COMPUTER ENGINEERING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The University of Houston Cullen College of Engineering

Q1: What is computer engineering?

Since engineering is the application of the principles of basic science to the solving of problems within constraints (that is, building things!), computer engineering is engineering applied to computers and computer-based systems. In other words, computer engineers build computers such as PCs, workstations, and supercomputers. They also build computer-based systems such as those found in cars, planes, appliances, electronics, phones, communication networks, and many, many other products. Computer engineers typically design not only the hardware, but also much of the software in computer-based systems.

Q2: What set of skills do I need to be a computer engineer?

All scientists and engineers need a firm foundation in basic science and math. They also need to be able to work in teams and to communicate their ideas both verbally and in writing. Computer engineers specifically are comfortable with both hardware and software. Depending on where your interests lie, either one can be emphasized.

Q3: What job opportunities are there for computer engineers?

Computer engineers work for computer companies such as Intel, HP, and Texas Instruments, and also in industries that build or use computer-based systems, such as telecommunications, automotive, aerospace, etc. Many computer engineers also get jobs as programmers. While they have less programming experience than computer science graduates, their understanding of hardware gives them an advantage in dealing with overall systems.

Q4: What degree plans are there for computer engineers at the University of Houston?

There are two ways to become a computer engineer at the University of Houston. One way is to be an electrical engineering major with emphasis in computer engineering. With this plan you get a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) degree. We call this the computer engineering OPTION within electrical engineering. The other way is to be a computer engineering MAJOR. In this case you receive Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (BSCPE) degree. (Why BSCPE and not BSCE? Civil Engineering already had BSCE!.)

Q5: Why are there two different computer engineering plans?

Computer engineering is a very broad field. For example, computer engineers who build high-speed circuits within the latest microprocessors are basically electrical engineers with some knowledge of computers. On the other hand, computer engineers who build, say, data acquisition systems, need to know much more about the design of software systems but less about low-level circuit analysis. The BSEE with the computer engineering option is for those more interested in the first kind of project, the BSCPE is for those more interested in the second.

Q6: Which computer engineering plan is better?

The job markets have been—and are expected to continue to be—excellent for both types of computer engineers. Both can lead to very interesting and rewarding careers. You should choose according to your preference.

Q7: What courses does a BSCPE student take? BSEE with a computer option?

BSCPE: BSCPE students take one or more courses in the following areas, please see theflowchart for details.

• The University Core: English, history, political science, etc. taken by all students.
• Basic Science and Math: Calculus, statistics, physics, chemistry, taken by all science and engineering students.
• Electrical Engineering: Circuits, electronics, electives.
• Computer Related: Programming, digital and computer systems, software engineering, computer architecture and design, electives.

BSEE with a computer option: In the BSEE with the computer engineering option, students take more electrical engineering and fewer computer courses. Please see the flowchart for details.

Q8: Why is computer engineering in the same department as electrical engineering?

As long as computers are built out of electronic circuits, computer and electrical engineering will be closely related. As to why computer engineering and computer science are typically in two different departments (and often in two different colleges as here at U of H) can be attributed to accidents of history and to opinions held by some that the disciplines are broad enough that you have to separate them somewhere.

Q9: What's the difference between computer engineering and computer science?

• Computer engineers build hardware while computer scientists generally do not. However, computer scientists certainly know enough about hardware to analyze computer system operations and to interact with hardware engineers.
• Computer scientists know more about underlying theory of computation, programming languages, and operating systems. While computer engineers often work as programmers, most system level programs such as programming languages and operating systems are designed by computer scientists. However, computer engineers usually write the programs for computer-based systems such as those described in answer to question 1.

Q10: Can I get a double major with a BSCPE and a BS in computer science? How about a BSEE and a BSCPE?

First of all, it is POSSIBLE do a wide variety of combinations. However, I would strongly recommend that you only do one initially, and wait until graduate school to diversify. But first, a technical point. Because of the way engineering degrees are set up, you can't double major; you have to actually get two different undergraduate degrees. A much more important point is that in the extra time it would take to get the two undergraduate degrees, you could do a single degree and a good chunk of a masters! In other words, I believe graduate school is a better use of education time, either immediately after you get your degree or after you've been working for a while and really know what you want to do.

