Embedded Systems Minor

Department of Engineering and Design, College of Science and Engineering

24 credits

Introduction

The Embedded Systems minor focuses on the aspects of Electrical and Computer Engineering that embed computing capability into electronic systems through the application of digital systems and embedded microcontroller hardware and software.

It starts with fundamental digital and analog circuits and then advances to embedded microcontrollers. Hardware includes modern microcontroller cores, memories, I/O resources, and FPGAs. Software includes VHDL/Verilog, assembly language and C programming, and real-time multitasking including the application of a real-time operating system (RTOS).

More details about the program and the application for admission can be found on the Engineering and Design Department’s Embedded Systems Minor webpage.

Why Consider an Embedded Systems Minor?

The embedded systems minor is primarily intended to complement computer science or engineering curriculum for students interested in the low-level hardware and software implementation of these systems. 

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Minor Admissions: Admission to the Embedded Systems minor is a two-phase process. Students must complete the courses listed below in order to apply to the minor. Admission to minor status is determined by academic performance in these courses and other factors. Admission to the minor is competitive, and the number of available spots each year is dependent on the number of unfilled spots in the incoming class of EECE major students. Neither completion of the prerequisites nor attainment of any specific GPA guarantees admission. The Embedded Systems minor is not available to Electrical and Computer Engineering majors.

Minor Prerequisite courses: MATH 124, MATH 125, PHYS 161, PHYS 162, and CSCI 140 or CSCI 141. Students must obtain at least a C- in the above courses and an overall GPA in them of 2.0 or higher to be considered. AP scores are converted to GPA as follows: 5 = A; 4 = B; 3 = C. Decisions are based primarily on cumulative GPA in the prerequisite courses, but successful completion of other required Minor courses, GPA in a Major, and overall GPA are also considerations.

Minor Application: Applications are accepted in the Fall on a space available basis, and are due by the second Friday in September. Only complete, on-time applications will be considered. Accepted students will be notified prior to the start of Phase III registration. Students who are accepted must register for Fall quarter EECE 233 before the end the first week of classes. Students who do not register by the end of the first week of classes may lose their minor status. More details and the application can be found at the Embedded Systems Minor website.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.