Appendix 3.10 Electronics & Computer Systems Engineering Major
Profile
MASSEY UNIVERSITY
BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING with HONOURS
ELECTRONICS AND COMPUTER SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Major Profile Description
and
Competency Framework
2009
1
1. Introduction
The Electronics and Computer Systems Engineering (ECSE) major renamed the major entitled
Computer Systems Engineering (CSE) and students enrolled in the existing CSE major were
offered the opportunity to move to this renamed major during the period 2005 – 2009. The
change reflects the strong emphasis on electronics that already exists within the program. The
changes within the program since the last accreditation are relatively minor, and are associated
with rearranging and updating material.
2. Goal
The ECSE major aims to develop graduates who are multi-disciplinary, having good practical
skills, possessing a systems approach to design, development and management of software and
hardware projects. They should be capable of working in a team environment to solve problems
from the device level through to networks, communication systems and operating systems. ECSE
graduates should have the knowledge and potential to become successful project leaders,
systems analysts and systems designers who are equally at home in a small company or large
multi-national.
3. Description
The ECSE major involves the integrated study of electronics and software engineering, systems
software, data communications, computer organisation and architecture. This is accomplished
within an engineering context that encompasses aspects of management and design, with a
study of relevant technologies. Computing papers include aspects of hardware and software,
systems design, data communications, programming languages, operating systems and
computer architectures. The related engineering papers cover technological mathematics,
electronics, systems and circuits engineering, manufacturing, process engineering, production
management, quality and reliability. Figure 1 shows an overview of how papers contribute to
this subject knowledge.
2
ECSE Major - Papers
Basic Science and Engineering
124.101
124.102
160.101
161.100
159.101
159.102
143.150
140.150
Physics 1a
Physics 1b
Calculus 1
Principles of Statistics
Programming Fundamentals
Computer Science Fundamentals
Engineering Fundamentals
Technology and Engineering for Industry
143.222
143.223
124.251
124.252
143.227
159.201
159.233
159.254
Technological Maths A
Technological Maths B
Analogue Systems Design
Digital System Design
Signals, Systems & Information
Algorithms and Data Structures
Computer Architecture
Software Engineering A
Knowledge of Software and Software Engineering
159.351
159.356
159.355
159.404
158.359
Software Engineering B
Software Engineering C
Concurrent Systems
Systems Programming
Human Computer Interaction
Knowledge of Computer Architectures and Networks
143.474
159.403
159.334
159.359
Advanced Computer Systems Engineering
Advanced Computer Systems
Computer Networks
Web Technologies
Knowledge of Electronics and Control
143.335 Instrumentation, Electronics and Control
Engineering
143.339 Design for Computer and Communication
Systems
143.333 Signal Processing
143.457 Advanced Micro Technologies
143.473 Applied Digital Image and Speech Processing
Management and Quality
Knowledge and Skills Integration
143.485 Engineering Project
143.340 Industrial Research Techniques
143.292 Industrial Innovation and Improvement
143.465 Management of Information Systems and
Reliability
Figure 1: Subject Knowledge and Understanding
4. Graduate Destinations
Electronics and Computer Systems Engineering graduates become skilled in the development
and application of computer systems, involving both software and hardware, in both the
industrial and commercial context. ECSE graduates are expected to find employment within:
All software sectors
Information technology sectors from R&D to service
Electronics engineering sectors
Systems management / programmer / analyst
Advanced level education and training establishments
A graduate Electronics and Computer Systems Engineer would be as much at home designing
embedded hardware/software systems as they will be working on large scale distributed
software and computer network applications
5. Typical Initial Industrial Roles
During the early years of their employment as graduates typical assignments are likely to
include:
System programmer in the IT industry
Program analyst in the IT industry
Networks operation engineer and manager
3
Embedded systems designer, developer and programmer
Software project manager
Research and development engineer
Educator and training at an advanced level.
6. Graduate Competencies
The major has been developed to produce graduates with Programme Competencies (PCs)
consistent with those prescribed by IPENZ for accreditation as a professional engineer1
1. Understand and apply the mathematical and engineering sciences to one or more of the
broad, general engineering disciplines
2. Formulate and solve models that predict the behaviour of part or all of complex engineering
systems, using first principles of the fundamental engineering sciences and mathematics
