Electronic and Computer Engineering Bachelor

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.

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 Level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e., Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint), Agricultural Science or Computer Science) or Technology, and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes. Additional requirements: Minimum H4 in Mathematics or, alternatively, obtain a pass in the Engineering Maths Qualifying Exam (held in the University).