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DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING
As a classical discipline, electrical engineering can be defined simply as the theories and methods to generate, transmit, receive, modulate, control, and utilise electromagnetic waves and energy. However, electrical and electronic engineering has evolved into an exciting "high tech" discipline which covers a wide spectrum of modem technologies such as analogue and digital circuits, semiconductor devices and materials, optoelectronics, microelectronics, microprocessor and electronic memory devices, signal processing and communication, control and expert systems, computer networks, electro- magnetic waves and telecommunication, energy systems and power distribution. Ad- vances in electrical and electronic engineering in the past decade have influenced most aspects of our lives, and will continue to do so in this decade and into the next century.
In particular, for young people entering the work force, electronic engineering provides new and exciting employment opportunities.
Electrical and Electronic Engineering at HKUST aims to provide its students with a sound practical and analytical education, thus equipping them to become effective and productive electronic engineers in a highly technological society. The Department offers a full range of courses to meet the needs of its students in programmes leading to BEng, MSc, MPhil and PhD degrees.
The Department provides modem equipment and laboratories to facilitate the research activities of faculty and students including ample numbers of microcomputers and computer workstations. These are connected to a state-of-the-art computer network so that all users can access the central computing resources of the University. The Department also houses teaching and research laboratories for semiconductor device characterisation, ICCAD design and VLSl test, microprocessor and microcomputer applications, digital signal processing, electro-optics, photonics, and information sys- tems. Facultv and students mav also utilise the extensive central facilities of the University. In particular, students in microelectronicswill be major users of the Microelec- tronics Fabrication Centre, which will be equipped with afull lineof processing equipment for the fabrication of semiconductor devices and integrated circuits. Similarly, students interested in IC design and CADICAM will be able to utilise the CADICAM Laboratory, equipped with the latest computing workstations, graphics input and output devices and application software.
Faculty
Professor and Head of Department :
Peter W. CHEUNG, BS Oregon State;MS Puget Sound; PhD Univof Washington Professors :
Donald A. GEORGE, BEng McGi1l;MS Stanford;ScD Massachusetts lnstof Tech (Associate Pro-Vice-chancellor for Academic Affairs)
Ping K. KO, BS Hong Kong Univ; MS, PhD Univ of California, Berkeley Hoi Sing KWOK, BS Northwestern; MS, PhD Harvard
School of Engineering
Ming Lei LIOU, BS National Taiwan; MS Drexel; PhD Standord Ruey-Wen LIU, BS, MS, PhD Univ of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign Readers :
Philip C.H. CHAN, BS Univof California, Davis; MS, PhD Univof Illinois, Urbana- Champaign
Justin C. CHUANG, BS National Taiwan; MS, PhD Michigan State Senior Lecturers :
Zexiang LI, BS Carnegie-Mellon; MS, PhD Univ of California, Berkeley Tai-chin LO, BS National Taiwan; MS, PhD Univof Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
(Director of Microelectronics Fabrication Centre) Lecturers :
Oscar C. AU, BS Toronto; MA, PhD Princeton
Aaron W. BUCHWALD, BSEE Iowa; MS, PhD Univ of California, Los Angeles Kwan-fai CHEUNG, BS, MS, PhD Univ of Washington
Ho-chi HUANG, BS, MS National Taiwan; PhD Univ of Washington Tsz-Mei KO, BEE, MEE Cooper Union; PhD California lnst of Tech Ross David MURCH, BS, PhD Univ of Canterbury, Christchurch Cuong T. NGUYEN, BS Univ of California, Berkeley; MS, PhD Stanford Vincent M. C. POON, BSc, MPhil, PhD Chinese Univ of Hong Kong Johnny K.O. SIN, BS, MS, PhD Toronto
Danny H.K. TSANG, BS Winnipeg; BEng, MS Technical Univ of Nova Scotia, P hD Pennsylvania
Man WONG, BS, MS Massachusetts lnst of Tech; PhD Stanford
Mark Sze-Fong YAU, BSc Hong Kong, MS Boston; PhD Univ of Illinois, Urbana- Champaign
Bing ZENG, BS, MS Univ of Electronic Sc & Tech of China; PhD Tampere Univ of Tech
Assistant Lecturer :
Jack Ka-Chun LAU, BS, MS Univ of California, Berkeley
Undergraduate Programme
During the first year, students take courses in linear circuits theory, basic electronics, digital logic and systems, microprocessor in addition to the courses in mathematics, language, computer science, humanities and social science. In the Spring Semester of thesecond year, students are advised to select technical sequences in Circuit and Systems, Electronics, or Computer Engineering. In the final year, students will take a set of approved electives to gain depth in a technical specialty. All students are required to complete a final-year project under the supe~ision of a faculty member, and submit a written project report.