synthesise and demonstrate the efficacy of solutions to part or all of complex engineering
problems
3. Synthesise and demonstrate the efficacy of solutions to part or all of complex engineering
problems
4. Recognise when further information is needed and be able to find it by identifying,
evaluating and drawing conclusions from all pertinent sources of information, and by
designing and carrying out experiments
5. Understand the accepted methods of dealing with uncertainty (such as safety factors) and
the limitations of the applicability of methods of design and analysis and identify, evaluate
and manage the physical risks in complex engineering problems
6. Function effectively in a team by working co-operatively with the capacity to become a
leader or manager
7. Communicate effectively, comprehending and writing effective reports and design
documentation, summarising information, making effective oral presentations and giving
and receiving clear oral instructions
8. Understand the role of engineers and their responsibility to society by demonstrating an
understanding of the general responsibilities of a professional engineer
9. Understand and apply project and business management, recognising and using the
appropriate project and business management principles and tools for complex engineering
problems
10. Demonstrate competence in the practical art of engineering in their area of specialisation
by showing in design an understanding of the practical methods for the construction and
maintenance of engineering products, and using modern calculation and design tools
competently for complex engineering problems
1
Requirements for Initial Academic Education for Professional Engineer. Part B: Accreditation Criteria for
Professional Engineering Degree Programmes
http://www.ipenz.org.nz/IPENZ/Forms/pdfs/Initial_Academic_Policy_Prof_Eng.pdf
4
The ECSE major has been developed to produce graduates with Major Competencies (MCs)
so that graduates will have:
The ability to apply their knowledge to the electronics, telecommunication, computer and
information related industries in designing, developing and operating products, systems
and networks
A competency in the use of a multi-disciplinary systems approach to meeting the
management and technical challenges of software, hardware and communications
engineering projects
The capability to determine the required specifications for new systems and making
technical recommendations for such developments
An ability to understand and use relevant, new theoretical and practical developments.
An ability to commit to and benefit from continuing professional development
An ability to apply international standards and practices and to work harmoniously with
technical and management staff
7. Major Teaching Strategy
Throughout the degree, students will acquire knowledge, develop practice and apply both
reflective and evaluative abilities, through:
Lectures as exemplars with worked problems and solution formulation
Use of questioning teaching techniques to encourage students to reflect and evaluate
(tutorial problems, assignments, and interactive teaching styles)
Individual and group laboratory work
Vacation employment and associated practical work reports
Formative assessment (including self and peer assessment in assignments, projects etc)
to provide feedback to enhance student learning
Problem solving and project work
Industrial visits
Industry case studies
Group design projects and reports
Guided self-study
Individual final-year project
Throughout the degree, students will recognise the importance of developing life long learning
skills through:
Practical work and associated reports
Group design project and reports
Attending seminars and/or special lectures both inside and outside the university
5
Participating in various national and international student competitions and professional
activities
Reading professional journals or magazines or materials available from professional
organisations
The degree will develop the ability to adapt quickly and flexibly to new environments, through:
Industry case studies
Open-ended design projects
Individual and group project presentation and management
Placement of students in different work groups throughout the course
Practical work and associated reports
Throughout the degree, students will develop individual work skills through:
Individual assignments
Individual project work
Lectures and laboratories on software and hardware design, implementation and
management
Practise in researching information from a variety of sources, and in communicating their
findings through written, visual and oral communications media
Constructive feedback on individual work
Throughout the degree, students will develop, practice and apply communication skills and will
learn to work productively and effectively in a team environment through:
Group design projects and reports
Seminars and presentations throughout the course
Laboratory work
8. Major Structure
Year 1 (Semesters 1 and 2)
The first year of study has been designed in such a way that students entering the university can
adjust to the university style of working. The introductory year consists mainly of basic science
