University of Texas at El Paso Academic Catalog

Academic Catalog

BS in Electrical Engineering

Many products and services in modern society are based upon the work of electrical engineers. Electrical engineering majors learn the physics of electricity and magnetism; mathematics of circuits and systems; and engineering tools of analysis and design. Electrical engineers design, develop, build and test electrical and electronic devices and systems. For instance, electrical communication systems involving, wire, optical fiber, or wireless technology abound in radio, television, cellphones, and computer networks. Advances in electronics have made possible instrumentation systems for use in all branches of the physical and biological sciences, as well as in most areas of engineering. The reduction in cost and size of digital electronic devices has led to an explosive growth in the use of embedded computing in many application domains. Digital signal processing has enabled information extraction and processing capabilities unforeseen with analog technology in areas of video and music, environmental sciences, biomedical imaging, communication and computer systems. Electric energy is controlled and distributed by a complex transmission and distribution network that is essential to the functionality of modern society. New electric and electronic systems and devices are enabling the control of the flow of energy in a multitude of systems that affect our lives in many different ways.

The electrical engineering curriculum builds upon the physical, mathematical and electrical engineering sciences integrated with engineering tools of analysis and design to prepare an electrical engineer that can contribute to the needs of El Paso del Norte region and the nation. Students in the EE Program can specialize in thematic focus areas such as: (i) Communications, Systems, and Signal Processing, (ii) Fields, Electronics and Devices, (iii) Computer Engineering, and (iv) General Electrical Engineering. New focus areas are being developed in Biomedical Engineering, and Electric Power and Energy.

Marketable Skills 

  1. Ability to Identify, formulate, and solve electrical engineering problems by applying advanced math, science, and engineering principles.
  2. Ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs under realistic constraints.
  3. Ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  4. Ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations.
  5. 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. Ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  7. Ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

The BS Degree in Electrical Engineering consists of 128 semester credit hours divided into a lower division, providing diverse courses over a broad base of technical subjects, and an upper-division providing more specialized courses.

Vision

The Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering will provide programs of the highest quality to produce world-class engineers who can address challenges of the millennium.

Mission

The Electrical Engineering Program will:

  • Dedicate itself to providing its students with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that will allow its graduates to succeed as engineers and leaders.
  • Maintain a vital, state-of-the art research enterprise that provides its students and faculty with opportunities to create, interpret, apply and disseminate knowledge.
  • Prepare its graduates for life-long learning to meet intellectual, ethical, and career challenges.
  • Recognize and act upon the special mandate to make high-quality engineering education available to the residents of El Paso and the surrounding region.

Educational Objectives

As individuals and as members of teams, our graduates will be able to:

  • Our graduates should apply their knowledge and skills to electrical engineering practice or to pursue advanced education successfully as demonstrated by some of the following:
    • Completion of certificates, graduate degrees, or professional licensing
    • Sustained employment and/or full-time graduate school in electrical engineering or related area
    • Advancement and/or recognition in employment
  • Our graduates should demonstrate creativity, leadership and entrepreneurial thinking in the practice of engineering as demonstrated by some of the following
    • Leadership roles in their organizations, their profession, and/or in society
    • Effective participation in disciplinary and multidisciplinary teams
    • Successful development and/or improvement of products, processes, and/or systems
  • Our graduates should engage successfully in professional communication as demonstrated by some of the following
    • Publication of technical articles, engineering reports, and/or proposals
    • Effective participation in disciplinary and multidisciplinary teams
    • Presentation of their work at professional meetings or conferences
  • Our graduates should exhibit social and professional responsibility in the practice of engineering as demonstrated by some of the following
    • Involvement in community service
    • Evidence of commitment to lifelong learning
    • Membership in professional organizations

Student Outcomes

These Educational Objectives are supported by the following student outcomes. Attainment of these outcomes prepares program graduates to enter the professional practice of engineering.

  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.

Fast Track

The Fast-Track Program enables outstanding undergraduate UTEP students to receive both undergraduate and graduate credit for up to 15 hours of UTEP course work as determined by participating Master's and Doctoral programs.  Not all undergraduate programs have elected to participate in the Fast Track option, so students should see their departmental graduate advisor for information about requirements and guidelines. A list of courses that have been approved for possible use at the graduate level is found here

Fast-Track Combined BSEE/Master Program in Electrical or Computer Engineering

Students with at least 90 hours accumulated toward their BSEE degree and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.30 may be eligible for admission into the fast-track BSEE/Master Program. Students admitted to this program take graduate classes that count both toward graduate degree requirements and undergraduate degree requirements, for up to 15 credit hours of ECE graduate courses per approval of the undergraduate and graduate advisors. Eligible ECE graduate courses come from a list approved for fast-track by the ECE Faculty. Students must earn a B or better in the graduate course to count as graduate credit for the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering or for the Master of Science in Computer Engineering. If the grade is a C, it will not count towards the graduate degree but will still count towards the undergraduate degree.

