Civil Engineering Course Offerings
Please see the section on "Course Description Symbols and Terms" in the University Catalog for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units. All courses are lecture and discussion and employ letter grading unless otherwise stated. Some prerequisites may be waived with faculty permission. Many syllabi are available on the Chico Web.
Prerequisites: High school trigonometry and algebra.
This course introduces the fundamentals of creating and reading civil engineering drawings by referencing architectural plans,
subdivision maps and site plans, in addition to utilizing computer-aided drafting software to produce basic plans. Applications
of the computer software include drawing accuracy, layer managing standards, dimensioning standards, sheet layouts, data extraction
and drawing management. Topics are reinforced by a drawing project that requires sketching and measuring of existing features
to create a set of as-built drawings. Additional course topics related to descriptive geometry include orthographic projections,
auxiliary views, perspective drawings, and graphical solutions to vector analysis. 4.0 hours activity. Special fee required;
see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: MATH 120 (may be taken concurrently).
Theory and practice in measurement and computation of distances, angles, and areas on the earth's surface. Error of combined
measurements analysis. Use of scientific calculator required. 3.0 hours laboratory, 2.0 hours discussion. Special fee required;
see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in CIVL 130.
Supplemental applications and explanations intended to facilitate student understanding of content from CIVL 130. 2.0 hours
activity. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: CIVL 130.
Provides an introduction to civil engineering facilities and systems (environmental, structural, transportation and water
resources), environmental impacts of those systems, historical development of design, introduction to design concepts and
procedures, examples of the design of civil engineering systems, creativity in design, and applications in civil engineering
design-horizontal curves, vertical curves, earthwork, state plane coordinates, geographic information systems and global positioning
systems. 2.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: CIVL 131
Design of roadway alignments, to include horizontal curves, vertical curves, and earthwork using Civil 3D modeling software.
A final set of plans and specifications is required. 2.0 hours activity. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in CIVL 131.
Supplemental applications and explanations intended to facilitate student understanding of content from CIVL 131. 2.0 hours
activity. Credit/no credit grading only.
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may
vary from term to term and be different for different sections.
Prerequisites: PHYS 204A (may be taken concurrently).
Use of the computer in a variety of applications from the fields of engineering. Topics include computer hardware, operating
systems, the Internet, technical word processing, electronic spreadsheets, computer charting and drawing, computer programming,
and ethics. 4.0 hours activity.
Prerequisites: MATH 121 and PHYS 204A. CIVL 110 (may be taken concurrently) or MECH 100 and MECH 100L (may be taken concurrently).
Force systems, moments, equilibrium, centroids, and moments of inertia. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity.
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in CIVL 211.
Supplemental applications and explanations intended to facilitate student understanding of content from CIVL 211. 2.0 hours
activity. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: MATH 121, junior standing.
Analysis of alternatives by basic engineering economic methods and applications of statistics including probability, sampling
theory and data analysis, and tests of hypotheses.
Corequisites: CIVL 302.
Supplemental applications and explanations intended to facilitate student understanding of content from CIVL 302. 2.0 hours
activity. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: CIVL 211 with a grade of C- or higher; CIVL 110 or MECH 100 and MECH 100L; MATH 260 and MECH 210 (may be taken concurrently).
Strength and elastic properties of materials of construction; tension, compression, shear, and torsion stresses; deflection
and deformation; stress analysis of beams and columns.
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in CIVL 311.
Supplemental applications and explanations intended to facilitate student understanding of content from CIVL 311. 2.0 hours
activity. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: CIVL 205; CIVL 311 with a grade of C- or higher.
Methods and instruments used in the determination of the strength and elastic properties of materials of engineering. Experiments
verifying the theoretical principles of CIVL 311. 3.0 hours laboratory.
Prerequisites: CIVL 205 (may be taken concurrently); CIVL 311 with a grade of C- or higher.
Fundamentals of structural analysis for beams, trusses, and frames. Topics include loading (including seismic), influence
lines, approximate analysis methods, deflection analysis, and statically indeterminate structures. Methods applicable to computer
analysis are introduced.
Prerequisites: CIVL 211 with a grade of C- or higher. Recommended: MATH 260, MECH 320 (may be taken concurrently).
Hydrostatics, principles of continuity, work-energy and momentum, viscous effects, dimensional analysis and similitude, flow
in closed conduits, drag on objects. 3.0 hours laboratory, 3.0 hours discussion.
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in CIVL 321.
Supplemental applications and explanations intended to facilitate student understanding of content from CIVL 321. 2.0 hours
activity. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: Approval of supervising faculty member prior to off-campus assignment
This course is an internship offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. This
program is designed for students who wish to gain practical work experience with participating civil engineering firms/organizations.
You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may
vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered.
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising
faculty member. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: Membership in a civil engineering student professional organization.
Co-curricular activity associated with one or more student professional organizations. Examples include collegiate competitions,
such as the concrete canoe and the steel bridge contests, and service projects. Substantial participation is required (approximately
30 hours minimum). 2.0 hours activity. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, junior standing.
Introduction to law as it relates to the practice of civil engineering. Operation of a successful civil engineering business.
Writing various technical reports and specifications. This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies
writing proficiency for majors.
Prerequisites: CIVL 312 and CIVL 321 (may be taken concurrently); ENGL 130 or equivalent.
Soil properties, tests, and classification. Analysis of soil stresses, consolidation, shear strength, lateral pressures, and
ground water movement. Related design consideration involving spread footings, piles, retaining walls, and slopes. Use of
programmable scientific calculator required. 3.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory.
Prerequisites: CIVL 312, CIVL 313. Recommended: CIVL 411.
The analysis and design of reinforced concrete structures and elements by the strength design method. Laboratory includes
experiments on concrete, concrete structural elements, and a design project. 3.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory.
Prerequisites: BIOL 151 or NSCI 102; CHEM 107 or CHEM 111; Math 109 or MATH 120; junior standing.
Introduction to water quality, water supply, distribution, and drinking water treatment; wastewater collection, treatment,
and disposal. Disease transmission; water quality parameters; physical, chemical, and biological processes in the treatment
of water, wastewater, and biosolids. 3.0 hours laboratory, 3.0 hours discussion.
Prerequisites: CIVL 131; CIVL 302 (may be taken concurrently).
Transportation systems and facility planning, design, construction, operations, and maintenance. Pavement design and traffic
engineering fundamentals. Laboratory includes field studies, design exercises, and modeling/forecasting tasks. 3.0 hours laboratory,
3.0 hours discussion.
Prerequisites: Approval of supervising faculty member prior to off-campus assignment
This course is an internship offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. This
program is designed for students who wish to gain practical work experience with participating civil engineering firms/organizations.
You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 or equivalent; senior standing.
History of engineering, professional registration, codes of ethics, management issues, diversity, outsourcing, intellectual
property, international development and technology transfer, sustainable design. A substantial written project with oral presentation
is required. 2.0 hours activity, 2.0 hours discussion.
Prerequisites: To be established when courses are formulated.
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may
vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See The Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered.
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising
faculty member. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: Completion of 12 units of upper-division C E courses, faculty permission.
This course may be taken twice for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisite to the second semester is a B or higher in the first
semester. Open by invitation to C E majors who have a GPA among the top 5% of C E students based upon courses taken at CSU,
Chico. This is an "Honors in the Major" course; a grade of B or higher in 6 units of 499H certifies the designation of "Honors
in the Major" to be printed on the transcript and the diploma. Each 3-unit course will require both formal written and oral
presentations. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
Prerequisites: CIVL 131 or faculty permission.
Laws, practices, and historical background on land surveying. Includes property surveys and legal descriptions. Use of personal
computers required. 3.0 hours laboratory, 2.0 hours discussion.
Prerequisites: CIVL 411; CIVL 415 (may be taken concurrently).
The application of soil mechanics principles to the design of foundations for buildings and earth structures. Integration
of structural design and soil response.
Prerequisites: CIVL 313.
Advanced methods of structural analysis, including nonlinear static pushover methods and dynamic analysis. Element modeling
based on fundamental stress-strain behavior and force-displacement behavior. Current codes and guidelines are utilized. Use
of software for nonlinear structural analysis. 2.0 hours activity, 2.0 hours discussion.
Prerequisites: CIVL 313.
Theory, analysis, and design of steel structural elements and systems using the Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) method.
Prerequisites: CIVL 313.
Theory and design procedures for timber structures and their connections to resist gravity and lateral loads. Basic element
design by the Allowable Stress Design (ASD) and/or Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) methods are detailed. Also covered
is design of floor and roof systems and shear walls. One or two 3-hour field trips required.
Prerequisites: CIVL 313. Recommended: CIVL 415.
Theory, analysis, design, and construction of prestressed concrete, precast concrete, and masonry structural elements and
systems using working stress and/or ultimate strength design methods.
Prerequisites: CIVL 313, MATH 260. Recommended: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of CIVL 415, CIVL 554, CIVL 556, or CIVL 557.
Earthquake and wind hazard related to the structural design of buildings. Topics include engineering seismology, wind environment
and climatology, structural dynamics, structural loading, and design methodologies. Use of computer software for the static
and dynamic analysis of three-dimensional building systems. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity.
Prerequisites: CIVL 205; CIVL 321 with a grade of C- or higher.
Principles and applications of steady, gradually varying, and unsteady open channel flows. The course uses both analytical
and computational methods to analyze flows in open channels.
Prerequisites: CIVL 205; CIVL 302 (may be taken concurrently); CIVL 321 with a grade of C- or higher or faculty permission.
An introduction to modern hydrology emphasizing quantitative analysis of components in the hydrologic cycle including precipitation,
overland flow, stream flow, infiltration, groundwater flow, and evapotranspiration. Use of modeling tools and techniques is
emphasized.
Prerequisites: CIVL 302; CIVL 321 with a grade of C- or higher; CIVL 411 (may be taken concurrently).
Quantitative analysis of pressurized pipelines, pipe networks, and well fields. The course includes analysis of transients
in pipeline systems caused by valve movement, pump power failure, etc; design of transient control devices; analysis of well
drawdowns and aquifer performance tests.
Prerequisites: CIVL 431 or faculty permission.
Natural systems for the treatment of wastewater; transmission of excreta-related infections; treatment systems for removal
of pathogens; wastewater and biosolids reuse in agriculture and aquaculture. Special emphasis on the problems of developing
countries.
Prerequisites: CIVL 431 or faculty permission.
Water quality criteria and standards; engineering design; management and monitoring of water quality.
Prerequisites: CIVL 431 or faculty permission.
An introduction to the handling and management of solid and hazardous wastes. Emphasis on state-of-the-art engineering techniques
and contemporary management issues based on social, economic, and legal considerations; risk assessment; case studies. Special
emphasis on problems of developing countries.
Prerequisites: CIVL 441 or faculty permission.
Characteristics and manufacture of bituminous materials; engineering properties, design, and production of bituminous mixtures;
analysis, design, and construction of flexible and rigid pavement cross-sections; stabilization of sub-grades; analysis of
pavement distress; development and operation of pavement management systems; and application of computer software.
Prerequisites: CIVL 441 or faculty permission
Asphalt mix types and their use in flexible pavements. Properties of asphalt and aggregates that determine mix properties.
Design of asphalt aggregate mix to meet the structural and environmental requirements. Construction of asphalt mixes, including
equipment, procedures, influence on properties, constraints, specification, and quality control. Surface treatment of asphalt
pavement. Recycling of previously used materials. Recent developments in asphalt mix technology.
