GRADUATE PROGRAMS
The Graduate Handbook
Two-Year Tentative Course Offerings
Forms for the ECE Department Graduate Program
Introduction
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE)
Master of Engineering - Specialization in Computer Engineering (MEng)
Master of Engineering - Specialization in Electrical Engineering (MEng)
Doctoral Program in Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineering Graduate Course Descriptions
Forms for the ECE Department Graduate Program:
The ECE Independent Study Agreement Form is needed along with
the Watson School Independent Study Course Registration Form
to register for an Independent Study. The Instructor, as well as the ECE
Graduate Director, must sign both forms before taking them to the Watson
School Coordinator of Graduate Programs for course enrollment.
In the semester that a student plans to complete all degree requirements, he or she must submit a Declaration of Candidacy for a Graduate Degree Form to the Graduate School by the required deadline.
When a student has satisfied the requirements for a master's degree, a
Recommendation for Award of Master's Degree form must be
completed and signed by the project supervisor or thesis committee, as
appropriate.
Other forms:
MSEE - Proposed Course of Study and Graduation Check
MEng EE - Proposed Course of Study and Graduation Check
MEng CoE - Proposed Course of Study and Graduation Check
Introduction
The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department offers a graduate program
leading to a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering
(MSEE).
The Master of Science (MS) degree program provides a balance of advanced theory and practical knowledge necessary for either professional practice or for continuation into a doctoral program. Students have the opportunity to choose a specialization of either Electrical or Computer Engineering. Within the broad field of Electrical Engineering, students must specialize in one of five designated areas:
* Computer Engineering
* Controls Systems
* Signal Processing and Communication Systems
* VLSI Design and Microelectronics
* Information Assurance
Specialization is achieved by selection of coursework and thesis topic.
The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department also offers graduate
programs leading to two Master of Engineering (MEng) degrees:
* Master of Engineering with specialization in Electrical Engineering
* Master of Engineering with specialization in Computer Engineering
The Master of Engineering (MEng) programs enable students to combine a mixture of advanced theory, practical knowledge, and coursework in related disciplines for professional practice. The program has the flexibility required by part-time students. Under appropriate circumstances, the required project may be carried out in industrial laboratories, with joint supervision of the project by a co-adviser at the student.s place of work and a professor from the Watson School.s regular faculty.
Full-time graduate students are encouraged to apply for part-time work as teaching assistants, research assistants, or technical assistants to gain practical experience, as well as financial aid and tuition scholarship.
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE)
Degree Requirements
To receive an MSEE, students must maintain a GPA of at least a 3.0 in the following plan of study.
* Completion of three courses in a single area of specialization;
* Competion of two courses chosen from the list of core courses;
* Completion of EECE 506. Mathematical Methods in Electrical Engineering,
or EECE 507. Mathematical Methods in Computer Engineering,
or another approved relevant mathematical methods course*;
* Completion of two approved technical electives (may be taken in other departments);
* Completion of the thesis or 10-Course options below.
Master's Thesis Option
Completion of EECE 599. Research Thesis (six credits)
Successful defense of the thesis.
10-Course Option
Completion of two 600 - level EECE courses
Completion of the ECE Qualifying Examination, which covers two of the core areas of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
*Note: "approved" in the above requires a signed Course of Study form by the Graduate Director.
MSEE Degree Specializations
MSEE students must successfully complete three courses in a specialization.
(Note: x in the course number represents any of the digits 0, 1, 2, . . . , 9)
Control Systems: EECE 51x and EECE 61x
Signal Processing and Communication Systems: EECE 52x, EECE 54x and EECE 64x
Computer Engineering: EECE 55x and EECE 65x
Information Assurance: EECE 52x, EECE 56x and EECE 66x
VLSI and microelectronics: EECE 57x and EECE 67x
MSEE Degree Core Courses
MSEE students must successfully complete two courses from the chosen list of core courses.
