electrical and computer
engineering
electrical engineering
Electrical Engineering involves the design of devices and systems that employ the flow of electrons to achieve useful purposes.
It encompasses electrical power generation & distribution, electronics, wired & wireless communications, optoelectronics, signal
processing, robotics, computers, radar, ultrasonics, and many other technologies. Electrical engineering includes two fields
which are not present in the computer and biomedical programs—they are power generation and distribution, and
electromagnetics. The power field deals with the design of high capacity power generation equipment in the most efficient
manner possible. Power distribution deals with all the issues of monitoring, transmitting and protecting power from the
generating station to the home. Electromagnetics is the study of electric and magnetic fields. Knowledge of this area is critical
in the design of radios, TVs, cell phones, communications equipment, radar and many others. It deals with the transmission,
amplification and processing of very high frequency signals (such as cell phone frequencies at 2.4 Ghz). The field of
electromagnetics also deals with the design of antennas. Knowledge of electromagnetics allows a designer to make an antenna
that will receive a much higher signal level with less interference.
what's special about this program at mac?
The department offers a personalized environment where students are able to meet one-on-one with their professors, many of
whom are world-renowned leaders in their field. McMaster's facilities include specialized laboratories in a variety of specialized
research fields. In addition, McMaster offers, programs in Engineering Management and Society, and offers the possibility of a
16-month internship in industry. Graduates are eligible to apply to an M.Eng. program that requires only one year of additional
study beyond the Bachelor’s level.
electrical engineering program
In second year, EEs take an extra course in calculus. This is necessary background for an advanced electromagnetics course in
third year. In third year, EEs take an extra course in electrical motors and generators, as well as an additional course in
electromagnetics. The fourth year curriculum in EE consists almost entirely of technical elective courses. That means you get to
choose the courses you want to take. This way, students specialize in areas they find most interesting. There is a wide variety of
elective courses available. Basically, they include advanced courses in virtually all the topics covered in years II and III.
The ECE program consists of the following topics (highlights indicate the program’s distinguishing courses):
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Circuits analysis
Electronics
Programming
Digital logic
Linear systems
Applied math
Electromagnetics
Communications (radios, modems)
Power conversion (motors, generators)
Power systems
Control theory
what do graduates do?
Electrical Engineering provides an extremely broad background which prepares students for a variety of opportunities in the
workplace. Potential fields include:
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telecommunications design
power systems
electronics
internet
satellite communications
marketing
e-commerce in banking industry
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software systems
automotive
automation
steel making
aerospace
manufacturing
IC development
http://www.ece.mcmaster.ca/
As of 3/16/2009
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video and audio processing
robotics
radar
power distribution
power generation
instrumentation
food processing
electrical and computer
engineering
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING CURRICULUM
LEVEL lI
Circuits I
Circuits II
Programming I
Electronics I
Differential Equations
Programming II
Digital Logic
Calculus
Electromagnetics
LEVEL III
Motors and Generators
Communications Systems I (Radios, etc.)
Electronics II
Linear Systems II (Control Theory)
Probability Theory
Numerical Methods
Linear Systems I
Electromagnetics II
Microprocessors
LEVEL IV
7 Technical Electives
Capstone Design Project
Complementary Studies
http://www.ece.mcmaster.ca/
As of 3/16/2009
electrical and computer
engineering
biomedical engineering
Biomeds deal at the interface between electrical engineering and medicine. As such, they need a stronger background in the life
sciences, namely biology, chemistry and anatomy and physiology. These are topics that the electricals and computers do not
need.
The BME program has several noteworthy features:
 Graduates have all the necessary background to apply immediately to medical school
 The program is fully PEO accredited (i.e., our graduates are eligible to apply for P.Eng (professional engineer) status as a
biomedical engineer. (This is the first such program in Canada).
 Graduates are eligible to apply to an M.Eng. program that requires only one year of additional study beyond the
Bachelor’s level.
what's special about this program at mac?
