Electrical and Computer Engineering

Location:	'C1' Building 5269 Morris Street Room C1-367 P.O. Box 15000 Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
Telephone:	(902) 494-3996
Website:	www.ece.dal.ca
Email:	elecdept@dal.ca

Introduction

No other branch of engineering can claim to have such an impact on modern society as Electrical and Computer Engineering. The ease, speed and precision by which electrical energy and electrical signals can be transmitted, transformed and controlled has revolutionized not only the way we live, communicate, and interact wit hteh world, but has also permeated various other disciplines and changed their trajectories. In just a few decades, Electrical and Computer Engineering has evolved into a diverse and dynamic discipline, branching into key areas such as power systems, communication systems, microelectronics, photonics, computers, and biomedical applications. This rapid growth, coupled with groundbreaking advancements in technology and material science, presents a challenge and opportunity to students, educators, and practicing engineers alike, given the expansive breadth of its activities.

The Electrical and Computer Engineering curriculum is built upon the enduring physical and mathematical principles that serve as the unchanging foundation of the discipline. Courses withink the program apply these foundational principles to cutting-ende applications in specialized areas, ensuring that students are equipped with both timeless knoweldge and contemporary skills. 

Technical Elective courses are included in the curriculum to enable the student to obtain a deeper, more detailed understanding of current technology in a field of interest. Additionally, these electives may be chosen from a selection of courses offered by other Departments, fostering interdisciplinary perspectives and expertise.

During the final two terms students complete a Senior Year Project in a small team. This project requires students to analyze, design, and implement solutions to real-world electrical or computer engineering problems. These projects are sources from professionals in local industries or research facilities who actively supervise the students in collaboration with assigned Faculty Advisors.

Laboratory sessions form an integral part of most Electrical and Computer Engineering courses. These hands-on sessions take place in on-campus laboratories, providing students with practical exposure and reinforcing theoretical concepts in a tangible and applied manner.

Program Options

The Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering offers two program options.

• Electrical Engineering Option in the accredited Electrical Engineering Program or
• Computer Engineering Option* in the accredited Electrical Engineering Program

*Please note that the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department does not currently offer a separate accredited Computer Engineering Degree Program.

Within the above two programs, a student is required to choose one of the following three schedules.

• Co-operative Program Schedule
• Non-Co-operative Program Schedule
• Accelerated Non-Co-operative Program Schedule

Students who choose Co-Operative Program Schedule can apply for and are required to take three four-month work placements in industry. They need two years and eight months to complete their degree. Students in the Non-Co-operative Program Schedule can finish in two years and four months. Students in the Non-Co-operative Program Schedule may complete their degree in one year and eight months.

Students registered in our program may pursue either the Electrical or Computer options  listed below.  Additionally, the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department offers a Certificate in Biomedical Engineering. See the Certificates section of the calendar for details.

Program Guide

Years 1 and 2 (terms 1-4) follow the Diploma in Engineering section of this calendar.