Degree Plan

BS in Electrical Engineering with Concentration

Required Credits: 128

University Core Curriculum
Complete the University Core Curriculum requirements.42
Concentration Required
This program requires the selection of a concentration.
Electrical Engineering Designated Core (All courses require a grade of C or better.)
Required Courses:
CE 2326Econ for Engrs & Scientists3
CS 1320Computer Programming Sci/Engr3
PHYS 2320Introductory Mechanics3
PHYS 2120Laboratory for PHYS 23201
PHYS 2321Introductory Electromagnetism3
PHYS 2121Laboratory for PHYS 23211
MATH 1508Precalculus (Listed if completed, but not required)3-5
or MATH 1310 Trigonometry and Conics
or MATH 1411 Calculus I
Electrical Engineering Core (Lower) (All courses require a grade of C or better.)
Required Courses:
ECE 1100Lab for ECE 13001
ECE 1300Intro to Electr/Comp Eng3
ECE 2102Lab for ECE 23021
ECE 2103Lab for ECE 23031
ECE 2301Electric Circuits I3
ECE 2302Electric Circuits II3
ECE 2331Cont. Time Signals & Systems3
ECE 2303Digital Systems Design I3
ECE 2300Software Design I3
MATH 1312Calculus II3
MATH 1411Calculus I4
MATH 2313Calculus III3
MATH 2326Differential Equations3
Select one of the following:
BIOL 1305General Biology3
CHEM 1305General Chemistry3
MATH 2300Discrete Mathematics3
Electrical Engineering Core (Upper)
Required Courses:
ECE 3141Lab for ECE 33411
ECE 2104Lab for ECE 23041
ECE 3100Junior Prof. Orientation1
ECE 3320Electromagnetic Field Theory3
ECE 3343Applied Quantum Mech for EE3
ECE 3344Fund. of Semiconductor Dev3
ECE 3341Electronics I3
ECE 3342Electronics II3
ECE 3331Discrete Time Signals & Sys3
ECE 2304Microprocessor Systems I3
ECE 3332Prob with App Elect/Comp Eng3
ECE 4203Senior Project Lab I2
ECE 4204Senior Project Lab II2
MATH 3323Matrix Algebra C3
Select one of the following:1
Lab for ECE 3370
Undergraduate Service Learning
Undergraduate Research
Lab for ECE 4353
Lab for ECE 4340
Engineering Problems
Lab for ECE 4354
Special Topics Lab in ECE
Co-op Work Experiences
Co-op Work Experiences
Biomedical Instrumentation Lab
Undergrad Services Learning
Undergraduate Research
Special Topics Lab in ECE
Professional Options:
Select three hours of Professional Options approved by the department advisor:3
Concentration
Complete one of the following concentrations12
Total Hours128

Courses require a grade of C or better.

Computer Engineering

Students in this concentration study the science and technology of design, construction, implementation, and maintenance of software and hardware components of modern computing systems, computer controlled equipment, and networks of intelligent devices.

Computer Engineering Concentration
Select 12 hours from the following:12
Software Design II
Digital Systems Design II
Foundations of Deep Learning
Fuzzy Logic and Engineering
Engineering Problems Seminar
Operating System Design
VLSI Design
CMOS Digital Circuit Design
Microprocessor Systems II
Computer Architecture
Undergraduate Research
Special Topics

Fields and Devices

Students in this concentration study the physical foundations for materials and devices used in modern electronic and optoelectronic systems as well as different aspects of applied electromagnetics. They also learn the engineering principles for the design and development of devices and systems.

Fields and Devices Engineering Concentration
Select 12 hours from the following:12
Energy Conversion
Applied Electromagnetics
Theory & Appl Contemp Devices
VLSI Nanotechnology
Fiber Optic Communication
Engineering Problems Seminar
VLSI Design
CMOS Digital Circuit Design
Applied Photovoltaics
Microwave Engineering
Antenna Engineering
Transmission Power Flow Cont.
Computational Methods In EE
Intro to Power Electronics
High Resolution Radar
Undergraduate Research
Special Topics

General Electrical Engineering

Students in this concentration have the opportunity to acquire a broad background in electrical engineering by taking selection of courses across different sub-disciplines in electrical engineering.

