Computer Engineering: What, Why, How, Where?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the distinctions between Computer Engineering (CompE) and Electrical Engineering (EE), including the curriculum differences, potential projects, and career paths associated with each field. Participants explore both theoretical and practical aspects of these engineering disciplines.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants outline that CompE includes foundational courses from both EE and Computer Science, with a focus on digital integrated circuits, embedded systems, and computer architecture.
  • Others describe EE as encompassing a broader range of topics, including analog systems, power, communications, and signal processing, with more elective options available.
  • Participants inquire about the types of projects and products that computer engineers can create, mentioning programming fields, computer hardware components, and specialized embedded electronics.
  • A specific participant shares a detailed comparison of required courses for CompE and EE at their university, noting both the additional courses in CompE and the courses that are not included compared to EE.
  • There is a light-hearted response regarding the fun things computer engineers can create, indicating a playful tone in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the foundational similarities between CompE and EE but express differing views on the specifics of the curriculum and the types of projects associated with each field. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the extent of overlap and the unique aspects of each discipline.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the variability of course offerings at different universities and the subjective nature of what constitutes "fun" projects in engineering.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a career in engineering, particularly in computer or electrical engineering, as well as educators and professionals in the field seeking to understand the distinctions between these disciplines.

PhysicsHigh
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What is the difference between it and electrical engineering? What do you learn and what can you make and where can it lead? Sorry if this is too broad
 
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CompE -> all the EE and CS basics with a specialization in digital integrated circuits, embedded systems, and computer architecture

EE-> all the EE basics and then you can choose a specialization, so usually a few more courses in analog, power, communications, signal processing, etc. and then lots of electives in whichever field you want
 
story645 said:
CompE -> all the EE and CS basics with a specialization in digital integrated circuits, embedded systems, and computer architecture

EE-> all the EE basics and then you can choose a specialization, so usually a few more courses in analog, power, communications, signal processing, etc. and then lots of electives in whichever field you want

What are all of the thinks a computer engineer can make and work on?
 
PhysicsHigh said:
What are all of the thinks a computer engineer can make and work on?
Most programming fields (except DB and web, which require some knowledge covered in electives), most pieces of computer hardware (the video and sound cards, RAM, the CPU and mobo, basically everything except the case and powersupply, and even those are a maybe), specialized embedded electronics (everything from the control panel of an appliance to an iphone to a robot-they're all basically computers), and lots and lots of other things too.
 
story645 said:
Most programming fields (except DB and web, which require some knowledge covered in electives), most pieces of computer hardware (the video and sound cards, RAM, the CPU and mobo, basically everything except the case and powersupply, and even those are a maybe), specialized embedded electronics (everything from the control panel of an appliance to an iphone to a robot-they're all basically computers), and lots and lots of other things too.

Cool thanks! I've been doing some research but everything is getting mixed up because they are very close. Thanks a lot I have some more things to google.
 
Here is a very specific illustration of the differences at my University(taken from one of their powerpoint presentations). It will probably be a bit different at your university, but the core idea should remain the same.

Computer is like Electrical but add these are the required courses:
Intro to C.S.
Algorithms
Discrete Math
Fund. of Signals & Systems
Comp. Architecture
Operating Systems
+a few electives(that are different from those in EE)

and these are the courses you lose as a trade off:
Properties of Materials in EE
Numerical Methods in EE
Complex Variables and transforms
Signals & Systems I
Signals & Systems II
 
kamil said:
Here is a very specific illustration of the differences at my University(taken from one of their powerpoint presentations). It will probably be a bit different at your university, but the core idea should remain the same.

Computer is like Electrical but add these are the required courses:
Intro to C.S.
Algorithms
Discrete Math
Fund. of Signals & Systems
Comp. Architecture
Operating Systems
+a few electives(that are different from those in EE)

and these are the courses you lose as a trade off:
Properties of Materials in EE
Numerical Methods in EE
Complex Variables and transforms
Signals & Systems I
Signals & Systems II

Thanks a Lot for posting that. What are some fun stuff computer engineers make?
 
What are some fun stuff computer engineers make?

:!) babies :!)
 

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