The B.S. in Electrical Engineering starts to be listed as the B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering in the 1970-1971 Catalog.
The B.S. in Computer Science and the B.S. in Computer Engineering are each first listed as separate majors in the 1981-1982 Catalog.
Electrical and computer engineering is the largest and most diversified of the engineering disciplines. Its technical society membership is more than double that of any other and the responsibilities of the profession range from highly analytical problem solving to detailed design of electronics, communications and computing systems. Electrical and computer engineers have traditionally occupied key positions in a wide variety of engineering programs and their educational program must be structured to allow for this diversity of career objectives. The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department allows this flexibility of course selection in its curriculum. A liberal number of humanistic-social electives provide the graduate with the ability to address himself to both the "How" and the "why of engineering.
The flexibilty of the curriculum allows either a sampling from the many aspects of Electrical and Computer Engineering or a concentration in a specific area. The student's interests and career objectives are carefully considered by the Electrical and Computer Engineering advising staff in structuring a program of study.
Electrical and Computer Engineering can be subdivided into the rather broad areas of networks and systems analysis, communications, electronics, computer science, and power. A brief discussion of each of these follows.
Systems and electric network analysis provides the fundamental core materials in the curriculum. These 18 credits of required work constitute the fundamental studies in analysis and experimentation which receive subsequent further development in elective courses. Computer simulation, mathematical modeHng, experimental design and scientific reasoning are representative of the topics covered.
Computers, both analog and digital, are studied extensively in the Electrical and Computer Engineering program. Few areas in engineering present the promise of continued growth that is offered by the computing industry. In preparing the student to meet this challenge, the department ofiFers courses in real-time computing, computer language structures, the theory and design of digital computers, computation and simulation of physical systems, information processing and data handlng. The department operates its own digital and analog computing laboratories and has remote terminal equipment to the University Computer Center.
The study of electronics continues to be one of the most active professional areas in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Changes in this field have occurred so rapidly that equipment designed five years ago is obsolete by present design criteria. The vacuum tube gave way to the transistor 16 years ago and just recently the integrated circuit has replaced the discrete solid-state device. The Electrical and Computer Engineering curriculum includes basic work in the theory of operation of solid-state devices, the design of solid-state circuits and the study of integrated circuit technology. Electronic laboratories within the department contain the most modern equipment available for the study of these devices, including special microscopic and micro-manipulation equipment needed in the study of minute integrated circuits.
The study of power systems analysis and energy conversion is carried out in a recently renovated power laboratory. This new facihty contains the machinery and instrumentation necessary to explore solid-state-static motor control, dynamic speed and torque measurement techniques and power system stability.
Communication theory may be the most comprehensive field of specialization found in Electrical and Computer Engineering. It includes course work in information theory, electromagnetic theory, switching circuits and electronics. Engineers working in communication find themselves studying switching equipment in tele-communications, working on the plasma blackout problem in missile reentry, studying the design implications of complex missile detection and defense systems or they may be designing antennas and transmitting equipment for space satellites. Some will be trying to comprehend the nature of bioelectricity by studying the human brain.
The Honors Program in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering has for the past five years accounted for a large percentage of the honors students in the University. All qualified Electrical and Computer Engineering students are strongly urged to take advantage of this program since it will provide them with an opportunity to participate in some uncommonly rewarding educational experiences during their final two years of study. Honors students receive individualized professional guidance and special laboratory privileges in many of their courses. Honors students in the past have designed electronic devices, have written complex computer programs and have studied technical material which ordinarily would be reserved for students at the graduate level. Students are asked to contact their Electrical and Computer Engineering adviser for more information.
Responsibilities of the electrical and engineering profession range from highly analytical problem solving to detailed design. The department's name - Electrical and Computer Engineering - is intended to emphasize both the close relationship of computers to all phases of the profession and the major role that computers play in the curriculum at Clemson.
Systems, electronic networks, and electromagnetic fields provide the core curriculum areas. These fundamental studies in analysis and experimentation receive further development in elective courses. Humanistic-social electives provide the graduate with the ability to address himself to the "why" of engineering as well as the "how."
Students who are interested in communications study information theory, electromagnetic theory, switching circuits, and electronics.
Technological innovations in electronics have resulted in increasingly complex solid-state components - the transistor, integrated circuit, and LSI component. The electronics emphasis includes solid-state devices and circuits and integrated circuit technology.
The department offers courses in real-time computing, computer language structures, theory and design of digital computers, computation and simulation of physical systems, and information processing and data handling.
Energy systems analysis and energy conversion is appropriate for students who plan to work for electric utilities, electrical equipment manufacturers, or companies which are large users of electrical energy.
The Mathematical Sciences curriculum, carefully designed to possess a high degree of versatility, equips the student with the knowledge of mathematical concepts and methods that are applicable in the areas of physics, computer science, communication theory, data processing, statistics, operations research, economics, or any branch of the physical sciences in which a strong mathematical background is desired. In addition to containing the basic courses which provide the student with the mathematical skills necessary in the use of mathematics as it relates to other fields of knowledge, the curriculum allows the student in his junior year to select one of ten optional sets of courses, providing an introduction to an area where mathematics is applied. These options are Actuarial Science, Applied Mathematical Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Managerial Science, Operations Research. Physics, Psychology, and Statistics.
In addition to the overall goal of preparing the student to cope with the dynamics of any mathematical environment, the curriculum seeks to provide an adequate background for the student who plans to pursue graduate study in mathematics or to fill many interesting positions in space research, computer development, business, or government research. Those electing the Biology option will have the necessary preparation for entering medical school.
Computer Science is a discipline that is concerned with the design and use of computer systems and computer programs for the efficient processing of information. The Bachelor of Science program in Computer Science is oriented toward the design, implementation, and application of computer software systems in the solution of information processing problems. Students in computer science study the development of computer programs; the use of computers in storing, retreiving, and processing information; the functional aspects of computer hardware systems; and fundamental theoretical foundations of computer science.
The curriculum is designed to provide a broad education in computer science that prepares a student for a job in the computer field or for advanced study in computer science. Significant features of the curriculum are an applications emphasis that provides training in an applications area outside computer science and a large number of free electives. These features provide the opportunity for a student and adviser to design a plan of study that is tailored to individual needs.
The program in Computer Engineering leads, to a Bachelor of Science degree which provides an indepth education into a wide range of computer topics including computer hardware, software, and applications. Emphasis is placed on giving students hands-on experience with computers of all sizes (micro, mini, and large) by solving a wide range of real-world problems using engineering principles.
The career opportunities for computer engineers are excellent. The rapid advances in microelectronics and for growth of microcomputer applications, as well as continued expansion of larger computer systems, indicate this strong demand will continue.
The curriculum is based on three main concepts: (1) It is an engineering curriculum which provides a solid foundation in mathematics, basic sciences, and the humanistics while emphasizing the engineering approach to problem solving. (2) The required computer courses provide an excellent knowledge of hardware, software, and systems. (3) A large number of elective hours are provided which allows students to specialize in one or more computer areas or to choose a minor in a noncomputer area. The computer engineering program prepares a student for entering the engineering profession in a rapidly advancing area, and it provides a good background for study in other professions.