General Electrical Engineering Concentration
Select 12 hours from the following:12
Intro to Communication Netwks
Software Design II
Energy Conversion
Digital Systems Design II
Applied Electromagnetics
Theory & Appl Contemp Devices
VLSI Nanotechnology
Real-Time Digital Signal Proc
Biomechatronics
Med Diag & Therap Instrum
Biomedical Signal & Image Proc
Telemedicine & Imaging Inform
Fiber Optic Communication
Systems and Controls
Foundations of Deep Learning
Fuzzy Logic and Engineering
Engineering Problems Seminar
Operating System Design
VLSI Design
CMOS Digital Circuit Design
Applied Photovoltaics
Microprocessor Systems II
Computer Architecture
Microwave Engineering
Antenna Engineering
Digital Signal Processing
Transmission Power Flow Cont.
Biomedical Instrumentation
Computational Methods In EE
Intro to Power Electronics
Digital Communications
High Resolution Radar
Undergraduate Research
Special Topics
Practicum in Elect & Comp Eng

Power and Energy Systems Engineering 

Students in this concentration study the development, planning, design, construction, maintenance, installation and operation of electric power systems for the safe, sustainable, economic and reliable conversion, generation, transmission, distribution, storage and usage of electric energy, including its measurement and control.

Power and Energy Systems Engineering Concentration
Select 12 hours from the following:12
Energy Conversion
Engineering Problems Seminar
Transmission Power Flow Cont.
Intro to Power Electronics
Undergraduate Research
Special Topics

Biomedical Engineering 

Students in this concentration study the development and application of engineering concepts and methods to provide new solutions to biological, medical and healthcare problems.

Biomedical Engineering Concentration
Select 12 hours from the following:12
Biomechatronics
Med Diag & Therap Instrum
Biomedical Signal & Image Proc
Telemedicine & Imaging Inform
Systems and Controls
Engineering Problems Seminar
Biomedical Instrumentation
Undergraduate Research
Special Topics

Signal Processing, Systems and Communications

Students in this concentration study the theory, applications, algorithms, and implementation of devices and systems for the generation, transformation, extraction, transmission, undesrtanding and interpretation of information contained in signals. They also learn about how this information can be used to analyze, optimize, and control dynamic systems.

Signal Processing, Systems and Communications Engineering Concentration
Select 12 hours from the following:12
Intro to Communication Netwks
Real-Time Digital Signal Proc
Fiber Optic Communication
Systems and Controls
Engineering Problems Seminar
Digital Signal Processing
Digital Communications
High Resolution Radar
Undergraduate Research
Special Topics

University Core Curriculum

The department may make specific suggestions for courses which are most applicable towards your major.

All courses require a C or better

I. Communication (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on developing ideas and expressing them clearly, considering the effect of the message, fostering understanding, and building the skills needed to communicate persuasively. Courses involve the command of oral, aural, written, and visual literacy skills that enable people to exchange messages appropriate to the subject, occasion, and audience.
Select six hours of the following: 6
For students whose secondary education was in English:
Written and Oral Communication
Writing About Literature
Rhetoric & Composition I
Rhetoric & Composition 2
Rhetoric, Composition & Comm
For students whose secondary education was not in English:
Expos Engl Compos-Spkr Esl
Res & Crit Writng Spkr Esl
Total Hours6

II. American History (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on the consideration of past events and ideas relative to the United States, with the option of including Texas History for a portion of this component area. Courses involve the interaction among individuals, communities, states, the nation, and the world, considering how these interactions have contributed to the development of the United States and its global role.
HIST 1301History of U.S. to 18653
HIST 1302History of U.S. Since 18653
Total Hours6

III. Language, Philosophy & Culture  (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on how ideas, values, beliefs, and other aspects of culture express and affect human experience. Courses involve the exploration of ideas that foster aesthetic and intellectual creation in order to understand the human condition across cultures.
Select one of the following:3
Intro-African Amer Studies
Latina/o Presence in the U.S.
English Literature
English Literature
Intro to American Fiction
Intro to American Drama
Intro to American Poetry
Making of the "Other" Americas
World History to 1500
World History Since 1500
Introduction to Philosophy
Ethics
Introduct to Religious Studies
Seeing & Naming: Conversations
Introduction to Womens Studies
Global Feminisms
Total Hours3

IV. Mathematics  (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on quantitative literacy in logic, patterns, and relationships. Courses involve the understanding of key mathematical concepts and the application of appropriate quantitative tools to everyday experience.
Select one of the following:3
College Algebra
Trigonometry and Conics
Math in the Modern World
Math for Social Sciences I
Calculus I
Precalculus 1,2
Math for Social Sciences II
Statistical Literacy
Elementary Statistical Methods
1 A higher-level course in the calculus sequence can be substituted.
2 TCCN MATH 1314 will also satisfy this requirement.
Total Hours3