Prerequisites: CIVL 441 or faculty permission.
Introduction to systems approach, urban transportation technology, urban problems and transportation, forecasting methods,
urban transportation models and calibration, traffic impact studies and USDOT planning requirements.
Prerequisites: CIVL 441 or faculty permission.
Traffic engineering fundamentals, traffic control signs, markings, and signals. Intersection and highway capacity. Highway
safety and accident investigations. Design of streets and parking facilities. Assessment of the environmental impact of traffic.
Prerequisites: CIVL 205; CIVL 321 (may be taken concurrently). Recommended: CIVL 302.
Introduction to construction engineering and management. Cost estimation for contract construction and engineering, including
labor, material, equipment, and overhead costs. Construction procedures, equipment and methods; efficient use of excavation
and hauling equipment operations. Application of crew balance, process chart and operations research techniques to construction
operations. Planning, scheduling, and progress controls of construction operations. One or two three-hour field trips may
be required.
Prerequisites: To be established when courses are formulated.
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may
vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See The Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered.
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising
faculty member. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: CIVL 556 or faculty permission.
Advanced timber design activities including design projects for lateral loads (seismic or wind) in horizontal diaphragms and
shear walls, seismic connections, flexible diaphragm deflections, and development of computational aids for the design of
timber systems. 2.0 hours activity.
Prerequisites: CIVL 558 or faculty permission. Recommended: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in an advanced structural design course or equivalent.
Investigations of current topics in earthquake and wind hazard related to the structural design of buildings. 2.0 hours activity.
Prerequisites: CIVL 561 or faculty permission.
Procedures for the design of open channels. Applications in steady, gradually-varying, and unsteady open channel hydraulics.
2.0 hours activity.
Prerequisites: CIVL 441 and CIVL 581 or faculty permission.
A comparative and critical analysis of the various pavement design techniques and the application and evaluation of pavement
design software. 2.0 hours activity.
Prerequisites: Bachelor's Degree or faculty permission.
An overview of terms related to pavement management systems and their use in identifying both functional and structural distresses
in flexible and rigid pavement and their role in pavement preservation strategies.
Prerequisites: CIVL 682 or faculty permission.
Flexible pavement distress causes and measurements; project selection for preservation methods; construction best practices
for preservation, maintenance, and rehabilitation processes.
Prerequisites: CIVL 682 or faculty permission.
Rigid pavement distress causes and measurements; project selection for preservation methods; construction best practices for
preservation, maintenance, and rehabilitation processes.
Prerequisites: CIVL 683 or CIVL 684 or faculty permission
Development of pavement management databases; construction of performance models; forecasting of pavement performance; life
cycle cost analyses for highway construction.
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
This course is a graduate-level independent study offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising
faculty member. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
This course is a master's study offered as either a Master's Thesis or as a Master's Project for 1.0-6.0 units. You must register
directly with a supervising faculty member.
Engineering Course Offerings
Please see the section on "Course Description Symbols and Terms" in the University Catalog for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units. All courses are lecture and discussion and employ letter grading unless otherwise stated. Some prerequisites may be waived with faculty permission. Many syllabi are available on the Chico Web.
Prerequisites: MESA eligibility.
A comprehensive introduction that provides incoming Math, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) students with an overview
of the fields of engineering and computer science, along with information on degree requirements, technical skills needed,
working in industry, professional organizations, and professional development. In addition, there is an introduction to campus
resources and university life for first-year MESA students. ABC/no credit grading only.
Computer Engineering
The computer engineering program at CSU, Chico bridges the curriculum gap between electrical/electronic engineering and computer science. The program is designed to provide a broad background in both the theory and practice of computer hardware and software design and the integration of both into usable computer systems. The curriculum includes courses in logic design, microprocessor system design, computer interfacing, programming and data structures, computer architecture and assembly language programming, embedded system design, and system requirements and design. The program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, telephone: (410) 347-7700. Note: The highlighted is different from what appears in the printed catalog. What is displayed is current and correct.
Computer Engineering Program Mission
The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department educates each student to be a responsible and productive computer engineer who can effectively respond to future challenges.
Computer Engineering Program Objective
The objective of the Computer Engineering Program is to produce graduates able to:
1. Apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to identify, formulate, and solve computer engineering problems.
2. Use industry standard tools to analyze, design, develop, and test computer-based systems containing both hardware and software components.
3. Achieve success in graduate programs in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science.
4. Continue to develop their knowledge and skills after graduation in order to succeed personally and contribute to employer success.
5. Work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary development team and undertake leadership roles when appropriate.
6. Communicate their thoughts, in both written and oral forms, so that others can comprehend and build on their work.
7. Appreciate the importance of ethics in the profession and the need to act in society's best interest.
Computer Engineering Design Experience
Design is a fundamental aspect of the computer engineering curriculum and it is integrated into the curriculum beginning in the freshman year where students are introduced to both hardware and software design. As students expand their knowledge and analysis skills through the sophomore and junior years, the design problems they are assigned increase in complexity. Design problems are assigned in electronics, digital and microprocessor systems, embedded systems, and software systems.
The design experience culminates in the senior year when all students are required to identify a design project, create testable requirements for the project, design the project, and construct the project to prove the design works. Projects chosen by students often include elements of both hardware and software design. In the past, students have designed computer-controlled robots, security systems, sophisticated Web applications, and peripheral interfaces.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree: 132 units
See "Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree" in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 40 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.
A suggested Major Academic Plan (MAP) has been prepared to help students meet all graduation requirements within four years. Please request a plan from your major advisor or view it and other current advising information at http://em.csuchico.edu/aap/ProgramSearch.
General Education Requirements
Computer Engineering is a major with modifications to the University's General Education Requirements. The following requirements, together with the approved General Education courses required for the Computer Engineering major (marked with an * below), fulfill the General Education Requirement.
1. Select two courses, one from each of the Core Areas A1 and A2.
2. Select one course from Breadth Area C1 or C2 or C3. A course that also fulfills the U.S. Diversity or Global Cultures requirement is recommended.
3. Select one course from Breadth Area D1 or D2 or D3. A course that also fulfills the U.S. Diversity or Global Cultures requirement is recommended.
4. Upper-division theme modification has been approved for this major. See the General Education chapter in the University Catalog for specifics on how to apply this modification.
Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units
See "Diversity" in the University Catalog. Most courses used to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education Areas C and D.
U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals Requirement: 6 units
This requirement is normally fulfilled by completing HIST 130 and POLS 155. For other alternatives, see the "Bachelor's Degree Requirements" section.
Literacy Requirement:
See "Mathematics and Writing Requirements" in the University Catalog. Writing proficiency in the major is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of a course in your major which has been designated as the Writing Proficiency (WP) course for the semester in which you take the course. Students who earn below a C- are required to repeat the course and earn a C- or better to receive WP credit. See the Class Schedule for the designated WP courses for each semester. You must pass ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a C- or better before you may register for a WP course.
Course Requirements for the Major: 108 units
Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required of all candidates for this degree.
Enrollment in any mathematics course requires a grade of C- or higher in all prerequisite courses or their transfer equivalents.
Lower-Division Requirements: 52 units
15 courses required:
| CHEM | 111 | General Chemistry | 4.0 | FS * |
| CSCI | 211 | Programming and Algorithms II | 4.0 | FS |
| CSCI | 221 | Assembly Language Programming | 3.0 | FS |
| EECE | 101 | Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering | 2.0 | FS |
| EECE | 135 | Algorithms and Programs for Engineers | 3.0 | FS |
| EECE | 144 | Logic Design Fundamentals | 4.0 | FS |
| EECE | 211 | Linear Circuits I | 3.0 | FS |
| EECE | 211L | Linear Circuits I Activity | 1.0 | FS |
| MATH | 120 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus | 4.0 | FS * |
| MATH | 121 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus | 4.0 | FS |
| MATH | 220 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus | 4.0 | FS |
| MATH | 260 | Elementary Differential Equations | 4.0 | FS |
| PHYS | 204A | Physics for Students of Science and Engineering: Mechanics | 4.0 | FS * |
| PHYS | 204B | Physics for Students of Science and Engineering: Electricity and Magnetism | 4.0 | FS |
| PHYS | 204C | Physics for Students of Science and Engineering: Heat, Wave Motion, Sound, Light, and Modern Topics | 4.0 | FS |
Upper-Division Requirements: 56 units
15 courses required:
| CIVL | 302 | Engineering Economy and Statistics | 3.0 | FS |
| CIVL | 495 | Professional Issues in Engineering | 3.0 | FS |
| EECE | 311 | Linear Circuits II | 4.0 | FS |
| EECE | 315 | Electronics I | 4.0 | FS |
| EECE | 320 | System Architecture and Performance | 3.0 | FA |
| EECE | 335 | Project Requirements, Design, and Testing | 3.0 | FS |
| EECE | 337 | Embedded Systems Development | 4.0 | FA |
| EECE | 343 | Computer Interface Circuits | 4.0 | FS |
| EECE | 344 | Digital Systems Design | 4.0 | FS |
| EECE | 365 | Signals, Systems, and Transforms | 4.0 | FS |
| CSCI | 430 | Software Engineering | 3.0 | FA |
| EECE | 437 | Real-Time Embedded Systems | 4.0 | SP |
| EECE | 444 | Microprocessor Systems Design | 4.0 | SP |
| EECE | 490A | Senior Project Design and Documentation | 3.0 | FS WP |
| EECE | 490B | Senior Project Implementation | 2.0 | FS |
4 units selected from:
Any approved upper-division engineering, science, or math courses not otherwise required for graduation.
Grading Requirement:
All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.
All students must attain a 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) in all college courses attempted and for all courses attempted at Chico. Computer Engineering majors must also attain a 2.0 GPA in:
(a) All courses required for the major, and
(b) All Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) and Computer Science (CSCI) courses taken to meet major requirements at CSU, Chico.
Advising Requirement:
Advising is mandatory for all majors in this degree program. Consult your undergraduate advisor for specific information.
A sample program for students who wish to complete their major in four years is available upon written request to the department, CSU, Chico, CA 95929-0888, or on the department's web site.
Honors in the Major
Honors in the Major is a program of independent work in your major. It requires 6 units of honors course work completed over two semesters.
The Honors in the Major program allows you to work closely with a faculty mentor in your area of interest on an original performance or research project. This year-long collaboration allows you to work in your field at a professional level and culminates in a public presentation of your work. Students sometimes take their projects beyond the University for submission in professional journals, presentation at conferences, or academic competition. Such experience is valuable for graduate school and professional life. Your honors work will be recognized at your graduation, on your permanent transcripts, and on your diploma. It is often accompanied by letters of commendation from your mentor in the department or the department chair.
Some common features of Honors in the Major program are
1. You must take 6 units of Honors in the Major course work. All 6 units are honors classes (marked by a suffix of H), and at least 3 of these units are independent study (399H, 499H, 599H) as specified by your department. You must complete each class with a minimum grade of B.
2. You must have completed 9 units of upper-division course work or 21 overall units in your major before you can be admitted to Honors in the Major. Check the requirements for your major carefully, as there may be specific courses that must be included in these units.
3. Your cumulative GPA should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
4. Your GPA in your major should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
5. Most students apply for or are invited to participate in Honors in the Major during the second semester of their junior year. Then they complete the 6 units of course work over the two semesters of their senior year.