Core Courses
EECE 515. Analysis and Design of Control Systems
EECE 521. Digital Signal Processing
EECE 531. Electromagnetic Field Theory
EECE 552. Computer Design
EECE 574. VLSI Circuit Design Architectures
Master of Engineering - Specialization in Computer Engineering (MEng)
Degree Requirements
To receive an MEng degree with a specialization in Computer Engineering, students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 in either the Project or 10 . Course plan of study.
Project Option
* Completion of five approved graduate courses taken in Computer Science and ECE with
minimum of two taken from Computer Science Department
and
minimum of two ECE Computer Engineering courses;
* Completion of four technical elective graduate courses approved by the ECE department graduate adviser (may be taken in other departments);
* EECE 598. Project.
10-Course Option
* Completion of six approved graduate courses taken in Computer Science and ECE, with
minimum of two taken from Computer Science Department
and
minimum of two ECE Computer Engineering courses;
* Completion of four technical elective graduate courses approved by the ECE graduate adviser (may be taken in other departments);
* Completion of ECE Qualifying Examination, which covers two of the core areas of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Master of Engineering - Specialization in Electrical Engineering (MEng)
Degree Requirements
To receive an MEng degree with a specialization in Electrical Engineering, students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 in either the Project or 10 . Course plan of study:
Project Option
* Completion of five graduate courses in EECE;
* Completion of four technical elective graduate courses approved by the ECE graduate adviser (may be taken in other departments);
* Completion of EECE 598. Project.
10-Course Option
* Completion of six graduate courses in EECE;
* Completion of four technical elective graduate courses approved by the ECE graduate adviser (may be taken in other departments);
* Completion of ECE Qualifying Examination, which covers two of the core areas of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Doctoral Program in Electrical Engineering
General Academic Program Requirements:
The PhD program in Electrical Engineering meets the need of each student through an individualized learning program. The program requires a minimum of eight courses beyond the Master's, which include no more than two independent study courses. To meet the Residency Requirement, students must complete a minimum of 24 credits at Binghamton University. The two 600-level courses required for the 10-course option of the MSEE degree are counted as two of the eight courses required for the PhD.
Admission:
Applications received for the PhD program are administratively divided into three categories. These are: (i) students who are about to complete a MSEE in the ECE department; (ii) other students who have completed or are about to complete a Master's degree; and (iii) exceptional students completing their baccalaureate degree with a cumulative GPA above 3.7/4.0.
Students in the first category, i.e., in their last semester of the MSEE program, can apply for the PhD program by requesting admission in a letter sent to the ECE Graduate Director. The letter requesting admission should include a general statement of research interest. In addition, the student must submit a letter of recommendation from a prospective advisor expressing a willingness to advise the student.
Students who have completed a Master's degree or are about to complete one may apply to the EE PhD program by submitting a completed application and application fee to the Graduate Admissions Office. Application forms are available at: http://gradschool.binghamton.edu/ps/admissions.html The application must include all transcripts, GRE scores, TOEFL or IELTS score if English is a second language, two letters of recommendation, and a statement of research interests. The academic credentials of Binghamton University Master's graduates are on file, and hence they do not need to be resubmitted with the application.
Exceptional baccalaureate students with a GPA above 3.5 in their BSEE program are eligible for direct admission to the PhD program. Students in this category must complete a minimum of 16 graduate courses including no more than four independent study courses. These students should send their applications to the Graduate Admissions Office and include the same items listed in the preceding paragraph. The student must indicate the PhD as the degree objective.
The major steps in the completion of the PhD program include the following items (a) through (g), which are described in detail below. Although the presented order is typical, it is not necessary.
(a) Successful completion of a qualifying examination.
(b) Satisfactory completion of a learning contract, proficiency in teaching, and residency requirements.
(c) Successful completion of a comprehensive examination.
(d) Presentation of colloquium on proposed research.
(e) Acceptance of prospectus outlining dissertation research.
(f) Submission of dissertation.
(g) Defense of dissertation at oral examination.
Descriptions of each of these steps may be found in the ECE Graduate Handbook.
