Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 University of Wyoming Catalog 
    
2021-2022 University of Wyoming Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering


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5068 Engineering Building, (307) 766‑2279
FAX: (307) 766-2248
Web site:
www.eng.uwyo.edu/electrical


Department Head: John McInroy

Professors:

STEVEN F. BARRETT, B.S. University of Nebraska 1979; M.E. University of Idaho 1986; Ph.D. University of Texas 1993; Professor of Electrical Engineering 2011, 1999.

JOHN E. McINROY, B.S. University of Wyoming 1986; M.S. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 1988; Ph.D. 1991; Professor of Electrical Engineering 2002, 1991.

SURESH S. MUKNAHALLIPATNA, B.E. University of Bangalore, India 1988; M.E. 1991; Ph.D. University of Wyoming 1995; Professor of Electrical Engineering 2010, 1997.

JOHN W. PIERRE, B.S. Montana State University 1986; M.S. University of Minnesota 1989; Ph.D. 1991; Professor of Electrical Engineering 2002, 1991.

CAMERON H.G. WRIGHT, B.S. Louisiana Tech University 1983; M.S. Purdue University 1988; Ph.D. University of Texas 1996; Professor of Electrical Engineering 2016, 2003.

Associate Professors:

DONGLIANG DUAN, B.E. Huazhong University of Science and Technology 2006; M.S. University of Florida 2009; Ph.D. Colorado State University 2012; Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering 2019, 2012.

EVA S. FERRE-PIKAL, B.S. University of Puerto Rico 1988; M.S. University of Michigan 1989; Ph.D. University of Colorado 1996; Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering 2004, 1998.

JOHN F. O’BRIEN, B.S. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona 1991; M.S. University of Wyoming 1997; Ph.D. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 2001; Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering 2009, 2003.

JON M. PIKAL, B.S. Purdue University 1988; M.S. University of Colorado 1993; Ph.D. Colorado State University 1999; Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering 2005, 1999.

Assistant Professors:

 CHAO JIANG, B.E. Chongqing University 2009; Ph.D. Stevens Institute of Technology 2019; Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering 2019.

NGA NGUYEN, B.S. Hanoi University of Science and Technology 2005; M.S. 2007; Ph.D. Michigan State University 2017; Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering 2018.

DOMEN NOVAK, M.SC. University of Ljubljana 2008; Ph.D. 2011; Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering 2014.

Academic Professional:

JEFFREY R. ANDERSON, B.S.E.E. University of Utah 1989; M.S.E.E 1992; Ph.D. University of Wyoming 2004; Associate Academic Professional Lecturer in Electrical and Computer Engineering 2012.

Adjunct Faculty:

Farhad Jafari, Elena Oggero, Guido Pagnacco

Professors Emeriti:

Mark Balas, Christos T. Constantinides, Jerry J. Cupal, Clifford D. Ferris, Jerry Hamann, Raymond G. Jacquot, Robert F. Kubichek, Stanislaw Legowski, John W. Steadman, A.H.M. Sadrul Ula, David Whitman

Electrical Engineering

The program of study outlined in the curriculum has been planned to provide the depth of understanding necessary to meet challenges of changing technology while being flexible enough to allow students to pursue in-depth study in at least one area of electrical engineering. In order to attain this, students are required to gain an understanding of mathematics and the basic engineering sciences. The fundamental electrical engineering education consists of courses in circuits, networks, electromagnetics, electronics, digital systems, communications, controls and energy conversion. Selection of elective courses, in consultation with the academic adviser, enables students to specialize in the above mentioned areas, as well as in robotics, microcircuits, microprocessors and high frequency electronics.

Laboratory work associated with electrical engineering courses is an important part of the curricula. This work helps students gain experience in applying the theoretical knowledge they acquire to practical engineering problems. Engineering design is an important component of the curriculum that concludes with a significant design experience in the senior year. Additional programs are described below.

F.M. Long Bioengineering Option. Named in honor of UW Professor Francis M. Long, this area offers excellent opportunities for those interested in applying the techniques of the electronic engineer to problems of environmental science, biology and medicine. Employment opportunities exist in state and federal agencies, industry and medical institutions. Career placement includes such areas as environmental monitoring, design and development of biological and medical instrumentation and clinical engineering. With minor modifications, the curriculum shown may be used as preparation for entrance to medical or dental school.