6. Your honors work culminates with a public presentation of your honors project.
While Honors in the Major is part of the Honors Program, each department administers its own program. Please contact your major department or major advisor to apply.
The Minor in Computer Engineering
Course Requirements for the Minor: 27-28 units
The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required of all candidates for this minor.
3-4 units selected from:
| EECE | 110 | Basic Electricity and Instruments | 3.0 | FS |
OR (the following course may be substituted for the above)
| EECE | 211 | Linear Circuits I | 3.0 | FS |
AND (Both the above and following course must be taken)
| EECE | 211L | Linear Circuits I Activity | 1.0 | FS |
5 courses required:
| EECE | 101 | Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering | 2.0 | FS |
| EECE | 135 | Algorithms and Programs for Engineers | 3.0 | FS |
| EECE | 144 | Logic Design Fundamentals | 4.0 | FS |
| CSCI | 221 | Assembly Language Programming | 3.0 | FS |
| EECE | 344 | Digital Systems Design | 4.0 | FS |
8 units selected from:
A minimum of 8 units of upper-division EECE or CSCI courses, of which at least 3 units must be approved upper-division EECE units.
The Faculty
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Uma Balaji, 2005, Assist Professor, PhD, U Victoria.
Roy E. Crosbie, 1983, Director of Academic Develop., Professor Emeritus, PhD, U Liverpool.
Adel Ghandakly, 2005, Chair, Professor, PhD, U Calgary.
Hede Ma, 2000, Professor, PhD, SUNY Binghamton.
Albert O. Richardson, 1989, Professor, PhD, Pennsylvania State U.
Ben-Dau Tseng, 1982, Professor, PhD, U Windsor.
Dale Word, 2002, Assoc Professor, MS, CSU Chico.
Emeritus Faculty
Richard A. Bednar, 1979, Professor Emeritus, PE, PhD, Michigan State U.
Arthur Gee, 1977, Professor Emeritus, PE, MSEE, Polytechnic U.
Louis R. Harrold, 1984, Professor Emeritus, MSEE, UC Davis.
Philip H. Hoff, 1970, Professor Emeritus, PhD, UC Berkeley.
William G. Lane, 1960, Professor Emeritus, PE, PhD, UC Davis.
Larry L. Wear, 1972, Professor Emeritus, PhD, Santa Clara U.
John J. Zenor, 1982, Professor Emeritus, PhD, U Missouri.
PE designates Registered Professional Engineer
Electrical and Computer Engineering Course Offerings
Please see the section on "Course Description Symbols and Terms" in the University Catalog for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units. All courses are lecture and discussion and employ letter grading unless otherwise stated. Some prerequisites may be waived with faculty permission. Many syllabi are available on the Chico Web.
Survey of topics from the fields of electrical and computer engineering. Applications of critical thinking to the solution
of engineering problems. Using the computer and sensors to control mechanical devices.
Prerequisites: None. This course is not intended for engineering majors.
An introduction to electrical and electronic technology: DC circuitry analysis, AC circuitry analysis, basic electronic components
and logic circuits. Instruments used in the study of basic electronics are discussed, demonstrated, and used; emphasis on
interpretation of schematic diagrams, breadboarding, familiarization with electronic components. 2.0 hours activity, 2.0 hours
discussion.
Corequisites: MATH 120
Supplemental applications and explanations to facilitate student understanding of content from MATH 120. 2.0 hours activity.
Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: MATH 120 is recommended.
Introduces students to the software development life cycle and the elements of a computer system. Teaches the syntax common
to both C and C++. Shows how to split large program into segments and explains the role of algorithms in programming. Programming
assignments are taken from simple engineering and mathematics problems. 2.0 hours activity, 2.0 hours discussion.
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in EECE 135.
Designed to supplement EECE 135 with additional applications and extended explanations of concepts encountered in programming.
Provides the student with the opportunity for additional assistance in basic programming skills. 2.0 hours activity. Credit/no
credit grading only.
Prerequisites: Recommended: EECE 101, MECH 100.
Definition and properties of switching algebra. Minimization of algebraic function. Use of Karnaugh maps for simplification.
Design of combinational logic networks. Design of sequential logic devices including flip-flops, registers, and counters.
Analysis and applications of digital devices. Analysis and design of synchronous and asynchronous sequential state machines,
state table derivation and reduction. Use of such CAD tools for schematic capture and logic device simulations. 2.0 hours
activity, 3.0 hours lecture.
Corequisites: EECE 144.
Designed to supplement EECE 144 with additional applications and extended explanations of concepts encountered in the first
logic design course. Provides the student with the opportunity for additional assistance in logic design techniques and tools.
2.0 hours activity. Credit/no credit grading only.
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may
vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered.
3.0 hours activity.
Prerequisites: MATH 121, PHYS 204B.
DC and sinusoidal circuit analysis, including resistive, capacitive, and inductive circuit elements and independent sources.
Ideal transformer. Thevenin and Norton circuit theorems and superposition. Phasors, impedance, resonance, and AC power. Three-phase
AC Circuit analysis. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Corequisites: EECE 211.
Experiments to reinforce the principles taught in EECE 211. The combination of EECE 211 and EECE 211L is equivalent to CAN
ENGR 6. 2.0 hours activity.
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in EECE 211.
Designed to supplement EECE 211 with additional applications and extended explanations of concepts encountered in the first
circuits course. Provides the student with the opportunity for additional assistance in analyzing and designing circuits.
2.0 hours activity. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: EECE 135.
An introduction to the components that make up a processor and the organization of those components. The representation of
numbers, data, and instructions within a processor along with the ways they are addressed. Assembly language programming using
arithmetic, logical, test, and input/output instructions. 2.0 hours activity, 2.0 hours lecture.
Prerequisites: EECE 135
A second semester programming course that addresses more advanced programming concepts, including the design and development
of large scale programs, algorithm analysis and Object Oriented Development. Topics include: recursion, linked lists, searching
and sorting algorithms, algorithm analysis, dynamic memory allocation, file I/O, Operating System interaction, Object Oriented
Development and hardware level programming techniques. Data structure and algorithm combinations are studied and analyzed
with their relative merits using both mathematical and empirical measurements. Students are required to design, implement,
test and analyze their programs in C and C++.
Corequisites: EECE 235
Designed to supplement EECE 235 with additional applications and extended explanations of concepts encountered in algorithms
and data structures. Provides students with an opportunity for additional assistance in the EECE 235 experience. 2.0 hours
activity. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: EECE 211; MATH 260 (may be taken concurrently).
Circuit analysis techniques for networks with both independent and dependent sources. Network topology. Natural and forced
responses for RLC circuits. Complex frequency, poles, and zeros. Magnetically coupled circuits and two-port networks. Introduction
to linear algebra, circuit simulation using PSPICE, and mathematical analysis using MATLAB.
Prerequisites: EECE 211, EECE 211L.
Corequisites: EECE 311, MATH 260.
Ideal diodes. Zener diodes and regulation. Photodiodes and solar cells. Biasing and DC behavior of bipolar transistors. JFETs
and MOSFETS. Small-signal AC equivalent circuits. Single-state transistor amplifiers. Low-frequency response. Discrete feedback
amplifiers. 3.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.
Prerequisites: EECE 315.
Op Amp circuits, waveform generation and shaping, sinusoidal oscillators, high frequency amplifiers, active filters, power
supply regulators, power electronics, advanced linear ICs. 3.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory.
Prerequisites: CSCI 221 with a grade of C- or higher. Note: The highlighted is different from what appears in the printed catalog. What is displayed is current and correct.
Study of computing architecture and how the structure of various hardware and software modules affects the ultimate performance
of the total system. Topics include qualitative and quantitative analysis of bandwidths, response times, error detection and
recovery, interrupts, and system throughput; distributed systems and coprocessors; vector and parallel architectures.
Prerequisites: ENGL 130; either CSCI 211 or CSCI 221 Note: The highlighted is different from what appears in the printed catalog. What is displayed is current and correct. .
Students are introduced to methodologies used to specify system descriptions. Hardware and software documentation standards
are described. Methodologies for modeling systems and development of presentation materials are discussed, and students are
required to make both written and oral presentations. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity.
Prerequisites: EECE 135; CSCI 221 Note: The highlighted is different from what appears in the printed catalog. What is displayed is current and correct. . Recommended: CSCI 211 Note: The highlighted is different from what appears in the printed catalog. What is displayed is current and correct. , EECE 320.
This course presents the concepts and techniques associated with designing, developing, and testing embedded systems software.
Topics include the nature and uses of embedded systems, embedded development and debugging environments, embedded programming
techniques, embedded software design, embedded processor characteristics, interrupt handling, and low level device I/O.
Corequisites: EECE 337
Designed to supplement EECE 337 with additional applications and extended explanations of concepts encountered in embedded
system development tools. Provides students with an opportunity for additional assistance in the EECE 337 experience. 2.0
hours activity. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: EECE 144, EECE 315.
Circuit design techniques for interfacing computers and digital systems to analog systems. Topics include interfacing to sensors,
transduction, pulse generation and shaping, level detection, triggering, A/D and D/A conversions, timers, pulse width modulation,
VGA signal generation and mouse design. Interface-development methodologies, implementation tools, testing, and quality assessment,
including VHDL and PSPICE. State machine design and analysis.
Prerequisites: EECE 144, CSCI 221 Note: The highlighted is different from what appears in the printed catalog. What is displayed is current and correct. ; either EECE 110 or both Note: The highlighted is different from what appears in the printed catalog. What is displayed is current and correct. EECE 211 and EECE 211L.
Extends the study of digital circuits to LSI and VLSI devices. Use of computer simulation in system analysis and design verification.
8-bit and 16-bit microprocessors, architecture, bus organization and address decoding. Design concepts for microprocessor
systems, including system integration with programmable logic devices. Interfacing to A/D and P/A Converters. Design of input
and output ports and interface to programmable ports. Serial communications; interrupt processing. Use of codes for storage
and transmission of information: parity, ASCII, Hamming and other error detecting and correcting codes. 3.0 hours discussion,
3.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: EECE 311, MATH 260.
Modeling and analysis of Signals and Systems both continuous and discrete, in the time and frequency domains. Topics include
theory and application of Fourier series, Fourier transforms, Parseval's Theorem and the Convolution, Laplace Transform Sampling
Theorem, Z transform, discrete Fourier Transform and FFT.
Prerequisites: EECE 211, EECE 211L, MATH 260.
Transmission lines. Frequency-domain techniques. Fields and field operators. Electrostatic fields and capacitance. Magneto-static
fields and inductance. Time-varying fields and Maxwell equations. Skin effect. Plane electromagnetic waves. Reflection and
refraction. Waveguides and optical fibers. Radiation and antennas.
Corequisites: EECE 375
Supplemental applications and explanations intended to facilitate student understanding of content from EECE 375. 2.0 hours
activity. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: CSCI 221 Note: The highlighted is different from what appears in the printed catalog. What is displayed is current and correct. , EECE 144, EECE 211, EECE 211L.
This class covers the design and construction of a self-contained robot that will meet the requirements for the IEEE Micromouse
competition. Constraints placed on the robot are discussed. 2.0 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for
a maximum of 2.0 units.
This internship is offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Students must register directly with a supervising faculty member. You may take
this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units.
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may
vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered.