McMaster's new Electrical and Biomedical Engineering program is a unique four-year undergraduate program that combines a
full Electrical Engineering degree with key courses in the Biological Sciences. By the end of the third year, students in the
program will have completed all of the pre-medicine courses required by the MCA T and for entrance into Medicine at most
Canadian and American medical schools. At the end of the fourth year, students may opt to continue for a fifth year and receive
a Master's degree. The Biomedical program offers the possibility of a 16-month internship in industry.
biomedical engineering program
The biomedical program is heavier than either the computer or electrical engineering programs. They generally take one extra
course per term. In the second year, the biomeds take an extra course in both biology and chemistry. In the third year, they
take two additional courses in organic chemistry, one in biological materials, one in cellular bioelectricity, and two anatomy and
physiology courses. In one of these anatomy courses, you will dissect a cadaver! In fourth year, you will take courses in
biological systems, biomedical instrumentation, medical robotics (e.g. for telerobotic surgery) and medical imaging, using
devices such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The Biomedical program consists of the following topics (highlights indicate
the program’s distinguishing courses):
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Circuit analysis
Electronics
Programming
Digital logic
Linear systems
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Applied math
Electromagnetics
Communications
Control theory
Biology
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Cellular systems
Chemistry and organic
chemistry
Medical imaging
Biomedical instrumentation
what do graduates do?
Graduates from the program may choose to pursue careers as Electrical Engineers, or may choose to enter the field of
Biomedical Engineering. Some graduates may also choose to apply for entrance to medical schools. Potential fields include:
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health and medicine
straight electrical engineering
robotics
telemedicine
instrumentation
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industrial:
 biosensors
 comp-assisted minimal
access surgery
 telerobotic surgery
 imaging
http://www.ece.mcmaster.ca/
As of 3/16/2009
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computer tomography
magnetic resonance
imaging
pharmaceuticals
electrical and computer
engineering
ELECTRICAL AND BIOMEDICAL CURRICULUM
LEVEL lI
Circuits I
Circuits II
Programming I
Electronics I
Differential Equations
Programming II
Introduction to Biology
Calculus
Introduction to Chemistry
LEVEL III
Digital Logic
Linear Systems II
Biological Materials
Cell Biology
Organic Chemistry I
Electromagnetics I
Linear Systems I
Organic Chemistry II
Anatomy I
Anatomy II
Electronics II
Microprocessors
LEVEL IV
Probability Theory
Communications I
Linear Systems II (Discrete Time)
Medical Imaging
Biological Systems
2 Complementary Studies
Bio Capstone Design Project
Bio Capstone Design Project
http://www.ece.mcmaster.ca/
As of 3/16/2009
electrical and computer
engineering
computer engineering
Computer Engineering involves the use of scientific discoveries and practical knowledge in digital circuit technology to create
devices and systems that can be used to benefit the public. It encompasses computer hardware, software, electronics, digital
communications, multimedia, signal processing, robotics, and other related technologies.
Computer Engineers apply structured engineering design principles & methodologies to solve problems and develop products.
Computer Engineers focus on the computer hardware and its interaction with the software. The specialty of the computer
engineer is computer hardware. (Computer hardware is the term used for all the physical electronics and devices that comprise
a computer.)
what's special about this program at mac?
Like other engineering programs at McMaster, this program will teach you the fundamental principles and will not focus on
technologies that may quickly become obsolete. Students will find that, once they have completed the program, they easily
learn to use whatever tools and techniques are current at the time. There is a focus on computer system design, i.e., hardware
and software, which is attractive to industry. In addition, McMaster offers, programs in Engineering Management and Society,
and offers the possibility of a 16-month internship in industry. Graduates are eligible to apply to an M.Eng. program that
requires only one year of additional study beyond the Bachelor’s level.
computer engineering program
The second year gives a basic introduction into computer engineering. In third year, you start to specialize in computeroriented courses. You will take a course in computer hardware design. This course shows you how to design very complex
computer hardware using so-called “programmable logic devices” (PLDs). PLDs consist of a large collection of AND and OR gates
that may be configured in any way that the designer specifies. In labs you will use PLDs, to design digital systems such as an
MP3 player or any form of peripheral computer equipment. You will also take a course in computer architecture. This subject
deals with the design of high-performance computers at the minimum possible cost. You will learn what makes computers
faster and easier to use. In the fourth year, you specialize more strongly in computers. There are additional courses in
computer hardware design and computer architecture. There are courses in computer networks, internet communications and
operating systems. You will also tale a technical elective, which is a course of your choosing.
The Computer Engineering program consists of the following topics (highlights indicate the program’s distinguishing courses):
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Circuit analysis
Electronics
Programming
Digital logic
Linear systems
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Applied math
Electromagnetics
Computer hardware
Software
development/operating systems
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Computer architecture
Communications
Control theory
Computer communication
what do graduates do?
