Computer Engineering (180 credits), Haninge

Job opportunities and the future

The labour market for engineers within computer engineering is wide and stretches over application areas such as program and systems development, internet services, computer networks, network security, embedded systems, operative systems, real time systems and medical IT. Systems developers create and manage larger-scale distributed computer systems such as financial administration systems or platforms for network games. Usually graduate systems developers work as consultants. Engineers within networks and datacom may work with networks and computer systems, networks and information security, mobile communications or development of communication services. Engineers specialised in embedded systems and real time programming work with technical applications such as real time operative systems, smartphones, intelligent products, wireless sensors etc. Competence within datacom and networks is also in demand outside the traditional IT industry and has become increasingly important within health and medical care concerning systems such as electronic medical journals, sensors and smartphones for healthcare in the home.

The programme

IT has changed the very foundations of our society and our lives. Competence within computer technology is currently decisive for the development of all business and industry as well as everyday life, for everything from online multimedia and entertainment, mobile communications and search engines for the web to network-based business systems and major journal systems in medical care.

This programme has its emphasis on applied IT with laboratory exercises, projects and independent tasks forming a vital part. The objective is to educate engineers with the ability to independently, and in groups, use and develop advanced technology. This is specially dealt with in the project courses which are included in every academic year. The programme provides a broad technical groundwork on which to base a wide range of opportunities for specialisation and choice. In Year 3 students may choose between courses from different areas of application. Opportunities exit for further studies at Master’s level after addition credits have been gained.

Year 1

In Year 1, students learn the basics of computer engineering, programming and mathematics as well as taking courses that are vital to the professional role of engineer.

The programme begins with a course on IT and engineering methods which introduces project methods for engineers, group dynamics and presentation techniques in order to provide students with an overview of the computer engineering field. Early on students also take a course in basic programming to supply them with skills to be used and further developed in many of the other courses. Courses in linear algebra and analysis also provide the students with important tools and methods for problem solution in the technical subjects.

The building blocks of digital technology, methods of analysis and construction of digital systems and hardware descriptive language are taken up in the digital technology course. Microcomputer technology covers microprocessors and embedded computer system structure, accessories and programming. Operative systems deals with the structure and functions of a computer’s operative system. Laboratory exercises and experiments are important elements in order to absorb the necessary skills and extend understanding in the technical subjects and in the programming course. Environmental and work science deals with environmental operations, legislation, environmental engineering and the importance of the working environment to the prevention of occupational injuries which are essential areas for future engineers.

The concluding project course connects together all the previous courses with a larger-scale, independent project within computer engineering and Internet technology. Here students work in a manner that resembles reality in working life. The course also includes an introduction to computer networks and Internet technology.

Year 2

In Year 2 students extend their knowledge of programming, datacom and networks as well as in mathematics.

Object-oriented programming provides students with a new method of modelling and programming. Students also study analysis and design for program development in this course. Economics and organisation theory cover business studies, organisation and the commercial context. Business concepts, company cultures, marketing and accounting are some aspects that are also covered. Discrete mathematics deals with logic, combinatorics and methods for problem solution that all form extremely useful tools for computer engineers.  Database technology teaches students how to organise, store and search for information in a relational database. The question language SQL and database security are also covered. Algorithms and data structures provides students with extended knowledge of structuring, more advanced algorithms and efficiency for different types of algorithms. Communications networks deals with computer networks (local networks, town networks, national and global networks), fixed and wireless communication, functions at datalink level and Internet-based communication. Network-based systems for control and monitoring of real estate property, housing and industrial production are also covered. All these courses, and the final project course, include laboratory exercises, larger-scale independent tasks and projects. Mathematical statistics consists of the basics of probability theory and the statistical methods that an engineer is expected to use to analyse data produced by, and the performance of, for example networks and servers.

Year 2 is concluded with a project course in program development. Students will also work with the usability, scalability and maintenance of applications. Many students choose to carry out their projects on site at companies.

Year 3

The final year of the programme consists of:

• Two compulsory courses (15 credits) on network-based information systems and communications systems.
• Four elective courses (30 credits) within various areas of operation for computer engineering (see below). It is also possible to combine courses from different subject areas.
• A degree project within computer engineering (15 credits)

Program and Systems Development

This operational area primarily deals with methods for the development of systems for Internet that are critical for business, e.g. advanced web systems for e-commerce, development of clients with web interfaces for hand-held computers and mobiles. Courses cover server-based systems, software engineering and mobile applications.

Computer Networks and Internet Services

This operational area covers infrastructure for Internet-based services e.g. routers, switches, servers, mobile communications and wireless networks and security. Courses deal with subjects including wireless networks such as 3G/4G, WLAN, Bluetooth, smartphones, network security and routing in IP networks. The Cisco Networking Academy Program, which is also covered in courses during the first two years, is studied at greater depth in Year 3.

Program Development for Real Time Systems

This operational area covers program development for technical systems with real time requirements such as embedded systems with wireless communication and sensors. Courses include real time systems, mobile communications, operative systems for mobile telephones and other portable equipment and wireless sensor networks.

Medical IT

This operational area deals with IT for medical-technical applications, health and medical care, exercise and sports. Students may choose courses on basic physiology, anatomy and medical science, medical information and journal systems, wireless sensors and smart mobiles for medical and healthcare applications etc.

Degree Projects

Educational programmes are concluded with a degree project worth 15 higher education credits (equivalent of approx. 10 weeks of study). Normally degree projects are carried out jointly with another student. The aim is for students to use this opportunity to utilise and demonstrate all the knowledge and skills acquired during their educational programmes. Students must prove they are able to work using good engineering praxis and that they can report on their work in a professional manner. Students are responsible for identifying suitable degree projects. The aim is for them to carry out this work within business/industry or in the public sector. This also provides students with the opportunity to establish a valuable professional contact network in preparation for their future careers. Degree projects are interesting, enjoyable and stimulating and bring many challenges. High levels of demands are imposed on students by both the university and the project principal. Degree projects provide students with good preconditions for success as engineers.

Further Studies

A Bachelor of Science in Engineering brings several opportunities for further studies after certain additional credits have been obtained. For example, students may go on to further studies on a one or two-year master’s educational programme. There is a large selection of one and two-year master’s programmes available at KTH. These programmes vary between 60-120 credits and are given in English which means they also attract foreign students. This brings opportunities for exciting international contacts. It is also possible to apply to join the later part of a Master of Science in Engineering programme within the same, or closely connected, fields (although this may require additional maths or science courses, please contact Study Counselling for more information). In most cases these studies encompass 120-150 credits (2-2.5 years of study).

Please note! Certain changes may be made to the range of courses.