Application Deadlines:
To be considered for funding, all application materials must be received before January 15th for Fall admission and October 1st for Spring admission.
Electrical Engineering Graduate Course Descriptions
EECE 506
MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
Selected topics in the advanced engineering mathematics, with special focus on their electrical engineering applications. Topics include ordinary and partial differential equations, Laplace transform, Fourier transform, linear algebra, matrix theory, numerical methods, complex analysis, optimization, probability and statistics. Prerequisite: calculus and differential equations.
fall
EECE 507
MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN COMPUTER ENGINEERING
This course provides fundamental computer engineering knowledge for the design and analysis of digital systems. Includes applications of Discrete Math; Groups; Group Codes; Semi-groups; Synthesis of Networks; Reliable Design and Fault Diagnosis; Graphs; and Finite State Machines. Prerequisites: EECE 351 or equivalent and MATH 314 or equivalent.
spring
EECE 510
LINEAR AND SAMPLED DATA CONTROL SYSTEMS
Conventional and state variable techniques for the analysis and design of digital and analog control systems. Z-transform. Sampled data systems. Discrete state variable. Numerical simulation and computer-aided design of control systems. Lecture portion meets with EECE 462. Prerequisites: EECE 361 or equivalent and approval of the graduate director.
fall
EECE 513
NON-LINEAR SYSTEMS DESIGN
Characteristics of nonlinear systems, stability theories, design of controllers, computer simulation. Prerequisites: EECE 361 or equivalent.
spring, every other
EECE 515
ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF CONTROL SYSTEMS
Advanced techniques for analysis and design of analog linear and non-linear control systems. Topics include conventional and state variable techniques for the mathematical description of control systems, stability analysis, conventional and modern design techniques, numerical simulation and computer-aided design of control systems. Prerequisites: EECE 361 or equivalent.
spring
EECE 517
ADAPTIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS
Techniques for the mathematical description, analysis and design of adaptive control systems. Concept of adaptation, model reference and self-tuning approaches to system identification. Computer simulation. Prerequisites: EECE 462.
fall
EECE 518
INTRODUCTION TO PROCESS CONTROL
Applications of statistical, optimization and advanced control techniques for mathematical description, analysis optimization and control of multivariable processes. Topics include regression analysis, linear, non-linear and dynamic programming, adaptive control. Prerequisites: EECE 361 or equivalent.
spring, every other
EECE 520
DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING I
Covers the general area of discrete-time signals and the analysis and design of discrete time systems. Topics include time domain analysis, solutions of difference equations, Z.transform analysis, sampling of continuous-time signals, discrete Fourier transforms, Fast Fourier Transforms, and spectral analysis. Processing of discrete-time signals using the DFT and FFT. Design and implementation of discrete-time filters. Extensive use of software simulations in a high-level language such as Matlab. Final project required. Prerequisites: EECE 301.
spring, 3 cr.
EECE 521
DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING
Advanced topics in digital signal processing. Bandpass signals and bandpass sampling, DFT-based processing, multi-rate processing and filterbanks, random signals and spectrum estimation. Prerequisite: EECE 402 or equivalent and MATH 327 or ISE 361 or equivalent.
fall
EECE 522
ESTIMATION THEORY
Theory and practice of estimating parameters for discrete-time signals embedded in noise. Application to problems in radar, sonar, emitter location and communication systems. Topics include: Cramer-Rao lower bound, minimum variance unbiased estimation, least squares estimation, maximum likelihood estimation, Bayesian estimation, and Wiener filtering. Prerequisite: EECE 402 or equivalent and MATH 327 or ISE 361 or equivalent.
spring, every other
EECE 523
DATA COMPRESSION
Discusses the theory and practice of data compression of signals, images, and video. Techniques covered include: Quantization, Vector Quantization, Differential Schemes, Filterbanks and Subband Coding, Wavelet Transform, JPEG 2000 MPEG. Prerequisites: EECE 402 or equivalent and MATH 341 or ISE 361 or equivalent.