Q11: I can't decide whether to do computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering with a computer option!

If you don't much care how computers work, then the computer science program is for you. Also, if you are interested in the nature of programs and languages rather than just writing programs, that's computer science, too. If you are interested in hardware, or in the way computers work, or in building systems with computers in them, then that's computer engineering. If you are mostly interested in programming, the choice could depend on the types of programs; however, there's a lot of overlap. The decision between BSCPE or BSEE with the computer option is mostly just a matter of which you like more, hardware or software.

Q12: What if I change my mind?

If you are REALLY undecided, I would recommend learning as much about hardware as you can as an undergraduate. I don't know why it is, but certain things just seem to be much more difficult to learn after you graduate than others. This is certainly true of math and also seems to be true of circuits and electronics. Also, it is generally easier to get a master's in computer science with an undergraduate degree in electrical or computer engineering than the other way around.

Q13: I've used computers and written simple programs, but I still really don't know what a computer engineer does. How do I know it's for me?

This is a tough question: you really won't know until you try. However, we DO have an informal one credit course (ECE 1100) that provides an excellent introduction to electrical and computer engineering. Faculty give presentations about what they do, you get to meet some of your fellow students, and there are some basic projects that give you the feel for what you will be doing over the next several years.

Q14: I don't see too many women engineers. Are women successful in computer engineering?

To be sure, women are underrepresented in most technical fields, but we see a greater proportion in computer engineering and computer science than elsewhere. As far as women being successful I can answer an emphatic yes! Typically, our women students get higher GPAs than men students and appear disproportionately more often on Dean's Lists, Outstanding Seniors lists and membership rolls of honor societies. Their job opportunities after graduation are usually outstanding.

Q15: I have some other concerns about being an engineer:

• I really like people
• I'm pretty sure I want to be an engineer now, but I can't see myself doing it for the next 40 years
• What I really want to do, eventually, is to run a company.
• Is engineering for me?

Engineers have an undeserved reputation of not being "people friendly." Nothing could be further from the truth: engineers almost always work in teams and must interact with each other constantly. People skills are essential to being a successful engineer. To expand on this idea—the internet, that ubiquitous communication mechanism, was invented by engineers and scientists so that they could discuss their work with each other cheaply and conveniently. Also, many engineers leave the day-to-day technical aspects after about five to ten years and become managers, or go into marketing and even sales, the most people-oriented of all jobs. There they find their engineering backgrounds to be a huge advantage. In fact, many CEOs and entrepreneurs began as engineers.

Q16: I see there is a computer engineering technology program offered by the college of technology. What's the difference between their program and yours?

This is difficult to answer briefly, and you should definitely talk to people in the college of technology to get their views. Also there is some overlap in function and much overlap in training which can make the distinction confusing. A good place to start is that engineers typically work on unsolved problems while technologists work on problems that are better understood. As an example, a technician fixes or troubleshoots computer network, while an engineer would be the one to design a new one. Another example: technologists are typically certified to administer computer systems, networks, etc., while computer scientists/engineers are typically involved with creating computer systems, networks, etc. A consequence of this difference in functions is that technology training is directed more toward "here and now" technology, whereas engineering training involves more math, basic science and fundamental engineering principles in preparation for creating the systems of the future. Careers of technologists and engineers sometimes parallel each other in their first exposures to their jobs. However, the technologist will typically continue to gain experience in specific currently used systems, while an engineer will generally move on to a broader base dealing with design, management, planning new systems, etc. Starting salaries for technology graduates are usually slightly lower than for engineers, but in both cases experience or special expertise can command salaries well above entry level.

Q17: How do job prospects compare for the various computer related degrees?

Let me start with a universal warning about career advice: job markets can change radically in just a few years, so there are never any guarantees. That being said, all computer related majors are very much in demand and have been for a long time. I can't think of any other field with equally good prospects, except telecommunications (for which, by the way, CS/CPE/EE are good preparation) and, of course, medicine.

Q18: What are the starting salaries for computer engineers?

