Computer System Engineering: Hardware or Software Major?

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SUMMARY

Computer System Engineering encompasses both hardware and software disciplines. Students will engage with hardware concepts such as digital electronics, including DSPs, FPGAs, and ASICs, particularly in their junior and senior years. On the software side, they will learn high-level programming languages like C, C++, and Java, as well as low-level programming in x86 assembly. The curriculum also includes theoretical computer science topics such as algorithms, decidability, and tractability, alongside practical projects in networking and error correction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of digital electronics, including DSPs and FPGAs
  • Familiarity with high-level programming languages (C, C++, Java)
  • Knowledge of low-level programming (x86 assembly)
  • Basic concepts in theoretical computer science (algorithms, decidability, tractability)
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore advanced topics in digital signal processing (DSP) and FPGA design
  • Learn about software development methodologies for networking projects
  • Study theoretical computer science concepts in depth, focusing on algorithms
  • Investigate error correction techniques in computer systems
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for computer engineering students, educators, and professionals interested in the integration of hardware and software in computer system engineering.

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I am doing Computer system engineering.. i am basically hardware engineer or a software engineer?? mean what is the major of comp sys engr?? hardware or software??
 
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As a computer engineer you will deal with both hardware and software. On the hardware side you will be presented with basic electrical concepts like analog and digital. You will probably have more courses in digital electronics( DSPs, FPGAs, ASICs, COmputer Architecture etc.) in your junior and senior courses. On the software side apart from a few high level languages(C,C++, JAVA) and low level prorgramming( x86 assembly), you will have to learn some theoretical CS like algorithms, decidability and tractability etc. In Junior and Senior years on the software side you will probably have some projects in your areas of interest like networking or error correction. On the othe hardware side you might have projects involving FPGAs( eg. software radio).

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