Bachelor of Engineering (Electronic and Computer)

Why Us What our Lecturers say What our Students Say ECE Placement Study Engineering at University of Galway

Course Overview

Electronic and Computer Engineering is a course that aims to integrate two separate engineering fields to meet the joint demands made by the electronics and computer industries in today's world. This programme combines coursework in different aspects of both fields over four years, with an emphasis on the design of computing systems. Electronics and computers, along with their integrated applications, are playing an ever-increasing role in our lives, particularly in the domain of Information Communications Technology (ICT). This integration of electronic hardware (circuits) and computer software is driving a wave of innovation, shaping everything from consumer electronics and automotive advancements to robotic automation systems, telecommunication networks, medical devices and healthcare technology, industrial automation, renewable energy systems, and information technology services. This integration is paving the way for groundbreaking developments and revolutionising how we connect, communicate, and interact in our technologically-driven society. The ICT industry is experiencing exponential growth and electronic and computer engineering is at its forefront. The increasing use of ICT in every aspect of our lives ensures the continued relevance of this area of engineering.

Companies that design integrated electronics and computer systems require engineers who possess the software skills to complement traditional electronic hardware skills. The Electronic and Computer Engineering degree programme has been developed in response to these industry demands to develop students' hardware and software engineering skills in an integrated way and the analytical powers to apply them jointly.

Electronic and computer engineering students develop a range of skills including hardware design, software development, integrated system design, problem-solving, analytical thinking, research abilities, teamwork and collaboration, adaptability and ethical and professional conduct through a combination of quality teaching and significant practical laboratory work and projects. These skills enable graduates to effectively design and analyse electronic circuits and systems, develop software for various applications, integrate hardware and software components, solve complex problems, stay updated with emerging technologies, conduct research, collaborate in multidisciplinary teams, and uphold ethical and professional standards. Electronic and Computer Engineering students develop distinctive expertise, which empowers them to develop hardware and software specifically tailored for critical tasks, such as control systems, robotics, automotive applications, and Internet of Things devices etc. With this unique edge, electronic and computer engineering students are poised to excel in roles that require the integration of hardware and software to create efficient, smart, and connected solutions.

Graduates of this course are ideally placed to pursue their specialism in ICT, which has wide applicability both nationally, with many indigenous technology companies and the multinational sector, and internationally.

Integrated Masters (ME) and Work placement

All students registering for an engineering degree at University of Galway will be enrolled on an integrated five year programme; a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) (four years, Level 8) + a Master of Engineering (ME) (one year, Level 9). Upon successful completion of the five years of study, graduates will have the educational qualifications required for progression to Chartered Engineer. Students registering for an engineering degree at University of Galway in 2019 will make a decision at the beginning of 3rd Year to either remain on the BE+ME pathway (five years) or exit with a BE (four years). Students on the BE+ME pathway will avail of advanced engineering modules, a substantial research and development project, and a work placement of eight months duration during the 4th Year. For students exiting with a BE, the work placement (eight months) will occur during 3rd Year. Read more about Engineering work placements.

Accreditation

All Engineering Degrees at University of Galway are professionally accredited by the statutory professional body, Engineers Ireland. This “Accreditation” means that the degree has been assessed and approved to meet the educational requirements for professional Engineers.

Under an international agreement (Washingon Accord), any Degree accredited by the National professional body (Engineers Ireland) is recognized internationally. So having an “Accredited” degree means that employers outside of Ireland can (1) understand the quality/education achieved by a graduate and (2) know that it is equivalent to their own Education system/standards, and (3) can offer appropriate employment on this basis. For example, certain functions (sign off on large civil engineering construction projects) can only be carried out by a chartered engineer.

Engineers Ireland changed the criteria for Accreditation in 2012, and now require a Masters (Level 9) qualification as the education standard required for Registered Professional Titles of Chartered Engineer* (prior to this, a Level 8 degree was required). The changes were implemented because the standard European engineering qualification (degree or diploma) is at level 9, and European industry maintains a strict differentiation between those engineers qualified at level 9 and those qualified at level 8. Any graduate interested in working in Europe/Worldwide is now strongly advised to get an accredited level 9 award.

