Objectives and Outcomes

Mission of Brigham Young University

The objectives and learning outcomes of the Electrical and Computer Engineering programs are intended to support the mission of Brigham Young University, which is "to assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life" (BYU Mission Statement). "To this end, BYU seeks to develop students of faith, intellect, and character who have the skills and the desire to continue learning and to serve others throughout their lives" (Aims of a BYU Education).

Program Educational Objectives

Program educational objectives are the life and career accomplishments that the program is preparing graduates to achieve.

The BYU Electrical and Computer Engineering Programs prepare graduates to:

Apply knowledge in service to community and family and engage in lifelong learning through personal study and continuing education.
Develop a fulfilling profession which may include employment in industry or academia, technology-based entrepreneurship, and postgraduate study in engineering or other disciplines.
Make innovative contributions to science and technology and serve in responsible positions of leadership.
Be an example of faith, character, and high professional ethics.

Program Learning Outcomes

In order to prepare students to achieve the program educational objectives after graduation, the program curriculum provides students with the following skills, abilities, and knowledge:

Fundamentals: An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics (differential, integral, and multivariate calculus; linear algebra; complex variables; differential equations; discrete math; and probability), science (Newtonian mechanics; electricity and magnetism; and introductory chemistry), computer fundamentals (programming languages; computer organization; and software/hardware interfaces) and engineering science (signals and systems, electromagnetics, and electronic devices).

Experiments and data analysis: An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data.

System design: An ability to design a system component or process to meet desired needs within realistic constrains such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability.

Teamwork: An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams.

Engineering problems: An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.

Ethics: An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.

Communication skills: An ability to communicate effectively with people.

Broad education: The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context.
This outcome is primarily associated with General Education courses in the University Core requirement. GE courses provide a foundation for making engineering decisions in a broader context, as well as building a foundation for lifelong learning and other program outcomes and educational objectives.

Lifelong learning: A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning.

Contemporary issues: A knowledge of contemporary issues.

Techniques, skills, and tools: An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

Leadership: An understanding of principles of leadership and project management.

Course Competencies

A course competency is a specific, measurable skill, attribute, or area of knowledge associated with a program learning outcome. Competencies are taught and assessed as part of the courses and educational activities which comprise the undergraduate curriculum. Course competencies for each class are listed on the program class web page.

Assessment and Quality Improvement

Assessment and quality improvement processes are used to ensure that students receive a quality education and are prepared to achieve the program education objectives. Additional details are available at the program assessment and quality improvement webpage.

Terminology

Program educational objectives: Life and career accomplishments that the BYU Electrical and Computer Engineering programs are preparing students to achieve after graduation.

Program learning outcome: Abilities, attributes, and knowledge that students should possess at the time of graduation in order to achieve the program educational objectives.

Course competency: Specific, measurable skills and knowledge associated with a program learning outcome. Each class in the program curriculum teaches one or more competencies.