School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

The Computer Science Program

The Computer Science program offers courses and programs leading to Bachelor of Science, Master of Science (see online Graduate Catalog), and Doctor of Philosophy (see online Graduate Catalog) degrees in Computer Science. In addition, the program offers minors in Computer Science and Information Technology.

The program strives to meet the requirements for professional careers and research in software development and computing systems technology by producing graduates with a broad base of formal course work. Students may use required elective credit to concentrate their degree in one of many research areas, including computational biotechnology, computational complexity, computational geometry, computer architecture, computer graphics, computer networks, computer simulation, computer vision, databases systems, design and analysis of algorithms, distributed computing, digital media, evolutionary computing, graph theory, human-computer interaction, machine learning, mixed and virtual reality, multi-agent systems, natural language processing and knowledge-based systems, neural networks, operating systems, parallel processing, quantum computing, software engineering and VLSI design tools and hardware algorithms.

Research facilities are organized around laboratories directed by faculty members. Facilities in these laboratories change rapidly and are generally funded through external research grants, supplemented by grant matching and startup funds from EECS. To learn about the current status of research facilities and projects, visit faculty web pages. These may be found by following links from the EECS home page at http://www.eecs.ucf.edu/.

Mission

The mission of the Computer Science program is to educate majors in the principles and practices of computer science, preparing them for graduate school, for careers in software development and computing technology, and for a lifetime of learning.

Educational Objectives

1. To give CS graduates the knowledge and skills necessary to participate as effective team members or team leaders in the development of large computer and software systems covering a broad range of engineering and scientific applications.
2. Prepare CS graduates for professional careers in roles including, but not limited to, the following: computer programmer, software engineer, software systems designer, software applications developer, technical software project lead, computer systems analyst, computer systems programmer, software applications tester and maintainer.
3. To prepare CS graduates with the knowledge and skills to do advanced studies and research in computer science and related engineering and scientific disciplines.
4. To equip CS graduates with the communication skills, both oral and written, to become effective team-oriented problem solvers as well as effective communicators with non-technical stakeholders in computer and software systems development, maintenance and administration.

Program Outcomes

1. CS majors shall demonstrate knowledge of discrete and continuous mathematics and their skills in applying logic and mathematical proof techniques.
2. CS graduates shall demonstrate knowledge and skill in algorithm design and complexity analysis.
3. CS majors shall demonstrate knowledge of programming fundamentals by their degree of programming skill using at least three programming languages dominant in the computing industry.
4. Graduating CS majors shall demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, design principles and fundamental algorithms relating to computer architecture and organization, computer operating systems, computer networks and distributed computing.
5. Graduating CS majors shall demonstrate their effectiveness in technical oral and written communication skills, particularly as these skills apply to the dissemination of technical information on subjects dealing with computing technology and applications.
6. Graduating CS majors shall demonstrate knowledge of fundamental concepts and principles in software engineering and the skills to apply best-practices in software development processes, methods and tools.
7. Graduating CS majors shall be highly competitive professionals in the market place of entry level jobs requiring technical skills in application software development.
8. Graduating CS majors shall be highly competitive in their acceptance for advanced study at colleges and universities ranked in the same tier with UCF or higher.

The Information Technology Program

The Information Technology program offers courses leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology. Information Technology encompasses computer hardware, software, peripheral devices and their use in communication networks and information systems. IT-related disciplines include database engineering, network engineering, performance planning, system security, digital media design, and web server design. The program provides students a strong conceptual core, which will prepare them to be lifelong learners, along with significant hands-on experience. The inclusion of advanced courses in technical writing, ethics in science and technology, human technology interaction, IT system integration, enterprise computing, and web-based IT will prepare these students to deal with the subject areas and communicate in the parlance of the industries in which they choose to work. The curriculum also includes up to 12 hours of free electives that allow students to pursue a minor degree or concentration area such as education, health, business, or criminal justice, to which information technology may be applied.

Mission

The mission of the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Degree Program is to educate students in the science and practices of information technology, preparing them for a lifetime of learning and for careers in information technology as well as in a wide variety of disciplines that integrate information technology into their respective fields of activity.

Educational Objectives

1. To prepare IT graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to be effective professional contributors or leaders in the design, administration and management of information technology systems, databases and networks commonly used by industry, government, education, research and non-profit organizations.
2. To prepare IT graduates for professional careers in roles including, but not limited to, the following: IT manager, IT systems analyst, network designer, network administrator, network security administrator, web applications developer, webmaster, database administration, IT project lead, IT quality assurance.
3. To equip IT graduates with the communication skills, both oral and written, to become effective team-oriented problem solvers as well as effective communicators with non-technical users of information technology systems and applications.
4. To prepare IT graduates with the knowledge and skills to conduct advanced studies and research in disciplines for web-based applications, networking, information storage and retrieval, IT security, electronic commerce.

