Computer Engineering

Baskin School of Engineering
335 Baskin Engineering Building
(831) 459-2158
http://www.soe.ucsc.edu

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 department offers B.S., M.S. and Ph.D degrees as well as two undergraduate minors. A combined B.S./M.S. program allows students to complete both degrees in five years.

Undergraduate Program Description

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, robotics and control, 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.

The Department co-sponsors the B.S. in bioengineering with the Departments of Biomolecular Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology.

Beyond the extensive research, design, and development projects taking place within courses required for the major, many computer engineering students join faculty labs to take part in cutting-edge research. The department sponsors the summer undergraduate research fellowship in information technology (SURF-IT, http://surf-it.soe.ucsc.edu), as well as many other research opportunities. The department holds regular faculty-undergraduate lunches to discuss research and other issues of interest.

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.

The computer engineering B.S. program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Courses for Nonmajors

The Department of Computer Engineering offers course 1, Hands-on Computer Engineering: a two-credit laboratory course designed to introduce students to computer engineering via many short fun projects; course 3, Personal Computer Concepts: Software and Hardware, providing students an introductory course on the design and use of computers from an engineering viewpoint; and course 8, Robot Automation: Intelligence through Feedback Control. 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 80N, Introduction to Networking and the Internet, an introduction to technological services of the Internet; course 80U, Ubiquitous and Mobile Computing; course 80E, Engineering Ethics; and course 80A, Universal Access: Disability, Technology, and Society.

Computer Engineering Policies

Admissions Policy

Lower-division students will be accepted into the computer engineering major on completion of the SOE major declaration process during any of their first three quarters at UCSC. See http://www.soe.ucsc.edu/advising/undergraduate/for quarterly deadlines and mandatory major declaration workshops. Students considering the computer engineering major among other possibilities are strongly encouraged to take course 1 (2 credits) or course 8 within the first two quarters, and course 12 within the first three quarters.

After the first three quarters, petitions to declare the major are reviewed individually. Students must have completed at least five courses required for the major, and are expected to have a GPA among School of Engineering and Division of Physical and Biological Sciences courses (the SOE GPA) of 2.5. Progress in the major and ability to complete the major within campus limits will also be considered.

Transfer Students

Admission to the computer engineering major for transfer students is based on 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.

Advising

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 (see http://www.soe.ucsc.edu/advising/undergraduate/).

Honors in the Major

Computer engineering majors are considered for “Honors in the Major” and “Highest Honors in the Major” based on the School of Engineering GPA and on results of undergraduate research and other significant contributions to the School of Engineering. Students with an SOE GPA of 3.7, in most cases, receive Highest Honors. Students with an SOE GPA of 3.3, in most cases, receive Honors. Students with particularly significant accomplishments in undergraduate research or contributions to the School of Engineering may be considered with a lower SOE GPA. Computer engineering juniors and seniors may also be eligible for election to the UCSC chapter of Tau Beta Pi, the national engineering honor society founded in 1885.

Progress in the Major

Declared majors must complete courses required for the major in a manner that will enable graduation within campus limits. Students not making sufficient progress may be required to take a higher course load, complete courses during summer, or otherwise adjust their study plan, at the discretion of the faculty. Students who do not complete required changes to the study plan may be disqualified from the major.

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.

Materials Fee and Miscellaneous Fees

Please see the section on fees under the School of Engineering. 

Computer Engineering 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. Students must complete all of the courses listed within their selected concentration, and they must complete the capstone sequence. The senior comprehensive requirement for computer engineering majors is satisfied by completion of the capstone course and the portfolio exit requirement.

Lower-Division Core Requirements

Applied Mathematics and Statistics 10, Mathematical Methods for Engineers I; or Mathematics 21 Linear Algebra
Applied Mathematics and Statistics 20, Mathematical Methods for Engineers II; or Mathematics 24 Ordinary Differential Equations
Computer Engineering 12/L, Computer Systems and Assembly Language/Laboratory 
Computer Engineering 13/L Computer Systems and C Programming/Laboratory (recommended); or Computer Science 12A/L Introduction to Programming/Laboratory
Computer Science 12B/M Introduction to Data Structures/Laboratory
Computer Engineering 16 Applied Discrete Mathematics
Mathematics 19A-B Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics
Mathematics 23A Multivariable Calculus
Physics 5A/L Introduction Physics /Laboratory I; or Physics 6A/L, Introductory Physics I/Laboratory;
Physics 5B/M Introduction to Physics II/Laboratory; or 6B/M, Introductory Physics
II/Laboratory; or Computer Engineering 9 Statics, Dynamics, and Biomechanics (recommended for robotics concentration); .
Physics 5C/N Introduction Physics III/Laboratory; or Physics 6C/N, Introductory Physics III/Laboratory;
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 Core Requirements

