Computer Design
Courses | FAQs | Advisors | CE Tech Areas
Computer Design involves understanding the operation and design of computers on many different levels. These levels include the instruction set, microarchitecture, and logic design. Students who choose to focus on computer design as a technical area will be well positioned to join the microprocessor design industry as a logic designer or a circuit designer. After a good deal of experience on the job, the student would be well position to become the chief architect of a new design.
Courses
Students must complete the following two courses:
and at least one course from the following list:
- EE 345L Microprocessor Applications and Organization (F, Sp)
- EE 360M Digital Systems Design Using VHDL (F, Sp)
- EE 360R Computer-Aided Integrated Circuit Design (F, Sp)
- CS 375 Compilers (Sp)
FAQs
Which courses in the core curriculum (i.e., required basic sequence and major sequence courses) might indicate whether this is a good technical area for the student?
What are the key courses in this technical area?
The key courses in the tech area are EE 360N, EE 345M, and EE 360M. Courses like EE 360R, EE 360P, and a compiler course are very useful for future success in the field.
What are the immediate and long-term employment opportunities for students who have some exposure to this technical area?
Excellent. As long as uses of computers continue to increase, there will be need for people with this foundation. The embedded processor world, for example, continues to require more and newer sophisticated microprocessors than was thought necessary only a few years ago.
How important is a graduate degree (MS or PhD) in this area?
An MS degree is essential. A PhD degree is not necessary for success in this field.
This information provided by Dr. Yale Patt, a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Patt holds The Ernest Cockrell, Jr. Centennial Chair in Engineering and is a fellow of both IEEE and the ACM.
Faculty Advisors for Basic and Conditional Major Students
The faculty advisors listed below can meet with Basic Sequence and Conditional Major Sequence Students to discuss topics such as:
- Educational opportunities within ECE
- Course planning to meet a student's educational goals
- Short-term and long-term career planning
Students should either meet with the faculty during their office hours or send them an e-mail to make an appointment. Students in Major Sequence should discuss this matters with their assigned faculty advisor.
Aggarwal, J. K.
Chiou, Derek
Evans, Brian L.
John, Lizy
Lipovski, Jack
Patt, Yale
Swartzlander, Earl
Valvano, Jonathan W.