The Balance Between Theoretical and Practical Work Within Electrical and Computer Engineering Courses

Dr. Bahawodin Baha

March 2008.

Development Partnerships in Higher Education programme (DelPHE)

Outline of this presentation

• Objectives and outcomes

• A Successful engineering curriculum include subjects the following area:

– Basic Science such as physics and chemistry

– Mathematics

– Fundamental subjects in EE

– Computer modelling and Simulation

– Practical work

– Advanced subjects

– Practical work related to advanced subjects

– Projects

Objectives

• Technical knowledge

• Laboratory and Design Skills

• Communication Skills

• Preparation for Further Studies

• Preparing for the Profession

Outcomes

• To apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering• To design and conduct experiments, such as to analyse and

interpret data• To design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs• To function in multi-disciplinary teams• To identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems• To communicate effectively• To understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and

societal context.• To engage in life-long learning• To apply the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools

necessary for engineering practice• To establish a background for admission to engineering and other

professional postgraduate programs.

Basic science and Math content

• Fundamentals • Mathematics I• Mathematics II• Mathematics III• Mathematics IV• Mathematics V• Science I • Science II• Introduction to Electrical Engineering

Core subjects

• Circuits I  • Circuits II • Electronics I • Electronics II • Digital Electronics and Microprocessors I• Introduction to Computing• Signals and Systems  • Control Theory• Microprocessors and Microcontrollers II• Laboratory work in Electric Circuits• Laboratory work in Computing• Laboratory work in Electronics I• Laboratory work in Electronics II

Advanced subjects

•  Computer Architecture I • Software Development using high language

such as C• Microprocessors and Microcontrollers •  Software Development using assembly

language • Database• Compiler design• Computer Networks • ICT

Computer modeling and simulations

• Real systems are analyzed

• Mathematical models are constructed

• Models are tested using circuit simulators (SPICE) or equation solvers such as Matlab and Simulink

Practical work

• Prototype systems are constructed and tested• Practical results are obtained from measurement• Practical and simulation results are compared• The validity of the proposed analysis is validated

by comparing the two sets of results form simulation and by physically testing the system

Projects

• Development

• Research

• Analyze, build, simulate and test a system

• Develop software

Summary

• A balance between theoretical and practical subjects is a major requirement.

• There is no industrial base in Afghanistan

• In the context of Afghanistan, I would suggest that at least 50% of the courses should be concentrated on practical work.

The END

• Thank you for your attention.

Development Partnerships in Higher Education programme (DelPHE)