405/505. Introduction to Discrete Event Simulation. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisites: Undergraduate course in probability and statistics; computer literacy.
An introduction to the fundamentals of discrete event simulation. Topics include discrete event simulation methodology, development of simulation models, simulation verification and validation, and the design of simulation experiments. Important statistical concepts, including selection of input probability distribution, output data analysis, and variance reduction techniques, are developed and applied. (Cross-listed with MSIM 405/505)
406/506. Introduction to Visualization. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: CS 361.
Introduction to computer graphics and visualization with emphasis on using 3D application programmer's interface (API) libraries. It covers mathematical foundations, rendering pipeline, geometrical transformations, 3D viewing and projections, shading, texture mapping, and programmable shaders. Various visualization applications are covered.
441/541. Advanced Digital Design and Field Programmable Gate Arrays. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: ECE 341.
Course will provide a description of FPGA technologies and the methods using CAD design tools for implementation of digital systems using FPGAs. It provides advanced methods of digital circuit design, specification, synthesis, implementation and prototyping. It introduces practical system design examples. (Offered spring).
443/543. Computer Architecture. Lecture 3 hours; 3credits.
Prerequisite: ECE 341, 446/546. Pre - or Corequisites: ECE 304, 488.
An introduction to computer architectures. Analysis and design of computer subsystems including central processing units, memories and input/output subsystems. Important concepts include datapaths, computer arithmetic, instruction cycles, pipelining, virtual and cache memories, direct memory access and controller design. (offered fall)
451/551. Communication Systems. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisites: ECE 202 and 304.
Basic concepts of information transmission using electrical signals and systems. Modulation methods including amplitude, angle, pulse and digital forms. Design of modulation systems and the performance in the presence of noise. Communication simulation exercises using MATLAB and/or SystemVue.
452/552. Introduction to Wireless Communication Networks. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisites: ECE 304 and ECE 355.
Introduction to current wireless network technologies and standards. The radio spectrum and radio wave propagation models (pathloss, fading, and multipath). Modulation, diversity, and multiple access techniques. Wireless network planning and operation. Common wireless standards and emerging technologies (wireless sensor and ad-hoc networks).
454/554. Introduction to Bioelectrics. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
PHYS 111N or higher; MATH 200 or higher.
A one-semester course covering the electrical properties of cells and tissues as well as the use of electricity and magnetism in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Typical topics to be covered include Electrocardiograpghy, cardiac pacing, defibrillation, electrotherapy, electroporation, electrotherapy in wound healing. In addition, ultrashort electrical pulses for intracellular manipulation and the application of plasmas to biological systems will be covered. (Cross-listed with ENGN 454/554 and BIOL 454/554)
455/555. Network Engineering and Design. Lecture and design 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: ECE 355 or permission of the instructor.
This course is an extension of ECE 355 into a semester long project. Emphasis is on gaining an understanding of networking design principles that entails all aspects of the network development life cycle. Topics include campus LAN models and design, VLANs, internetworking principles and design, WAN design, design of hybrid IP networks, differentiated vs. integrated services, traffic flow measurement and management.
457. Professional Review. Lecture 1 hour; 1 credit.
Prerequisites: Junior status or higher in electrical or computer engineering.
Integration of topics fundamental to the electrical and computer engineering profession: chemistry, physics, economics, circuits, analog and digital electronics, systems and controls, DSP.
458/558. Instrumentation. Lecture 2 hours; laboratory 2 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisites: MATH 212 and PHYS 102N, 112N, or 232N.
Computer interfacing using a graphical programming language with applications involving digital-to-analog conversion (DAC), analog-to-digital conversion (ADC), digital input output (DIO), serial ports, and the general-purpose instrument bus (GPIB). Analysis of sampled data involving the use of the probability density function, mean and standard derivations, correlations, and the power spectrum.
461/561. Automatic Control Systems. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: ECE 202.
Analysis and design of control systems via frequency and time domain techniques. Root locus, Bode and Nyquist techniques. Pole placement through state variable feedback. Stability, sensitivity, and performance specifications. Cascade and feedback compensation. Optimal regulator design.
462/562. Introduction to Medical Image Analysis (MIA). Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: ECE 381 or consent of instructor. Corequisite: ECE 481.
Introduction to basic concepts in medical image analysis. Medical image registration, segmentation, feature extraction, classification are discussed. Basic psychophysics, fundamental ROC analysis, FROC/DROC methodologies are covered.