papers in physics, mathematics, computer science and statistics. Two computer science papers
offer students foundation knowledge of programming, applications usage and computer science
fundamentals. In addition many basic concepts of mechanical, electrical and electronic
engineering are covered in an option-specific engineering paper which runs several practical
projects designed to stimulate students' interest in this area of their study. Physics topics studied
in the second semester include thermodynamics, properties of matter and electromagnetism.
The students also study written communication techniques and industrial organisation
structures and management principles.
At the end of the first year the students are expected to do vacation work which may involve
simple computer applications, information systems, engineering or technical jobs.
6
Year 2 (Semesters 3 and 4)
The third semester consists of two computing related papers, one analogue electronics design
paper and one technological mathematics paper. These are all foundation papers that introduce
the basic techniques of electronic engineering (analogue systems), computer hardware and
software and supported by applied mathematics.
In the fourth semester another four papers are offered. Digital systems design builds on the
third semester analogue design paper. There is a “design and build” project that runs across
both semesters, known as the “duck project”. This project climaxes with a fun inter-campus
competition at the end of the fourth semester which tests practical engineering skills related to
problem solving and taking into account external and environmental factors. More advanced
topics in linear algebra and the mathematical foundations for signals and systems, both
continuous and discrete, are also covered. A basic introduction to signals, systems and
information, which is strong in information theory, is given. The first of the software engineering
papers is covered in this semester.
In the second year, knowledge integration begins and students start to see the relationship
between electronics, software engineering and information and communication techniques. The
two mathematics papers in this year develop the foundation for advanced engineering papers in
the following years and make extensive use of technical computing packages such as MATLAB.
At the end of Year 2, students will now have sufficient knowledge to work in the area of
advanced computer applications, basic electronic circuit design and basic mathematical and
analytical techniques. Their vacation work is expected to be in more advanced IT, computer
electronics, and software engineering and/or technical areas.
Year 3 (Semesters 5 and 6)
Eight key papers in Year 3 build the first elements of specialisation for the major upon the
foundations laid by the earlier papers. Half of these papers continue to advance the software
engineering basis of the option, extending what has been covered in the first two years. The
computer networks paper introduces the concepts of networking and uses the OSI model a
platform to categorise the main functions of a computer or communication network. Students
are introduced to current implementation practices and shown where cross-layer considerations
are required in order to realise current communication systems. The concurrent systems paper
gives practical experience in all aspects of concurrent programming, including synchronisation.
The other half of the papers both consolidate and increase the breadth of the learning within the
ECSE option. The students electronics design knowledge is developed through two papers. One
gives a broad coverage of control systems engineering, instrumentation, electrical machines and
power electronics. The design of computers and communication systems paper focuses on
embedded microcontrollers and practical interfacing issues. The study of project management,
including patents, builds upon the engineering fundamentals covered in year 1. A paper on
industrial research techniques has elements of quality assurance and control but also has an
emphasis on experimental design, optimisation and system identification.
Many of the papers in this third year are strongly project and laboratory based. In the project
work students are given open-ended problems. Solution of those problems requires critical
thinking and comprehensive knowledge of different subjects they have already completed.
Whereas semesters 1-4 were in common with several Engineering majors, in this year the
curricula for the majors now diverge. At the end of third year students will have sufficient
knowledge and practice to work in developing advanced computer applications, electronic
circuit design and mathematical and analytical techniques. They are expected to work in more
7
advanced IT, computer software, electronics hardware, engineering and/or other technical
areas.
Year 4 (Semesters 7 and 8)
The fourth and final year contains several advanced computer systems papers and rounds off
the ECSE option with further specialised management papers including topics of quality and
reliability management and information and communication system management. The
