Program Information
We are living in the era of the Internet. Almost any device you can think of that involves computer networks, controls for robotics, our telephones, and more, all involve Computer Engineering. Such devices enhance our lives in how we work, play, communicate, and more. The design, development, and maintenance of such devices involves diverse teams of hardware and software specialists.
There is a wide variety of skills and expertise needed, from traditional hardware design at one end, to computer programming at the other end. The most exciting new area, however, involves bridging the gap between hardware and software, to focus on the application of computer systems to real-word problems.
The growth of computer disciplines is hastened by a virtuous circle. Advances in computer technology lead to entirely new products and markets that were previously not possible or even imagined, which in turn leads to new companies which through competition produce further advances with innovative breakthroughs. In time every aspect of society is affected.
Given the rapid pace in Computer Engineering, our program starts with a rigorous engineering foundation in mathematics and the physical sciences, as well as a foundation in computer hardware and computer programming. Our students learn the skill of engineering design by applying theoretical course work with extensive lab work. The University of Hartford engineering curricula requires that for each academic year, students take at least one design related course.
The choice of program electives as well as the senior project sequence allows a student to tailor the program for more emphasis on hardware or software. Our Computer Engineering students take Computer Science courses along with students in that department. With the appropriate choice of electives, a Computer Engineering student can earn a minor in Computer Science.
Educational Objectives
Educational Objectives
During their careers, computer engineering graduates will:
- become successful practicing engineers or pursue another career that makes use of engineering principles and professional skills;
- become contributing members of multidisciplinary teams and successfully apply the fundamentals of their educational background; and
- pursue professional development, including continuing or advanced education, relevant to their career path.
To achieve these objectives students are given a rigorous foundation in mathematics, physics, chemistry, mechanics, programming, and circuit theory. Then they are immersed in a sequence of required courses in digital systems, (configurable logic devices)), microprocessors, electronics, computer architecture, sensors, transducers and data acquisition, advanced computer programming, and data structures.
In their senior year, students are given the choice to pursue their own areas of interest in computer engineering and computer science through the selection of several elective courses. Both the required courses and the senior-year courses are designed to achieve breadth and depth in the curriculum. The engineering design experience is distributed throughout the entire curriculum, beginning in the first year and continuing throughout the curriculum, culminating in a two part senior-year capstone project.
Students must complete a 4-credit lecture and laboratory course in general chemistry. Students also must complete two 4-credit lectures courses in calculus-based physics (including laboratory components), thus meeting the depth requirement. Students complete a mathematics sequence including Calculus I and II, Differential Equations. (These courses are prerequisites for several computer engineering courses).
The ability to (use, design, and implement computer systems) is demonstrated by the progression from introductory to comprehensive (courses), including design components and senior capstone (project).
Through participation in the All-University Curriculum and in additional elective courses in the humanities and/or social sciences, students are given the opportunity to broaden their perspectives and to participate in the larger learning community of the University. ((, to better understand the role and responsibility a Computer Engineer has in society.))
Extensive laboratory work supplements the theoretical course work through suitable hands-on experience. In addition to the laboratories in the sciences, there are required laboratory courses in engineering: Circuits I and II; Electronics I and II; Digital Logic; FPGA; microprocessors; digital devices; and sensors, transducers, and data acquisition.
Students exercise their verbal and technical writing skills in a required writing course and in many engineering courses. In addition, written and oral communication of laboratory results is required.