Of the students in our department who did well (not necessarily great, just well) everyone we know of who wanted to get a job immediately did so. Many had multiple offers. The average starting salary was slightly higher than the national average for starting computer engineers. For current information, contact the Engineering Career Center (career.egr.uh.edu).The students who do really well tend to get recruited months before graduation, get higher starting salaries, and are long gone by the time the statistics are collected. On the other hand, students who just squeak by often take longer to find jobs and tend to get lower salaries. But it should be noted that employers don't look only at GPA; they generally put a great deal of weight on enthusiasm and communication skills.

Q19: What are career salary prospects for computer engineers?

Longer term, if you were to become a typical successful engineer, you could expect your salary to increase steadily at in the ten plus years after you begin working. After that, your salary will very much depend on how much your expertise is in demand and whether you go into the business related aspects of your company, say management or marketing, or not. Of course, keeping up with your field is absolutely essential to advancing, or even remaining employable.

Q20: What haven't I asked?

About work experience while you are studying. Many universities, including the University of Houston, have 'o-op' programs where you spend summers or even semesters working at local companies. These tend to be fantastic opportunities. If you do reasonably well and the company is still doing OK when you graduate, they are very likely to offer you a full-time job and at a higher salary than you would have gotten otherwise. The Engineering Career Center mentioned above is the place for more information on these programs as well

What makes us yawn?

Next time you're in a meeting, try this little experiment: Take a big yawn, cover your mouth out of courtesy and watch to see how many people follow suit. There's a good chance you'll set off a chain reaction of deep breaths and wide-open mouths. And before you finish reading this article, it's likely you'll yawn at least once. Don't misunderstand, we aren't intending to bore you, but just reading about yawning will make you do it, just as seeing or hearing someone else yawn makes us do it, too.
So what's behind this mysterious epidemic of yawning? First, let's look at what this bodily motion is: Yawning is an involuntary action that causes us to open our mouths wide and breathe in deeply. We know it's involuntary because we do it even before we're born: According to Robert Provine, a developmental neuroscientist at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, research has shown that 11-week-old fetuses yawn. And while yawning is commonly associated with relaxation and drowsiness, your heart rate can rise as much as 30 percent during a yawn, and yawning is a sign of arousal, including sexual arousal [sources: Alexander, The Stress of Life].
Many parts of the body are in action when you yawn. First, your mouth opens, and your jaw drops, allowing as much air as possible to be taken in. When you inhale, the air taken in is filling your lungs. Your abdominal muscles flex, and your diaphragm is pushed down. The air you breathe in expands the lungs to capacity and then some of the air is blown back out.
Now that we know what a yawn is, let's look at what causes us to do it. On the next page, we'll discuss four popular theories that explain why we open wide and breathe deep.

While fatigue, drowsiness or boredom easily bring on yawns, scientists are discovering there's more to yawning than most people think. Not much is known about why we yawn or if it serves any useful function, and very little research has been done on the subject. However, there are several theories about why we yawn. Here are the four most common:
The physiological theory: Our bodies induce yawning to draw in more oxygen or remove a buildup of carbon dioxide. This theory helps explain why we yawn in groups. Larger groups produce more carbon dioxide, which means our bodies would act to draw in more oxygen and get rid of the excess carbon dioxide. However, if our bodies make us yawn to draw in needed oxygen, wouldn't we yawn during exercise? Robert Provine, a developmental neuroscientist at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and a leading expert on yawning, has tested this theory: Giving people additional oxygen didn't decrease yawning, and decreasing the amount of carbon dioxide in a subject's environment also didn't prevent yawning [source: University of Washington].
The evolution theory: Some think that yawning began with our ancestors, who used yawning to show their teeth and intimidate others. An offshoot of this theory is the idea that yawning developed from early man as a signal for us to change activities [source: University of Washington].
The boredom theory: Although we do tend to yawn when bored or tired, this theory doesn't explain why Olympic athletes yawn right before they compete in their event or why dogs tend to yawn just before they attack. It's doubtful either is bored [source: Patterson].
The brain-cooling theory: A more recent theory proposed by researchers is that since people yawn more in situations where their brains are likely to be warmer -- tested by having some subjects breathe through their noses or press hot or cold packs to their foreheads -- it's a way to cool down their brains. What does it matter if our brains are cold or hot? Cool brains can think more clearly; hence, yawning might have developed to keep us alert [source: Nagourney].
So now that we have an idea of what causes yawning, let's look at why seeing someone yawn might make us yawn, too.

