For those who want to study further, it is a
good idea to consider a Masters Programme
after graduating. Bursaries are available,
especially in the areas of Communications,
High Performance Computing, Power, and
Aerospace. The Department offers only a
research-based Masters, that allows the student to
specialise in a particular area. The strong ICT skills
gained by students on the ECE programme really
sets them up to tackle the complex simulation work
required for research. Some students upgrade their
degrees to the PhD programme, placing them in
a situation to work locally and internationally in
advanced research and development.
Further Information
career prospects
Many ECE students move into industry, and
are in demand, due to their strong skills
in ICT. The Telecommunications industry is
booming all over Africa, and a large number
of UCT students are involved there, planning
and implementing these new networks. The
South African Government is establishing a
Space Agency and is already supporting major
projects in the area of Nuclear Engineering,
High Performance Computing and Radio
Astronomy. Again, many graduates are already
participating in these projects.
Details of the course content can be found in
the Engineering & the Built Environment Faculty
Handbook. The credit weighting gives a good
idea of the loading of each topic, and the
detailed course descriptions found later in the
handbook provide more details. If you would
like to discuss the programme in more detail,
please contact the ECE Course Convenor, via
the Department of Electrical Engineering.
You can also speak to:
Prof. Michael Inggs
University of Cape Town
Electrical Engineering and Centre
for High Performance Computing
021 658 2756 or 021 650 2799
Michael.Inggs@uct.ac.za
Why you should consider
Electrical and
Computer
Engineering
Play your part in
shaping the world
through technology
background
Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) is
a relatively new programme at the University
of Cape Town and a named degree in the
Electrical
Engineering
Department.
The
programme is internationally accredited by
the Washington Accord, which means the
degree has been recognised by professional
engineering accrediting bodies in the USA,
Canada UK, Ireland, Australia, Hong Kong
and New Zealand.
The programme is aimed at producing
electrical engineers with exceptional skills
in the use of computer technology, often
known as Information and Communications
Technology (ICT), along with solid problem
solving skills. The ECE graduate will be fully set
up to participate in all aspects of engineering
and industry.
Some of the fields where ECE graduates
can work:
Communications
This
includes
cellular
networks,
broadband data networks, satellites
communications, broadcast, all digital
software defined radios.
Embedded systems
Found in all aspects of automation:
remote
controls
for
appliances,
industrial automation, robotics.
High Performance Computing
Computer design and development:
the exciting move away from today’s
computers to the massively parallel
computers of the future.
Aerospace Engineering
Computers are an essential part of
spacecraft, aircraft, radar, sonar,
submarines, aircraft, as well as in their
design.
Automotive Engineering
Motor vehicles rely more and more on
embedded computers for performance
and safety.
Business Systems Analysis
Electrical and computing engineers
are employed by many of the well
known systems consultancies, helping
companies to function more efficiently
with the help of ICT and systems
knowledge.
Students are challenged over a wide range
of disciplines. In many ways the programme
is a combination of Electrical Engineering and
Computer Science
the programme
You should consider this programme if
you believe that you have an aptitude
for computing, and want to participate
in all aspects of modern industry, from
aerospace through to robotics and
business management. You can expect
to enter a tough, but very rewarding
programme, with excellent employment
options over a wide range of industries.
No other engineering programme offers
such a solid grounding in computer
technology - knowledge that underpins
all of modern technology.
Year One:
Covers the science fundamentals
(Physics and Mathematics), an introduction to
Electrical Engineering, and a full first-year of
Computer Science. We strongly recommend
that students should have Computer Studies as
part of their school curriculum, but the course
does not preclude those that do not. It is not
possible to transfer into the ECE Programme
without this first year of Computer Science.
Year Two:
Introduces more fundamentals
in Mathematics and Science, and a full
Computer Science programme, providing a deep
understanding of computer programming, design of
software, databases, and networks. Some exposure
to Electrical Engineering technology begins.
Year Three: Brings in the fundamentals of many
parts of Electrical Engineering (Telecommunications,
Control,
Electronics,
Electromagnetics,
Power
Systems, and Motors). There are some intensive
courses in the programming of processors, as found
in modern automation, and the new technology of
reconfigurable computers. The Computer Science
modules support the electrical engineering direction,
with a deep understanding of computer operating
systems, architectures and networks.
Year Four:
Includes specialist courses, mostly
building on the fundamental technology courses of
the third year. These courses can be selected from
the whole range of final year electives offered in the
Department and this allows students to select the
technologies they are most interested in. A final year
project takes up nearly half the year, and is another
opportunity for students to work in a field of interest,
within one of the research groups in the department.