Engineers Ireland accreditation can be obtained at the following levels:

o             Level 8:  4-year honours degree – associate engineer

o             Level 9:  5-year masters degree – chartered engineer

*A Chartered Engineer is the highest professional education standard in Engineering. A chartered Engineer is competent (because of their education and training) to assume personal responsibility for   the   development   and   application   ofengineering in research, design, construction, manufacturing, superintending, managing and  in  the education of the engineer. His/her work is predominantly intellectual and varied and not of a routine mental or physical character. It requires the  exercise  of  original  thought  and  judgement  and  the  ability  to supervise the technical and administrative work of others.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Additional Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Course Outline

Year 1

Year 1 covers the basics of mathematics and science as they apply in engineering, as well as an introduction to engineering, including engineering graphics and computing.

Year 2

Year 2 covers theoretical and practical foundation in electronics and computing including programming languages, circuit analysis, digital and analogue electronics, sensors and instrumentation, communication technologies and electromagnetics.

Year 3&4

You make your decision at the start of year three whether to remain on the five-year integrated BE+ME programme or to exit with a BE at the end of year four. Year 3 continues with further training in design of digital and analogue systems, programming languages and database systems, communications and signals and systems. Year 4 covers a range of advanced topics in electronic and computer engineering including real time systems, machine learning, integrated circuit design, telecommunications software, digital signal processing and distributed systems and computing. All modules include practical classes to provide you experience of hardware/software tools for circuit design and testing. These skills are developed further in project work. Modules on professional skills such as project management are also included.

Year 5 optional

At the School of Engineering we are focused on ensuring that you will be educated to the highest standards, and will have the necessary qualifications to avail of all of the professional opportunities presented to you, both in Ireland and across the world. You will be enrolled on an integrated five year programme; a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) (four years, Level 8) + a Master of Engineering (ME) (one year, Level 9). Students on the BE+ME pathway will avail of advanced engineering modules, a substantial research and development project, and a work placement.

Year 5 combines advanced core modules in Electronic & Computer Engineering (sample modules include Artificial Intelligence, Embedded Image Processing, Internet of Things Systems Design, Computer Security and Forensic Computing, and Mobile Device Technologies) with modules on transferrable skills/professional development and an individual capstone research project (nine months long) to develop skills in specialist areas such as biomedical electronics, signal processing, embedded systems and communications. Upon successful completion of the five years of study, graduates will have the educational qualifications required for progression to Chartered Engineer. Full information on the optional 5th Year is provided here.

Curriculum Information

Further Education

Upon completion of the undergraduate degree, suitably qualified students have the option to enrol and continue their studies to Masters or PhD level.

Students can advance to Masters level (ME) through our one year taught Masters programme (September-June) that builds on the successful completion of their undergraduate programme, subject to a sufficient standard (2nd Class Honours minimum). This programme is an integrated follow-on to the BE programme and is designed to meet Engineers Ireland’s criterion for Level 9 degrees, providing graduates with a route to Chartered Engineering status that will be recognised worldwide.

Masters degree education is becoming increasingly the norm internationally in Engineering, and this programme strengthens the ability of our graduates to compete nationally and internationally at the highest level for employment in industry and other sectors of the economy.

In our PhD programme, students develop highly innovative state-of the-art solutions to current problems in Electronic & Computer Engineering, particularly in technologies such as signal and image processing, medical electronics, embedded systems and communications. Many PhD students work closely with industry on the research and development of solutions in a diverse range of applications such as: automotive, biomedical, environmental, aerospace, energy and the Internet of Things.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

Fees: Tuition

Fees: Student Contribution

Fees: Student levy

Fees: Non EU

Find out More

Mary Costello
Electrical & Electronic Engineering 
T +353 91 492 728 
E mary.costello@universityofgalway.ie
URL for School/College webpage: https://eee.universitygalway.ie/
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