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Electrical and Computer Engineering

The baccalaureate program in electrical engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org.

FACULTY Professors: Malinowski, Anakwa (Emeritus), Schertz (Emeritus), Shastry, Stewart (Emeritus); Associate Professors: Huggins (Emeritus), Jetton (Emeritus), Imtiaz , Lu (Chair), Miah, Wang; Assistant Professor in Residence: Gutschlag (Emeritus)

The department offers degree programs in electrical engineering (B.S.E.E. and M.S.E.E.), electrical engineering with computer option (B.S.E.E.), and robotics and controls concentration (B.S.E.E).

It takes special pride in the particularly close student-faculty relationships developed over the years. Entrance requirements can be obtained by contacting the chair of the ECE department.

Department Mission and Educational Objectives

Department Mission: the mission of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department is to educate the next generation of electrical and computer engineers to meet the challenges of the future, and empower electrical engineering graduates for immediate and sustained success in their professional practice.

Program Educational Objectives: The ECE faculty recognize that there are a number of common elements inherent to the success in the profession, which include the following: ability to acquire, generate, and use new knowledge; ability to complete complex electrical engineering projects; critical thinking, experience, knowledge, skills, and capabilities relevant to profession. These elements required for success in the profession translate into these educational objectives of the program. It is the expectation of the ECE faculty that graduates of the EE program will attain the following goals within a few years of graduation,

  1.  Are applying their education to their professional work in the public or private sectors or obtaining an advanced degree in electrical engineering or related areas;
  2. Are engaging in lifelong learning using their education as a foundation.
  3. Are productive while demonstrating professional growth and assuming positions of increasing responsibility.

Student Outcomes 

In order to meet these program educational objectives, students graduating from Bradley’s electrical engineering program will attain the following outcomes.

  1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  2. an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
  3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  4. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
  5. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
  6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies

The goal of the ECE department is to provide the intellectual and physical learning environment in which students achieve these outcomes. The intellectual component of this environment is supplied by the ECE faculty members, in their roles as mentors, advisors, and engineering professionals, as well as by the curriculum they establish for the programs. The physical component consists of quality facilities equipped with state-of-art instrumentation, equipment, computers, and professional software.

Undergraduate Degree Program

Society has been transformed dramatically by the widespread use of electrical and electronic devices and systems and it is certain that even more dramatic changes are in store. These changes are driven by electrical and computer engineers working in many different areas including robotics and controls, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and cybersecurity, embedded system, software development, wireless communication and system, high performance computing, signal processing, power electronics and energy conversion system, and integrated electronics. Bradley electrical engineering graduates have been involved in performing many roles such as research, design, development, product application, manufacturing, and system integration as well as marketing, sales and management

In this dynamic profession, the Bradley ECE faculty recognize that each student’s career path is unique, depending upon the individual’s ambitions and interests. By combining the focus on student-centric undergraduate education, depth of faculty expertise, small student-to-faculty ratio, and design projects, the ECE faculty can respond to the needs and interests of each ECE student.

The department offers three programs: 

Electrical Engineering  

Electrical Engineering with Computer Option

Electrical Engineering with Robotics and Controls Concentration

All ECE programs consist of several curricular components that give the student the opportunity to build a solid foundation of basic physical principles to obtain experience in design, and to acquire useful insight into the profession and practice of electrical engineering.

1. Lecture sequence consists mostly of required core courses through which the student learns about and acquires problem-solving and/or design skills in circuit analysis, digital design, programming in high- and low-level languages, electronics, microcontrollers, signals and systems, and electromagnetic fields.

2. Laboratory and project design sequence: Though many design techniques are taught in the lecture courses, the student learns the practice of electrical engineering design primarily through the laboratory and project sequence. Each year contains at least one design project experience. The lab courses integrate material from the lecture courses and are taught by experienced faculty members. The small student faculty ratio allows for close interactions between students and instructors. Furthermore, the laboratory facilities and equipment are modern and readily accessible. Many of the lecture courses and all of the lab courses require the use of computers as well as the oral and/or written presentation of technical material.

