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Education

Our educational initiatives focus on preparing students for careers in emerging technology fields through specialized coursework, hands-on training, and research opportunities in neuromorphic computing, quantum technologies, and artificial intelligence.

Courses

Specialized courses taught by our faculty members

ECE-4833/5833
Undergraduate/Graduate

VLSI Digital System Design

Offered Every Year
Project-oriented

Course Description

This course introduces Very-Large-Scale Integrated (VLSI) systems design methods; complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) technology is emphasized. VLSI Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools and CMOS layout rules and techniques. This course covers not only the layout and the design of digital logic in VLSI/CMOS technology, but also the beyond-CMOS technology roadmap based on emerging materials and architecture. Project-oriented. For more details about the concepts covered by this course, see the syllabus in the link below. (The details and timing of the syllabus may change each semester; however, the concepts will remain the same)

Topics Covered

CMOS Technology
VLSI CAD Tools
Layout Design
Digital Logic Design
Beyond-CMOS Technology
Emerging Materials
System Architecture

Prerequisites

Digital Logic Design, Electronics Fundamentals

ECE-4433/5433
Undergraduate/Graduate

Measurement and Automation

Offered Every Semester
Laboratory-intensive

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to two main methods of controlling, measuring, and carrying out tasks in complex manufacturing and industrial applications. You will review the fundamentals of data acquisition and control, and you will do a series of design projects in data acquisition, logging, and real-time analysis, including but not limited to machine vision and image processing, as well as vibration, motion, and real-time control. The controlling software will be covered in this course, including LabVIEW software and CLICK PLC software.

Topics Covered

Data Acquisition & Control
LabVIEW Programming
PLC Programming
Machine Vision
Image Processing
Vibration Analysis
Motion Control
Real-time Control
Signal Conditioning
Ladder Logic Diagrams
Industrial Automation

Prerequisites

ECE 3793 or instructor permission or systems course in another major. Prerequisites by topic: Laplace Transform, Differential Equations (eigenvalues, eigenvectors), Numerical Methods, Basic Systems theory (filters, sampling, transforms), Logic Gates, Basic knowledge of Signal and Systems

ECE-5973-004
Graduate

AI System & Hardware Acceleration

Offered Every Year
Project-oriented

Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to machine learning systems, integrating theoretical foundations with practical engineering principles. It adopts a systems-level perspective, equipping engineers with the skills needed to design and implement efficient, real-world AI solutions. The course also delves into the cutting-edge domain of neuromorphic computing, which mimics the neural architecture of the human brain to enable high-performance, low-power computational systems. Students will collaboratively engage in learning through lectures, discussions, and presentations, gaining hands-on experience through experimental projects and hardware implementations.

Topics Covered

Data Engineering & Model Optimization
Inference Acceleration
Security & Privacy in ML Systems
Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs)
Hardware Models of Neurons & Synapses
Neuromorphic System Optimization
TinyML Hardware Implementation
FPGA-based SNN Designs
Hardware-aware Training
Energy-efficient Computing

Project Types

TinyML hardware implementations (Arduino Nano, Jetson Orin Nano)
SNN-based designs on FPGA boards or BrainChip hardware

Learning Outcomes

Design and implement ML algorithms optimized for hardware accelerators
Apply neuromorphic computing principles for energy-efficient systems
Evaluate and optimize systems for performance, security, privacy, and reliability
Communicate technical concepts effectively through presentations
Collaborate on experimental projects and analyze peer contributions

Prerequisites

ECE 5833: VLSI Digital System Design

ECE-4973-44 / ECE-5973-44
Undergraduate/Graduate

Optical and Quantum Optical Devices and Systems

Offered Every Year
Theory with measurement-driven laboratory modules

Course Description

Optical and quantum optical technologies are rapidly transforming the landscape of modern engineering, powering breakthroughs in sensing, imaging, computing, and communication. This course charts a new direction designed specifically for engineering students to bridge the gap between theory and applied optics. The course integrates theory with measurement-driven laboratory modules, empowering students to build, align, and test key optical setups and analyze system-level behavior. This course offers a new vision and direction for engineering students, equipping them with essential skills at the intersection of photonics, quantum technologies, and modern system design.

Topics Covered

Fundamentals of Wave Optics
Interference and Diffraction
Fourier Optics & Spatial Frequency Analysis
Classical Optical Systems Design
Michelson Interferometers
Quantum Optical Concepts
Quantum Photonic Devices
Optical Alignment & Metrology
System Calibration
Spectroscopy Applications
Biomedical Imaging
Coherent Communication Systems

Applications

Spectroscopy
Optical metrology
Biomedical imaging
Coherent communication systems

Practical Skills

Optical alignment techniques
Metrology and measurement systems
System calibration procedures
Building and testing optical setups

Prerequisites

Basic background in electromagnetic waves

Degree Programs

Academic programs available in our department

Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Advanced research program focusing on neuromorphic computing, quantum technologies, and AI systems.

Research-intensive
Individual mentorship
Interdisciplinary approach

Key Requirements:

Publication in a high-impact peer-reviewed journal
Presentation at a prestigious peer-reviewed conference
Strong academic background in a relevant field
Experience with independent research
Proficiency in technical writing
Familiarity with simulation or programming tools
Motivation for interdisciplinary research

M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Graduate program with thesis and coursework options in emerging technology fields.

Flexible curriculum
Research opportunities
Industry connections

Key Requirements:

Strong academic background in a relevant field
Interest in research and problem solving
Basic experience with programming or simulation tools
Good communication and technical writing skills
Motivation to learn and work in a collaborative environment

B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Kickstart your research journey with hands-on projects that tackle real challenges in brain-like computing, quantum photonics, AI, and hardware design.

Hands-on learning
Laboratory experience
Capstone projects

What You Can Expect & Learn:

Hands-on circuit & VLSI design: Work on neuromorphic electronics and mixed CMOS + memristor hardware—design real circuits, test them, and refine your systems just like real engineers do
Build and evaluate nanophotonics structures: Dive into nanophotonics and mid-infrared design projects like Joshua's research—simulate, fabricate, and measure devices that manipulate light for advanced computing applications.

Educational Resources

Tools and materials to support your learning

Resource Library Coming Soon

We're developing a comprehensive collection of educational resources, including reading materials, tutorials, software tools, and learning modules for students interested in neuromorphic computing, quantum technologies, and AI systems.