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising
faculty member. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: EECE 315.
Characteristics of passive and active components at high frequencies, reflections and standing waves, matching networks, scattering
parameters, high-frequency measurement equipment and techniques, sample high-frequency design and construction projects, Smith
charts.
Prerequisites: EECE 320 Note: The highlighted is different from what appears in the printed catalog. What is displayed is current and correct. .
The application, design, and performance aspects of parallel processor structures, arithmetic pipelining and vector processing
units; architectural classification; memory structures, multiprocessor systems; interconnection networks, multiprocessing
control and scheduling; parallel algorithms.
Prerequisites: Either CSCI 311 or EECE 344.
Study of selected topics in the area of computer systems and computer architecture. Fault-tolerant systems, system reliability,
and redundancy in hardware and software are usually included.
Prerequisites: CSCI 211.
This course examines the requirements and design processes. Requirements topics include gathering, analysis, verification,
and management. Design topics include static, functional, and dynamic views of software design, mapping designs to requirements,
design patterns, and methodologies. The course also compares software design methodologies including data flow, data structure,
and object-oriented analysis and design.
Prerequisites: CSCI 111; CSCI 221. Recommended: CSCI 211; EECE 320. Note: The highlighted is different from what appears in the printed catalog. What is displayed is current and correct.
This course presents the concepts and techniques associated with designing, developing, and testing real-time and embedded
systems. Topics include the nature and uses of real-time systems, architecture and design of real-time systems, embedded development
and debugging environments, embedded programming techniques, real-time operating systems and real-time scheduling and algorithms.
Special attention is given to the study of real-time process scheduling and performance, including mathematical analysis of
scheduling algorithms.
Prerequisites: EECE 344.
Advanced microprocessor design concepts and techniques. Timing considerations and calculations for reliable high-speed processor
operating frequencies. Interrupts for real-time processing; interfacing microprocessors to Dynamic Random Access Memories.
Designing DRAM controllers using state machine design procedures. Direct Memory Access Controllers (DMAs) and multi-master
systems. Programmable Parallel Ports and Timers. Special purpose processors for digital signal processing, communications
and multimedia applications. 3.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: EECE 144, EECE 315.
Design of VLSI circuits. Emphasis is on design methodologies, including the use of CAE tools for schematic capture, chip layout,
circuit simulation, and fault/timing analysis.
Prerequisites: PHYS 204A, PHYS 204B, PHYS 204C.
Geometrical and physical optics, interference, diffraction, reflection, dispersion, resolution, polarization, fiber optics,
laser optics, and holography. 2.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory. This course is also offered as PHYS 450.
Prerequisites: PHYS 204C. Recommended: EECE 450 or PHYS 450.
The theory and mechanism of laser action, various types of lasers and their applications and future use. Laboratory involves
measurements with lasers, fiber optics, data transmission, and holography. 3.0 hours laboratory, 2.0 hours discussion. This
course is also offered as PHYS 451.
Prerequisites: EECE 365 or MATH 350.
Corequisites: CIVL 302.
Introduction to the principles of functional communication systems, design and performance analysis. Analog and digital modulation
techniques. Information measures. Application of probability theory to the analysis of communication systems performance.
Transmission and encoding of information. Spread spectrum systems.
Prerequisites: Either EECE 320 Note: The highlighted is different from what appears in the printed catalog. What is displayed is current and correct. or EECE 344.
Computer network architecture is reviewed. Network components such as hubs, routers, and bridges are discussed. Transmission
media and protocols are discussed. Concepts of data communications are reviewed.
Prerequisites: EECE 365.
Properties of continuous and discrete signals. Z-transform and Fast-Fourier Transform. Digital filtering techniques. Finite
word length effects on digital signal processing elements. 3.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity.
Prerequisites: EECE 211.
Principles of electromechanical conversion, traditional and renewable energy sources, magnetic circuits and steady state performance
of synchronous, dc and induction motors, state space models and dynamic performance of electric motors, linearized models
and common control schemes for various motors.
Prerequisites: EECE 211, EECE 365, MATH 260. Recommended: MECA 380, MECH 320; either EECE 135 or MECH 306.
Modeling and simulation of dynamic system performance. Control system design for continuous systems using both analog and
digital control techniques. 3.0 hours lecture, 2.0 hours activity.
Prerequisites: EECE 311 (may be taken concurrently).
Power system structure, components and single line diagrams, per unit calculations, transmission line modeling, network matrices
and Y-bus, load flow, economic power dispatch, basic relays and system protection schemes.
Prerequisites: EECE 311 (may be taken concurrently).
Power system symmetrical components, fault analysis, transient stability analysis, sequence impedances of transmission systems,
and distribution networks.
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher; EECE 335, EECE 343, EECE 344; either EECE 316 or EECE 444 (may be taken concurrently).
Students prepare, plan, design, and document a senior project. The complete design and documentation process must include
the project concept with ethical, environmental, and social impact; project requirements; full and complete design; work schedule.
Requirements and design address human factors, safety, reliability, maintainability, and customer cost. In addition to communicating
and documenting the project, the oral and written reports meet the University's writing proficiency requirement and provide
materials for evaluating several ABET outcomes assessment criteria. 1.0 hours lecture, 4.0 hours activity. This is a writing
proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors.
Prerequisites: EECE 490A; either EECE 316 or EECE 444.
In a continuation of EECE 490A, students complete detailed designs, construct, test, and demonstrate their senior design project.
Design documentation must address sustainability, manufacturability and, if appropriate, health and safety issues. Formal
oral and written reports documenting the project are required. 4.0 hours activity.
Prerequisites: To be established when courses are formulated.
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-5.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may
vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered.
This course is an independent study of special problems and is offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with
a supervising faculty member. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading
only.
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, faculty permission. completion of all junior-level EECE courses required in the major;
This course may be taken twice for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisite to the second semester is a "B" or higher in the first
semester. Open by invitation to E E and CMPE majors who have a GPA among the top 5% of ECE students based upon courses taken
at CSU, Chico. This is an "Honors in the Major" course; a grade of "B" or higher in 6 units of EECE 499H certifies the designation
of "Honors in the Major" to be printed on the transcript and the diploma. Each 3-unit course will require both formal written
and oral presentations. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. This is a writing proficiency,
WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors.
Prerequisites: EECE 315, PHYS 204C.
Study of the problems associated with passive components at high frequencies, high- frequency measurement techniques, transmission
lines, line reflections, matching and terminations, scattering parameters, ground and power planes, and printed circuit board
design considerations.
Prerequisites: EECE 417, EECE 615.
Design, analysis and construction of high-frequency amplifiers, oscillators and mixers are covered in this course.
Prerequisites: CSCI 430 Note: The highlighted is different from what appears in the printed catalog. What is displayed is current and correct. .
Explore the Capability Maturity Model (CMM) developed by the Software Engineering Institute process maturity model; examine
the differences between the CMM and ISO 9001; understand the key process areas for the CMM levels 2 and 3; participate in
peer reviews and other quality assurance methods.
Prerequisites: CSCI 630.
This course is for students who have completed a graduate course in project requirements analysis and design. The class project
involves implementation and testing of a large software system. Topics include advanced implementation and automated testing
techniques.
Prerequisites: CSCI 430 Note: The highlighted is different from what appears in the printed catalog. What is displayed is current and correct. .
Study of advanced topics in software engineering as presented in recent journals. Topics reflect research interest of department
faculty.
Prerequisites: EECE 615.
The use of computer-aided design tools to analyze, design, and test both analog and digital circuits and devices.
Prerequisites: EECE 344, EECE 455.
Investigation of the effects of packet size and transmission errors on performance of computer networks. Comparison of the
performance of hubs, routers and bridges. Analysis and design of network testing methods.
Prerequisites: EECE 453.
Advanced study of selected topics in the area of communication systems such as error detection and correction, information
encoding and decryption, and real-time performance. Other topics include material in recently published journals and research
projects of department faculty. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 8.0 units.
Prerequisites: EECE 465.
Study of selected topics in the area of digital signal processing such as computer aided filter design, two-dimentional signal
processing, DSP chips, and pattern recognition. Other topics include material in recently published journals and research
projects of department faculty. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 8.0 units.
Prerequisites: EECE 615.
Analysis of cabling and grounding problems in high-frequency systems. Circuit layout for high-frequency applications. Electromagnetic
discharge problems. Radio-frequency emissions from electronic devices. Shielding techniques to prevent ESD and EMI.
Prerequisites: EECE 482 or MECA 482.
Fundamental techniques for designing computer control systems for Single Input Single Output (SISO) and Multiple Input Multiple
Output (MIMO) dynamic systems, introduction to adaptive control and self tuning regulators.
Prerequisites: EECE 682.
Schemes of adaptive control systems, MIT rule for Model Reference Adaptive Control, self Tuning regulator systems, Recursive
Least Squares for system real time identification, Minimum Variance, PID and other controller design techniques for STR systems.
This course is a graduate-level independent study offered for 1.0-6.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising
faculty member. Independent study and investigation of special problems in the student's area of concentration. Both registration
and study plan must have approval of the instructor and the student's graduate advisory committee chair. You may take this
course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
This course is offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typical subjects that will be taught include embedded systems design, high-speed
networking, program management, and fault-tolerant system design. Consult the Class Schedule for listings. You may take this
course more than once for a maximum of 12.0 units.
This course is offered for 1.0-6.0 units. Independent study and investigation of special problems in student's area of concentration.
Both registration and study plan must have approval of the instructor and the student's graduate advisory committee chair.
You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
Prerequisites: Classified graduate standing and completion of graduate literacy requirement, faculty permission.
This course is offered for 1.0-6.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Independent study
and investigation of special problems in the student's area of concentration. Both registration and study plan must have approval
of the instructor and the student's graduate advisory committee chair. Master's Thesis courses earn a Credit grade upon completion.
You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 3.0 units.
Electrical/Electronic Engineering
Electrical/electronic engineering graduates are qualified for professional practice or graduate work in several areas of specialization, including system, electronics, and digital design. In addition to fundamentals of science and mathematics, the program provides a solid background in circuits, analog and digital electronics, microprocessors, and electromagnetics. The senior-level classes offered for electrical/electronic engineers include control systems, communication systems, digital signal processing, electro-optics, and digital system design. The program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, telephone: (410) 347-7700. Note: The highlighted is different from what appears in the printed catalog. What is displayed is current and correct.
Electrical/Electronic Engineering Program Mission
The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department educates each student to be a responsible and productive electrical/electronic engineer who can effectively respond to future challenges.
Electrical/Electronic Engineering Program Objective
The objective of the Electrical/Electronic Engineering Program is to produce graduates able to:
1. Apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to identify, formulate, and solve electrical/electronic engineering problems.
2. Use industry standard tools to analyze, design, develop, and test computer-based systems containing both hardware and software components.
3. Achieve success in graduate programs in electrical engineering or a related field.
4. Continue to develop their knowledge and skills after graduation in order to succeed personally and contribute to employer success.
5. Work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary development team and undertake leadership roles when appropriate.
6. Communicate their thoughts, in both written and oral forms, so that others can comprehend and build on their work.
7. Appreciate the importance of ethics in the profession and the need to act in society's best interest.
Electrical/Electronic Engineering Design Experience
Design is a fundamental aspect of the electrical/electronic engineering curriculum, and it is integrated into the curriculum in the freshman year where students are introduced to both hardware and software design. As students expand their knowledge and analysis skills through the sophomore and junior years, the design problems they are assigned increase in complexity. Design problems are assigned in analog electronics, digital systems, control systems, and digital signal processing.