Computer Engineers are currently in demand in Canada. Graduates find employment in areas such as:
 automotive
 software and computer
 communications
development
 telecommunications
 robotics
 automation
 police forces
 telemedicine
 food processing
 military services
 power distribution and
generation
 steel making
 electronics
 manufacturing
 instrumentation
 insurance
 IC development
 financial services
 video and audio processing
 robotics
http://www.ece.mcmaster.ca/
As of 3/16/2009
electrical and computer
engineering
COMPUTER ENGINEERING CURRICULUM
LEVEL lI
Circuits I
Circuits II
Programming I
Electronics I
Differential Equations
Programming II
Digital Logic
Microprocessors
Electromagnetics I
LEVEL III
Computer Hardware I
Communication Systems I
Electronics II
Linear Systems II
Software Development
Numerical Methods
Probability Theory
Computer Hardware II (Comp. Architecture)
Linear Systems I
LEVEL III
Computer Communications I
Computer Communications II
Computers III (Architecture)
Operating Systems
Technical Elective
Complementary Studies
Capstone Design Project
Computer Hardware III
Capstone Design Project
http://www.ece.mcmaster.ca/
As of 3/16/2009
electrical and computer
engineering
electrical or computer engineering and
management
what is computer or electrical engineering &
management?
The Computer or Electrical Engineering and Management program combines a regular four-year program in a specific
engineering discipline with the core business courses of a four-year business program to make a five-year combined degree
program. This program is the only discipline-specific, accredited, undergraduate Engineering and Management program in
Canada. The program was first accredited in 1975 and takes five years to complete. At this time there are over 1,300 Engineering
and Management graduates.
Elements of the program include courses required by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, courses required
by the Business Faculty and courses required by the Engineering & Management department. Students must take Economics in
their first year. Students apply to enter the Management program at the end of their first year when they make their discipline
choices. A maximum of 136 students are allowed to enter the Management program in Level 2.
why do students take engineering & mgmt?
Some want a more well-rounded education that includes business as well as engineering. Some recognize that they will need
business skills to fulfill their career goals. Some want to gain an extra competitive edge in the job market. Others just want to
keep their career options open.
how hard is it?
The program is no harder or easier than the other engineering programs. It does require the development of different skills,
however. Our graduates have business awareness skills, an ability to write well, an ability to speak well, and the ability to relate
to people. All this is in addition to the skills related to their chosen discipline.
what are the advantages?
A major advantage of the program is that it provides skills not available to graduates in any other program in Canada. It gives
graduates an extra competitive edge in getting a job. For example, the employment rate for Engineering and Management
graduates has always been higher than for graduates in traditional engineering disciplines. Also, graduates in the Engineering
and Management program command higher salaries than for graduates in the traditional programs. The program gives
graduates a competitive edge in management as well, enabling them to fast-track their way to the top.
what do graduates do?
In addition to a career as a Professional Engineer, a graduate of Computer or Electrical Engineering & Management can become
a(n) engineering project manager, accountant, production manager, engineering financial analyst, engineering marketing
specialist, industrial relations specialist. Some graduates start their own companies. Graduates have also gone on to do higher
degrees in Engineering and Business, some obtaining Ph.D.s in either profession.
http://www.ece.mcmaster.ca/
As of 3/16/2009
electrical and computer
engineering
COMPUTER ENGINEERING & MANAGEMENT*
LEVEL l
Course
Description
Course
Description
CHEM 1E03
General Chemistry for Engineering I
MATH 1NN3
Calculus for Engineering II
ENG 1C03
Engineering Design and Graphics
PHYS 1D03
Introductory Mechanics
ENG 1D04
Engineering Computation
PHYS 1E03
Waves, Electricity and Magnetic Fields
ENG 1P03
Intro to Professional Engineering
ELECTIVE
Complementary Studies Elective
MATLS 1M03
Structure and Properties of Materials
ELECTIVE
Complementary Studies Elective
MATH 1H03
Linear Algebra for Engineering
ENG 1AOO
Safety Training
MATH 1N03
Calculus for Engineering I
LEVEL II
COMM 2AA3
Financial Accounting I
ELEC ENG 2CJ4
Circuits and Systems
COMP ENG 2SH4
Principles of Programming
ELEC ENG 2FH3
Intro Engineering Electromagnetics
ELEC ENG 2SI4
Data Struct., Algo. and Discrete Maths
ENGMNGT 2AA2
Communication Skills
ECON 1BBS
Introductory Macroeconomics
MATH 2P04
Differential Equations for End
ECON 2XOS
Applied Business Economics
ELECTIVE
Complementary Studies Elective
ELEC ENG 2CI5
Introduction to Electrical End
LEVEL III
COMM 2AB3
Managerial Accounting I
ELEC ENG 3TQ4
Probability and Random Processes
COMM 2BA3
Organizational Behaviour
COMP ENG 2DI4
Logic Design
COMM 2FA3
Introduction to Finance
COMP ENG 2DP4
MicroProcessor Systems
COMM 2MA3
Introduction to Marketing
ENGMNGT 3AA1
Project Mgmt. and Teamwork Skills
ELEC ENG 2EI5
Electronics Devices and Circuits I
MATH 3KO3
Engineering Math III (complex Var.)
