Apr 25, 2024  
2006-2007 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2006-2007 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Computer Engineering, B.S. Specialization in


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Program Description


The Department of Computer Science and the Department of Engineering jointly sponsor this program. Students desiring intensive study at the undergraduate level to develop proficiency in the fields of computer engineering, such as hardware, software, and systems that arise in the design, analysis,  evelopment, and application of computers and digital systems, will find this program to be a challenging and rewarding experience. The curriculum provides a broad foundation in the science and engineering of computers and digital systems with emphasis on theory, analysis, design, natural science, and discrete and continuous mathematics in a liberal arts setting. The broad range of Hofstra University resources in the humanities and social sciences make the liberal arts component especially enlightening.

Students will develop analytical, computer and applied skills which will enable them to analyze, design and test digital and computer systems, architectures, networks, and processes. Graduates will understand the various areas of computer engineering such as applied electronics, digital devices and systems, electromagnetic fields and waves, and computer architectures, systems, and networks. Graduates will also have an understanding of hardware issues, software issues and models, the interactions between these issues, and related applications. This thorough preparation in theoretical tools and laboratory experimentation will give graduates the skill and flexibility required to meet the ever changing demands on the computer engineer. The program is responsive to suggestions posed by industry leaders from the Long Island community.

Students will develop design skills progressively, beginning with their first courses in programming, circuit analysis, digital circuits, computer architectures, and networks, and they will apply their accumulating knowledge to practical problems throughout the curriculum. This process culminates in the capstone design course, which complements the analytical part of the curriculum.

The thorough preparation afforded by the computer engineering curriculum includes the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context. Hence, graduates will be well prepared for professional employment or advanced studies.

Program Objectives

Graduates of the computer engineering program will realize the following program objectives:

  1. Build a strong foundation in computer engineering and in its applications through knowledge of theoretical principles, analytical methods, laboratory experience, and design participation.
  2. Acquire a meaningful understanding of the fundamental mathematical and scientific concepts, develop a practical understanding of the scientific method of investigation, and recognize and select the relevant theoretical and empirical frameworks to address real-world problems.
  3. Develop oral and written communication skills, attain interpersonal and organizational skills in order to work on teams, acquire an appreciation and understanding of the social and ethical issues related to the technological development of computer systems.
  4. Prepare to become successful practitioners or to pursue graduate studies in computer engineering or other professional fields, and to become lifelong learners and contributors in the computing and engineering fields. 
  5. Develop the ability to think critically and creatively to solve problems in a commercial or industrial environment.

Student Outcomes

The following generic indicators of achievement apply to computer engineering graduates and provide methods for measuring the program’s effectiveness in meeting its stated program objectives.  (a) Ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, computer science, and electrical engineering; (b) Ability to design and conduct experiments, and to analyze and interpret data; (c) Ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs; (d) Ability to function on a multidisciplinary team; (e) Ability to identify, formulate, and solve computer engineering problems; (f) Understanding of professional and ethical responsibility; (g) Ability to communicate effectively; (h) Broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context; (i) Recognition of the need  and ability to engage in lifelong learning; (j) Knowledge of contemporary issues; (k) Ability to use techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

Program Requirements - Total Semester Hours: 132


Candidates for graduation with the B.S. in Computer Engineering must fulfill the following requirements.

1. The Successful Completion of at Least 132 Semester Hours


The successful completion of at least 132 semester hours and a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 for all courses required for the major. Student may not count Military Science toward this total semester hour requirement.

2. Liberal Arts


Students must complete at least 57 credits in the liberal arts excluding courses in computer science and engineering. The following course may be used for liberal arts credit.

3. Residence Requirements


There are two requirements that must ordinarily be completed in residence at Hofstra: 15 semester hours in the major field of specialization and the last 30 semester hours. The 15 semester hours need not be included within the last 30 hours.

4. General and Major Requirements


The general and major requirements are listed under the “Suggested Four-Year Sequence” below. Students may not take courses in computer science and engineering on a Pass/D+/D/Fail basis.

5. Cumulative Average


A cumulative average of C or better is required in the following courses:

Suggested Four-Year Sequence (132 s.h.)


First Year


Second Year


Second Semester - 17 s.h.


Third Year


First Semester - 16 s.h.


Second Semester - 16 s.h.


Fourth Year


First Semester - 16.5 s.h.


Second Semester - 15.5 s.h.


Footnotes


* If this requirement is fulfilled by passing the placement examination, 6 semester hours in the humanities or social sciences should be taken with adviser’s approval.

** With adviser’s approval. Students may not take these courses on a Pass/D+/D/Fail basis.

*** ENGG 189 may substitute for CSC 185/ENGG 185 with adviser’s approval, but students can no longer use ENGG 189 as a technical elective. Note: ENGG 189 is a prerequisite for ENGG 171.

**** Computer Engineering majors will choose four technical electives from the folowing list of courses: CSC 120, 123, 124, 158, 161, 170, 171A, 187, 190; ENGG 111, 113, 166B, 171, 172, 173, 179, 180, 187, 188, 193, 194. In addition, only one of the four technical electives may be selected from the following group of five coures, CSC 143, 144, 195, 196, or ENGG 199. Students may select either CSX 187 or ENGG 188, but not both, for credit as a technical elective.

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