Several aspects of design are taught in the first year, sophomore, and junior labs (ECE 100, ECE 221, and ECE 322). The student’s design experience in these courses includes synthesis to meet specifications, analysis, construction, testing, and evaluation with respect to specifications. Furthermore, the first year, sophomore, and junior design projects associated with these courses are particularly valuable and establish the foundation of the design project sequence. In addition to the implementation steps described above, the projects also require formulation of design problem statements and criteria, consideration of alternative solutions, and system descriptions.

The laboratory and project design sequence culminates with a yearlong senior capstone project (ECE497, ECE498 and ECE499). The capstone project is a major educational component of the program. It involves the student in design at or near the professional level and requires the formulation of design specifications, consideration of alternative solutions, feasibility considerations, time management, allocation of design responsibilities, and detailed system documentation. 

The student builds on this capstone project experience in ECE 401 and ECE 402 (Undergraduate Design Seminar I and II) during the senior year. In these courses, the student works on a multidisciplinary team to prepare a business plan delineating the development of a venture based on an electronic product. The student also explores other aspects of engineering and, through the process, gains a broader view of the engineering profession.

3. Vertical Integrated Project(VIP) Course:

The ECE398 Vertical Integrated Project course (0 – 2 hrs) is introduced to extend project-based learning. Students are required to take ECE398 at least for a semester before they take their senior capstone project. With this repeatable course, students can participate a project for up to 3 years till they get into their senior capstone design project. Stackable ECE398 hours can be counted towards ECE electives or Professional electives. Students have opportunity to work on an interdisciplinary project in a multidisciplinary team of students, from various years, and background. It provides time and context to practice professional skills and gain deeper
insights, make contributions to real-world projects early-on, experience different roles and build up leadership. It makes ambitious multi-year projects possible.

4. Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Electives:

Through 15-hour ECE Elective courses, the student can specialize in areas such as controls, communication, cyber physical and digital system, digital signal processing, electromechanical systems, embedded systems, mechatronics, power electronics and system, robotics, and wireless components and systems.

5. Professional Electives:

All ECE programs require the student to complete a 9-hour professional elective stem. This stem allows the student to take a coherent set of courses so as to enhance the student’s competitiveness in the job market or better prepare for graduate or professional school.

6. Bradley Core Curriculum: In addition to the technical part of the program described above, the student must also meet the Bradley Core Curriculum (BCC) requirements (see All-University Degree Requirements in this catalog.) As part of the BCC requirements, the student gains effective communication skills via introductory and advanced English composition and a speech course. The BCC emphasizes eight “Areas of Inquiry” that will more deeply engage the student in the process of intellectual growth. The student chooses the required BCC courses from a list of approved courses.

A wide range of career opportunities are available to the electrical engineering graduate in many different technical areas and industries. For those who wish to continue their professional studies, details of the Master Science of Electrical Engineering (MSEE) program are given in the Bradley University Graduate Catalog.

Professional and Personal Growth

The electrical engineering lecture courses and lab/project sequence prepare students very well for success as design engineers in the electrical and computer engineering profession. The ECE faculty also urges students to participate in activities and take courses that promote professional growth. It is strongly recommended that students join the Bradley Student Branch of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The IEEE is the world's leading professional association for the advancement of technology and promotes professional development through various activities. In addition, students are advised to consider experiential education such as summer internships and co-op programs. Finally, students can choose their BCC courses and professional electives to put a distinctive stamp on their programs of study. For example, they can seek a minor appropriate to career goals or participate in a study abroad program. (Note that certain minors and study abroad program will add hours and/or time to the normal eight-semester program of study.)

In addition, students can choose their BCC courses and professional electives to put a distinctive stamp on their programs of study. For example, they can seek a minor appropriate to career goals or participate in a study abroad program. (Note that certain minors and study abroad program
will add hours and/or time to the normal eight-semester program of study.)