472/572. Plasma Processing at the Nanoscale. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: ECE 323.
The science and design of partially ionized plasma and plasma processing devices. Kinetic theory of gases, gas phase collisions, diffusion, transport parameters, DC and RF glow discharges, sputtering, etching, and plasma deposition.
473/573. Solid State Electronics. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisites: ECE 313, 323 and 332
The theory and design of p-n junction devices, bipolar transistors, photonic devices, and unipoar devices. Introduction to integrated circuits and micorelectronics.
474/574. Optical Communications. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisites: ECE 323 and Math 312.
Electromagnetic waves; components used in optical communication systems; optical emitters, modulators, optical fibers and receivers; optical communication systems, introduction to rf communication, the physics and design of rf-antennas.
478/578. Lasers and Laser Applications in Engineering. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisites: ECE 313, and Math 312.
Applications of lasers in various areas of engineering will be addressed. Relevant aspects of laser engineering and design will be covered. Topics include interaction of light with matter; non-intrusive optical diagnostic techniques; applications of lasers in engineering, technology, science and medicine.
480/580. Introduction to Imaging Technologies for Homeland Security. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: ECE 202.
Introduction to fundamentals of imaging technologies used in Homeland Security, including visible, infrared, ultrasound, X-ray, and terahertz. Models and applications of technologies. Discussion of visible imagery for security applications and use of image enhancement tedhniques augmented by implementation using MATlab.
481/581. Introduction to Digital Image Processing. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: ECE 202.
This course introduces the fundamentals of digital image/picture processing in the MATlab environment. Techniques in spatial and spatial-frequency domains are discussed and implemented for image enhancement, and compression.
482/582. VLSI System Design. Lecture 2 hours; Laboratory 1 hour; 3 credits.
Prerequisites: ECE 241 and 313.
Objective of course is to provide students in electrical and computer engineering with a "hands-on" introduction to selected topics in electrical engineering. Students will use basic circuit analysis skills and C programming skills to design and build electrical networks interfacing to a micro-controller. Labs will also provide an introduction to basic measurement techniques and electrical laboratory equipment (power supplies, oscilloscopes, voltmeters, etc.).
483/583. Embedded Systems. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisites: ECE 313 and ECE 346.
Course covers fundamentals of embedded systems: basic architecture, programming and design. Topics include processors and hardware for embedded systems, embedded programming and real time operating systems.
485W. Electrical Engineering Design I. Lecture 1 hour: laboratory 4 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisites: ECE 313 and 382. Pre-Corequisites: ECE 302 and 304.
Part one of the senior capstone design experience for electrical engineering majors. Lectures focus on providing professional orientation and exploration of the design process. Small group design projects focus on the development of electronic subsystems. Oral and written communication skills are stressed. (offered fall, spring).
486. Electrical Engineering Design II. Lecture 2 hours; laboratory 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: ECE 485W.
Part two of the senior capstone design experience for electrical engineering majors. Group design project focuses on the development of a complete electrical system. Oral and written communication skills are stressed. Industry-sponsored multi-disciplinary design projects are an option.
487. Electrical Engineering Design III. Lecture 2 hours; laboratory 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: ECE 486.
Part three of the senior capstone design experience for electrical engineering majors. Individual and group design projects focus on the development of complete electrical systems. Oral and written communication skills are stressed. Industry-sponsored multi-disciplinary design projects are an option.
489W. Computer Engineering Design I. Lecture 1 hour; laboratory 4 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisites: ECE 443 and 488. Pre-Corequisites: CS 471.
Emphasis is on the design of a complex architecture as an extension of the design methodology experienced in ECE 488. A semester-long project involves the design, simulation and testing of a complex architecture and software GUI. Design methods incorporate CAD design tools, advanced integrated circuit technology and contemporary software tools. Oral and written communication skills are stressed. (offered spring)
491. Microelectronics Design Experience. 3 credits.
Prerequisite: Junior standing in electrical or computer engineering.
The student will complete a 10-week summer project on a microelectronics research or design activity at an engineering school or industry member of the Virginia Microelectronics Consortium (VMEC). For eligibility, the student must be selected as a VMEC Student Scholar in a competition held early in the spring semester of each academic year. Each student will be required to give at least two formal oral reports and one formal written report. The project must be completed at an institution other than Old Dominion University. Students will be supervised by faculty or industry mentors at the summer location, but must also have an Old Dominion University co-advisor and instructor of record for the course.