Why Speaking Proper English is Important for your Career.

A number of studies have consistently demonstrated that those who have an advanced knowledge of the English language are much more likely to advance their careers. In addition to this, these studies have also demonstrated that a strong command of the English language will lead to higher paying jobs, more social mobility, and a great deal of social success.

No matter what career you choose, whether it is Engineering or History, having a powerful command of the English language will greatly increase your odds of success. Generally, your vocabulary will need to be equal to those who are in the same career field.

However, if you want to surpass your colleagues, and make yourself more marketable, you will need to increase you English skills, and make them superior to the other people who work in your field. While you may not realize it, people will judge you by the way you speak.

Barriers that you will need to Overcome:

Most of us are familiar with how people feel about appearances, but the manner in which you speak is also important. Even if you are dressed nicely, using poor grammar will show that you are wolf in sheep’s clothing. You might look nice on the outside, but you’re not so nice on the inside. To succeed, you must focus on your appearance as well as your manner of speaking.

Most people underestimate the importance of mastering English. This is especially true for people who live in English speaking countries such as the United States or Great Britain. Because they are raised speaking the language, they don’t feel that it is all that important. They think they can get by on the basic language classes they took in school while they were children.

However, only having a basic knowledge of English will not open career doors. If you speak only an average level of English, people will think you’re average. If you speak in a manner that is eloquent, this will create a powerful impression.

The first barrier you will need to overcome is the belief that Basic English is enough. When I say Basic English, I’m referring to the English that most Americans speak on a daily basis. While the English language is comprised of about 700,000 words, the typical American only uses 50,000 in their day to day conversations. Most educated people who have earned a degree in college, or who read lots of books, will have a vocabulary that is closer to 100,000, twice the amount of the average American. These people are much more likely to land high paying jobs. To be successful, it must be your goal to learn 100,000 words or more.

Many people have a poor command of the English language because they don’t read. I always laugh when I hear people say that they hate to read. These people don’t realize that they are destroying their chances of being economically successful. Not only does reading allow you to build up your vocabulary, but it also allows you to become more informed, learning things about the world around you.

As I’ve said in previous articles, reading can increase your IQ. Watching television cannot do this, and some would even argue that it does the opposite. The first step in speaking English property is to learn more words.

Take Classes, and Read More:

When you learn a new word, you should take the time to use it in a sentence. Use it when you speak to people. By using the word in your everyday speech and writing, the word will be saved in your long term memory. Studies have shown that you will need to repeat the word at least seven times before it "sticks".

In addition to learning new words, you will want to read everything you can get your hands on. Read fiction as well as non-fiction. Read things you normally wouldn’t read. This will allow you to learn new words that you normally wouldn’t be exposed. Increasing your English skills can become very lucrative.

Despite the fact that English is often referred to as being a global language, most people will never learn even 35% of the words that comprise the language. However, learning as much as you can will allow you to stand out from the crowd, and it will open up opportunities that will be closed to others.

Conclusion:

When you increase your vocabulary, you will impress people. Depending on who you impress, a number of doors can open, doors that would be closed to someone who uses a normal vocabulary level. People will see you as being someone with intelligence, and it will be obvious that you are also a person that is well informed.