spring, every other
EECE 527X
INFORMATION THEORY
An Introduction to information theory for signal processing and communications theory. Entropy, mutual information, divergence, channel capacity, multi-user communications, hypothesis testing and types. Prerequisites: EECE 301 or equivalent.
spring
EECE 530
ELECTRO-OPTICS
Electro-optic devices and systems. Black-body, LED and laser sources, photo detectors, modulators, fiber optics, Fourier optics. Design of electro-optic systems. Lecture portion meets with EECE 474. Prerequisites: EECE 323.
fall
EECE 531
ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD THEORY
Topics in classical electromagnetic field theory with emphasis on time-varying fields, including guided waves and radiation. Prerequisites: EECE 323 or equivalent.
spring
EECE 533
ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY
Signal paths: conductive, inductive, capacitive, electromagnetic. Shielding and grounding concepts. Methods of measurement. EMC specifications and standards. Prerequisites: EECE 323 or equivalent.
fall
EECE 542
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS
Topics in wireless communications such as cellular radio, PCS and wireless LAN. Cellular system design, frequency reuse, channel assignment, handoff, power control, cell splitting, sectorization, system capacity. Radio propagation, multi-path and fading, signal design principles, spread-spectrum modulation techniques, receiver/transmitter architectures. Multiple access for wireless systems: FDMA, TDMA, CDMA, SDMA. Wireless networking. Prerequisites: EECE 377 or equivalent.
spring, every other
EECE 545
DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS
Transmission of information in digital form; coding; packets; error detection, correction; carriers; multi-path and inter-symbol interference; spread spectrum. Prerequisite: EECE 377 or equivalent.
fall
EECE 549
FREE-SPACE LASER COMMUNICATIONS
Introduction to the phenomena related to optical communications. Laser crosslinks, optomechanical, laser and detector technologies, acquisition and tracking. System configuration and design. Prerequisite: Familiarity with electromagnetic theory, basic concepts of optics and electronics, elementary differential equations and fundamental principles of communications theory.
spring
EECE 552
COMPUTER DESIGN
Computer architectures, virtual memory organization, input-output, microprogramming, multiprocessor systems, memory hierarchies, pipelined architecture, RISC machines, fault-tolerant machines. Prerequisites: EECE 352 or equivalent.
fall
EECE 553
COMPUTER NETWORK ARCHITECTURES
Starting with a brief review of some basics of networking, we will discuss the OSI seven-layer model and the Internet model, in particular the TCP/IP architecture. Course focuses are architecture and principles of design and analysis of broadband computer networks, which is capable of supporting multimedia telecommunications services over local and wide areas. A characterization and discussion of the evolution of the Internet and the new patterns of demands and traffic types will be presented, along with the impact of these demands on next generation network architecture and protocol design. Emphasis will be given on network components and design issues. Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of Probabilistic & Statistics.
fall
EECE 560
CRYPTOGRAPHY & INFORMATION SECURITY
Topics include: symmetric cryptography, information theory and perfect secrecy, public-key cryptography, cryptanalysis, key exchange protocols, zero-knowledge proofs and secret-sharing schemes, steganography, public policy. Prerequisite: Familiarity with a computer programming language is necessary to complete assignments.
fall
EECE 562
FUNDAMENTALS OF STEGANOGRAPHY
An introduction to the modern field of covert communication using digital media. General principles of covert communications in digital images and detection of hidden data in digital media files (statistical tests, signal estimation). Steganographic security, capacity and detectability. Universal blind steganayzers based on machine learning. Forensic steganalysis. Prerequisites: Knowledge of MATLAB and basics of signal processing.
spring
EECE 570
SYSTEM ON A CHIP
This course will provide an overview of the components of system on a chip (SOC) design from initial architectural choices to SOC implementation issues (e.g. performance, core selection, operating system requirements, on-chip communication networks, power management, package constraints, cost). Also covered are SOC design and implementation processes (e.g. functional integration, simulation, floor planning, clocking strategies, timing, design for test). Prerequisites: EECE 451 and 352 or equivalent.