advanced computer systems engineering paper is based around advanced mini projects where
students explore in depth several specialised topics including advanced software and FPGA
based hardware systems. A major component of this final professional year is the final year
project. It is intended that most projects will relate to industrial needs and projects or aspects of
research in progress in the School of Engineering and Advanced Technology or elsewhere.
Students must also choose two elective papers that can be taken from a comprehensive list of
advanced papers in diverse areas from digital technology to artificial intelligence. There is also
the option to further increase the breath of the degree with a paper in marketing or another
approved elective from across the university. The electives allow the students to tailor their
degree to focus on areas of particular interest to them.
On the successful completion of the final year an ECSE graduate will possess a broad range of
skills and practice in hardware and software engineering. A typical graduate will have good
analytical and problem solving skills and an ability to use modern software tools, or even
develop their own specialised software. Their technical knowledge and skills will be balanced
with substantial elements of management practice, from industrial management to reliability
management. A typical graduate will have strong analytical and critical thinking skills that will
enable them to present projects and discuss the solutions to complex problems. This will be
underpinned by the ability to effectively present ideas both in written form and in oral
presentation. They will have been exposed to the concept of education and professional
development as a life-long commitment.
An ECSE graduate is ready to hit-the-ground running and embark upon an exciting career in a
diverse range of information and computer technology rich companies and industries.
Paper Flow Diagram
The paper flow diagram on the following page shows the direct linkages between papers across
the 4 year degree program. There are many indirect linkages not shown, for example much of
the mathematics in the first two years is foundational for the analysis in the advanced years.
The “Duck project” spans the analogue systems design and digital systems design papers in the
second year. There are also linkages between papers within a year, between semesters.
Subject Knowledge Map
The Learning Map shows in broad outline how the key knowledge areas feed into the Major to
develop the desired outcome. Additional tables in this profile further expand upon this diagram.
8
Paper Flow Diagram
First Year
Electronics and Computer Systems Engineering
Second Year
Technology &
Engineering for
Industry
Calculus 1
Principles of
Statistics
Engineering
Fundamentals
Third Year
Industrial Innovation
and Improvement
Technological
Mathematics
A and B
Signals, Systems and
Information
Analogue Systems
Design
Industrial Research
Techniques
Instrumentation,
Electronics and
Control Engineering
Design for Computer
and Communication
Systems
Digital Systems
Design
Physics
1a and 1b
Software
Engineering A
Software
Engineering
B&C
Fourth Year
Management of
Information Systems
and Reliability
Engineering Project
(equivalent to 2
papers)
Advanced Computer
Systems Engineering
Advanced Computer
Systems
Systems
Programming
Programming
Fundamentals
Computer
Architecture
Computer Science
Fundamentals
Algorithms and Data
Structures
Concurrent Systems
Computer Networks
Two Approved
Electives
9
Learning Map
Knowledge of
Software and
Software
Engineering
Knowledge of
Computer
Architectures
and Networks
Management
and Quality
Basic science
and
mathematics
Electronics
Computer Systems
Software Engineering
Embedded Systems
Knowledge of
Electronics and
Control
Engineering Project
GRADUATE
ELECTRONICS AND
COMPUTER SYSTEMS
ENGINEER
Electronics and Computer Systems Engineering
10
9. Graduate Competency Mapping to Papers
Key: contribution of the learning outcomes of a paper to the graduate competencies x – some, xx – significant, xxx –
major;
Table 1: Development of Graduate Competencies - Year 1
MANDATORY PAPERS
124.101
124.102
PC Apply mathematical and engineering
sciences
xx
PC Formulate and solve models that predict the
behaviour of part or all of complex engineering
problems
140.150
143.150
159.101
159.102
160.101
161.100
xx
x
x
xxx
xx
xx
xxx
xxx
x
xx
xxx
x
PC Synthesise and demonstrate the efficacy of
solutions to part or all of complex engineering
problems
x
x
x
xx
xxx
x
PC Recognise when further information is
needed and be able to find it
xx
xx
x
xx
x
xxx
PC Understand the accepted methods of dealing
with uncertainty
xx
xx
PC Function Effectively in a team
x
x
PC Communicate effectively, comprehending
and writing effective reports and design
documentation
xx
xx
xx
PC Understand the role of engineers and their
responsibility to society
xx
xx
xx
Programme Competencies (PCs)
x
xx
xx
PC Understand and apply project and business
management, recognising and using the
appropriate project and business management
principles and tools for complex engineering
problems
xx
x
x
PC Demonstrate competence in the practical art
of engineering in their area of specialisation
xx
xxx
x


