Electronics and Computer Engineering (180 credits)

Job opportunities and the future

What happens when you press the buttons on your mobile phone? Mobiles contain computers that read off the buttons pressed, control what is shown on the display and then manage the data traffic to base stations in the mobile network.

There are many examples of everyday technology that contain processors, as the most important electronic circuit in computers is called. Engineers with knowledge of both electronics and programming are necessary to develop these systems. Graduates of this programme may work with hard and software development for embedded systems, but it is just as likely that they work in other areas where their knowledge is in demand. They may even work with creating the products of the future, products for an energy-efficient, sustainable society.

Graduates often work in groups together with other engineers in the development, construction and testing of products and systems. The development of large-scale systems requires extensive efforts by many people, not only engineers. This the kind of work for engineers who are interested in operating in a stimulating environment together with other people.

Future workplaces may include one of the major companies in the telecom sector or perhaps a consultancy company or a smaller firm. Many companies in this field operate on a global market with opportunities to work in other countries.

The programme

It is not necessary for students to have worked with electronic circuits and programming before beginning on this programme, but they should be extremely interested in technical development.
In Year 1 students mostly study basic subjects which are later etended with more programme-specific and technical courses. The very first course students meet is engineering methods which provides them with basic project knowledge. This course is then followed up by project courses in Years 2 and 3 aimed at improving abilities to work in teams with other students, and also learning how projects are run in companies.

A stream of mathematics courses runs through the entire educational programme. These provide students with the necessary mathematical knowledge and train their abilities to solve problems.
Choices are many on graduation. Students may begin working directly as Bachelors of Science in Engineering or enter further studies for a Master’s degree in Sweden or abroad.

Year 1

In the introductory engineering methods course students are immediately able to try out practical engineering tasks. They carry out a project in cooperation with other students and at the same time learn spoken and written presentation. In computer networks students work with local and global networks and examine how computers and operational systems work together.

Students learn basic Java programming and digital design. Digital constructions are carried out by students using programmable circuits which they program using the hardware descriptive language VHDL. Computer engineering brings students knowledge on micro computer systems and program development. Students program in Assembler and C and learn to understand the interplay between soft and hardware. Mathematics courses teach students to approach problems using an engineering mindset. Students master the analysis of electrical circuits and, in a constructive manner, use modern computerised tools such as Mathematica and PSpice.

Year 2

In Year 2 students extend their knowledge of hard and software development and learn to understand what happens to electrical signals in systems. In analogue electronics, students build an audio amplifier and an ultrasound rangefinder which are constructed and simulated in PSpice.

Programming expertise is extended in programming II so that students are able, in a simple and intelligent fashion, to program the a single-chip computer used in the embedded systems course. Development of electronic products teaches students how to develop electronic products so that they work correctly and are safe in different environments, even if they are exposed to electromagnetic interference. Discrete mathematics, signal processing and automatic control provides students with a theoretical understanding of how analogue and discrete systems work and how they can be used in products and embedded systems.

Practical and theoretical knowledge is reinforced through the project students carry out at the end of the year, a project that focuses on the latest technology at the same time as students learn to work in project form.

Year 3

In Year 3 students determine their professional profile as they learn how to:

• Design and construct hard and software-based products and embedded systems.
• Understand how communications systems work.
• Manage the real time aspects of computer systems.
• Construct digital electronics with hardware-descriptive language.
• Realise systems of wireless datacom and understand mobile systems.
• Run smaller-scale development projects.

Degree Projects

Educational programmes are concluded with a degree project worth 15 higher education credits (equivalent of approx. 10 weeks of study). The aim of the degree project is to test the knowledge gained by the students during their educational programmes and for students to be given the opportunity to apply this knowledge to reality.

Students work using good engineering praxis and report on their work in a professional manner. The aim is for them to carry out their projects 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 experienced as 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 are the final proof that students possess sufficient knowledge to succeed as engineers.

Further Studies

A Bachelor of Science in Engineering brings several opportunities for further studies. For example students may choose to continue 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, in certain cases, to apply to join the later part of a Master of Science in Engineering programme within the same, or closely connected fields, (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.