FACULTY OF POSTGRADUATESTUDIES Master of Science in Computer Engineering The Future University

FACULTY OF POSTGRADUATESTUDIES Master of Science in Computer Engineering The Future University

2 Table of Contents: Page I. Introduction 1 II. Philosophy of the Program 2 III. Aims of the Program 2 IV. Learning Outcomes 3 V. Career Opportunities 5 VI. Entry Requirements 6 VII. Program Structure 6 VIII. Distribution of Modules 7

3 I. INTRODUCTION Engineering Trends, a globally recognized consulting firm specializing in engineering education reported a significant increase in the enrolment for Computer Engineering and Biomedical Engineering and a decline in the fields of aeronautics, chemical, civil, mechanical and nuclear. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov), a bachelor s degree is considered by many employers to be the least amount of education required to be an effective computer engineer. Graduate levels are in demand for a more complex career pursuits and that continuing education is a must in this dynamic and everchanging world. The field of Computer Engineering involves a lot of specializations as mapped in the IEEE/ACM Computing Curricula for Computer Engineering. Aside from social sciences, mathematics and natural sciences, key knowledge areas are listed to guide educational institutions wanting to offer a degree leading to computer engineering. These knowledge areas are: Algorithms, Computer Organization and Architecture, Computer Systems Engineering, Circuits and Signals, Database Systems, Digital Logic, Discrete Structures, Digital Signal Processing, Electronics, Embedded Systems, Human Computer Interaction, Computer Networks, Operating Systems, Programming Fundamentals, Probability and Statistics, Social and Professional Issues, Software Engineering and VLSI Design and Fabrication (IEEE/ACM Computer Engineering 2004). Businesses both local and international are finding their ways onto the global web and are in need of professionals capable of providing their needs. The globalization and internalization trend in all aspects had made individuals and companies ever more reliant to network communications. In response, firms in the telecommunication industries spend billions of dollars in research and development to address the growing demand of network telecommunications. Developing countries, to be able to keep pace with the rest of the world must not only invest in these technologies but also must provide human resources capable in the design, development, operation and maintenance of these technologies. Embedded system has been used widely in different industries such as aerospace, aviation, railway and industrial control and in our lives in automobiles, home appliances and mobiles etc.(wang, 2008). More than 99% micro processors are used in embedded systems (AMPRO. 2000). Embedded Systems are the intersection of multiple disciplines. The fastdeveloping multi-core technology has caused tremendous changes in the embedded system and since the year 2000, many universities worldwide have designed their curriculum for embedded systems (Wang, 2000) The changing needs of industry, advances in technology and design methodology has required a significant reorganization of VLSI education with combined emphasis on system issues and associated physical constraints (Hellberg, L. et al, 1997). A customized course curriculum specializing in VLSI Design and Technology is necessary to address the needs of the industry (Balakrishnan, 2005). 1

4 It is in this context that the Future University of Sudan is proposing to offer a graduate program leading to a degree in Master (of Science) in Computer Engineering with tracks on Networking, VLSI Design and Embedded System. II. PHILOSOPHY OF THE PROGRAM A Master of Science in Computer Engineering program should contain a sufficient coursework at the advanced levels based on the body of knowledge of computer engineering as recommended by the IEEE/ACM Computing Curricula on Computer Engineering 2004 to supplement the students basic and intermediate training in the baccalaureate degree. Breadth and depth in science and mathematics are important to this discipline. A design component is essential to the program, and typically culminates with a research or a master s project. The curriculum should also emphasize professional practice, legal and ethical issues, and the social context in which the graduate studentis expected to use in the implementation of engineering designs. Problem solving and critical thinking skills, oral and written communication skills, teamwork, and a variety of laboratory experiences are essential this program. III. AIMS OF THE PROGRAM The aims of the program are to provide opportunities for suitably qualified persons to acquire skills and expertise necessary to undertake research and development in the field of computer engineering. The courses in the MSc Computer Engineering with specialization in Networking(MSc CpE-N), Embedded System (MSc CpE-ES), and VLSI Design ((MSc CpE- VD), enable students to acquire expertise, and enhance their communication skills to elucidate complex technical problems, and solutions in network engineering, embedded system and VLSI Design. This program prepares the graduate student to successfully handle problems requiring in-depth knowledge principles and processes in the these fields. Specifically, the graduate student is expected to: Faculty of Engineering M.Sc in Computer Engineering 5 Future University Future University 1. Possess a specialized knowledge in one of the primary sub-disciplines of computer engineering, or to achieve a broader familiarity across a number of sub-disciplines; 2. Possess the analytical and technical skills capable of designing both general purpose and application-specific computer hardware; 3. Have been exposed to state-of-the-art computer engineering techniques and technologies, including the latest computer architectures and design styles; and 4. Continue on a path of lifelong learning in the computer engineering field. 2