MAJOR Demonstrate an ability to apply their
knowledge to the electronics,
telecommunication, computer and information
related industries in designing, developing and
operating products, systems and networks

MAJOR Competency in the use of a multidisciplinary systems approach to meeting the
management and technical challenges of
software, and hardware engineering projects

MAJOR Capability to determine the required
specifications for new systems and making
technical recommendations for such
developments

xx
xxx


xx

x









MAJOR An ability to understand and use
relevant, new theoretical and practical
developments.

MAJOR An ability to commit to and benefit
from continuing professional development
MAJOR An ability to apply international
standards and practices and to work
harmoniously with technical and management




11
staff
Table 2: Development of Graduate Competencies – Year 2
MANDATORY PAPERS
124.251
143.222
159.201
159.233
124.252
143.223
143.227
159.254
PC Apply mathematical and engineering
sciences
xx
xxx
xx
xxx
x
xxx
xxx
xx
PC Formulate and solve models that predict the
behaviour of part or all of complex engineering
problems
xx
xxx
xxx
xxx
x
xx
xxx
xxx
PC Synthesise and demonstrate the efficacy of
solutions to part or all of complex engineering
problems
xxx
xx
xxx
xx
xx
xx
xxx
PC Recognise when further information is
needed and be able to find it
xx
xx
xx
x
xx
xx
xx
PC Understand the accepted methods of dealing
with uncertainty
xx
x
x
x
x
PC Function Effectively in a team
x
x
x
xxx
x
xx
PC Communicate effectively, comprehending
and writing effective reports and design
documentation
x
x
xx
x
xxx
xxx
xx
PC Understand the role of engineers and their
responsibility to society
x
x
xx
x
xx
x
xx
xx
x
Programme Competencies (PCs)
PC Understand and apply project and business
management, recognising and using the
appropriate project and business management
principles and tools for complex engineering
problems
PC Demonstrate competence in the practical art
of engineering in their area of specialisation
x
xx
x
x
xxx
xxx
xx
xx
xxx





Major Competencies (MCs)
MC Demonstrate an ability to apply their
knowledge to the electronics,
telecommunication, computer and information
related industries in designing, developing and
operating products, systems and networks

MC Competency in the use of a multidisciplinary systems approach to meeting the
management and technical challenges of
software, and hardware engineering projects

MC Capability to determine the required
specifications for new systems and making
technical recommendations for such
developments







MC An ability to understand and use relevant,
new theoretical and practical developments.
MC An ability to commit to and benefit from
continuing professional development
MC An ability to apply international standards
and practices and to work harmoniously with
technical and management staff




12
Table 3: Development of Graduate Competencies – Year 3
MANDATORY PAPERS
143.339
143.340
159.351
159.355
143.292
143.335
159.334
159.356
PC Apply mathematical and engineering sciences
xx
xx
xx
xx
x
xxx
x
xx
PC Formulate and solve models that predict the
behaviour of part or all of complex engineering
problems
x
xxx
xx
x
xxx
PC Synthesise and demonstrate the efficacy of
solutions to part or all of complex engineering
problems
xx
xx
xxx
xx
x
xx
x
xxx
PC Recognise when further information is
needed and be able to find it
xx
xxx
xx
xx
xx
xx
x
xxx
PC Understand the accepted methods of dealing
with uncertainty
x
x
xxx
x
xx
x
x
xxx
PC Function Effectively in a team
xxx
x
xx
xx
x
x
xxx
PC Communicate effectively, comprehending
and writing effective reports and design
documentation
xxx
xx
xxx
xx
x
xx
xxx
PC Understand the role of engineers and their
responsibility to society
xx
x
xxx
x
x
xx
xx
PC Understand and apply project and business
management, recognising and using the
appropriate project and business management
principles and tools for complex engineering
problems
x
xx
xx
x
x
x
PC Demonstrate competence in the practical art
of engineering in their area of specialisation
xxx
x
xxx
xx
x
x
xx
xxx