495/595, 496/596. Topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Lecture 1 to 3 hours; 1 to 3 credits.
Prerequisite: Departmental approval.
GRADUATE COURSES
601. Linear Systems. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: MATH 307.
A comprehensive introduction to the analysis of linear dynamical systems from an input-output and state space point of view. Concepts from linear algebra, numerical linear algebra and linear operator theory are used throughout. Some elements of state feedback design and state estimation are also covered.
605. Engineering Systems Modeling. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisites: MATH 307U and one course on probability or statistics.
The goal of this course is to develop understanding of the various modeling paradigms appropriate for conducting digital computer simulation of many types of systems. The techniques and concepts discussed typically include concept graphs, Bayesian nets, Markov models, Petri nets, system dynamics, Bond graphs, cellular automata, Lsystems, and parallel and distributed simulation systems. Students will report on a particular technique and team to implement a chosen system model. (Cross-listed with MSIM 605)
606. Visualization I. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prequisites: Linear Alegbra, C and C++ programming, calculus.
Practical treatment of visualization and computer graphics with emphasis on usage of application programming interface (API) libraries. It covers mathematical foundations, rendering pipeline, geometrical transformation, 3D viewing and projections, shading, texture mapping, programmable shaders, scene graph, procedural methods and physical methods.
607. Machine Learning I. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Course provides a practical treatment of design, analysis, implementation and applications of algorithms. Topics include multiple machine learning models: linear models, neural networks, support vector machines, instance-based learning, Bayesian learning, genetic algorithms, ensemble learning, reinforcement learning, unsupervised learning, etc.
623. Electromagnetism. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: ECE 323 or equivalent.
Maxwell's equations, covariant formulation, gauge conditions, boundary conditions. Lorentz transformation of e-m fields. Radiating systems: antennas, synchrotron, cyclotron radiation, bremsstrahlung. Scattering from free charges. Scattering from atoms and molecules.
630. Advanced Bioelectrics. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: Bachelor's degree in physics, engineering, or biology.
A one-semester course covering advanced topics in bioelectrics. The course will cover advanced applications of pulsed power and plasma in the medical, biological and environmental fields. (Cross-listed with ENGN 630)
642. Computer Networking. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisites: ECE 355 and 455 or permission of the instructor.
The course is based on the ISO (International Standard Organization) OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) reference model for computer networks. A focus is placed on the analysis of protocols at different layers, network architectures, and networking systems performance analysis. Current topic areas include LANs, MANs, TCP/IP networks, mobile communications, and ATM.
643. Computer Architecture Design. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: ECE 443/543.
Digital computer design principles. The course focuses on design of state-of-the-art computing systems. An emphasis is placed on superscalar architectures focusing on the pipelining and out-of-order instruction execution operations.
648. Advanced Digital Design. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: ECE 341.
The course introduces methods for using high-level hardware description language such as VHDL and/or Verilog for the design of digital architecture. Topics include top-down design approaches, virtual prototyping, design abstractions, hardware modeling techniques, algorithmic and register level design, synthesis methods, and application decomposition issues. Final design project is required.
651. Statistical Analysis and Simulation. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisites: MATH 307 and one undergraduate course in probability or statistics.
An introduction to probabilistic and statistical techniques for analysis of signals and systems. This includes a review of probability, spaces, random variable, and random processes. Analysis and simulation of systems with random parameters and stochastic inputs are considered.
652. Wireless Communications Networks. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: ECE 451 and ECE 481 or permission of instructor.
This class will cover necessary foundation and state-of-the-art application for wide area and local area wireless networks. In a nutshell, this course will give you the basis for understanding the radio and infrastructure aspects of the wireless networks and Internet. Topics include wireless networks, wireless systems (fixed and mobile), cellular systems, propagation effects (fixed, mobile and satellite), modulation technologies, equalization, diversity and channel coding, speech processing for wireless, wireless standards, existing and future wireless systems (practical examples).
653. Pulsed Power. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisites: PHYS 232N, MATH 307, ECE 313, and ECE 323.
Introduction into generation, diagnostics, and application of high power electrical pulses. Topics: power conditioning, energy storage devices, pulse forming networks, high power switches, and electrical and optical diagnostics of pulsed power components and systems.