ELEC ENG 3TP4
Signal and Systems
LEVEL IV
ELEC ENG 3EJ4
Electronic Devices and Circuits II
COMM 3FAS
Managerial Finance
ELEC ENG 3TR4
Communications Systems
COMM 3MC3
Applied Marketing Mgmt.
COMP ENG 3DQ4
Digital Systems and Design
STATS SY03
Statistical Analysis for Engineers
COMP ENG 3DR4
Computer Organization
ENGMGNT 4A01
Engineering and Mgmt. Report
SFWR 3K04
Software Dev for Elect. Engineering
ENG 4HO3/4AO3
Technology and Society
COMM 3BC3
Human Resource Mgmt.
COMM ELECTIVE
LEVEL V
COMM 4PA3
Business Policy
COMP ENG 4DS4
Embedded Systems
COMM 4QA3
Operations Modelling and Analysis
COMP ENG 4OI5
Engineering Design
COMP ENG 3SK3
Computer Aided Engineering
SFWR ENG 3SH3
Operating System Concepts
COMP ENG 4DK4
Computer Networks
ENG MGMT 5BO3
Engineering and Mgmt. Projects
COMP ENG 4DM4
Computer Architecture
COMM ELECTIVE
COMP ENG 4DN4
Advanced Internet Communications
*The curriculum for Electrical Engineering & Management is not shown but has a similar structure
http://www.ece.mcmaster.ca/
As of 3/16/2009
electrical and computer
engineering
electrical or computer engineering and society
what is computer or electrical engineering &
society?
The Engineering and Society program was created to provide students with a broader university education and to give them
greater insight into the way engineering works in society. Graduates of this program learn about the complex issues of socially
responsible engineering and can be expected to make this a life long commitment.
The program is fashioned after the Engineering and Management program in that it spreads out the Engineering curriculum over
five years, allowing room for another set of subjects. In the Engineering and Society program a set of focused electives and a
series of required core courses are taken in addition to the basic engineering curriculum. This allows engineering students who
have a strong interest in another subject (such as Music, French, or History) to take classes in that subject as well. Students apply
for admission to the program near the end of their first year. The program takes up to 40 students a year.
what skills do you learn?
Since students in the program come from other engineering disciplines and take many courses from other faculties, they acquire
an ability to interact effectively with others and to take a multi-dimensional approach to problem solving. Students develop their
oral communication skills through the many group discussions and presentations (both individual and group) required in the
core courses.
Due to the nature of the material studied, written papers and assignments are common. Students develop a significant
proficiency in written communication. The inquiry courses and inquiry approach in other core courses enable students to
develop their research skills. This includes an ability to formulate relevant questions and to critically define and assess problems.
what is special about the program?
Some students are attracted to the greater interaction with fellow classmates offered by the style of learning in the core
courses. For others, it is the opportunity to add flavor and variety to their required technical courses. The focused electives
enable students to develop their interests outside of engineering. The four-year programs also allow for a few electives, but not
many. Students in the Society program are able to explore another area of study in much more depth.
By the time students are in their final year, they have learned what it takes to be a responsible engineer and to appreciate the
broad base of knowledge the core courses offer. The small size of the program results in a sense of community and trust among
colleagues. It is also quite easy to get to know your professors.
what do graduates do?
Computer and Electrical Engineers are currently in demand in Canada. Graduates find employment in areas such as
environmental consulting, public industry research, conservation authorities, federal, provincial and municipal government,
resource industries, colleges and universities and communications or start their own company.
http://www.ece.mcmaster.ca/
As of 3/16/2009
electrical and computer
engineering
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING & SOCIETY CURRICULUM
LEVEL l
Course
Description
Course
Description
CHEM 1E03
General Chemistry for Engineering I
MATH 1NN3
Calculus for Engineering II
ENG 1C03
Engineering Design and Graphics
PHYS 1D03
Introductory Mechanics
ENG 1D04
Engineering Computation
PHYS 1E03
Waves, Electricity and Magnetic Fields
ENG 1P03
Intro to Professional Engineering
ELECTIVE
Complementary Studies Elective
MATLS 1M03
Structure and Properties of Materials
ELECTIVE
Complementary Studies Elective
MATH 1H03
Linear Algebra for Engineering
ENG 1AOO
Safety Training
MATH 1N03
Calculus for Engineering I
LEVEL II
COMP ENG 2DI4
Logic Design
MATH 2QO4
Advanced Calculus for Engineering
COMP ENG 2SH4
Programming
ENGSOC 2XO3
Inquiry in an Engineering Context I
COMP ENG 2SI4
Data Structures and Algorithms
ENGSOC 2YO3
Case Studies in History and Tech.