Computer Engineering 100/L Logic Design/Laboratory
Computer Engineering 107 Mathematical Methods of Systems Analysis: Stochastic
Computer Engineering 110 Computer Architecture
Computer Engineering 121/L Microprocessor System Design/Laboratory
Computer Engineering 185 Technical Writing for Computer Engineers
Computer Science 101 Abstract Data Types
Electrical Engineering 101/L Introduction to Electronics/Laboratory
Electrical Engineering 103 Signals and Systems

Concentrations

The following concentrations are specializations for the computer engineering student. Students must complete all of the courses listed within their selected concentration.

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 the 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/L Network Programming/Laboratory (requires Computer Engineering 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
• Computer Science 111, Introduction to Operating Systems
• Elective: Two upper-division or graduate electives from approved list

Robotics and Control Concentration

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. The Computer Engineering 9 option, above, is highly recommended.

Three out of the following four courses:

• Computer Engineering 117/L, Embedded Software/Laboratory
• Computer Engineering 118/L, Mechatronics/Laboratory
• Computer Engineering 167/L, Sensing and Sensor Technologies/Laboratory
• Electrical Engineering 154, Feedback Control Systems

Elective (three possibilities):

• Completion of all four courses listed above,
• Computer Engineering 174, Tools for Digital Systems Design Lab and any approved
• School of Engineering upper-division elective; or
• Completion of one of the following courses

  Computer Engineering 153, Digital Signal Processing
  Applied Mathematics and Statistics 146, Chaotic Dynamical Systems
  Applied Mathematics 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

Networks Concentration

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/L, Introduction to Computer Networks/Laboratory
• Computer Engineering 151, Network Administration; or 156/L, Network Programming/Laboratory
• Computer Science 111, Introduction to Operating Systems
• Electives: Upper-division or graduate elective from approved list.

Digital Hardware Concentration

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
• Computer Engineering 173/L, High-Speed Digital Design/Laboratory
• Computer Engineering 174, Introduction to the EDA Tools for PCB Design (three credits)
• Electrical Engineering 171/L, Analog Electronics/Laboratory
• Elective: Upper-division or graduate elective from approved list

Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement

Students of every major must satisfy that major's upper-division Disciplinary Communication (DC) requirement. The DC requirement will normally be met within one to three courses already required for the major. For detailed information on this major’s DC requirement, consult your major adviser or see the 2010-11 general catalog.

Capstone Requirement

All computer engineering students complete a two-quarter capstone project sequence. Working with students from different concentrations and majors, students apply the skills and techniques from their own chosen concentration to a major design problem.
Computer Engineering 123A, Computer Engineering Design Project I
Computer Engineering 123B, Computer Engineering Design Project II; or 195, Senior Thesis Research

Exit Requirement

Students are required to submit a portfolio,  exit survey, and exit interview. 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.ce.ucsc.edu/node/20 by the last day of the quarter of graduation.

The portfolios will be reviewed quarterly by the computer engineering undergraduate committee and must include the following:

• A hardware-oriented project report
• A software-oriented project report
• A third project report of the student's selection
• A one- to two-page overview of the three projects, the student's contribution to them, and a narrative as specified at http://www.ce.ucsc.edu/node/20 .

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.

Exit interviews are scheduled during the last week of the quarter.

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. Students who take precalculus at UCSC, or who have little programming experience, are strongly advised to take course 8, Robot Automation in the fall quarter.

Plan Two
Year	Fall	Winter	Spring
1st (frsh)	MATH 3 (pre-calc) CMPE 8 CMPE 1 (2 credit) core course	MATH 19A CMPE 12/L gen ed	MATH 19B CMPE 13/L gen ed
2nd (soph)	PHYS 5A/L CMPS 12B/M gen ed	CMPE 100/L CMPE 9 gen ed	PHYS 5C/N AMS 10 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. Computer Engineering 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:

Applied Mathematics and Statistics 20A or 20, (Basic) Mathematical Methods for Engineers II (requires prerequisite); or Mathematics 24, Ordinary Differential Equations
Computer Engineering 12/L, Computer Systems and Assembly Language/Laboratory
Computer Engineering 16, Applied Discrete Mathematics
Computer Engineering 100/L, Logic Design/Laboratory
Computer Engineering 110, Computer Architecture
Computer Engineering 118/L Introduction to Mechatronics/Laboratory  or  121/L, Microprocessor System Design/Laboratory
Computer Engineering 13/L, Computer Systems and C. Programming (recommended); or
Computer Science 12A/L, Introduction to Programming/Laboratory
Computer Science 12B/M, Introduction to Data Structures/Laboratory; or 13H/L, Introduction to Programming and Data Structures (Honors)/ Laboratory
Computer Science 101, Abstract Data Types
Electrical Engineering 101/L, Introduction to Electronics/Laboratory
Mathematics 19A-B, Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics
Physics 5A/L, Introduction Physics I/Laboratory; or Physics 6A/L, Introductory Physics I/Laboratory
Physics 5C/N, Introduction Physics III/Laboratory; or Physics 6C/N, Introductory Physics III/Laboratory

Computer Technology Minor

The computer technology minor provides a broad exposure to 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 science, electrical engineering or information systems management majors, or to computer engineering minors.

Computer Technology Minor Requirements

Computer Engineering 1, Hands-On Computer Engineering
Computer Engineering 8, Robot Automation: Intelligence through Feedback Control
Computer Engineering 12/L, Computer Systems and Assembly Language/Laboratory
Computer Engineering 100/L, Logic Design/Laboratory
Computer Engineering 80N, Networking and the Internet; or 80U, Ubiquitous and Mobile Computing; or 150/L, Introduction to Computer Networks/Laboratory (requires pre-requisites)
Computer Engineering 80E, Engineering Ethics; or 80A, Universal Access: Disability, Technology, and Society
Information Systems Management 101, Management of Technology Seminar (1 credit)

Two of the following courses:

• Biomolecular Engineering 60/L, Programming for Biologists and Biochemists/Laboratory
• Computer Engineering 13/L, Computer Systems and C Programming/Laboratory
• Computer Science 5C, Introduction to Programming in C/C++
• Computer Science 5J, Introduction to Programming in Java
• Computer Science 5P, Introduction to Programming Python
• Computer Science 11, Intermediate Programming
• Computer Science 12A/L, Introduction to Programming/Laboratory
• Computer Science 12B/M, Introduction to Data Structures/Laboratory

Elective Requirement

Two five-credit upper-division School of Engineering electives and any associated laboratories  Only one is required if Computer Engineering 150/L is used in satisfying the requirements above.

Capstone Requirement

194F, Group Tutorial (2 credits). 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.

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.

Admission to the B.S./M.S. Program

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 Engineering 110, Computer Architecture; or 121/L, Microprocessor System Design/Laboratory
• Computer Science 101, Abstract Data Types
• Electrical Engineering 101/L, Introduction to Electronics/Laboratory

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 http://www.ce.ucsc.edu/academics/undergraduate/bs-ms

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 networks; embedded and autonomous systems; computer systems design and computer-aided design; and sensing and interaction.

The computer engineering program benefits from a close relationship with, among others, 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 http://www.ce.ucsc.edu/academics/graduate/requirements.

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, or 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 credits. 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 five 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 credits 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

Computer Engineering 200, Research and Teaching in Computer Science and Engineering;
Computer Science 201, Analysis of Algorithms;
Computer Engineering 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 Computer Engineering 297, Independent Study or Research; or Computer Engineering 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 credits 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 five credits in each of three separate categories from computer engineering's list of approved graduate courses. Computer Science 201 and Computer Engineering 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.

M.S. students who have previously successfully completed graduate-level classes in a related field at another institution may substitute courses from their previous institution with the approval of the graduate committee. The number of courses that can be substituted is limited so that, in all cases, the students must complete a minimum of four graduate-level classes during their matriculation at UCSC. These classes must be graduate-level classes from the list of approved graduate courses. http://www.ce.ucsc.edu/academics/graduate/approved-courses
Petitions for course substitutions 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.

Ph.D. students who have previously earned a master's degree or have successfully completed graduate-level classes as regular students in a graduate program in a related field at another institution may apply for a modified program of course requirements taking into account their previous coursework. Such a modified program should specify the coursework that will be completed at UCSC, which must include no fewer than four courses from the list of approved graduate courses. These four courses must be taken while in the graduate program at UCSC.
Application for a modified program of course requirements must be made within the first year of graduate study at UCSC, and will be reviewed by the graduate director and a committee of three faculty members approved by the graduate director. The application should be accompanied by copies of the syllabi, exams, and other course work, as well as the relevant transcript from the other institution. Interviews with the committee members may be required to properly assess the coursework.

Acceptance of prior work for course transfer and modified programs of study is at the discretion of the department.

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 Computer Engineering 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.