The design experience culminates in the senior year when all students are required to identify a design project, create testable requirements to the project, design the project, and construct the project to prove the design works. In the past, students have designed computer-controlled robots, digital signal processing systems, communication systems, remote video control and display systems, and audio systems.
The Bachelor of Science in Electrical/Electronic Engineering
Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree: 132 units
See "Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree" in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 40 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.
A suggested Major Academic Plan (MAP) has been prepared to help students meet all graduation requirements within four years. Please request a plan from your major advisor or view it and other current advising information at http://em.csuchico.edu/aap/ProgramSearch.
General Education Requirements
Electrical/Electronic Engineering is a major with modifications to the University's General Education Requirements. The following requirements, together with the approved General Education courses required for the Electrical/Electronic Engineering major (marked with an * below), fulfill the General Education Requirement.
1. Select two courses, one from each of the Core Areas A1 and A2.
2. Select one course from Breadth Area B2.
3. Select one course from Breadth Area C1 or C2 or C3. A course that also fulfills the U.S. Diversity or Global Cultures requirement is recommended.
4. Select one course from Breadth Area D1 or D2 or D3. A course that also fulfills the U.S. Diversity or Global Cultures requirement is recommended.
5. Upper-division theme modification has been approved for this major. See the General Education chapter in the University Catalog for specifics on how to apply this modification.
Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units
See "Diversity" in the University Catalog. Most courses used to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education Areas C and D.
U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals Requirement: 6 units
This requirement is normally fulfilled by completing HIST 130 and POLS 155. For other alternatives, see the "Bachelor's Degree Requirements" section.
Literacy Requirement:
See "Mathematics and Writing Requirements" in the University Catalog. Writing proficiency in the major is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of a course in your major which has been designated as the Writing Proficiency (WP) course for the semester in which you take the course. Students who earn below a C- are required to repeat the course and earn a C- or better to receive WP credit. See the Class Schedule for the designated WP courses for each semester. You must pass ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a C- or better before you may register for a WP course.
Course Requirements for the Major: 105 units
Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required of all candidates for this degree.
Enrollment in any mathematics course requires a grade of C- or higher in all prerequisite courses or their transfer equivalents.
Lower-Division Requirements: 48 units
14 courses required:
| CHEM | 111 | General Chemistry | 4.0 | FS * |
| EECE | 101 | Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering | 2.0 | FS |
| EECE | 135 | Algorithms and Programs for Engineers | 3.0 | FS |
| EECE | 144 | Logic Design Fundamentals | 4.0 | FS |
| EECE | 211 | Linear Circuits I | 3.0 | FS |
| EECE | 211L | Linear Circuits I Activity | 1.0 | FS |
| CSCI | 221 | Assembly Language Programming | 3.0 | FS |
| MATH | 120 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus | 4.0 | FS * |
| MATH | 121 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus | 4.0 | FS |
| MATH | 220 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus | 4.0 | FS |
| MATH | 260 | Elementary Differential Equations | 4.0 | FS |
| PHYS | 204A | Physics for Students of Science and Engineering: Mechanics | 4.0 | FS * |
| PHYS | 204B | Physics for Students of Science and Engineering: Electricity and Magnetism | 4.0 | FS |
| PHYS | 204C | Physics for Students of Science and Engineering: Heat, Wave Motion, Sound, Light, and Modern Topics | 4.0 | FS |
Upper-Division Requirements: 57 units
15 courses required:
| CIVL | 302 | Engineering Economy and Statistics | 3.0 | FS |
| CIVL | 495 | Professional Issues in Engineering | 3.0 | FS |
| EECE | 311 | Linear Circuits II | 4.0 | FS |
| EECE | 315 | Electronics I | 4.0 | FS |
| EECE | 316 | Electronics II | 4.0 | SP |
| EECE | 335 | Project Requirements, Design, and Testing | 3.0 | FS |
| EECE | 343 | Computer Interface Circuits | 4.0 | FS |
| EECE | 344 | Digital Systems Design | 4.0 | FS |
| EECE | 365 | Signals, Systems, and Transforms | 4.0 | FS |
| EECE | 375 | Fields and Waves | 3.0 | SP |
| EECE | 453 | Communication Systems Design | 4.0 | SP |
| EECE | 465 | Digital Signal Processing | 4.0 | SP |
| EECE | 482 | Control System Design | 4.0 | FA |
| EECE | 490A | Senior Project Design and Documentation | 3.0 | FS WP |
| EECE | 490B | Senior Project Implementation | 2.0 | FS |
Note: EECE 453 and EECE 465 may be replaced by EECE 481 and EECE 483 for Power Systems Specialization.
CIVL 302 and CIVL 495 are approved General Education courses for Electrical/Electronic Engineering majors.
4 units selected from:
Any approved upper-division engineering, science, or math courses not otherwise required for graduation, or EECE 484 for Power Systems Specialization.
Grading Requirement:
All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.
All students must attain a 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) in all college courses attempted and for all courses attempted at Chico. Electrical/Electronic Engineering majors must also attain a 2.0 GPA in:
(a) All courses required for the major, and
(b) All Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) courses taken to meet major requirements at CSU, Chico.
Advising Requirement:
Advising is mandatory for all majors in this degree program. Consult your undergraduate advisor for specific information.
A sample program for students who wish to complete their major in four years is available upon written request to the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, CSU, Chico, CA 95929-0888.
Please see Honors in the Major under Computer Engineering.
The Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
The MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering is designed to serve those students who wish to obtain advanced knowledge in the design of high-speed electronic systems or computer-based systems. This knowledge prepares students for a doctoral program or an intermediate level position in industry.
Course Requirements for the Master's Degree: 30 units
Continuous enrollment is required. A maximum of 9 semester units of transfer and/or CSU Chico Open University course work may be applied toward the degree.
Graduate Time Limit:
All requirements for the degree are to be completed within five years of the end of the semester of enrollment in the oldest course applied toward the degree. See "Graduate Education" in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements.
Program Selection
Students will choose either the Option in Computer Engineering or the Option in Electronic Engineering.
MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering with an Option in Computer Engineering:
This option is designed primarily for students who wish to apply electrical and software engineering principles to the design and development of computers and computer-based systems.
MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering with an Option in Electronic Engineering:
This option is designed primarily for students who wish to expand their study of principles and applications of electrical engineering to high-speed circuits, components, and systems.
Prerequisites for Admission to Conditionally Classified Status:
1. Satisfactory grade point average as specified in "Admission to Master's Degree Programs" in the University Catalog.
2. Approval by the department and the Office of Graduate Studies.
3. A professionally accredited baccalaureate in electrical or computer engineering, or an equivalent approved by the Office of Graduate Studies.
4. Successful completion of the Graduate Record Examination if required by the Graduate Coordinator.
Prerequisites for Admission to Classified Status:
In addition to any requirements listed above:
1. Successful completion of the Graduate Writing Examination.
2. Completion of background preparation equivalent to the following undergraduate courses: EECE 135, CSCI 221 Note: The highlighted is different from what appears in the printed catalog. What is displayed is current and correct. , EECE 315, EECE 343, and EECE 344, EECE 365.
All required undergraduate electrical and computer engineering (ECE) courses must be taken for a letter grade, and a grade of C or better must be earned in each course. Students are required to complete the background courses immediately as a matter of reasonable progress toward the master's degree.
Advancement to Candidacy:
In addition to any requirements listed above:
1. Formation of the graduate advisory committee in consultation with the Graduate Coordinator.
2. Development of an approved program, including a thesis or project proposal if the thesis or project plan is chosen, in consultation with the Graduate Coordinator.
3. Classified graduate standing and completion at the University of at least 9 units of the proposed program with a minimum 3.00 grade point average.
Requirements for the MS Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Completion of all requirements as established by the department graduate committee, the graduate advisory committee, and the Office of Graduate Studies, to include:
1. Completion of an approved program consisting of 30 units of 400/500/600-level courses as follows:
(a) Completion of the 12-unit core:
| EECE | 455 | Introduction to Network Engineering | 4.0 | FA |
| EECE | 615 | High-Frequency Design Techniques | 4.0 | FA |
| EECE | 643 | Computer-Aided Circuit Engineering | 4.0 | SP |
(b) At least 18 units, including a thesis or project if chosen, must be in electrical and computer engineering (EECE); remaining units may be selected from electrical or computer engineering or in related areas with the approval of the Graduate Coordinator.
(c) At least 18 of the units required for the degree must be 600-level courses.
(d) Not more than 9 semester units of transfer and/or extension credit (correspondence courses and U.C. extension course work are not acceptable); Open University course work is included in this 9 unit total.
2. Completion and final approval of one of the following three plans as specified by the graduate advisory committee:
(a) Thesis Plan. This plan includes 24 units of course work and 6 units of thesis research (EECE 699T). Research may be theoretical or applied, but must reflect an individual in-depth study into an approved topic. This plan requires a formal research thesis which must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies for approval and accession to the library.
(b) Project Plan. Requirements for this plan consist of 27 units of course work and 3 units of project preparation (EECE 699P). The project must show how analysis and design have been applied to a particular area of electronic or computer engineering. A written project description must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies for approval and accession to the library.
(c) Examination Plan. Requirements for this plan consist of 30 units of course work and a comprehensive oral examination prepared by the faculty. The two-hour examination will cover areas covered in four courses from the candidate's course of study.
3. Approval by the Graduate Coordinator and the Graduate Coordinators Committee on behalf of the faculty of the University.
Option in Computer Engineering: 18 units
Undergraduate background:
Programming in C++ and assembly language
Data structures
Operating systems
Signals and transforms
Analog electronics
Digital systems and state machine design
Computer interface circuits
Microprocessor system design
8 units selected from:
| EECE | 425 | Advanced Computer Architecture | 4.0 | SP |
| EECE | 631 | Processes Improvement | 4.0 | SP |
| EECE | 655 | Topics in Computer Networking | 4.0 | SP |
10 units selected from:
Any approved senior or graduate-level courses not otherwise required for the degree.
Option in Electronic Engineering: 18 units
Undergraduate background:
Programming in C++ and assembly language
Signals and transforms
Advanced analog electronics
Digital systems design
Computer interface circuits
Control systems
Digital Signal Processing
Communication Systems
8 units selected from:
| EECE | 417 | Radio Frequency Circuits | 4.0 | FA |
| EECE | 617 | High-Frequency Analog Design | 4.0 | SP |
| EECE | 675 | Electromagnetic Compatibility | 4.0 | SP |
10 units selected from:
Any approved senior or graduate-level courses not otherwise required for the degree.
Graduate Requirement in Writing Proficiency:
Writing proficiency is a graduation requirement.
Electrical Engineering students will demonstrate their writing competence through successfully completing either a departmentally administered examination or EECE 335. Consult the Graduate Coordinator for specific information.
Graduate Grading Requirements:
All courses in the major (with the exceptions of Independent Study - 697, Comprehensive Examination - 696, Master's Project - 699P, and Master's Thesis - 699T) must be taken for a letter grade, except those courses specified by the department as ABC/No Credit (400/500-level courses), AB/No Credit (600-level courses), or Credit/No Credit grading only. A maximum of 10 units combined of ABC/No Credit, AB/No Credit, and Credit/No Credit grades may be used on the approved program (including 697, 696, 699P, 699T and courses outside the major). While grading standards are determined by individual programs and instructors, it is also the policy of the University that unsatisfactory grades may be given when work fails to reflect achievement of the high standards, including high writing standards, expected of students pursuing graduate study.
Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average in each of the following three categories: all course work taken at any accredited institution subsequent to admission to the master's program; all course work taken at CSU, Chico subsequent to admission to the program; and all courses on the approved master's degree program.
In addition, students may not count more than two courses in which they received a grade of C toward the approved program.
The Faculty
Please see Computer Engineering for faculty listing.
Course Offerings
Please see Computer Engineering for course offerings.
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering includes mechanical design, thermal-fluid systems, applied mechanics, and automation. The mechanical engineering student is prepared in all of these areas in order to analyze and design complex mechanical systems. Graduates can specialize in areas such as energy conversion systems, mechanisms and machines, manufacturing, materials, and automation through electives.
Mechanical Engineering Program Mission
The mechanical engineering program has the primary mission of providing students a high-quality undergraduate engineering education with
1. A curriculum that is firmly grounded in engineering fundamentals
2. A faculty that provides superior teaching and mentoring both in and out of the classroom
3. A faculty whose focus is undergraduate education
4. Class sizes that encourage student participation
5. Project experiences that build on fundamentals and develop team skills
6. Facilities and equipment that are readily accessible
7. An environment that is conducive to learning and encourages students from different genders and backgrounds.
The faculty is committed to offering a broad undergraduate experience that will promote professional growth and prepare students for a variety of engineering careers, graduate studies, and continuing education.
Mechanical Engineering Program Educational Objectives
The program's educational objectives are best framed in terms of goals for its graduates. Mechanical engineering graduates will:
1. Be effective engineers and problem solvers.
2. Be well educated in the mechanical engineering sciences.
3. Be able to use engineering tools that will enhance their productivity.
4. Be familiar with current technology and how it can be incorporated into their design, analysis, and testing activities including an understanding of manufacturing methods and the use of computers, sensors, and actuators to automate machines and processes.
5. Be effective oral, written, and graphical communicators.
6. Be able to function effectively as members of multi-disciplinary teams.
7. Have an appreciation for the individual, society, and human heritage, and be aware of the impact of their designs on human-kind and the environment.
8. Be prepared for a variety of engineering careers, graduate studies, and continuing education.
Mechanical Engineering Design Experience
The mechanical engineering program at CSU, Chico is a traditional balance of engineering science and design. The design sequence for mechanical engineers is a progressive one. The courses which are primarily devoted to design are:
MECH 140 - Introduction to Engineering Design
MECH 340 - Mechanical Engineering Design
MECH 440A- Mechanical Engineering Design Project I
MECH 440B- Mechanical Engineering Design Project II
The freshman experience (MECH 140) focuses on the creative aspects of design and gives students an opportunity to practice the engineering design process with little or no emphasis on engineering science. At the junior level (MECH 340), there is an opportunity to learn about safety, failure, reliability, codes and standards, and economic considerations, while carrying out detailed design of mechanical components. In the final senior project (MECH 440A and MECH 440B), students are expected to exercise what they learned throughout the preceding design courses in a final project that includes manufacturing and testing, as well as the more global aspects of design including product realization, economic factors, environmental issues, and social impact. Together, these experiences prepare graduates to be successful practitioners with an awareness of the multitude of issues involved.
The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree: 132 units
See "Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree" in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 40 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.
A suggested Major Academic Plan (MAP) has been prepared to help students meet all graduation requirements within four years. Please request a plan from your major advisor or view it and other current advising information at http://em.csuchico.edu/aap/ProgramSearch.
General Education Requirement
Mechanical Engineering is a major with modifications to the University's General Education Requirements. The following requirements, together with the approved General Education courses required for the Mechanical Engineering major (marked with an * below), fulfill the General Education Requirement.
1. Two courses, one selected from each of the Core Areas A1 and A2.
2. One course selected from Breadth Area B2.
3. One course selected from Breadth Area C1 or C2 or C3.
4. One course selected from Breadth Area D1 or D2 or D3.
5. Upper-division theme modification has been approved for this major. See the General Education chapter in the University Catalog for specifics on how to apply this modification or go to http://www.csuchico.edu/mmem.
Diversity Requirement: 6 units
Complete two Diversity courses, one U.S. Diversity and one Global Cultures. (See the "Bachelor's Degree Requirements" section.) Both courses must also satisfy one of the General Education requirements in order for 132 units to fulfill all requirements for the Mechanical Engineering degree.
U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals Requirement: 6 units
This requirement is normally fulfilled by completing HIST 130 and POLS 155. For other alternatives, see the "Bachelor's Degree Requirements" section.
Literacy Requirement:
See "Mathematics and Writing Requirements" in the University Catalog. Writing proficiency in the major is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of a course in your major which has been designated as the Writing Proficiency (WP) course for the semester in which you take the course. Students who earn below a C- are required to repeat the course and earn a C- or better to receive WP credit. See the Class Schedule for the designated WP courses for each semester. You must pass ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a C- or better before you may register for a WP course.
Course Requirements for the Major: 105 units
Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required of all candidates for this degree.
Enrollment in any mathematics course requires a grade of C- or higher in all prerequisite courses or their transfer equivalents.
Lower-Division Requirements: 52 units
17 courses required:
| CIVL | 211 | Statics | 3.0 | FS |
| CHEM | 111 | General Chemistry | 4.0 | FS * |
| EECE | 211 | Linear Circuits I | 3.0 | FS |
| EECE | 211L | Linear Circuits I Activity | 1.0 | FS |
| MATH | 120 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus | 4.0 | FS * |
| MATH | 121 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus | 4.0 | FS |
| MATH | 220 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus | 4.0 | FS |
| MATH | 260 | Elementary Differential Equations | 4.0 | FS |
| MECH | 100 | Graphics I | 1.0 | FS |
| MECH | 100L | Graphics I Laboratory | 1.0 | FS |
| MECH | 140 | Introduction to Engineering Design | 3.0 | FS |
| MECH | 200 | Graphics II | 2.0 | FS |
| MECH | 210 | Materials Science and Engineering | 3.0 | FS |
| MFGT | 160 | Manufacturing Processes | 3.0 | FS |
| PHYS | 204A | Physics for Students of Science and Engineering: Mechanics | 4.0 | FS * |
| PHYS | 204B | Physics for Students of Science and Engineering: Electricity and Magnetism | 4.0 | FS |
| PHYS | 204C | Physics for Students of Science and Engineering: Heat, Wave Motion, Sound, Light, and Modern Topics | 4.0 | FS |
Upper-Division Requirements: 53 units
15 courses required:
| CIVL | 302 | Engineering Economy and Statistics | 3.0 | FS |
| CIVL | 311 | Strength of Materials | 4.0 | FS |
| CIVL | 321 | Fluid Mechanics | 4.0 | FS |
| CIVL | 495 | Professional Issues in Engineering | 3.0 | FS |
| MECA | 380 | Measurements and Instrumentation | 3.0 | SP |
| MECA | 482 | Control System Design | 4.0 | FA |
| MECH | 306 | Equation Solving Techniques | 4.0 | FA |
| MECH | 308 | Finite Element Analysis | 3.0 | SP |
| MECH | 320 | Dynamics | 3.0 | FS |
| MECH | 332 | Thermodynamics | 3.0 | FS |
| MECH | 338 | Heat Transfer | 4.0 | SP |
| MECH | 340 | Mechanical Engineering Design | 3.0 | SP |
| MECH | 432 | Energy Systems | 4.0 | FA |
| MECH | 440A | Mechanical Engineering Design Project I | 3.0 | FA WP |
| MECH | 440B | Mechanical Engineering Design Project II | 2.0 | SP |
3 units selected from:
A technical elective with advisor's approval. See http//www.csuchico.edu/mmem
Grading Requirement:
All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.
Fundamentals of Engineering Examination
The Fundamentals of Engineering Exam is the first of two exams that the California State Board of Registration requires to be passed to be a licensed professional engineer. Prior to graduation, those majoring in Mechanical Engineering must apply to the California State Board of Registration and take the exam. Passing the exam is not required for graduation.
Advising Requirement:
Advising is mandatory for all majors in this degree program. Consult your undergraduate advisor for specific information.
Honors in the Major
Honors in the Major is a program of independent work in your major. It requires 6 units of honors course work completed over two semesters.
The Honors in the Major program allows you to work closely with a faculty mentor in your area of interest on an original performance or research project. This year-long collaboration allows you to work in your field at a professional level and culminates in a public presentation of your work. Students sometimes take their projects beyond the University for submission in professional journals, presentation at conferences, or academic competition. Such experience is valuable for graduate school and professional life. Your honors work will be recognized at your graduation, on your permanent transcripts, and on your diploma. It is often accompanied by letters of commendation from your mentor in the department or the department chair.
Some common features of Honors in the Major program are
1. You must take 6 units of Honors in the Major course work. All 6 units are honors classes (marked by a suffix of H), and at least 3 of these units are independent study (399H, 499H, 599H) as specified by your department. You must complete each class with a minimum grade of B.
2. You must have completed 9 units of upper-division course work or 21 overall units in your major before you can be admitted to Honors in the Major. Check the requirements for your major carefully, as there may be specific courses that must be included in these units.
3. Your cumulative GPA should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
4. Your GPA in your major should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
5. Most students apply for or are invited to participate in Honors in the Major during the second semester of their junior year. Then they complete the 6 units of course work over the two semesters of their senior year.
6. Your honors work culminates with a public presentation of your honors project.
While Honors in the Major is part of the Honors Program, each department administers its own program. Please contact your major department or major advisor to apply.
The Faculty
Mechanical Engineering
Joseph P. Greene, 1998, Professor, PhD, U Michigan.
Chuen H. Hsu, 1982, Professor, PhD, Iowa State U.
Gregory A. Kallio, 1988, Professor, PhD, Washington State U.
Albert O. Richardson, 1989, Professor, PhD, Pennsylvania State U.
Ronald L. Roth, 1986, Chair, Professor, PhD, Stanford U.
Jimmy Tan-atichat, 1987, Professor, PhD, Illinois Inst of Tech.
Ramesh M. Varahamurti, 1984, Professor, PhD, Washington State U.
Michael G. Ward, 1988, Dean, Professor, PE, PhD, Stanford U.
Gregory K. Watkins, 2007, Assist Professor, PE, PhD, U of North Carolina - Charlott.
Emeritus Faculty
Charles Allen, 1966, Professor Emeritus, PE, PhD, UC Davis.
Dennis O. Blackketter, 1984, Professor Emeritus, PE, PhD, U Arizona.
Robert G. Colwell, 1966, Professor Emeritus, PE, PhD, Oregon State U.
William A. Gelonek, 1982, Professor Emeritus, PE, MA, CSU Chico.
Ralph C. Huntsinger, 1971, Professor Emeritus, PE, PhD, Montana State U.
Donald S. Smith, 1969, Professor Emeritus, PhD, UC Berkeley.
Adjunct Faculty
Nicholas G. Repanich, 2001, Lecturer A, BS, Cal Poly SLO.