ELEC ENG 2CI5
Introduction to Elec. Eng.
ELECTIVE
Focus elective
ELEC ENG 2CJ4
Circuits & Systems
MATH 2PO4
Differential Equations for Eng.
LEVEL III
COMP ENG 2DP4
Microprocessor Systems
SFWR 3M04
Software Dev for Electrical Eng
COMP ENG 3SK3
Computer Aided Engineering
ENGSOC 3Y03
Culture of Tech.
ELEC ENG 2EI5
Electronics Devices and Circuits I
ENGSOC 3Z03
Preventive Engineering
ELEC ENG 2FH3
Intro Engineering Electromagnetics
ELECTIVE
Focus Elective
ELEC ENG 3TQ4
Probability and Random Processes
ELECTIVE
Optional Focus Elective
MATH 3K03
Engineering Math III (complex Var.)
ELECTIVE
Optional Focus Elective
LEVEL IV
ELEC ENG 3EJ4
Electronic Devices and Circuits II
ENG 4B03
Economics for Engineers
ELEC ENG 3FK4
Advanced Electromagnetics
ENGSOC 3X03
Inquiry in an Engineering Context II
ELEC ENG 3PI4
Power Devices and Systems
ELECTIVE
Focus Elective
ELEC ENG 3TP4
Signal and Systems
ELECTIVE
Focus Elective
ELEC ENG 3TR4
Communications Systems
ELECTIVE
Focus Elective
LEVEL V
ELEC ENG 40I5
Engineering Design
ELECTIVE
Focus Elective
ELECTIVE
ECE Directed Technical Elective
ELECTIVE
Focus Elective
ELECTIVE
ECE Directed Technical Elective
ENGSOC 4X03
Inquiry in an Engineering Context III
ELECTIVE
ECE Directed Technical Elective
ENGSOC 4Z03
Social Control of Tech.
ELECTIVE
ECE Directed Technical Elective
ELECTIVE
Eng. And Soc. Focus Elective
*The curriculum for Computer Engineering & Society is not shown but has a similar structure
http://www.ece.mcmaster.ca/
As of 3/16/2009
electrical and computer
engineering
TECHNICAL ELECTIVES Electrical Engineering
Course
Description
Term
COE 3DQ4
Digital Systems Design
1
COE 3DR4
Computer Organization
2
COE 4DK4
Computer Engineering Networks
1
COE 4DM4
Computer Architecture
1
COE 4DN4
Advanced Internet Communications
2
COE 4DS4
Embedded Systems
2
COE 4EK3
Microelectronics
1
COE 4TL4
Digital Signal Processing
1
EE 4BD4
Biomedical Instrumentation
2
EE 4BF3
Medical Image Processing
2
EE 4CL4
Control System Design
2
EE 4EM3
Photonic Device And Systems Engineering
2
EE 4FJ4
Microwave Engineering
2
EE 40J3
Research Project
1 and 2
EE 4PK4
Power Electronics
2
EE 4PL4
Energy Systems And Management
1
EE 4TK4
Digital Communications Systems
2
ME 4H03
Mechatronics
2
http://www.ece.mcmaster.ca/
As of 3/16/2009
electrical and computer
engineering
TECHNICAL ELECTIVES Computer Engineering
Course
Description
Term
COE 4EK3
Microelectronics
1
COE 40J3
Research Project
1 and 2
COE 4TL4
Digital Signal Processing
1
COE 4TN3
Image Processing
2
EE 3FK4
Electromagnetics II
2
EE 3PI4
Power Devices And Systems
1
EE 4BD4
Biomedical Instrumentation
2
EE 4BF3
Medical Image Processing
2
EE 4CL4
Control System Design
2
EE 4EM3
Photonic Device And Systems Engineering
2
EE 4FJ4
Microwave Engineering
2
EE 4PK4
Power Electronics
2
EE 4PL4
Energy Systems And Management
1
EE 4TK4
Digital Communications Systems
2
http://www.ece.mcmaster.ca/
As of 3/16/2009