V. Life & Physical Sciences  (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on describing, explaining, and predicting natural phenomena using the scientific method. Courses involve the understanding of interactions among natural phenomena and the implications of scientific principles on the physical world and on experiences.
Select one of the following:1-4
Astronomy Lab I
Elem Astronomy-Solar System
Elem Astr Stars & Galaxies
Introductory Biology Lab
Human Biology Laboratory
Topics in Study of Life I
Organismal Biology Laboratory
Introductory Biology
Human Biology
General Biology
Organismal Biology
Human Anat/Physio Lab I
Human Anat/Physio Lab II
Human Anat/Physiology I
Human Anat/Physiology II
Laboratory for CHEM 1305
Laboratory for CHEM 1306
Intro General Chemistry Lab
Intro Organic & Biochem Lab
General Chemistry
General Chemistry
Intro to General Chemistry
Intro Organic & Biochemistry
Environmental Sci. Lab
Non-major Lab for ESCI 1301
Intro to Environment Science 2
Intro to Environmental Sci
Laboratory for GEOG 1306
Physical Geography
Lab for GEOL 1313
Lab for GEOL 1314
Principles of Earth Sci - Lab
Laboratory for Geology 1212
Principles of Earth Sciences
Principles of Earth Science
The Blue Planet
Natural Hazards
Intro to Physical Geology
Intro to Historical Geol
Fundamentals of Nutrition
Wellness Dynamics
Microorganisms and Disease
General Physics I
General Physics II
Laboratory for PHYS 2320
Laboratory for PHYS 2321
Introductory Mechanics
Introductory Electromagnetism
Total Hours 6

VI. Political Science  (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on consideration of the Constitution of the United States and the constitutions of the states, with special emphasis on that of Texas. Courses involve the analysis of governmental institutions, political behavior, civic engagement, and their political and philosophical foundations.
Required Courses:
POLS 2310Introduction to Politics3
POLS 2311American Gover & Politics3
Total Hours6

VII. Social and Behavioral Sciences  (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on the application of empirical and scientific methods that contribute to the understanding of what makes us human. Courses involve the exploration of behavior and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, and events, examining their impact on the individual, society, and culture.
Select one of the following:3
Intro-Phys Anth/Archeolog
Intro-Cultural Anthropology
Cultural Geography
Intro to Linguistics
Econ for Engrs & Scientists
Intro to Chicano Studies
Asian American Studies
Interpersonal Communication
Mass Media and Society
Principles of Macroeconomics
Principles of Microeconomics
Introduction to Ed Psychology
Action Research in Classrooms
Introduction to Linguistics
Cultural Geography
Community Service
An Intro. to Linguistics
Lang. Inside & Out: Sel Topics
Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Sociology
Cultural Geography
Total Hours3

VIII. Creative Arts (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on the appreciation and analysis of creative artifacts and works of the human imagination. Courses involve the synthesis and interpretation of artistic expression and enable critical, creative, and innovative communication about works of art.
Select one of the following:3
Art Appreciation
History of Art I
History of Art II
Chicana/o Fine Arts Appreciat
Dance Appreciation
Intro-Art of Motion Pict.
Music Appreciation
Jazz to Rock
Music, Culture, and Society
Introduction to Theatre
Total Hours3

IX. Component Area Option (six hours)

a. A minimum of 3 SCH must meet the definition and corresponding Core Objectives specified in one of the foundational component areas. b. As an option for up to 3 semester credit hours of the Component Area Option, an institution may select course(s) that: (i) Meet(s) the definition specified for one or more of the foundational component areas; and (ii) Include(s) a minimum of three Core Objectives, including Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, and one of the remaining Core Objectives of the institution's choice.
Intro to Global Business
Public Speaking
Business/Profession Comm
Intro-Computational Thinking
Computer Programming Sci/Engr
Eng Innovation and Leadership
Introduction to Leadership
Inquiry in Math & Science
Seminar/Critical Inquiry
Total Hours0

4-Year Sample Degree Plan

BS Electrical Engineering (Starting with Pre-calculus)

