Computer

Computer

What is Computer Engineering?

Computer engineering focuses on the design and application of computers in solving real-world problems. Computer engineers have made major contributions in the development of things we use every day – DVD players, computer games, automotive control systems, ‘smart’ vehicles, industrial computer control systems, and computer networks – to things that have revolutionized the world – airplanes, space vehicles, GPS units, and life-saving medical equipment. With the great strides being made in computer engineering, you may discover a career upon graduation that has yet to be created!

As a computer engineer you could:

  • Design and build computers and make them talk to each other
  • Design embedded computer architectures for applications in industry, consumer electronics, and research
  • Invent new operating systems, high-speed networks and hardware and bring these to market
  • Team up with other engineers to design hardware systems and software programs for gaming, biometrics, robotics, communications, biomedical and security systems.
  • Design electronics and new applications for devices such as the iPod, iPhone, and Blackberry
  • And much more!

The Undergraduate Program includes:

  • Electronics
  • Electric Circuits
  • Communications
  • Control Systems and Robotics
  • Sustainable Energy/Power Systems
  • Digital Signal Processing
  • Microwaves and Antennas
  • Embedded Computer Systems (the “guts” of many devices)
  • Fiber Optics
  • Biomedical Systems

Program Options

You can tailor your program by choosing one of the following options:

  • Biomedical: This is an exciting area designed for students who want to prepare for a medical degree or a career in biomedical engineering while completing their computer engineering program. Biomedical engineering prepares you to work in medical technology industries such as diagnostic monitoring, therapeutic devices, drug delivery systems, health care information systems and for research areas such a biosignal processing and biomechanics.
  • Mechantronics: This is an integrated approach to mechanical and electronic systems engineering for the design of smart products and intelligent manufacturing systems.
  • Instrumentation Control: Focuses on the design and testing of automated industrial control systems and processes used to produce various commodities. Electives include robotics and hydraulic power systems.

The Undergraduate Calendar provides more details on these options.

What Can You Be With A Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering?

Computer engineering jobs are among the highest paying and have a high rate of job satisfaction. Careers in computer engineering are associated with innovation and offer enormous variety and potential.

  • Computer Engineer
  • Design Engineer
  • Development Engineer
  • Quality Control Engineer
  • Research Engineer
  • Software Engineer
  • Systems Design Engineer

Search for Careers for more career possibilities.

With additional education/training…

  • University/College Professor
  • Teacher
  • Chief Engineer
  • Research Consultant
  • Physician
  • Lawyer
  • Entrepreneur

Where Can You Work?

Computer engineers work in every sector of industry. Here are just a few:

  • Aerospace Industry
  • Banking and Finance
  • Communications Industry
  • Computer Hardware Manufacturers
  • Computer Software Designers
  • Control Systems Design and Installation
  • Engineering Consulting Companies
  • Government Agencies
  • IT Companies
  • Medical Instrumentation Facilities
  • Processing Industries
  • Research and Development Groups
  • Utility Companies

Our graduates have found exciting, satisfying jobs with companies such as:

  • Bruce Power, Quebec
  • Communications Security Establishment, Ottawa
  • Ericsson (Swedish telecommunications company)* Health Sciences Centre, Halifax
  • Inversa Systems, Fredericton (transferring technology to industries)
  • Lenovo (world outsourcer of computer hardware manufacturing)
  • QNX Software Systems (worldwide software developer)
  • Suncor Energy, Calgary
  • University of Applied Sciences, Germany

What Skills Can You Develop?

You’ll gain practical experience with hands-on laboratory exercises and projects to design things that matter. You’ll learn to use industry-standard tools for computer software and hardware design. You’ll engage in innovation and scientific discovery – you may even become inspired to change the world! And while employers value your technical, engineering and subject knowledge, you can also offer them a wide range of tranferable skills:

  • Creative thinking becoming open to new ideas and new ways of thinking
  • Excellent mathematical and computing skills
  • Oral communications skills – making presentations, brainstorming, discussion of laboratory work, participation in meetings
  • Written communications skills – design and research project and reports, literature reviews, writing notes from project meetings
  • Organizational skills – managing work load, labs, project and report deadlines; task management, planning
  • Interpersonal skills – teamwork, group dynamics, problem solving
  • Research and analytic skills – finding, summarizing, critiquing texts and papers; data handling and analysis

Professional Associations Resources

Professional associations can be a great way to meet, learn from and network with professionals in your field of interest. Some associations offer student memberships, often at a reduced rate. Below is a sample of professional associations and industry-related websites you can explore.

Contact the Department

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Head Hall, Room D36
University of New Brunswick
P.O. Box 4400, Fredericton NB
E3B 5A3

Contact Information
Website: http://www.ece.unb.ca