667. Cooperative Education. 1-3 credits.
Available for pass/fail grading only.
Student participation for credit based on academic relevance of the work experience, criteria, and evaluative procedures as formally determined by the department and the Cooperative Education/Career Management program prior to the semester in which the work experience is to take place.
668. Internship. 1-3 credits.
Prerequisite: approval by department and Career Management.
Academic requirements will be established by the department and will vary with the amount of credit desired. Allows students an opportunity to gain short duration career related experience. Meant to be used for one-time experience. Work may or may not be paid. Project is completed during the term.
669. Practicum. 1-3 credits.
Prerequisite: approval by department and Career Management.
Academic requirements will be established by the department and will vary with the amount of credit desired. Allows students an opportunity to gain short duration career related experience. Student is usually already employed - this is an additional project in the organization.
677. Introduction to Nano Materials: Synthesis, Properties and Applications. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisites: ECE 332 or ECE 473.
This course deals with synthesis of various nano materials that have important electrical, optical and magnetic properties. Examples of their applications will be discussed. It also provides details of manufacturing of nano materials such as metals nano clusters, semiconductors and nano engineering bulk materials.
682. Analog VLSI. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: ECE 313.
A survey of some fundamental topics in analog VLSI including current mirrors, amplifiers, frequency response, noise, feedback, stability, and operational amplifiers. Projects on design of CMOS operational amplifiers including the use of Cadence design tools for simulation and layout. Students are expected to have some knowledge or experience with analog electronics.
695. Topics in Electrical or Computer Engineering. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
This course will be offered as needed, depending upon the need to introduce special subjects to target specific areas of masters-level specializations in electrical or computer engineering.
699. Thesis Research. 1-9 credits.
Prerequisite: departmental approval.
Directed research for the masters thesis.
731/831. Graduate Seminar. Lecture 1 hour; 1 credit.
Prerequisite: graduate standing.
Graduate seminar presentations concerning technical topics of current interest given by faculty and invited speakers.
741/841. Formal Methods in Computer System Design. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisites: ECE 543, 605 and high level programming.
Course focuses on using mathematics and logic to specify computer systems (hardware and software) and verify their functional correctness. Design, specification, and verification of complex systems are emphasized. Students will learn to use a specification language to define a system (both the specification and the design) and an associated semi-automated theorem prover to analyze certain properties of the system.
742/842. Computer Communication Networks. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: ECE 642 or permission of instructor.
This is an advanced level course in data communications. A focus is placed on the analysis, modeling, and control of computer communication systems. Topics include packet switched networks, circuit switched networks, ATM networks, network programming, network control and performance analysis, network security, and wireless sensor networks.
745/845. Fault Tolerant Computing. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: CS 665.
The course will focus on design of fault tolerant computing systems, from both a hardware and software point of view. A study of basic fault tolerant strategies will be discussed as well as performance metrics for fault tolerant systems. Topics will include coding theory, computer architectures, inter-connection networks, real-time systems and safety-critical systems.
747/847. High Performance Computer Architecture. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: CS 665.
This course focuses on the design and analysis of high performance computer architectures. The course starts with a review of computer architecture from an analytical standpoint, considering advanced memory and pipelining design and performance. Then the majority of the course is dedicated to parallel computing, examining concurrent processors, shared memory multiprocessors, I/O and storage hierarchy, etc. The course is completed with a comparison study of different design tradeoffs.
748/848. Distributed Computer Simulation. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisites: ECE 605 and high level programming.
Course focuses on time management in distributed computer simulation. The basics of time management in sequential simulation is introduced. Conservative and optimistic approaches to distributed time management are covered.
762/862. Digital Control Systems. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisites: ECE 461/561 and 481/581 and ECE 601.
Mathematical representation, analysis, and design of discrete-time and sampled-data control systems. Topics include transfer function and state space representations, stability, root locus method, frequency response methods, and state feedback.
763/863. Multivariable Control Systems. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisites: ECE 461/561 and 601.
A comprehensive introduction to techniques applicable in control of complex systems with multiple inputs and outputs. Both the frequency domain and state variable approaches are utilized. Special topics include robust and optimal control.
766/866. Nonlinear Control Systems. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisites: ECE 461/561 and 601.
An introduction to mathematical representation, analysis, and design of nonlinear control systems. Topics include phase-plane analysis, Lyapunov stability theory for autonomous and nonautonomous systems, formal power series methods and differential geometric design techniques.