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
Summer
(if needed)
MATH 1508Precalculus3-5
or MATH 1310 Trigonometry and Conics
FRESHMAN
Fall
RWS 1301Rhetoric & Composition I3
EL 1301Eng Innovation and Leadership3
or COMM 1302 Business/Profession Comm
CS 1320Computer Programming Sci/Engr3
ECE 1300
ECE 1100
Intro to Electr/Comp Eng
and Lab for ECE 1300
4
MATH 1411Calculus I4
Spring
HIST 1301History of U.S. to 18653
RWS 1302Rhetoric & Composition 23
PHYS 2320
PHYS 2120
Introductory Mechanics
and Laboratory for PHYS 2320
4
ECE 2303
ECE 2103
Digital Systems Design I
and Lab for ECE 2303
4
MATH 1312Calculus II3
SOPHOMORE
Fall
CE 2326Econ for Engrs & Scientists3
PHYS 2321
PHYS 2121
Introductory Electromagnetism
and Laboratory for PHYS 2321
4
ECE 2300Software Design I3
ECE 2301Electric Circuits I3
MATH 2326Differential Equations3
Spring
HIST 1302History of U.S. Since 18653
ECE 2302
ECE 2102
Electric Circuits II
and Lab for ECE 2302
4
ECE 2304
ECE 2104
Microprocessor Systems I
and Lab for ECE 2304
4
ECE 3331Discrete Time Signals & Sys3
MATH 2313Calculus III3
JUNIOR
Fall
ECE 3341
ECE 3141
Electronics I
and Lab for ECE 3341
4
ECE 2331Cont. Time Signals & Systems3
ECE 3343Applied Quantum Mech for EE3
ECE 3320Electromagnetic Field Theory3
MATH 3323Matrix Algebra3
Spring
Creative Arts (Core)3
ECE 3344Fund. of Semiconductor Dev3
ECE 3100Junior Prof. Orientation1
ECE 3342Electronics II3
ECE 3332Prob with App Elect/Comp Eng3
Select Science or Math3
SENIOR
Fall
POLS 2310Introduction to Politics3
Language, Philosophy, and Culture (Core)3
Choose Experiential Learning1
ECE 4203Senior Project Lab I2
Choose ECE Option courses3
Choose ECE Option courses3
Spring
POLS 2311American Gover & Politics3
ECE 4204Senior Project Lab II2
Choose ECE Option courses3
Choose ECE Option courses3
Professional Option3
Total Hours131-133

BS Electrical Engineering (Starting with Calculus)

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
FRESHMAN
Fall
RWS 1301Rhetoric & Composition I3
EL 1301Eng Innovation and Leadership3
or COMM 1302 Business/Profession Comm
CS 1320Computer Programming Sci/Engr3
MATH 1411Calculus I4
ECE 1300
ECE 1100
Intro to Electr/Comp Eng
and Lab for ECE 1300
4
Spring
HIST 1301History of U.S. to 18653
RWS 1302Rhetoric & Composition 23
PHYS 2320
PHYS 2120
Introductory Mechanics
and Laboratory for PHYS 2320
4
ECE 2303
ECE 2103
Digital Systems Design I
and Lab for ECE 2303
4
MATH 1312Calculus II3
SOPHOMORE
Fall
CE 2326Econ for Engrs & Scientists3
PHYS 2321
PHYS 2121
Introductory Electromagnetism
and Laboratory for PHYS 2321
4
ECE 2300Software Design I3
ECE 2301Electric Circuits I3
MATH 2326Differential Equations3
Spring
HIST 1302History of U.S. Since 18653
ECE 2302
ECE 2102
Electric Circuits II
and Lab for ECE 2302
4
ECE 2304
ECE 2104
Microprocessor Systems I
and Lab for ECE 2304
4
ECE 3331Discrete Time Signals & Sys3
MATH 2313Calculus III3
JUNIOR
Fall
ECE 3341
ECE 3141
Electronics I
and Lab for ECE 3341
4
ECE 2331Cont. Time Signals & Systems3
ECE 3343Applied Quantum Mech for EE3
ECE 3320Electromagnetic Field Theory3
MATH 3323Matrix Algebra3
Spring
Creative Arts (Core)3
ECE 3344Fund. of Semiconductor Dev3
ECE 3100Junior Prof. Orientation1
ECE 3342Electronics II3
ECE 3332Prob with App Elect/Comp Eng3
Select Science or Math3
SENIOR
Fall
POLS 2310Introduction to Politics3
Language, Philosophy, and Culture (Core)3
Choose Experiential Learning1
ECE 4203Senior Project Lab I2
Choose ECE Option courses3
Choose ECE Option courses3
Spring
ECE 4204Senior Project Lab II2
POLS 2311American Gover & Politics3
Choose ECE Option courses3
Choose ECE Option courses3
Professional Option3
Total Hours128