spring
EECE 571
ELECTRONIC PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS
Selected theory and application of solid state principles in electrical engineering: quantum mechanics, dielectrics, ferromagnetics, spiezoelectrics, superconductors, amorphous materials, surfaces, optical interactions. Prerequisites: EECE 332 or equivalent.
fall
EECE 572
SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE DESIGN
Design of bipolar and MOS devices and IC systems; design examples; selected discrete device design; simulation. Prerequisites: EECE 332 or equivalent.
spring
EECE 573
DIGIAL SYSTEMS DESIGN II
VLSI design and synthesis using Verilog Hardware Description Language (HDL) at the Register-Transfer Level (RTL). Verilog programming and simulation basics, followed by advanced Verilog programming synthesis. RTL synthesis introduced. Commercial synthesis tool discussed in detail. Final 3~4 person project teams design and synthesize a large-scale digital circuit. Pre-synthesis and post-synthesis results verified using the .ModelSim. HDL simulator. Prerequisites: EECE 352 or equivalent.
fall
EECE 574
CMOS VLSI CIRCUITS & ARCHITECTURES
The MOS transistor, circuit characterization and performance estimation. CMOS logic and structured design: electrical design of logic circuits, clocking strategies and design rules. CMOS systems and RISC architectures. Prerequisites: EECE 351 or equivalent.
fall
EECE 575
VLSI SYSTEM DESIGN
Gate level and physical level design of a complex system, such as RISC processor is discussed. Advanced topics in logic-level design, such as high performance design, dynamic logic, low power design, asynchronous logic, interconnect analysis, cross talk issues, bus architecture, layout floor planning, and placement and routing, will be covered. Students will be asked to use Cadence physical design, analysis, and simulation tools. Prerequisites: EECE 574
spring
EECE 580
TOPICS IN ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING
Topics in electrical/computer engineering that vary from year to year.
fall/spring
EECE 594
INDUSTRIAL INTERNSHIP
Engineering work experience in industry. Daily logbook, memo progress reports, and formal final report required. Prerequisite: Consent of department graduate director.
every sem., var. cr.
EECE 597
INDEPENDENT STUDY
Independent study or graduate laboratory exercises supervised by electrical/computer engineering faculty member. Consent of instructor and department graduate director.
every sem., var. cr.
EECE 598
PROJECT
Hardware and software design and development or other project as defined by a Learning Contract, approved by major professor and project adviser. Seminar presentation required. Formal report submitted to ECE Department Library.
every sem., var. cr.
EECE 599
THESIS
Mentoring in the methods of research. Theoretical analysis, computer modeling, software and hardware development and experimentation as determined by a Thesis Committee, faculty adviser, second reader or co-adviser and department chair. Oral defense. Preparation of journal article required. Thesis submitted to Graduate School electronically for the University Library and bound copy submitted to Graduate School for the department.
every sem., var. cr.
EECE 616
ROBUST CONTROL OF MULTIVARIABLE SYSTEMS
Comprehensive treatment of linear multivariable control. Stability and performance robustness analysis; computer-aided robust control system design frequency-domain minimax (H-infinity) synthesis and Linear-Quadratic-Gaussian synthesis wit Loop-Transfer-Recovery. Prerequisites: EECE 515.
spring, every other
EECE 619
STOCHASTIC CONTROL
Techniques for modeling, control and performance analysis of asynchronous systems driven by random events. Main topics include Markov chain models, discrete event simulations, optimal parameter estimation and optimal control of networked systems. Application areas discussed include computer networking, wireless communications and supervisory control systems. Prerequisites: A course in probability.
fall, every year
EECE 642
ADAPTIVE SIGNAL PROCESSING
Statistical signal processing, adaptive signal processing and their applications in wireless communications. Topics include: Wiener filter, linear prediction, LMS algorithm, RLS algorithm, adaptive equalization, channel estimation, CDMA adaptive transceiver, OFDM transceiver. Prerequisites: EECE 545, and a course in digital signal processing.