Program Outcomes

1. Demonstrate expertise in the main content knowledge of information technology.
2. Effectively use information science and technology frameworks (concepts, principles, methods, languages and theories) to design, analyze, and construct solution in a network-based environment.
3. Effectively apply scientific and mathematical principles, methods and techniques to the research and development of emerging technologies in the computing field.
4. Critically analyze and apply a range of information science and systems concepts, principles, and practices in the context of solving problems across a range of information technology problem domains.
5. Develop computer-based applications using the information technology body of knowledge.
6. Employ terminology for information technology accurately and effectively
7. Use technical writing effectively and professionally for varied audiences.
8. Convey technical material through oral presentations of information technology related topics.

Electrical and Computer Engineering Programs

The Electrical and Computer Engineering programs offer baccalaureate degrees in both Electrical Engineering (BSEE) and Computer Engineering (BSCpE). Graduate degrees leading to the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (M.S.E.E.), Master of Science in Computer Engineering (M.S.P.E.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) are also offered.

The curriculum provides an integrated experience including humanities and social sciences, mathematics and basic sciences, engineering core, computing, and design experience. The laboratory experiences appropriately combine theory and practice in the Electrical and Computer Engineering programs through a logical progression of courses. Design experiences start with the first circuits course, EEL 3004, and progress to the senior design capstone courses. This senior design experience is a two-semester sequence totaling six credit hours. Aspects of engineering economics, administration, oral presentation, professional issues such as ethics, safety and environmental impact are also covered in the design courses. The design projects required in the design course sequence address real-life problems, and the students work in a team setting. Also, several projects are developed jointly with our industrial partners.

The Computer Engineering Program

The Computer Engineering program contains a minimum of 24 credit hours of design experience, which includes courses listed as Embedded Systems and Computer Architecture (EEL 4767C and EEL 4768C), Computer Science I (COP 3502) and Digital Systems (EEE 3342C). Technical electives can give additional design experiences in specialty areas such as computer architecture, intelligent systems, networking, software engineering, and simulation systems.

Mission

The mission of the UCF Computer Engineering Program is to develop and disseminate the theory and methods for the design, analysis, implementation, and improvement of computer hardware, software, and systems.

Educational Objectives

The educational objectives are to prepare:

1. All graduates for careers in industry or technical entrepreneurship within the computer engineering field,
2. Interested graduates for pursuit of graduate study and advanced degrees at UCF or elsewhere, and
3. All graduates for advancement within the professional community through ethical engineering practices and career-long learning processes.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Computer Engineering program should attain:

1. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering,
2. An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data,
3. An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability,
4. An ability to function on multidisciplinary teams,
5. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems,
6. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility,
7. An ability to communicate effectively,
8. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context,
9. A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning,
10. A knowledge of contemporary issues,
11. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice,
12. A knowledge of probability and statistics, mathematics through differential and integral calculus, basic sciences, computer science, and engineering sciences necessary to analyze and design complex electrical and electronic devices, software, and systems containing hardware and software components, and
13. A knowledge of discrete mathematics.

The Electrical Engineering Program

The Electrical Engineering program contains a minimum of 18 credit hours of design experience. This is achieved through such courses as Linear Control Systems (EEL 3657), Electronics I and II (EEE 3307C and EEE 4309C), Digital Signal Processing (EEL 4750), Signal Analysis and Communication (EEL 3552C), Embedded Systems (EEL 4767C), Networks and Systems (EEL 3123C) and Digital Circuits and Systems (EEE 3342C). Technical electives can give additional design experience leading to work in communications, controls, image and signal processing, microelectronics and solid state devices, microwaves and electromagnetics, optical engineering, and power/power electronics.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Electrical Engineering Program is to develop and disseminate the theory and methods for the design, analysis, and implementation of the principles and practices in Electrical Engineering

Educational Objectives

The educational objectives are to prepare

1. Students for careers in industry or technical entrepreneurship within the electrical engineering field
2. Interested students pursuit of graduate study and advanced degrees at UCF or elsewhere, and
3. Students for advancement within the professional community through ethical engineering practices and career-long learning processes.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Electrical Engineering program should attain:

1. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
2. An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
3. An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
4. An ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
5. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
6. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility,
7. An ability to communicate effectively
8. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context,
9. A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning,
10. A knowledge of contemporary issues
11. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice
12. Knowledge of probability and statistics, mathematics through differential and integral calculus, basic science, computer science, and engineering science necessary to analyze and design complex electrical and electronic devices
13. Knowledge of advanced mathematics typically including differential equations, linear algebra and complex variable

The mission statement and objectives for the Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering programs are electronically posted and continuously updated. More information on the Computer and Electrical Engineering programs can be found on the home page at http://www.ece.ucf.edu.

School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Policies and Procedures

The School’s web site (http://www.eecs.ucf.edu/) is a central point from which visitors may view current policies and procedures of our programs. In particular, links from this page provide up-to-date answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) concerning academic advisement, student professional societies, undergraduate research opportunities, and means to effectively communicate concerns (comments, suggestions, complaints). We ask that you visit this site and follow its guidelines before you send e-mail and letters, or make phone calls to faculty members and administrators.