For admission, in addition to the general entrance requirements of the University, acceptable grades are required in eithertwo ALsubjects (Pure Mathematics and Physics) and two AS subjects, or three AL subjects (including Pure Mathematics and Physics).
School o f Enpineenerrnp School of Engineering
The following semester-by-semester description of the undergraduate pro- gramme defines what courses students must complete to satisfy programme require- ments and the desirable times for taking particular courses. Students should note that all courses selected, including electives, require departmental approval. Explanations of core (C), required (R), and elective (E) courses can be found on page 29.
First Year Fall Semester
ELEC 1 12 C Linear Circuit Theory [3-1-3 :4]
ELEC 151 C Digital Circuits and Systems [3-1-3141 COMP 102 C Computer Fundamentals and Programming [3-0-2:4]
(1) LANG 001 Language Skills Enhancement I [O-3-1 :O]
MATH 101 R Multivariable Calculus [3-1-0:4]
Spring Semester
ELEC 102 C Electronic Circuits
ELEC 152 R Microprocessors and Applications COMP 106 R C Programming
H&SS E Humanities and Social Science Elective MATH 151 R Differential Equations and Applications
Second Year Fall Semester
ELEC 21 1 R Signals and Systems
ELEC 221 R Semiconductor Materials and Devices ELEC 241 R Electromagnetics and Distributed Circuits ENGGIMATH E Non-ELEC Engineering or Math Elective H&SS E Humanities and Social Science Elective
16 credits
18 credits
16 credits
Spring Semester
ELEC E Electronic Elective [3-0-0131
ELEC E Electronic Elective [3-0-0 :3]
ELEC E Electronic Elective [3-0-0:3]
ENGGIMATH E Non-ELEC Engineering or Math Elective [3-0-0:3]
H&SS E Humanities and Social Science Elective [3-0-0:3]
15 credits Third Year
Fall Semester
ELEC 397 R Final Year Project l [O-0-18:6]
ELEC E Electronic Elective [3-0-0:3]
ELEC E Electronic Elective [3-0-0:3]
(2) H&SS E Humanities and Social Science Elective [3-0-0:3]
SB&M E Business and Management Elective [3-0-0:3]
18 credits
Spring Semester
ELEC 398 R Final Year Project II [0-0-18161
ELEC E Electronic Elective [3-0-0:3]
ELEC E Electronic Elective [3-0-0:3]
LANG 103 R Technical Communication [0-3-0:3]
SB&M E Business and Management Elective [3-0-0:3]
18 credits
(1) Students exempted from LANG 001 may take a Humanities and Social Science elective.
(2) Students who have satisfied the H&SS requirement may take another approved ELEC elective.
A minimum of 101 credits is required for the BEng programme in Electronic Engineering.
A student's choice of electives may result in this minimum being exceeded.
Postgraduate Programmes and Research
The Department emphasises several research areas according to the projected manpower and technological needs in Hong Kong.
School of Engineering
Microelectronics and semiconductor devices are becoming an increasingly important research area in Hong Kong. With the establishment of the Microelectronics Fabrication Centre (MFC), the Department places major emphasis on the area of semiconductor devices and microelectronics, in particular advanced semiconductor materials preparation and characterisation; microwave and high frequency semiconduc- tor devices; custom integrated circuits fabrication technology; integrated sensor technology; and optoelectronic devices and integrated optics. Results from this research programme will spawn novel electronicdevices and stimulate the creation of products that are not restricted to the electronics industry.