Computer Engineering

Computer Engineering is a blend of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. In fact, a Computer Engineering student can change majors to Computer Science within the first three semesters without losing any credits. More careful planning is required to switch from Computer Science to Computer Engineering. Computer Engineering students receive training that allows them to design complex computer systems and embed them in custom applications such as robots, spacecraft, automobiles, etc. A typical system may interface with a sensor to measure the world, then decide how to best use the information to achieve goals and eventually turn on actuators which perform the needed task. They also develop computer vision systems, high performance computers and software, and the internet of things. They take many of the same required courses as Electrical Engineers, but fill in their electives with computer specific courses. Graduates have the ability to design electric circuits, understand network hardware, design computer systems, and write the software inside those systems. Compared to Electrical Engineers, Computer Engineers have less breadth of knowledge in Electrical Engineering but more depth in software and computer hardware. Compared to Computer Scientists, Computer Engineers know much more about hardware and signal/system theory. Computer Engineers sometimes also major in either Electrical Engineering or Computer Science to get two degrees.

Graduate Program

The department offers programs of study leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in electrical engineering. Study programs are individually planned to students’ interests in both course work and research.

Grade Policy

Electrical and computer engineering majors must achieve a grade of C (2.000) or better on courses that are prerequisites for courses within the student’s course of study. Students must also achieve a grade of C (2.000) or better in all required mathematics courses.

Concurrent Major and Minor

The department offers a concurrent major and minor in both the electrical engineering and computer engineering programs. Consult the department office for a current detailed list of requirements.

Program Educational Objectives for Electrical and Computer Engineering

Graduates of the University of Wyoming Electrical and Computer Engineering Program will:

  • Be able to successfully practice the profession of Electrical or Computer Engineering.
  • Be prepared and motivated to accept challenging assignments and responsibilities and be productive members of society.
  • Demonstrate successful career growth (e.g., professional registration, graduate school, promotion and advancement, patents, publications).

University of Wyoming, Electrical and Computer Engineering Program, Student Outcomes

All Electrical (Computer) Engineering graduates shall demonstrate:

  1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  2. an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
  3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  4. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
  5. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
  6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Graduate Study

The department offers programs of study leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in electrical engineering. The areas of major concentration at the graduate level are:

  • Bio-Engineering
  • Controls
  • Electrical Energy Systems
  • Electronic Systems and Devices
  • Robotics
  • Signal Processing and Computer Networks

The department also offers a combined B.S./M.S. program for exceptional students wishing to obtain both degrees in a shorter period of time.

Program Specific Admission Requirements

Statement of purpose
Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
GRE verbal percentile minimum of 45 percent. GRE quantitative percentile minimum of 65 percent.
TOEFL total of 79 iBT or IELTS total 6.5.

Program Specific Graduate Assistantships

Additionally, all international students who are state-funded teaching assistantships or any international student with teaching responsibilities are required to complete an Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI). Students will need to follow the recommendations to improve their English skills. Students on state-funding who fail to follow the recommendations or do not meet the minimum proficiency by the end of their first semester will not be able to receive any state-funding until they have demonstrated proficiency.

Environmental Engineering

3074/4055 Engineering Building,
766‑5255/766-2500
E-mail: ceinfo.uwyo.edu; che-info@ uwyo.edu
Web site: www.uwyo.edu/chemical/graduate/prospective/environmental/index.html

A master of science in environmental engineering is available in the College of Engineering through a joint effort of the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering and the Department of Chemical Engineering and the Department of Petroleum Engineering in cooperation with the School of Environment and Natural Resources. This interdisciplinary degree offers students an engineering perspective for solutions to environmental problems. Emphasis is on minimization, monitoring, control, and processing of waste products as well as treatment and disposal associated with point and non-point pollution sources. Integration of engineering with science, regulatory, and policy aspects of environmental engineering is an important component of this unique program. Further information is available from the environmental engineering graduate studies program office and/or departments involved.

Program Specific Admission Requirements

Admission is open to students with at least a bachelor’s degree who meet the minimum requirements:

  1. A GPA of 3.000 (A=4.000), or equivalent;
  2. A GRE score of 291 (combined verbal and quantitative sections);
  3. For international applicants who did not attend an English-speaking program in an English-speaking country for all years of their highest degree: A TOEFL score of 76 (Internet based) or an IELTS score of 6.0.

Complete official transcripts of all prior college-level coursework and recommendations from three references must be submitted as parts of the application.

The deadline to submit application credentials is February 1 (to be considered for fall semester), and October 1 (to be considered for spring semester).

The application will not be processed until all the necessary documents have been submitted.

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