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Electrical engineering is a rapidly expanding field, and includes such areas as communications, microelectronics, control systems, and applied electrophysics. New and exciting areas are continually being developed, and more traditional areas are finding new applications. Because of the rapidly-changing nature of the field, this program is designed to provide a strong preparation in traditional electrical engineering, while providing maximum flexibility to accommodate student interests and current technological developments.
The Electrical Engineering Curriculum included in the Undergraduate Record lists courses in the semester in which they are planned to be taught. Odd numbered semesters are the Fall semester, and even numbered semesters are the Spring semester. Students should not plan their program of study assuming that courses will be offered in other semesters.
Students can use the flexibility available in the elective program to focus their study on an area of particular interest within electrical engineering, including communication systems, digital system design, control systems, applied electrophysics, and microelectronics. In addition, with careful planning, students can use technical electives for interdisciplinary studies; for example, biomedical engineering, or materials science, perhaps even earning a minor in a related field. Specific suggestions for study in several areas are available from the electrical engineering undergraduate office. Electrical Engineering is a very broad discipline with applications to many areas within and without the engineering profession. As you decide how to use your EE, technical and unrestricted electives, we recommend that you meet with your faculty advisor to discuss how the suggested application areas and sample courses listed in the Electrical Engineering Undergraduate Handbook can be combined to meet your personal and professional goals.
Program Educational Objectives: Graduates of the electrical engineering program at the University of Virginia will be 12) analyzing, designing, and implementing creative solutions to world challenges typically using electrical and electronic devices and systems and 2) contributing effectively as team members and communicating clearly and interacting responsibly with colleagues, clients, employers, and society.
Student Outcomes: At the time of graduation, students will have 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, and 7) an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