Programs of Study

Academic advisor closely works with students on their BSEE program of study tailored to their academic background, interest and career goals. BSEE programs have an expected total of 126 credit hours. These courses can be listed in five categories: Bradley Core Curriculum (BCC), Mathematics and Sciences, required ECE courses, approved ECE Electives, and approved professional electives.

Bradley Core Curriculum (BCC) 21 hours

  • BCC Communications (BCC – CM) COM 103 Oral Communications Process - 3 hrs.
  • BCC Communications (BCC – W1) ENG 101 English Composition - 3 hrs.
  • BCC Communications (BCC – W2) ENG 300, 301, 305, or 306 Advanced Writing - 3 hrs.
  • BCC Fine Arts (BCC – FA) - 3 hrs.
  • BCC Global Perspectives (BCC – GP) - 3 hrs.
  • BCC Humanities (BCC – HU) - 3 hrs
  • BCC Multidisciplinary Integration (BCC – MI) - 3 hrs.

Mathematics and Basic Sciences 33 hours-

  • CHM 110 General Chemistry I (BCC – NS1) - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 111 General Chemistry I Lab - 1 hr.
  • MTH 121 Calculus I (BCC – QR1) - 4 hrs.
  • MTH 122 Calculus II (BCC – QR2) - 4 hrs.
  • MTH 223 Calculus III – 4 hrs.
  • MTH 207 Elementary Linear Algebra with Applications – 3 hrs.
  • MTH 224 Differential Equations - 3 hrs.
  • PHY 110 University Physics I (BCC – NS2) - 4 hrs.
  • PHY 201 University Physics II – 4 hrs.
  • ECE 302 Probability, Statistics, and Random Processes for EE - 3 hrs.

Required Courses 48 hours

  • ECE 100 Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering - 2 hrs.
  • ECE 102 Intro to EE: Digital Systems - 3 hrs.
  • ECE 103 Intro to EE: Computers and Programming - 3 hrs.
  • ECE 206 Continuous-Time Signals and Systems - 3 hrs.
  • ECE 208 Transmission Lines and Electromagnetic Fields - 3 hrs.
  • ECE 214 Circuits Analysis and Design – 4 hrs.
  • ECE 221 Circuits and Systems Laboratory - 2 hrs.
  • ECE 301 Discrete-Time Signals and Systems - 3 hrs.
  • ECE 303 Electronics Fundamentals - 3 hrs.
  • ECE 304 Advanced Electronics and Integrated Circuit - 3 hrs.
  • ECE 305 MCU Architecture and Programming - 4 hrs.
  • ECE 322 Electronics and Interfacing Laboratory - 3 hrs.
  • ECE 398 Vertical Integrated Project - 1 hr.
  • ECE 401 Undergraduate Design Seminar I - 1 hr.
  • ECE 402 Undergraduate Design Seminar II - 1 hr.
  • ECE 498 Senior Capstone Project I - 3 hrs. (BCC WI, EL)
  • ECE 499 Senior Capstone Project II - 3 hrs. (BCC WI, EL)
  • ECO 100 Introduction to Economics (SB) – 3 hrs

Approved ECE Electives - 15 hours
Approved Professional Electives - 9 hours
Expected Program: 126 hours

ECE Electives Description

ECE electives are available in the areas of controls, communication, cyber physical and digital system, digital signal processing, electromechanical systems, embedded systems, mechatronics, power electronics and system, robotics, and wireless components and systems. Approved ECE electives include all 400-level ECE courses except for ECE 401, ECE 402, ECE 497, ECE 498, and ECE 499.

ECE EE Electives:

Through EE electives, the student can specialize in areas such as controls, communication, digital signal processing, electromechanical systems, mechatronics, power electronics and system, and wireless components and systems.

Five EE electives are required and two must be from the core pool listed below:

  • ECE 431 Communication Theory I
  • ECE 440 Electromechanical Systems
  • ECE 441 Control System Theory I
  • ECE 451 Radio Frequency Circuits and Systems
  • ECE 460 Digital Signal Processing
  • ECE 470 Data-Structures and Object-oriented Programming
  • ECE 481: Digital Systems: Design and Synthesis

Special topic courses may be offered as EE electives. See your advisor for a current list of approved EE electives.

