Computer Engineering
Baskin School of Engineering
335 Baskin Engineering Building
(831) 459-2158
http://www.soe.ucsc.edu
Changes to 2006-08 Catalog Highlighted
|
Faculty
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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.
The Department co-sponsors the B.S. in bioengineering with the Departments
of Biomolecular Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Molecular,
Cell & 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.
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/).
Students considering the computer engineering major among other possibilities
are strongly encouraged to take course 1 (2 units) or course 8 within
the first two quarters, and course 12 within the first three quarters.
The computer engineering B.S. program is accredited by the
Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, Inc.,
(previously
the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology).
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; 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
80H,
History of Modern Computing;
course 80E,
Engineering Ethics; and course 80A,
Assistive Technology and Universal
Access.
Computer Engineering Policies
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.
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.
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.
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 Engineering Honor Society.
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.
Please refer to the Engineering section of this catalog for the
School of Engineering's Major Disqualification 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.
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
1,
Hands-On Computer Engineering
(two credits, recommended)
8,
Robot Automation: Intelligence through Feedback Control
(recommended)
12/L,
Computer Systems and Assembly Language/Laboratory
12A/L,
Introduction to Programming; and
12B/M,
Introduction to Data Structures
; or 13H,
Introduction to Programming and Data Structures (Honors)
70/L,
Introduction to Electronics/Laboratory
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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,
Feed
back 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, I
ntroduction to Computer Networks
-
Computer Engineering 151,
Network Administration
; or 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
- Computer Engineering 174, Introduction to the EDA Tools for PCB Design (three credits)
-
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.
-
123A,
Computer Engineering Design Project I
-
123B,
Computer Engineering Design Project II
; or 195,
Senior Thesis Research
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:
-
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.soe.ucsc.edu/programs/ce/undergraduate/portfolio.html
.
-
An exit survey
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.
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/L
core course
|
Math 19B
Cmpe 12L
Cmpe 1 (2 unit)
gen ed |
Cmpe 80E
Cmps 12B/M
gen ed |
2nd
(soph)
|
Phys 5A/L
Math 23A
gen ed |
AMS 27/L
Cmpe 100/L
gen ed |
Phys 5C/N
Cmpe 16
Cmpe 80E |
|
Plan Two
|
|
Year
|
Fall
|
Winter
|
Spring
|
1st
(frsh) |
Math 3 (pre-calc)
Cmpe 8
Cmpe 1 (2 unit)
core course |
Math 19A
Cmps 12/L
gen ed |
Math 19B
Cmps 12A/L
gen ed |
2nd
(soph)
|
Phys 5A/L
Cmps 12B/M
gen ed |
Cmpe 100/L
Cmpe 16
gen ed |
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:
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;
Physics 5A/L or 6A/L, and 5C/N or 6C/N
12/L,
Computer Systems and Assembly Language/ Laboratory
100/L,
Logic Design/Laboratory
110,
Computer Architecture
121/L,
Microprocessor System Design/Laboratory
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
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.
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
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
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)
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
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
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/
.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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