Rapid advances in computer and communication technologies are bringing these two fields closer. Emerging and evolving technologies, coupled with increasing demands for efficient and timely collection, processing, and dissemination of information, are creating the need for an integrated information and telecommunication system that transmits and processes all types of data. Research projects have been initiated under the sponsorship of the Hong Kong Telecom Institute of Information Technology which is funded by a generous grant from the Hong Kong Telecom Foundation.
The postgraduate programmes of the Department provide advanced training in state-of-the-art analysis and design, and expose students to an environment of active engineering research and development. Graduates of the programmes should be well equipped to meet the challenges of the rapidly developing field of electrical and electronic engineering and to contribute to the economic development needs of Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region. These programmes lead to the degrees of Master of Science (MSc), Master of Philosophy (MPhil), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Students may pursue the degrees on a full-time or part-time basis. The normal duration of residence, and the course and thesis requirements for the degrees are described below.
Applicants for admission to the postgraduate programmes are required to have completed, by the time they enter HKUST, a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, or a related science or engineering field. Students must have demonstrated knowledge in fundamental areas of electrical and electronic endneering as normally provided by an undergraduate programme. Deficiencies can be made up concurrently 4 t h postgraduate work. Students must also demonstrate a sufficient command of English.
Applicants are required to submit academic transcripts of undergraduate studies (and beyond, if applicable), three letters of recommendation, a one-page statement of purpose for postgraduate study, and a completed application form for admission. Scores in standard examinations such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), if available, are encouraged to be submitted as supplementary information.
Postgraduate Programmes
School of Engineering
postgraduate classes are scheduled in the evening on weekdays and on Saturdays. In this manner, both part-time and full-time students receive the same classroom instruction and work together during laboratory sessions.
Master of Science (MSc) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
The MSc programme is designed for students who wish to strengthen their knowledge of electrical and electronic engineering at an advanced level in orderto prepare themselves for more advanced professional practice. It is best suited for students who wish to pursue an industrial career as a senior project engineer in technical design and development.
The period of study is no longerthan three years for full-time MSc students, or four years for part-time students.
Specific programme requirements are at least 30 credits, including :
at most two courses from the School of Business and Management or School of Humanities and Social Science;
at most two postgraduate courses from the School of Science or School of Engineering (other than the Department);
a maximum of one 300-level ELEC course; and
no more than three credits for ELEC 690 lndependent Study.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering The MPhil programme is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career in research and development in industry or in academia. It is also an excellent preparation for those interested in pursuing a PhD degree.
The period of study is no longer than three years for full-time MPhil students, or five years for part-time students.
Besides completing a small number of postgraduate courses in an approved programme of study, an MPhil student must complete, underthe supervision of a research advisor, a research project leading to a master's thesis and pass an oral thesis defence.
Specific programme requirements are:
15 ELEC course credits excluding ELEG 690 lndependent Study;
a maximum of one 300-level course; and research leading to a satisfactory thesis.
The Department offers postgraduate programmes leading to the degrees of Master of Science (MSc), Master of Philosophy (MPhil), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. In order to efficiently utilise resources, most
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School of Engineen'ng1
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering The PhD programme is the highestdegreeoffered by the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. It catersfor students who wish to pursue acareer in advanced industrial research and development, or university research and teaching.The period of study is no longer than five years for full-time students, or seven years for part-time students, on the basis of entry with only a first degree.
The PhD programme emphasises training in original thinking and independent research. The course of study must be approved by the Department.
To be eligible for the PhD degree, a student must
complete 15 course-credits of approved ELEC postgraduate courses, excluding ELEC 690 Independent Study. (For students pursuing or have completed an MPhil or MSc programme, their previous postgraduate courses will count towards this requirement. Partial credit may be given to students with other postgraduate qualifications.
pass a qualifying examination within two years of admission with a first degree only for full-time students or three years for part-time students, or one and two years respectively for those entering with an MPhil or MSc degree; and undertake research leading to a satisfactory doctoral thesis and defence.