Programme Competencies (PCs)
x
xx
xx
Major Competencies (MCs)
MC Demonstrate an ability to apply their
knowledge to the electronics,
telecommunication, computer and information
related industries in designing, developing and
operating products, systems and networks
MC Competency in the use of a multidisciplinary systems approach to meeting the
management and technical challenges of
software, and hardware engineering projects
MC Capability to determine the required
specifications for new systems and making
technical recommendations for such
developments
MC An ability to understand and use relevant,
new theoretical and practical developments.
MC An ability to commit to and benefit from
continuing professional development
MC An ability to apply international standards
and practices and to work harmoniously with
technical and management staff
















13
Table 4: Development of Graduate Competencies –– Year 4
MANDATORY PAPERS
143.465
143.474
143.485
159.404
159.403
PC Apply mathematical and engineering sciences
xx
xxx
xx
xxx
xxx
PC Formulate and solve models that predict the
behaviour of part or all of complex engineering
problems
xx
x
xx
xxx
xx
PC Synthesise and demonstrate the efficacy of
solutions to part or all of complex engineering
problems
xx
xx
xxx
xxx
xxx
PC Recognise when further information is needed
and be able to find it
xx
xx
xx
xx
xxx
PC Understand the accepted methods of dealing
with uncertainty
x
x
xx
x
x
PC Function Effectively in a team
x
xxx
x
PC Communicate effectively, comprehending and
writing effective reports and design documentation
x
xxx
xxx
x
xxx
PC Understand the role of engineers and their
responsibility to society
x
xx
xxx
x
x
PC Understand and apply project and business
management, recognising and using the
appropriate project and business management
principles and tools for complex engineering
problems
x
x
xxx
xx
PC Demonstrate competence in the practical art of
engineering in their area of specialisation
x
xx
xxx
xxx
x
MC Demonstrate an ability to apply their
knowledge to the electronics, telecommunication,
computer and information related industries in
designing, developing and operating products,
systems and networks





MC Competency in the use of a multi-disciplinary
systems approach to meeting the management and
technical challenges of software, and hardware
engineering projects





MC Capability to determine the required
specifications for new systems and making technical
recommendations for such developments





MC An ability to understand and use relevant, new
theoretical and practical developments.





Programme Competencies (PCs)
x
Major Competencies (MCs)
MC An ability to commit to and benefit from
continuing professional development

MC An ability to apply international standards and
practices and to work harmoniously with technical
and management staff




14
Together with two papers from those listed below
ELECTIVE PAPERS
143.333
159.359
143.457
143.473
161.326
158.35
9
PC Apply mathematical and engineering sciences
xxx
x
xx
xxx
xxx
x
PC Formulate and solve models that predict the
behaviour of part or all of complex engineering
problems
xx
xx
xx
x
PC Synthesise and demonstrate the efficacy of
solutions to part or all of complex engineering
problems
xx
xx
xxx
xx
xx
xx
PC Recognise when further information is needed
and be able to find it
xx
xx
xx
xxx
xx
xx
PC Understand the accepted methods of dealing
with uncertainty
x
x
xx
x
xxx
xx
PC Function Effectively in a team
xx
x
x
xx
PC Communicate effectively, comprehending and
writing effective reports and design documentation
xx
x
x
xx
PC Understand the role of engineers and their
responsibility to society
x
x
x
xx
xx
PC Understand and apply project and business
management, recognising and using the
appropriate project and business management
principles and tools for complex engineering
problems
x
x
x
x
PC Demonstrate competence in the practical art of
engineering in their area of specialisation
xx
xx
xx
xx
x
xx
MC Demonstrate an ability to apply their
knowledge to the electronics, telecommunication,
computer and information related industries in
designing, developing and operating products,
systems and networks






MC Competency in the use of a multi-disciplinary
systems approach to meeting the management and
technical challenges of software, and hardware
engineering projects






MC Capability to determine the required
specifications for new systems and making technical
recommendations for such developments













An
approve
d
Elective
xxx
x
x
xx
Major Competencies (MCs)
MC An ability to understand and use relevant, new
theoretical and practical developments.
MC An ability to commit to and benefit from
continuing professional development
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MC An ability to apply international standards and
practices and to work harmoniously with technical
and management staff
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