5 IV. LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon the completion of the program, the student is expected to acquire intellectual and transferrable skills. It is expected that the graduate student will be able to: MSc Computer Engineering Networking Track 1. Develop, construct and analyze complex network systems, processes and products using scientific and engineering principles; 2. Demonstrate the ability to innovate designs of network systems including new processes and products; 3. Understand the capabilities of experimental methods for problem solving; 4. Integrate knowledge in mathematics, science, information technology, design, management principles and engineering principles to solve a variety of problems in networking; 5. Have a thorough understanding and knowledge of management practices and ethical issues on the field of networking and their limitations; 6. Design sustainable, efficient and cost effective network systems, processes and products; Faculty of Engineering M.Sc in Computer Engineering 6 Future University Future University 7. Effectively use available resources in the conduct of project development and research; 8. Work effectively as an individual, member of a group and can take on leadership roles; 9. Employ a systematic process in gathering, analyzing, interpreting, and communicating knowledge; and 10. Generate ideas that contribute to the advancement of network engineering. MSc Computer Engineering VLSI Design Track 1. Knowledge mastery of semiconductor material properties and how they relate to their atomic structure and how they can be utilized to make useful devices(diodes and MOS switches); 2. Demonstrate a deep understanding of the operation of MOS transistors under different conditions(voltage, temperature and scaling) using adequate models while realizing the limitations of these models; 3

6 3. Ability to use MOS transistors to construct useful circuits that achieve the required functionality; 4. Ability to Design, Verify, Analyze and Evaluate the performance (speed, Power, Area, Noise margins) of different MOS digital circuits under different operating conditions; 5. Demonstrate deep knowledge of the basic CMOS manufacturing process; 6. Ability to produce an efficient mask design (layout, or blue print) of a CMOS IC for certain specifications (functional, speed, constraints...etc.). This would involves such skills as design segmentation, simple floor planning, layout and post layout verification; 7. Ability to use CAD tools relevant to IC design; 8. Effectively use available resources in the conduct of project development and research; 9. Work effectively as an individual, member of a group and can take on leadership roles; Faculty of Engineering M.Sc in Computer Engineering 7 Future University Future University 10. Employ a systematic process in gathering, analyzing, interpreting, and communicating knowledge; and 11. Generate ideas that contribute to the advancement of VLSI Design. MSc Computer Engineering Embedded System Track 1. Analyze problems, develop solutions and implement solutions on several embedded systems platforms ; 2. Develop and build an embedded operating systems on a variety of platforms; 3. Design and implement digital systems solutions in CPLDs and FPGAs; 4. Demonstrate deep understanding of the operational principles and technological advancement of embedded computer systems and their components; 5. Developing an ability to integrate embedded software, hardware, and operating systems to meet functional and performance requirements of embedded applications; 6. Developing the ability to use modern design methodologies and tools for developing and testing complex HW/SW systems; 7. Demonstrate expertise with system-level design concepts; 4

7 8. Demonstrate expertise in the application of techniques and tools for performance analysis; 9. Work within a design team in the development of digital solutions; 10. Independently undertake the design and implementation of sub-sections of a development project; 11. Design and implement software solutions to a high standard; 12. Document and present design solutions in a team environment; 13. Employ a systematic process in gathering, analyzing, interpreting, and communicating knowledge; and 14. Generate ideas that contribute to the advancement of Embedded System. V. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Computer Engineering is widely considered to be one of the most dynamic fields in terms of market growth, and accordingly, job prospects for Computer Engineering graduates are excellent. A master degree in Computer Engineering is held in high regard in industry and is an important asset for launching a successful international career. As a graduate in Master of Science in Computer Engineering with specialization in Networking (MSc CpE-N), he/she is qualified to compete in the following: 1. Senior Network Manager; 2. Network Team Leader; 3. Network Administrator; 4. Computer Network Engineer; 5. Research and Development Specialist; 6. Academician As a graduate in Master of Science in Computer Engineering with specialization in VLSI Design (MSc CpE- VD), he/she is qualified to compete in the following: 1. VLSI Design Team Leader; 5 2. VLSI Design Researcher;

