewhere, or by passing the
final exam (or project when deemed appropriate by the faculty responsible) of
an associated course. Students should obtain a Computer Engineering Base Work
Sheet for the list of associated courses and instructions on fulfilling this
requirement.
The base requirement must be met by all graduate
students (both M.S. and Ph.D.) by the end of the spring quarter of the first
year in the program.
Course
Requirements
A Ph.D. student is required to take a total of 58
credits of graduate courses, which must consist of
Course 200, Research and Teaching in Computer Science and Engineering;
Computer Science 201, Analysis of Algorithms;
Course 202, Computer Architecture;
A minimum of 20 credits of
graduate computer engineering courses from Computer Engineering's list of
approved graduate courses (available online or from the department);
Up to 10 credits of course
297, Independent Study or Research;
or course 299, Thesis Research;
Up to 10 credits of graduate
courses (not seminars) in related disciplines outside the School of Engineering
(requires adviser and computer engineering graduate committee approval);
All remaining units must be graduate elective
courses from Computer Engineering's list of approved graduate courses.
The selection of elective courses must show breadth
by including either 10 credits in each of two categories or 5 credits in each
of three separate categories from Computer Engineering's list of approved
graduate courses. Computer Science 201 and course 202 cannot be used to satisfy
the breadth requirement.
Course selection should form a coherent plan of
study and requires adviser approval. Undergraduate courses may not be used to
satisfy Ph.D. course requirements.
Ph.D. students who have satisfied the requirements
for the master's degree are eligible to receive a master's degree.
Examinations
and Dissertation
To continue in the Ph.D. program, students must pass
a preliminary examination in their chosen research area by the end of their
third year. Preliminary examinations are held during the first three weeks of
each spring quarter; students must petition the computer engineering graduate
committee for an examination in their chosen area two weeks before the end of
winter quarter. Examination committees consist of four faculty members, two
chosen by the student and two by the computer engineering graduate committee.
The format of this oral examination is up to the examination committee; the
examination will typically evaluate both general knowledge of the chosen area
and specific understanding of selected technical papers. The preliminary
examination requirement is waived for students who advance to candidacy by the
end of their third year.
Each student must write a Ph.D. dissertation. The
dissertation must show the results of in-depth research, by an original
contribution of significant knowledge, and include material worthy of
publication. As the first step, a student must submit a written dissertation
proposal to a School of Engineering faculty member. By accepting the proposal,
the faculty member becomes the student's dissertation supervisor. The student
may choose a faculty member outside the Computer Engineering Department within
the School of Engineering as adviser only with approval from the computer
engineering graduate committee. The dissertation proposal is publicly and
formally presented in an oral qualifying examination given by a qualifying exam
committee, approved by the computer engineering graduate committee and the
graduate council. The student must submit his or her written dissertation
proposal to all members of the qualifying exam committee and the graduate
assistant one month in advance of the examination.
Students are advanced to candidacy after they have
completed the course requirements, passed both the preliminary and qualifying
examinations (or just the qualifying examination if passed prior to the end of
the student's third year in the program), cleared all Incomplete grades from
their records, have an appointed dissertation reading committee, and paid the
filing fee. Students who have not advanced to candidacy by the end of their
fourth year will be placed on academic probation.
Each Ph.D. candidate must submit the completed
dissertation to a reading committee at least one month prior to the
dissertation defense. The appointment of the dissertation reading committee is
made immediately after the qualifying exam and is necessary for advancing to
candidacy. The candidate must present his or her research results in a public
seminar sponsored by the dissertation supervisor. The seminar is followed by a
defense of the dissertation to the reading committee and attending faculty who
will then decide whether the dissertation is acceptable or requires revision.
Successful completion of the dissertation fulfills the final academic
requirement for the Ph.D. degree.
Transfer Credit
Up to three School of Engineering courses fulfilling
the degree requirements of either the M.S. or Ph.D. degrees may be taken before
beginning the graduate program through the concurrent enrollment program.
Ph.D. students who have previously earned a master's
degree in a related field at another institution may substitute courses from
their previous university with approval of the adviser and the computer
engineering graduate committee. Courses from other institutions may not be
applied to the M.S. degree course requirements. Petitions for course
substitutions must designate a specific graduate-level course from the list of
approved graduate courses. They should be submitted along with the transcript
from the other institution or UCSC extension. For courses taken at other
institutions, copies of the syllabi, exams, and other course work should
accompany the petition. Such petitions are not considered until the completion
of at least one quarter at UCSC.
Up to three courses may be transferred from
concurrent enrollment and other institutions on approval of the petition for
course substitution by the computer engineering graduate committee. Two
additional courses may be transferred if the student, in addition to submitting
the petition, also takes the final examination and obtains a passing grade (B
or better) in the Computer Engineering graduate course at UCSC equivalent to
the course being transferred.
Review of Progress
Each year, the computer engineering faculty reviews
the progress of every student in the graduate program. Students not making
adequate progress towards completion of degree requirements (see UCSC Graduate Student Handbook for policy on satisfactory
academic progress) are subject to dismissal from the program. Students with
academic deficiencies may be required to take additional courses. Full-time
students with no academic deficiencies are normally expected to complete the
degree requirements at the rate of at least two courses per quarter. Full-time
students must complete Computer Science 201 and course 202 within two years and
normally must complete all course requirements within two years for the M.S.
and three years for the Ph.D. program.
Students receiving two or more grades of U
(Unsatisfactory) or below B in School of Engineering courses are not making
adequate progress and will be placed on academic probation for the following
three quarters of registered enrollment. Withdrawing or taking a leave of
absence does not count as enrollment. Part-time enrollment is counted as a half
of a quarter of enrollment.
Should any computer engineering graduate student
fail a School of Engineering course while on probation, the Computer
Engineering Department may request the graduate dean to dismiss that student
from the graduate program. If, after being removed from probation, the student
again fails a School of Engineering course, he or she will return immediately
to academic probation.
Graduate students experiencing circumstances or
difficulties that impact their academic performance should contact their
adviser and the graduate director immediately. Students may appeal their
dismissal.
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