772/872. Advanced Gaseous Electronics. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: ECE 472/572 or by permission of the instructor
Elementary theory of gas discharges, elastic and inelastic collisions, electron density processes, distribution functions and the Boltzmann equation, transport coefficients, fluid equations, breakdown theory, application for switches and gas lasers.
774/874. Semiconductor Characterization. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: ECE 473/573 or equivalent.
Introduction of basic methods for semiconductor material and device characterization. Topics include resistivity, carrier doping concentration, contact resistance, Schottky barrier height, series resistance, channel length, threshold voltage, mobility, oxide and interface trapped charge, deep level impurities, carrier lifetime, and optical, chemical and physical characterization.
775/875. Non-thermal Plasma Surface Engineering. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisite:graduate standing
This course covers the fundamental principles governing low temperature plasme discharges and tehir appliactions. First the fundamental proeprties of plasma are introduced. These include the kinectic thoery of gases, collisional processes; and plasme sheaths. Then in-depth coverage of the physical mechanisms underlying the operation of non-equilibrium plasma discharges is presented, including important characteristics such as their ignition, evolution, and eventual quenching. Finally, practical applications of non-thermal plasmas, including application in biomedicine, are presented.
776/876. Advanced Semiconductor Devices. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: ECE 573.
The course will focus on the physics, operational principles, and applications of advanced semiconductor devices relevant to microelectronics. Topics include: Microwave IMPATTs and TEDs; NERFETs and surface acoustic wave devices; solar cells and photovoltaic devices; modulations doped structures and bandgap engineering; Vegard's law, alloys and compound semiconductors, resonant tunneling diodes, semiconductor sensors and device noise analysis.
777/877. Semiconductor Process Technology. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: ECE 473/573.
Theory, design and fabrication of modern integrated circuits that consist of nano scale devices and materials. Topics include crystal growth and wafer preparation process including epitaxy, thin film deposition, oxidation, diffusion, ion implantation, lithography, dry etching, VLSI process integration, diagnostics, assembly and packaging, yield and reliability.
779/879. Principles and Applications of Laser Engineering. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: ECE 476/576.
Interaction of radiation with matter, spontaneous and stimulated emission, absorption. Gain in a laser medium. Laser pumping schemes. Linear and non-linear laser plus propagation. Non-linear processes include harmonic generation, wave mixing and Raman scattering. Short laser pulse production. Current application of lasers in science and technology.
780/880. Machine Pattern Analysis. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisites: ECE 601 and 651.
Basic principles and strategies for pattern processing and recognition systems. Parametric and non-parametric techniques including Bayesian classifiers and neural networks. Analysis of linear and nonlinear decision functions for pattern classification. Trainable pattern classifiers with statistical data sets.
782/882. Digital Signal Processing II. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: ECE 481/581 or equivalent.
Review of time domain and frequency domain analysis of discrete time signals and systems. Fast Fourier Transforms, recursive and non-recursive digital filter analysis and design, multirate signal processing, optimal linear filters, and power spectral estimation.
783/883. Digital Image Processing. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisites: ECE 481/581 or 782/882.
Principles and techniques of two‑dimensional processing of images. Concepts of scale and spatial frequency. Image filtering in spatial and transform domains. Applications include image enhancement and restoration, image compression, and image segmentation for computer vision.
787/887. Digital Communications. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: ECE 451/551 or equivalent or permission of the instructor.
Basic concepts of digital communication including binary and M-ary encoding and detection. General methodology for digital communication system design including information rate, bandwidth, and probability of error tradeoffs. Specific methods considered include FSK, BPSK, QPSK, DPSK, and QAM. Simulation exercises using MATLAB and/or SystemVue.
795/895. Topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: departmental approval.
797/897. Independent Study. Lecture 3 hours; 3 credits.
Prerequisite: Permission of the departmental
This course allows students to develop specialized expertise by independent study (supervised by a faculty member).
899. PhD. Dissertation Research. 1-9 credits.
Prerequisite: departmental approval.
Directed research for the doctoral dissertation.
999. Electrical and Computer Engineering. 1 credit.
A one-hour audit registration required of all graduate students to maintain active status during the final semester prior to graduation if they are not formally enrolled in course work and have not completed all academic requirements for the degree. (Refer to the policy on Graduate Student Registration Requirement for additional information.)