Success story of IAS topper

संघ लोक सेवा आयोग (यूपीएससी) वर्ष 2013 के परिणाम घोषित कर दिए गए हैं। परिणामों में पहला स्‍थान गौरव अग्रवाल ने हासिल किया और महिलाओं में पहला स्‍थान भारती दीक्षित ने हासिल किया है। परीक्षा में सफल हुए सभी परिक्षार्थियों को आईएएस, आईएफएस और आईपीएस कॉडर में तैनाती मिलगी। यूपीएससी की परीक्षा में कुल 1122 परीक्षार्थी उत्‍तीर्ण हुए हैं जबकि भारत सरकार के पास कुल 1128 पद खाली हैं। परीक्षा में टॉप करने वाले गौरव अग्रवाल ने एक चैनल से बातचीत से कहा कि मैंने टॉपर होने की उम्मीद नहीं की थी। इस परीक्षा में रैंक क्या होगा इसका अंदाजा लगा पाना बहुत मुश्किल है। इस बार का फॉमेंट भी कुछ अलग ही था लेकिन कभी भी तैयारी फॉमेंट के आधार पर नहीं करनी चाहिए। गौरव अग्रवाल का कहना है कि इस बार पूरी मेहनत की और तैयारी के साथ परीक्षा दी थी जिसके कारण मेरी पत्नी और परिवार वालों को मेरी सफलता पर पूरा विश्वास था। उन्‍होंने यह भी कहा कि जो लोग तैयारी कर रहे हैं उनसे कहना चाहूंगा कि आपकी रूची पढ़ाई में होनी चाहिए, बेसिक अच्छी होनी चाहिए, अपनी गलतियों पर गौर कीजिए। गौरव का पिछले साल आईपीएस के लिए चयन हुआ था और ट्रेनिंग के दौरान ही उन्होंने सिविस सेवा की परीक्षा दी उन्होंने पिछली बार की परीक्षा में जो कमियां थी उसे ध्यान में रखकर तैयारी की थी। गौरव ने सफलता का श्रेय पूरे परिवार को दिया। टॉप टेन में चार लड़कियों ने भी जगह बनाई है। महिलाओं में पहले स्थान पर भारती दीक्षित हैं। इस परीक्षा में सामान्य वर्ग के 517, अति पिछड़ा वर्ग 326, अनुसूचित जाति के 187 अनुसूचित जनजाति के 92 उम्मीदवार को चुना गया है।

Do you know ,what is life insurance?

Life insurance should really be called "death insurance." Like other types of insurance, life insurance is protection against the unknown. When you buy life insurance, you're paying for the peace of mind that your family will be taken care of in the event of your sudden demise. Life insurance is the life jacket in the fishing boat, the air bag in the car. You hope to never have to use it, but it's nice to know it's there.

Some people call life insurance gambling. They think that you're throwing away a bunch of money on the off chance that you'll die young. But when life insurance is handled correctly, it isn't gambling at all. It's simply part of a larger economic plan whose goal is the financial security of your family.

So what is the best type of life insurance to buy and how much coverage do you need? If you don't have any kids, do you even need life insurance? Keep reading to find the answers to these questions and more!

People buy life insurance to provide money for their families if they die young. When you buy a life insurance policy, you pay a monthly, quarterly or annual premium for the term of the policy. The term can be as short as one year or as long as a lifetime. If you die within the term of your policy, your beneficiary will receive a fixed amount of money.

The earliest records of life insurance come from ancient Rome, where burial clubs pooled money among the poor to pay for members' funerals [source: Imber]. Beginning in the Middle Ages, life insurance was dominated by fraternal and religious organizations, labor guilds, and mutual life insurance companies. Similar to credit unions, mutual life insurance companies are owned by the members, who share in any profits. In the late 17th century, astronomer Edmond Halley (yes, the comet guy) came up with the first actuarial tables for calculating the risk of insuring an individual based on mortality statistics [source: Warren]. The higher the risk, the higher the premium.

Risk calculation is still a big part of the life insurance business. When you apply for a life insurance policy, you'll be asked to fill out a full medical history (including your family medical history). You'll also be asked questions about your lifestyle and hobbies, your credit history, your driving record and your travel habits . All of this information is used by insurance actuaries to figure out how much they should charge you for a life insurance policy, or if they should deny you a policy altogether.

The most important factors that affect the price of life insurance premiums are age, sex and pre-existing medical conditions. Older people will generally pay more for a life insurance policy, as will men. Heart conditions, high blood pressure, mental illness, or a strong family history of heart disease or cancer will raise your insurance premiums. Insurance companies also offer higher rates to people who participate in "dangerous" hobbies like skydiving or scuba diving. Smokers can expect to pay rates that are twice as high as non-smokers .