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Faculty ProfilesProfessor Peter W.P. CHEUNG, Headof Department
Analogue integrated circuits design; microelectronics; microsensors; biosensors;
medical electronics and medical instrumentation; micro~rocessor-based instruments design; optoelectronics.
Professor Donald A. GEORGE, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs Communications and control; signal and information processing systems and communications; analysis of nonlinear systems; engineering education.
Professor Ping KO
Semiconductor devices, silicon-on-insulator technology, microelectronics and microsensors.
School of Engineering
Professor Hoi S. KWOK
Application of lasers to thin film deposition; fabrication of thin film opto-electronic devices with applications to optical signal processing and display technology.
Professor Ming L. LlOU
Low bit-rate video, image compression techniques, advanced television, packet video, VLSl architecture, and implementation of signal processing systems for visual applications.
Professor Ruey-Wen LIU
Network system theory, artificial neural networks; algebraic theory of control system design;. computer-aided design; signal and image processing; blind signal processing; and multichannel system identification.
Dr Philip Ching-Ho CHAN, Reader
Electronic design automation; VLSl devices, circuits and systems; CADICAEI CAM technologies; microelectronics.
Dr Justin C. CHUANG, Reader
Wireless communication and networking.
Dr Zexiang Li, Senior Lecturer
Robotics and control; holonomic and nonholonomic motion planning, mechanism design, robust and H" control, adaptive control. CAD/CAM for control systems.
Dr Tai-Chin LO, Senior Lecturer
Integrated circuit technology; electronic materials; microwave bipolar transistors and integrated circuits; semiconductor device modelling for circuit simulation.
Dr Oscar C. AU, Lecturer
Image processing, digital signal processing, coding theory, communications, detection and estimation.
School of Engineering
Dr Aaron BUCKWALD, Lecturer
Design of high-speed analog integrated circuits for fiber optic communication systems; design of precision analog integrated circuits for signal processing, signal conditioning, and data conversion.
School of Engineering
Dr Danny H.K. TSANG, Lecturer
B-ISDNIATM networks, multi-rate circuit-switched networks, computer networks, performance analysis.
Dr Man WONG, Lecturer Dr Kwan-Fai CHEUNG, Lecturer
Digital signal processing algorithms; artificial neural networks and applications;
fuzzy set theory and applications; digital image processing; optical information process- ing.
Dr Ho-Chi HUANG, Lecturer
Semiconductor devices; optical probing for VLSl testing; opto-electronics; inte- grated guided-wave optics; optically based instruments.
Dr Tsz-Mei KO, Lecturer
Communication system, information processing, coding theory, VLSl design and computer networks.
Dr Ross David MURCH, Lecturer
Electromagnetics, inverse scattering, imaging, and imagelsignal processing.
Dr Cuong T. NGUYEN, Lecturer
High-performance bipolar and MOS devices, characterisation and modelling of chemo-mechanical polishing for VLSl and microsensors.
Dr Vincent Ming Cheong POON, Lecturer
Microelectronic device physics and technology; ULSl design and fabrication;
optoelectronics, optocomputing and integrated optics; advanced semiconductor mate- rials.
Dr Johnny K.O. SIN, Lecturer
Power integrated circuits and devices; semiconductor devices and fabrication technology; modelling and characterisation of semiconductor devices.
Advanced device fabrication technology, thin film transistors and general device physics.
Dr Mark Sze-Fong YAU, Lecturer
Digital signal processing, estimation and detection theory; information theory;
stochastic process and control theory; application of the above to inverse problems including sensor-array processing and image processing.
Dr Bing ZENG, Lecturer
Digital signal and image processing, linear and nonlinear digital filter design, statistical and structural approaches to signal processing, neural networks, imagetvideo coding and transmission.
Jack Ka-Chun LAU, Assistant Lecturer
Analogue and digital IC design; microprocessor design; VLSl circuit design and simulation.
School of Engineering