Integrating sensing and information processing in an electrical and computer engineering undergraduate curriculum
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Duke University has completed a full-scale redesign of its undergraduate program based on the theme of Integrated Sensing and Information Processing. This theme provides a coherent, overarching framework that links principles of ECE to each other and to real-world engineering problems. The cornerstone of the new ECE curriculum, Fundamentals of Electrical and Computer Engineering, has been designed to provide students with a holistic view of ECE and as a roadmap for the remainder of the curriculum. Each of four followon core courses integrates lateral and vertical connections to other courses through the use of thematic examples. Following the five core courses are seven ECE technical electives that include a theme-based culminating design course. Early and pervasive experiences with open-ended design and project-based learning are primary objectives of the curriculum redesign. Regression analyses of course/instructor evaluation data and descriptions of student design project complexity after the curriculum redesign are presented indicating a positive impact of the curriculum redesign on student learning. ©2009 IEEE.