ECE Digital Electives:

The demand for and continuing advances in computers and digital systems have created opportunities for professionals capable of not only designing computer systems but also applying these systems to a broad range of applications. Such fields as communications, automatic control, robotics, and signal processing have benefitted greatly from developments in the digital area. Additionally, the development of modern computers requires a thorough understanding of the methodologies of software and hardware design.

Five ECE digital electives are required and two must be from the core pool, listed below:

  • ECE 444 Introduction to Autonomous Robotics
  • ECE 465 Engineering Application of Machine Learning
  • ECE 466 Real-Time DSP Laboratory
  • ECE 470 Data-Structures and Object-Oriented Programming
  • ECE 471 Real-time Operating Systems
  • ECE 472 Embedded Microcontroller Linux
  • ECE 473 Embedded TCP/IP
  • ECE 481 Digital Systems: Design and Synthesis
  • ECE 482 Digital Systems: High Level Synthesis and Codesign
  • ECE 483 Digital Systems: Microprocessor Architecture and Design

It is also expected that the students in the option focus their project work in the digital area. Special topic courses may be offered as ECE digital electives. See your advisor for a current list of approved ECE digital electives.

ECE Robotics and Controls Electives:

The Robotics and Controls concentration provides ECE students with essential knowledge and skills in the practice of sensory feedback, geometric control, optimal control, cooperative control, planning and information processing for robotics. Completing this concentration will help students acquire the fundamentals and practical skills in autonomous robotics and prepare them for a career in intelligent robotics and/or for pursuing advanced degrees in robots.

Five elective courses for Robotics and Controls electives

1. Require project-based Robotics and Controls electives:

ECE 444 Introduction to Autonomous Robotics (3 hours)

2. Take any two of these Robotics and Controls electives courses that emphasize dynamics, mechatronics, robotics and control:  

  • ECE 440 Electromechanical Systems (3 hours)
  • ECE 441 Control System Theory I (3 hours)
  • ECE 442 Control System Theory II (3 hours)
  • ECE 443 Cooperative Control of Multiagents (3 hours)
  • ECE 467 Mobile Robotics Laboratory (3 hours)
  • ECE 468 Introduction to Mechatronics (3 hours)
  • ECE 474 Mobile Robot Navigation and Mapping (3 hours)

3. Take any two of these Robotics and Controls electives courses that emphasize artificial intelligence, information processing and programming 

  • ECE 460 Digital Signal Processing (3 hours)
  • ECE 462 Digital Image Processing (3 hours)
  • ECE 465 Engineering Application of Machine Learning (3 hours)
  • ECE 470 Embedded Data Structures and Object Oriented Programming (3 hours)
  • ECE 471 Real-time Operating Systems (3 hours)
  • ECE 472 Embedded Microcontroller Linux (3 hours)
  • ECE 481 Digital System: Design and Synthesis (3 hours)

4. Students in robotics and controls concentration are recommended to complete a senior capstone project in the area of Robotics and Controls. The senior capstone project courses include 

  • ECE 497 Capstone Project Level Design (1 hour)
  • ECE 498 Senior Capstone I (2 hours)
  • ECE 499 Senior Capstone Project II (3 hours)

Special topic courses may be offered as ECE Robotics and Controls electives. See advisor for updated list of Robotics and Control electives.

Introductory Course Exception:

Students who do not earn credit for ECE100 may be required to take an extra ECE elective to replace those credit hours.

This is the official catalog for the 2023-2024 academic year. This catalog serves as a contract between a student and Bradley University. Should changes in a program of study become necessary prior to the next academic year every effort will be made to keep students advised of any such changes via the Dean of the College or Chair of the Department concerned, the Registrar's Office, u.Achieve degree audit system, and the Schedule of Classes. It is the responsibility of each student to be aware of the current program and graduation requirements for particular degree programs.