PE designates Registered Professional Engineer
Mechanical Engineering Course Offerings
Please see the section on "Course Description Symbols and Terms" in the University Catalog for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units. All courses are lecture and discussion and employ letter grading unless otherwise stated. Some prerequisites may be waived with faculty permission. Many syllabi are available on the Chico Web.
Corequisites: MECH 100L.
Introduction to engineering graphics. Orthographic projection, auxiliary views, isometric views, dimensioning, tolerancing,
drawing standards, working drawings, free-hand sketching, solid modeling. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Corequisites: MECH 100 (may be taken prior to taking MECH 100L).
Introduction to solid modeling using a parametric, feature-based application software, SolidWorks. Solid modeling of parts
and assemblies, detail and assembly drawings. 3.0 hours laboratory.
An introduction to the art and science of engineering design. Techniques for encouraging creativity in design. Use of a computer
to control devices. Projects requiring design, construction, and testing of devices, including a computer-controlled electromechanical
system. 2.0 hours activity, 2.0 hours discussion. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Special topic generally offered one time only. Different sections may have different topics. See the Class Schedule for specific
topic being offered.
Prerequisites: MECH 100 and MECH 100L.
Drawing standards, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, working drawings, product data management, intermediate solid modeling,
introduction to Rapid Prototyping and specialized graphic applications. 1.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory. Special fee
required; see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: PHYS 204A; CHEM 111.
Processing, structure, properties, and performance of engineering materials. Applied knowledge of material properties as engineering
design parameters. Advanced manufacturing processes, including microfabrication. 1.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity,
3.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: To be established when course is formulated.
Special topic generally offered one time only. Different sections may have different topics. See the Class Schedule for specific
topic being offered.
Prerequisites: MATH 260. Recommended: PHYS 204A.
Numerical analysis, analytical methods, and equation solving techniques for mechanical engineering design. Structured problem
formulation, parametric studies, introduction to programming concepts, and optimization for design. 3.0 hours discussion,
2.0 hours activity. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: CIVL 311 with a grade of C- or higher, MECH 306. Recommended: PHYS 204C.
Development of finite element formulation from fundamental governing engineering equations. Coverage includes areas ranging
from elasticity, vibration, and heat transfer to acoustics and composites. 2.0 hours activity, 2.0 hours lecture. Special
fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: CIVL 211 with a grade of C- or higher, MATH 260.
Kinematics and dynamics of mechanical systems composed of rigid bodies. Moments and products of inertia, forces of interaction,
inertia forces and torques. Equations of motion of non-planar systems.
Prerequisites: PHYS 204A. Recommended: PHYS 204C.
Properties of substances, ideal gas equation of state, heat and work, first and second laws of thermodynamics, steady-state
analysis of closed and open systems, entropy, gas and vapor power cycles, introduction to renewable energy sources.
Prerequisites: CIVL 321, MECH 332. Recommended: MECH 306.
Conduction, convection, and radiation heat transfer; steady-state and transient analysis methods; numerical methods applied
to conduction heat transfer; design of finned arrays, systems for electronics cooling, heat exchangers, and solar collectors.
2.0 hours activity, 3.0 hours discussion.
Prerequisites: CIVL 311 with a grade of C- or higher, MECH 100, MECH 100L, MECH 210. Recommended: MECH 320, MFGT 160.
Design and performance of machine components and systems subjected to both steady and variable loading conditions. Introduction
to failure theories, reliability, use of codes and standards, and standard design practices.
1.0
Note: The highlighted is different from what appears in the printed catalog. What is displayed is current and correct.
hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: Approval of faculty internship coordinator prior to off-campus assignment.
Engineering experience in an industrial setting. Minimum duration of 400 hours of work under the direct supervision of an
on-site engineering supervisor. On completion of the internship, a written report prepared under the direction of a faculty
member is required. May be taken only once for credit. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: To be established when course is formulated.
Special topic generally offered one time only. Different sections may have different topics. See the Class Schedule for specific
topic being offered.
Prerequisites: Approval of supervising faculty member.
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. See the department office for information
on registering. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: MATH 260, MECH 210. Recommended: CIVL 311.
Design, manufacture, and practical applications of advanced engineering materials. Failure analysis and prevention of material
failure in mechanical design. Microfabrication of micromechanical devices.
Prerequisites: MECH 320.
Free and forced vibrations of lumped parameter systems, transient vibrations, systems with several degrees-of-freedom.
Prerequisites: MECH 338.
Thermodynamics of power cycles, refrigeration, air-conditioning, and combustion processes; analysis, design, and testing of
systems involving both conventional and renewable energy sources for power generation, heating, and cooling applications.
3.0 hours laboratory, 3.0 hours discussion.
Prerequisites: CIVL 321, MATH 260, MECH 332. Recommended: MECH 306.
Compressible fluids in isentropic flow, normal and oblique shock, Prandtl-Meyer expansion, Fanno, and Rayleigh flow. Subsonic
and supersonic flow, with applications to rocket and jet propulsion, wind tunnels, shock tubes, airfoils, and combustion chambers.
Prerequisites: CIVL 321, MATH 260. Recommended: MECH 306.
Flow around elementary shapes, concepts of flow circulation, lift and drag. Incompressible inviscid flows around thin airfoils
and wings of finite span.
Prerequisites: CIVL 321 (or faculty permission), CHEM 111; either CHEM 331 or MECH 332. Recommended: CIVL 302, MECH 306.
Analysis and design of components and systems for gaseous and particulate pollution control; gas separation by absorption,
adsorption, condensation, and incineration; particulate separation by gravity settlers, cyclones, electrostatic precipitators,
fabric filters, and scrubbers; air pollution legislation and regulation.
Prerequisites: MECH 432. Recommended: MECH 306.
Thermodynamics of moist air. Heat transfer processes in buildings. Heating/cooling loads. Air conditioning system design.
Building energy conservation economics.
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, MECH 200, MECH 340, MFGT 160. Recommended: CIVL 302, MECA 380, MECH 308, MECH 338.
System design methods applied to mechanical systems. Group design projects. Consideration of the manufacturing cost, and environmental
and social impact. Oral and written presentation of results. Initial design of the capstone design project to be continued
in MECH 440B. 3.0 hours independent study, 2.0 hours lecture. This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or
better certifies writing proficiency for majors.
Prerequisites: MECH 440A. Recommended: CIVL 302, MECA 380, MECH 308, MECH 338.
Continuation of the capstone design project from MECH 440A. Implementation of the capstone design project, including fabrication,
testing, and evaluation of a working prototype. Must be taken the semester immediately following MECH 440A. 1.0 hours lecture,
3.0 hours independent study.
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, MECH 340, MFGT 160, acceptance into the Honors in the Major program. Recommended: CIVL 302, MECA 380, MECH 308, MECH 338.
System design methods applied to mechanical systems. Group design projects. Consideration of the manufacturing cost, and environmental
and social impact. Oral and written presentations of results. Initial design of the Honors/capstone design project to be continued
in MECH 440B. 3.0 hours laboratory, 2.0 hours discussion. This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better
certifies writing proficiency for majors.
Prerequisites: To be established when course is formulated.
Special topic generally offered one time only. Different sections may have different topics. See the Class Schedule for the
specific topic being offered.
Prerequisites: Approval of supervising faculty member.
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. See the department office for information
on registering. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: Completion of 12 units of upper-division MECH courses, faculty permission.
Open by invitation to MECH majors who have a GPA among the top 5% of MECH students based upon courses taken at CSU, Chico.
This is an "Honors in the Major" course; a grade of B or better in 6 units of MECH 499H certifies the designation of "Honors
in the Major" to be printed on the transcript and the diploma. If taken twice, prerequisite to the second semester is a grade
of B or better in the first semester. Each 3-unit course will require both formal written and oral presentations. You may
take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
Prerequisites: Approval of supervising faculty member.
This course is a graduate-level independent study offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You may take this course more than once for a
maximum of 6.0 units.
Prerequisites: To be established when course is formulated.
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may
vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered.
You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 3.0 units.
Prerequisites: Approval of supervising faculty member.
Independent study leading to a Master's Thesis of a special problem approved by student's graduate advisory committee. See
the department office for registration procedure. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no
credit grading only.
Prerequisites: Approval of supervising faculty member.
Independent study leading to a Master's Thesis of a special problem approved by student's graduate advisory committee. See
the department office for registration procedure. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
Mechatronic Engineering
Mechatronic Engineering is a new discipline that combines many of the skills of a mechanical engineer with those of a computer engineer and an electrical engineer. The mechatronic engineering graduate is prepared to design "intelligent" products such as "jitter-free" camcorders, active vehicle suspension systems that adjust to road conditions, anti-lock braking systems, and laser printers.
Mechatronic Engineering Program Mission
The mechatronic engineering program has the primary mission of providing students a high-quality undergraduate engineering education with
1. A curriculum that is firmly grounded in engineering fundamentals
2. A faculty that provides superior teaching and mentoring both in and out of the classroom
3. A faculty whose focus is undergraduate education
4. Class sizes that encourage student participation
5. Project experiences that build on fundamentals and develop team skills
6. Facilities and equipment that are readily accessible
7. An environment that is conducive to learning and encourages students from different genders and backgrounds.
The faculty is committed to offering a broad undergraduate experience that will promote professional growth and prepare students for a variety of engineering careers, graduate studies, and continuing education
Mechatronic Engineering Program Educational Objectives
The program's educational objectives are best framed in terms of goals for its graduates. Mechatronic engineering graduates will:
1. Be effective interdisciplinary engineers and problem solvers.
2. Be well educated in the basic engineering sciences and fundamentals of mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.
3. Be able to use engineering tools that will enhance their productivity.
4. Be able to design, analyze, and test "intelligent" products and processes that incorporate suitable computers, sensors, and actuators.
5. Be effective oral, written, and graphical communicators.
6. Be able to function effectively as members of multi-disciplinary teams.
7. Have an appreciation for the individual, society, and human heritage, and be aware of the impact of their designs on human-kind and the environment.
8. Be prepared for a variety of engineering careers, graduate studies, and continuing education.
Mechatronic Engineering Design Experience
The design experience for mechatronic engineers is integrated throughout the curriculum. The courses which include design experiences are:
EECE 144 - Logic Design Fundamentals
CSCI 221 - Assembly Language Programming
Note: The highlighted is different from what appears in the printed catalog. What is displayed is current and correct.EECE 315 - Electronics I
EECE 344 - Digital Systems Design
EECE 343 - Computer Interface Circuits
MECA 440A- Mechatronic Engineering Design Project I
MECA 440B- Mechatronic Engineering Design Project II
MECH 340 - Mechanical Engineering Design
At the freshman level, logic networks are designed in EECE 144. At the sophomore level, software design experience teaches students to think logically in developing efficient, structured computer programs in CSCI 221 Note: The highlighted is different from what appears in the printed catalog. What is displayed is current and correct. . At the junior level, there is an opportunity to learn about safety, failure, reliability, codes and standards, and economic considerations, while carrying out detailed design of mechanical components in MECH 340, and electrical circuits and systems in EECE 315, EECE 343, and EECE 344. In the final senior project (MECA 440A and MECA 440B), students are expected to exercise what they learned throughout the preceding design courses in a final project that includes assembly and testing, as well as the more global aspects of design including product realization, economic factors, environmental issues, and social impact. Together, these experiences prepare graduates to be successful practitioners with an awareness of the multitude of issues involved.
The Bachelor of Science in Mechatronic Engineering
Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree: 132 units
See "Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree" in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 40 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.
