Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering

Objectives

In this curricular unit the students will have a broad perspective of the disciplinary areas of electrical and computer engineering (ECE), understanding the application possibilities to devise solutions to societal, industrial, and scientific challenges. Simultaneously, the students will have a real-world experience of design and implementation of hardware and software solutions that, combining as disciplinary areas of the ECE, can offer solutions to a concrete problem.

To this end, the intended learning outcomes for this curricular unit are the following:
OA1. Analyze complex engineering problems and apply fundamental principles of abstraction and modularity;
OA2. Know the different disciplinary areas of the ECE;
OA3. Understand the fundamental concepts and application possibilities of each disciplinary area;
OA4. Devise basic ECE solutions combining components from different disciplinary areas.

General characterization

Code

12685

Credits

3.0

Responsible teacher

Daniel de Matos Silvestre

Hours

Weekly - 2

Total - 35

Teaching language

Português

Prerequisites

--

Bibliography

Recommended:
- TP classes presentation slides, Bruno Guerreiro, 2022.
- P classes presentation slides and notes, UC teachers, 2022.

Additional:
- NASA Systems Engineering Handbook, Rev2, 2020. (https://www.nasa.gov/connect/ebooks/nasa-systems-engineering-handbook)
- Introduction to Engineering: Modeling and Problem Solving, Jay B. Brockman 2009 John Wiley
- Introduction to Computing Systems: From bits & gates to C & beyond, Patt & Patel, 2003, McGraw Hill, 2nd Ed.
- Feedback Systems: An Introduction for Scientists and Engineers, K. Åström and R. Murray, 2018, Princeton, 2nd Ed.
- Computer Networks, A. Tanenbaum & D. Wetherall, 5ª ed, 2010, Prentice-Hall.

Teaching method

The fundamental concepts of Module 1 are addressed in the theoretical-practical (TP) classes, possibly using a flipped-classroom teaching methodology, where students should study the concepts before the class, leaving time in class to addressed application and intuition details. This approach might also be a part of a broader methodology based on cases or problems, where the students have a concrete and realistic ECE case, and will be driven to identify theoretical knowledge gaps, that will then be addressed in these classes. In the practical-laboratory (PL) classes concrete problems in ECE will be the starting point to obtain a total or partial solution to a problem, guided by the teachers, comprising specifications, necessary hardware and software, involving the topics in Module 2. A project design will be also be conducted in groups which will have to prepare a public presentation of the results, thus promoting teamwork, project management and leadership, as well as communication skills in EEC.

Evaluation method

30% Quizzes Moodle (5% cada)

10% Test Moodle (10%)

60% Evaluation of the labs in each scientifica area

Subject matter

Module 1:
M1.1 Fundamental principles of abstraction and modularity
M1.2 Team work and leadership
M1.3 Systems engineering
M1.4 Management of engineering projects
M1.5 Writing technical documents and presentations
M1.6 Ethics in ECE

Module 2:
M2.1 Introduction to robotics an integrated manufacture
M2.2 Introduction to electronics
M2.3 Introduction to digital and perceptional systems
M2.4 Introduction to telecommunications and networks
M2.5 Introduction to eletrical energy networks
M2.6 Introduction to dynamic systems and control

Programs

Programs where the course is taught: