Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Engineering) Programme

(jointly offered by Faculty of Engineering and School of Computing)

2.1      Overview

The Departments of Computer Science and Electrical & Computer Engineering jointly offer a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering (CEG) programme.

The Computer Engineering programme produces graduates with a solid and balanced foundation in both hardware and software skills required to create computing systems. A uniquely multidisciplinary programme, CEG transcends the traditional boundary of computer science and electrical engineering. The CEG programme has been designed based on the Conceive-Design-Implement-Operate framework that places much emphasis on teamwork and aims to develop mature individuals who can work effectively in teams and communicate professionally. A major thrust of this programme is to train students to be technically competent to design-build-and-operate complex value-added computing systems in a modern team-based engineering environment. Graduates will have the opportunity to consolidate this experience through a unique long-term industrial attachment, and through overseas work and/or learning experience. Graduates will be able to attain significant knowledge and abilities in key technologies for real-time embedded systems, computer networking and wireless communication systems, medical imaging and information systems, intelligent control systems, and many others. In the workplace, computer engineers span a wide range of skills introducing intelligence into every conceivable device -- from the smart phones and MP3 players to massive industrial control systems.  They create the electronic systems in a modern car containing dozens of computing systems communicating through a network. They connect the physical world with cyberspace to enhance everything from entertainment to healthcare and the environment.

The educational objectives of the B.Eng. (Computer Engineering) programme is to graduate students who, 5 years after their graduation,

·              are technically competent to solve complex problems in computer engineering and can adapt effectively in a fast changing environment

·              are able to critically think, analyse and make decisions that give due consideration to global issues in business, ethics, society and the environment

·              are able to communicate effectively, act with integrity, and have the inter-personal skills needed to engage in, lead, and nurture diverse teams

·              are committed to lifelong learning, resourceful and embrace global challenges and opportunities to make a positive impact in society.

The success of the CEG programme is assessed through the following student learning outcomes:

a)       apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering to the solution of complex engineering problems

b)       design and conduct experiments, analyse, interpret data and synthesise valid conclusions

c)        design a system, component, or process, and synthesise solutions to achieve desired needs

d)       identify, formulate, research through relevant literature review, and solve engineering problems reaching substantiated conclusions

e)       use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice with appropriate considerations for public health and safety, cultural, societal, and environmental constraints

f)        communicate effectively

g)        recognize the need for, and have the ability to engage in life-long learning

h)       understand the impact of engineering solutions in a societal context and to be able to respond effectively to the needs for sustainable development

i)        function effectively within multi-disciplinary teams and understand the fundamental precepts of effective project management

j)         understand professional, ethical and moral responsibility

k)        a good understanding of the principles and applications of advanced mathematics, including probability and statistics, differential and integral calculus, linear algebra and complex variables

Accreditation of engineering academic programmes is a key foundation for the practice of engineering at the professional level. The B.Eng. (Computer Engineering) programme is currently accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Board (EAB) of Singapore for students graduating from the programme up to AY2012/13. The programme will undergo a re-accreditation exercise in 2013 which is expected to cover graduates up to AY2017/18.  Via the accreditation from the EAB, all signatories in the Washington Accord recognise the substantial equivalence of our programmes in satisfying the academic requirements for the practice of engineering at the professional level. This means that our graduates can be accepted for engineering practice in the countries that are part of the Washington Accord. Signatories in the Washington Accord include Canada, USA, UK, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia and others.

2.2      Degree Requirements

Students in the B.Eng. (Computer Engineering) programme are required to complete a minimum of 160 MCs with a CAP ≥ 2.0 to graduate. In the first stage of the programme, students will receive a broad-based training that seeks to establish a strong foundation in mathematics, information sciences, and computing. In the second stage, students will enrol in core modules that focus on fundamental knowledge in electrical and computer engineering. These core modules provide the essential foundation for a variety of specialised technical areas in CEG. During their senior years of study, students may choose from a wide variety of electives to enable them to specialise in certain fields of CEG. Throughout their programme, they are also expected to broaden their views by reading some general education modules, and breadth modules offered by other Faculties. Students are strongly encouraged to take at least one business module from a prescribed list of business modules. The complete structure of the programme is specified in Table 1.

Table 1: Summary of CEG Modular Requirements and Credits

*   Student’s faculties refer to both the Faculty of Engineering and School of Computing.

^#    For students who have not passed or have been exempted from the Qualifying English Test at the time of admission to the university.

Students are encouraged to specialise in one of the following concentrations (i.e., Embedded Systems, Networking, Communications, Control & Energy Management and Multimedia Processing) by taking the electives in these concentrations.  The modules in each concentration are categorised as breadth or depth modules. A breadth module enables students to achieve a broad understanding of concepts in the particular concentration. A depth module is a higher-level module that provides greater depth and coverage in the particular concentration. The list of electives in the various concentrations is given in Table 2.

Table 2: List of Electives in the Various Concentrations

The rules are as follows. To achieve depth, CEG students need to read a minimum of three depth electives. Students may read breadth electives to achieve exposure to various facets of CEG. All technical electives must add up to at least 24 MCs. These modules may come from any of the concentrations. While there is no necessity, students may opt to specialise in a particular concentration. To do so, a student must read all three depth modules from the same concentration. Students will have to ensure that they have read any prerequisite modules to read the selected depth modules. This may have an impact on the selection of breadth modules.

2.3      Recommended Semester Schedule

The recommended semester schedule for CEG students without/with Industrial Attachment (IA) is presented in Tables 3 and 4 respectively.

Table 3: Recommended Semester Schedule for CEG students without Industrial Attachment

*   These ULR modules (GEM, SS, and ULR Breadth) and UEM modules can be read in any semester.

Table 4: Recommended Semester Schedule for CEG students with Industrial Attachment

*   These ULR modules (GEM, SS, and ULR Breadth) and UEM modules can be read in any semester.

Note:

1.  Students can read EE3001 and one UEM/ULR/Breadth/Depth Technical Elective in the evening classes during the IA subject to availability.

For the module descriptions of the common modules in this programme, please refer to Section Q. Other Multidisciplinary/ Special Programmes in Part III: MODULES.

2.4      Relevant website

For more information, please refer to www.ceg.nus.edu.sg.