A suggested Major Academic Plan (MAP) has been prepared to help students meet all graduation requirements within four years. Please request a plan from your major advisor or view it and other current advising information at http://em.csuchico.edu/aap/ProgramSearch.
General Education Requirement
Mechatronic Engineering is a major with modifications to the University's General Education Requirements. The following courses, together with the approved General Education courses required for the Mechatronic Engineering major marked with an * below, fulfill the General Education Requirement.
1. Two courses, one selected from each of the Core Areas A1 and A2.
2. One course selected from Breadth Area B2.
3. One course selected from Breadth Area C1 or C2 or C3.
4. One course selected from Breadth Area D1 or D2 or D3.
5. Upper-division theme modification has been approved for this major. See the General Education chapter in the University Catalog for specifics on how to apply this modification or go to http//www.csuchico.edu/mmem.
Diversity Requirement: 6 units
Complete two Diversity courses, one U.S. Diversity and one Global Cultures. (See the "Bachelor's Degree Requirements" section.) Both courses must also satisfy one of the General Education Requirements in order for 132 units to fulfill all requirements for the Mechatronic Engineering degree.
U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals Requirement: 6 units
This requirement is normally fulfilled by completing HIST 130 and POLS 155. For other alternatives, see the "Bachelor's Degree Requirements" section.
Course Requirements for the Major: 105 units
Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required of all candidates for this degree.
Enrollment in any mathematics course requires a grade of C- or higher in all prerequisite courses or their transfer equivalents.
Lower-Division Requirements: 53 units
17 courses required:
| CIVL | 211 | Statics | 3.0 | FS |
| CHEM | 111 | General Chemistry | 4.0 | FS * |
| EECE | 135 | Algorithms and Programs for Engineers | 3.0 | FS |
| EECE | 144 | Logic Design Fundamentals | 4.0 | FS |
| EECE | 211 | Linear Circuits I | 3.0 | FS |
| EECE | 211L | Linear Circuits I Activity | 1.0 | FS |
| CSCI | 221 | Assembly Language Programming | 3.0 | FS |
| MATH | 120 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus | 4.0 | FS * |
| MATH | 121 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus | 4.0 | FS |
| MATH | 260 | Elementary Differential Equations | 4.0 | FS |
| MECH | 100 | Graphics I | 1.0 | FS |
| MECH | 100L | Graphics I Laboratory | 1.0 | FS |
| MECH | 210 | Materials Science and Engineering | 3.0 | FS |
| MFGT | 160 | Manufacturing Processes | 3.0 | FS |
| PHYS | 204A | Physics for Students of Science and Engineering: Mechanics | 4.0 | FS * |
| PHYS | 204B | Physics for Students of Science and Engineering: Electricity and Magnetism | 4.0 | FS |
| PHYS | 204C | Physics for Students of Science and Engineering: Heat, Wave Motion, Sound, Light, and Modern Topics | 4.0 | FS |
Upper-Division Requirements: 52 units
14 courses required:
| CIVL | 302 | Engineering Economy and Statistics | 3.0 | FS |
| CIVL | 311 | Strength of Materials | 4.0 | FS |
| CIVL | 495 | Professional Issues in Engineering | 3.0 | FS |
| EECE | 311 | Linear Circuits II | 4.0 | FS |
| EECE | 315 | Electronics I | 4.0 | FS |
| EECE | 343 | Computer Interface Circuits | 4.0 | FS |
| EECE | 344 | Digital Systems Design | 4.0 | FS |
| MECA | 380 | Measurements and Instrumentation | 3.0 | SP |
| MECA | 482 | Control System Design | 4.0 | FA |
| MECA | 486 | Motion and Machine Automation | 4.0 | FA |
| MECA | 440A | Mechatronic Engineering Design Project I | 3.0 | FA WP |
| MECA | 440B | Mechatronic Engineering Design Project II | 2.0 | SP |
| MECH | 320 | Dynamics | 3.0 | FS |
| MECH | 340 | Mechanical Engineering Design | 3.0 | SP |
1 course selected from:
| EECE | 316 | Electronics II | 4.0 | SP |
| EECE | 337 | Embedded Systems Development | 4.0 | FA |
| EECE | 481 | Electromechanical Conversion | 4.0 | FA |
Grading Requirement:
All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.
Advising Requirement:
Advising is mandatory for all majors in this degree program. Consult your undergraduate advisor for specific information.
Honors in the Major
Honors in the Major is a program of independent work in your major. It requires 6 units of honors course work completed over two semesters.
The Honors in the Major program allows you to work closely with a faculty mentor in your area of interest on an original performance or research project. This year-long collaboration allows you to work in your field at a professional level and culminates in a public presentation of your work. Students sometimes take their projects beyond the University for submission in professional journals, presentation at conferences, or academic competition. Such experience is valuable for graduate school and professional life. Your honors work will be recognized at your graduation, on your permanent transcripts, and on your diploma. It is often accompanied by letters of commendation from your mentor in the department or the department chair.
Some common features of Honors in the Major program are
1. You must take 6 units of Honors in the Major course work. All 6 units are honors classes (marked by a suffix of H), and at least 3 of these units are independent study (399H, 499H, 599H) as specified by your department. You must complete each class with a minimum grade of B.
2. You must have completed 9 units of upper-division course work or 21 overall units in your major before you can be admitted to Honors in the Major. Check the requirements for your major carefully, as there may be specific courses that must be included in these units.
3. Your cumulative GPA should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
4. Your GPA in your major should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
5. Most students apply for or are invited to participate in Honors in the Major during the second semester of their junior year. Then they complete the 6 units of course work over the two semesters of their senior year.
6. Your honors work culminates with a public presentation of your honors project.
While Honors in the Major is part of the Honors Program, each department administers its own program. Please contact your major department or major advisor to apply.
The Faculty
Mechatronic Engineering
Adel Ghandakly, 2005, Chair, Professor, PhD, U Calgary.
Chuen H. Hsu, 1982, Professor, PhD, Iowa State U.
Gregory A. Kallio, 1988, Professor, PhD, Washington State U.
Ronald L. Roth, 1986, Chair, Professor, PhD, Stanford U.
Jimmy Tan-atichat, 1987, Professor, PhD, Illinois Inst of Tech.
Ramesh M. Varahamurti, 1984, Professor, PhD, Washington State U.
Michael G. Ward, 1988, Dean, Professor, PE, PhD, Stanford U.
Gregory K. Watkins, 2007, Assist Professor, PE, PhD, U of North Carolina - Charlott.
Dale Word, 2002, Assoc Professor, MS, CSU Chico.
Adjunct Faculty
Nicholas G. Repanich, 2001, Lecturer A, BS, Cal Poly SLO.
PE designates Registered Professional Engineer
Mechatronic Engineering Course Offerings
Please see the section on "Course Description Symbols and Terms" in the University Catalog for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units. All courses are lecture and discussion and employ letter grading unless otherwise stated. Some prerequisites may be waived with faculty permission. Many syllabi are available on the Chico Web.
Special topic generally offered one time only. Different sections may have different topics. See the Class Schedule for specific
topic being offered.
Prerequisites: To be established when course is formulated.
Special topic generally offered one time only. Different sections may have different topics. See the Class Schedule for specific
topic being offered.
Prerequisites: EECE 211, EECE 211L; either EECE 135 or MECH 306. Recommended: CIVL 302.
Measurement of steady-state and dynamic phenomena using common laboratory instruments. Calibration of instruments, dynamic
response of instruments, and statistical treatment of data. 2.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required;
see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: Approval of faculty internship coordinator prior to off-campus assignment.
Engineering experience in an industrial setting. Minimum duration of 400 hours of work under the direct supervision of an
on-site engineering supervisor. On completion of the internship, a written report prepared under the direction of a faculty
member is required. May be taken only once for credit. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: To be established when course is formulated.
Special topic generally offered one time only. Different sections may have different topics. See the Class Schedule for the
specific topic being offered.
Prerequisites: Approval of supervising faculty member.
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. See the department office for information
on registering. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, EECE 344, MECH 340, MFGT 160. Recommended: CIVL 302, MECA 380.
System design methods applied to mechatronic systems. Group design projects. Consideration of the manufacturing cost, and
environmental and social impact. Oral and written presentation of results. Initial design of the capstone design project to
be continued in MECA 440B. 3.0 hours independent study, 2.0 hours lecture. This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade
of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors.
Prerequisites: MECA 440A. Recommended: CIVL 302, MECA 380.
Continuation of the capstone design project from MECA 440A. Implementation of the capstone design project, including fabrication,
testing, and evaluation of a working prototype. Must be taken the semester immediately following MECA 440A. 1.0 hours lecture,
3.0 hours independent study.
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, EECE 344, MECH 340, MFGT 160, acceptance into the Honors in the Major program. Recommended: CIVL 302, MECA 380.
System design methods applied to mechatronic systems. Group design projects. Consideration of the manufacturing cost, and
environmental and social impact. Oral and written presentation of results. Initial design of the Honors/capstone design project
to be continued in MECA 440B. 3.0 hours laboratory, 2.0 hours discussion. This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade
of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors.
Prerequisites: EECE 211, MATH 260. Recommended: MECA 380, MECH 320; either EECE 135 or MECH 306.
Modeling and simulation of dynamic system performance. Control system design for continuous systems using both analog and
digital control techniques. 3.0 hours lecture, 2.0 hours activity. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: EECE 211L, MECH 340; EECE 482 or MECA 482 (may be taken concurrently).
Machine automation concepts in electrical circuits, precision mechanics, control systems, and programming. Motor sizing, gearing,
couplings, ground loops, effective use of step motors, servo control loops, regeneration, networking, I/O, power supplies,
vibration and resonance, mechanical tolerancing, linear bearings and drive mechanisms, and troubleshooting. Labs simulate
application concepts such as point-to-point coordinated moves, registration, following, camming, and CAD-to-Motion by combining
various motor technologies with various mechanical drive types. 4.0 hours activity, 2.0 hours lecture.
Prerequisites: To be established when course is formulated.
Special topic generally offered one time only. Different sections may have different topics. See the Class Schedule for the
specific topic being offered.
Prerequisites: Approval of supervising faculty member.
Independent study of a special problem. See the department office for registration procedure. You may take this course more
than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: Completion of 12 units of upper-division EECE, MECH, or MECA courses, faculty permission.
Open by invitation to MECA majors who have a GPA among the top 5% of MECA students based on courses taken at CSU, Chico. This
is an "Honors in the Major" course; a grade of B or better in 6 units of 499H certifies the designation of "Honors in the
Major" can be printed on the transcript and the diploma. If taken twice, prerequisite to the second semester is a grade of
B or better in the first semester. Each 3-unit course will require both formal written and oral presentations. 9.0 hours supervision.
You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
Prerequisites: Approval of supervising faculty member.
Independent study of a special problem. See department office for registration procedure. You may take this course more than
once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: Specific to the topic being offered.
Advanced topic generally offered one time only. Different sections may have different topics. See the Class Schedule for specific
topics being offered. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 3.0 units.
Prerequisites: Approval of supervising faculty member.
Independent study of a special problem approved by student's graduate advisory committee. See the department office for registration
procedures. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
Prerequisites: Approval of supervising faculty member.
Independent study leading to a Master's Thesis of a special problem approved by the student's graduate advisory committee.
See the department office for registration procedure. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.