8 3. Semiconductor Design Manager; 4. Semiconductor Manufacturing Manager; 5. Academician 6. Electronic Circuit Development Consultant As a graduate in Master of Science in Computer Engineering with specialization in Embedded System (MSc CpE- ES), he/she is qualified to compete in the following: 1. Embedded Design Team Leader; 2. Embedded Design Researcher; 3. Embedded Design Developer; 4. Semiconductor Manufacturing Manager; 5. Academician VI. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Enrollees for the proposed Master in Science in Computer Engineering are baccalaureate degree holders in Computer Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. The applicant for the program should present an authenticated Official Transcript of Records (OTR) from the institution granting him/her the baccalaureate degree. VII. PROGRAM STRUCTURE Summary of Requirements The Master of Science in Computer Engineering with specialization in Networking is both a research oriented requiring a thesis for successful completion or yield a professional degree with significant emphasis on a project and practical experience in industry. The later expects to produce a practitioner who can rapidly assume a position of substantial responsibility. The Future University proposed curriculum is intended to meet the increasing need of highly skilled network engineers. It is a professional degree program and will not prevent qualified graduates to continuing their studies towards a doctoral degree in networking. The Master of Science in Computer Engineering discipline is composed of three semester of course work and one semester of capstone course (project or research) for a total of 33 credit hours. 6

9 The first term which is composed of 9 credit hours (3 core courses) which will give the students the preliminary direction of the masters program. The second and third terms allow the student to choose any 18 credit hours from the list of professional courses. These courses intend to develop the graduate students expertise in the different tracks of networking, VLSI Design and Embedded System. The fourth term (6 credit hours) will be devoted to project development and documentation or research writing. This capstone activity will showcase the totality of learning of the graduate student. The student at this point is expected to show mastery in the area where he/she is expected to conduct research (Thesis) or project development. In totality, the Master of Science in Computer Engineering has 27 credit units of coursework and 6 units of Research/Project Development: Core Courses - 9 credit units Specialization/Professional Courses - 18 credit units Master s Project - 6 credit units VIII. DISTRIBUTION OF MODULES Core Courses: These courses are required for the students enrolled in MSc Computer Engineering program. These are common to the three tracks. COURSE CODE TITLE CREDIT HOUR MCpE01 Computer System and Architecture 3 MCpE02 Project Management Principles 3 MCpE03 Digital Machine Design using VHDL 3 NETWORKING TRACK COURSE CODE TITLE CREDIT HOUR Specialization Required Courses MCpE-04 Applied Digital Signal Processing 3 MCpE-N01 Design and Analysis of Data Networks 3 MCpE-N02 Advanced Wireless Networks 3 MCpE-N03 Network Management 3 Elective Courses (Choose 6 Credit Hours only) MCpE-N04 Network Security 3 MCpE-V01 Advanced VLSI Design 3 MCpE-N05 Network Routing Algorithms and Protocols 3 MCpE-N06 Applied Neural Networks 3 7

10 VLSI DESIGN TRACK COURSE CODE TITLE CREDIT HOUR Specialization Required Courses MCpE-04 Applied Digital Signal Processing 3 MCpE-V01 Advanced VLSI Design 3 MCpE-V02 CAD Formal Hardware Specification, Design and 3 Verification MCpE-V03 ASIC and Semi-custom Design Methodology 3 Elective Courses (Choose 9 Credit Hours only) MCpE-N04 Advanced Semiconductor Physics 3 MCpE-V01 Chip Input/Output Circuits 3 MCpE-N05 Robotics and Automation 3 MCpE-N06 Applied Neural Networks 3 EMBEDDED SYSTEM TRACK COURSE CODE TITLE CREDIT HOUR Specialization Required Courses MCpE-04 Applied Digital Signal Processing 3 MCpE-ES01 Principles of Embedded Computations 3 MCpE- ES02 Embedded System Programming 3 MCpE- ES03 Real-time and Embedded System 3 Elective Courses (Choose 9 Credit Hours only) MCpE-ES04 Control Systems 3 MCpE-V01 Advanced VLSI Design 3 MCpE-ES05 Robotics and Automation 3 MCpE-N06 Applied Neural Networks 3 8