spring, every other year
EECE 652
PARALLEL COMPUTER ARCHITECTURES
Parallel processing overview, multiple instruction multiple data (MIMD) architectures: wave front arrays, dataflow, reduction machines. Interconnection networks, parallel algorithm implementation and memory organization for parallel machines. Prerequisites: EECE 552 or equivalent.
spring, every other year
EECE 653
COMPILER TECHNIQUES FOR MODERN ARCHITECTURES
Topics include: Basic compiler optimizations such as loop unrolling, dead code elimination, constant propagation, forward expression substitution, etc. Compiler optimizations for efficient memory such as tiling, software prefetching, data layout optimizations, etc. Compiler techniques to improve register usage, to perform interprocedural analysis and optimizations, and to increase both coarse-grained and fine-grained parallelism. Dynamic compiler optimizations, binary translation, compiler techniques for energy-efficiency and security. Prerequisites: EECE 552 and a course in probability or equivalent.
spring, every other
EECE 655
ADVANCED COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
Design, control, modeling and management of IP backbone networks and mobile wireless access networks. Topics include: a) routing protocols, including OSPF, BGP, MPLS and QoS routing; b) QoS, including IntServ and DiffServ; c) network security, including PKI, IPsec and secure routing; d) network monitoring and management, including fault management, traffic modeling and performance evaluations. Issues in mobile ad hoc networks and wireless LANs are also discussed. Prerequisites: EECE 553 or equivalent; familiarity with C and Matlab.
spring
EECE 657
NETWORK SECURITY
This is a research oriented class that will focus on the state of the art in the network security area. The primary goal of the class is to expose students to cutting edge research works and prepare them for carrying out research independently. Topics include: Sources of Network Vulnerabilities; Overview of Network Security Problems; Standard Internet Security Solutions; Internet Infrastructure Protection; Security in Wireless Sensor Networks; Security Architecture of Grid Computing; Trust, Security and Privacy in P2P/Pervasive Computing Environments; Reconfigurable Hardware Implementation of Security Solutions. Prerequisites: EECE 553 or equivalent.
spring
EECE 677
CAD FOR HIGH-LEVEL SYNTHESIS
This course discusses algorithms and data structures for solving computer aided design problems associated with the high-level design of VLSI circuits. Materials related to technology-independent logic optimizations, Boolean algebra, binary decision diagrams, finite automata theory, hardware/software co-design, resource allocation and binding, scheduling are examples of covered topics. Prerequisites: EECE 574 and a course in data structure.
spring, every other
EECE 679
CAD FOR PHYSICAL SYNTHESIS
Topics include: Algorithms and data structures for computer aided VLSI circuit layout design and optimization. The emphasized problems include partitioning, floor planning, placement, and routing. Mathematical programming, graph theory, dynamic programming, branch and optimization tools will be introduced. Prerequisites: EECE 574.
fall, every other
EECE 680
ADVANCED TOPICS IN ELECTRICAL/COMPUTER ENGINEERING
Selected topics in electrical/computer engineering that vary from year to year.
fall/spring
EECE 697
INDEPENDENT STUDY
Independent study supervised by electrical/computer engineering faculty member. Student must obtain consent of instructor and department chairperson, who then determine description of program and number of credits.
every sem., var. cr.
EECE 698
PRE-DISSERTATION RESEARCH
Exploratory research oriented toward PhD. dissertation.
every sem., var. cr.
EECE 699
DISSERTATION
Research for and preparation of PhD. dissertation.
every sem., var. cr.
EECE 700
CONTINUOUS REGISTRATION
Required to maintain matriculation through any spring or fall semester when no other courses are taken. If the minimal one-credit registration is not maintained, student must reapply for admission.
every sem., 1 cr.
EECE 701
PRACTICUM FOR RESEARCH AND TEACHING ASSISTANTS
Required for all funded graduate assistants. Research or teaching supervised by faculty adviser.
spring
