The Computer and Communications Engineering - B.S. program (Beirut Campus) has been officially accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, effective as of October 1, 2014.
The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET, Baltimore, MD, USA) is a non-governmental organization, recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA, Washington, DC, USA), that globally accredits post-secondary education programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. Further information is provided on ABET’s website: www.abet.org
This accreditation ascertains that the said program is commensurate with the quality standards that yield graduates who are prepared to join the global workforce.
Number of CCE BS students enrolled at AUST (Beirut Campus)
Fall Semester 2017-2018
Undergraduate Students: 151
Graduate Students: 60
Fall Semester 2016-2017
Undergraduate Students: 191
Graduate Students: 74
Fall Semester 2015-2016
Undergraduate Students: 236
Graduate Students: 74
Fall Semester 2014-2015
Undergraduate Students: 264
Graduate Students: 71
Total Number of CCE BS graduates from AUST (Beirut Campus) to date: 497
Number of CCE BS graduates for Academic Year 2016-2017: 35
Number of CCE BS graduates for Academic Year 2015-2016: 49
Number of CCE BS graduates for Academic Year 2014-2015: 22
Number of CCE BS graduates for Academic Year 2013-2014: 26
What is Computer and Communications Engineering?
The Computer and Communications Engineering (CCE) field is a hybrid of Computer, Electrical, and Communications Engineering, and is concerned with the advancement of the science and technology virtually related to all fields of human endeavor.
A computer and communications engineer is involved in many aspects of software and hardware computing as well as in the simulation, design, development, and implementation of communication systems.
A computer and communications engineer may work in the design and programming of individual and embedded microcontrollers, personal computers, mainframes, VLSI chips, specialized circuits. She/he can also design and develop systems used for transmitting, securing, and storing all sorts of data across wired or wireless media or channels.
The Computer and Communications Engineering Program at AUST
The CCE Department at the American University of Science and Technology draws from the domains of Computer Engineering and Communications Systems Engineering to offer the Bachelor of Science (118 cr. hrs. beginning with the sophomore year) and Master of Science (39 cr. hrs.) degrees. These degrees are recognized by the Lebanese Ministry of Education and Higher Education and by the Order of Engineers and Architects - Lebanon. The program is designed to be compliant with ABET’s program criteria on Electrical, Computer, Communications, Telecommunication(s) and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.
The CCE program at AUST embodies the understanding of theoretical knowledge and the practical skills required to design and develop modern computer hardware, software, and communication systems. The main areas of instruction are in advanced mathematics, computers, electronics, communications, networking, control, and signal processing. Offered courses range from communication systems, computer design and programming, computer and cellular networks, to the design of specific electronic and control systems.
What are the work prospects of a Computer and Communications Engineer?
Depending on vocational needs, the CCE graduate may work with electrical engineers, computer scientists, and professionals in almost any other related field. The diversity of products that reflect the design talents of a CCE specialist is unlimited. Such products range from large to small computers to special purpose computing hardware and software embedded within devices and systems. The applications are relevant to business communication; management of communications over mobile, satellite, and optical networks; digital sound and picture processing for entertainment; household appliances; automotive systems; manufacturing process control biomedical instrumentation; machine control; and, innumerable other domains. The emphasis in CCE is on the design of systems for the acquisition, processing, storage and transmission of data and signals.
What are the different research interests of the CCE faculty members at AUST?
The CCE faculty members are active in the areas of Digital Communications, Microelectronics, Biomedical Engineering, Image Processing, Multimedia Applications, Control Systems, Digital Systems, Solid-State Electronics, Power Electronics, Robotics, Mechatronics, Software Engineering, Engineering Management, Optical and Wireless Networking, and Programming Algorithms.
Breakdown of the CCE program’s requirements
COLLEGE REQUIREMENTS |
15 Cr. |
FREE ELECTIVES |
9 Cr. |
MATH REQUIREMENTS |
15 Cr. |
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS |
|
CCE Requirements |
55 Cr. |
CSI Requirements |
12 Cr. |
Engineering Ethics |
1 Cr. |
Senior Proposal and Project |
4 Cr. |
Practical Engineering Training |
1 Cr. |
TECHNICAL ELECTIVES |
6 Cr. |
Total Credits |
118 Cr. |
CCE program’s Contract Sheet
CODE | DESCRIPTION | PREREQUISITE | CR. | |
CSI 201 | Introduction To Computing |
ENG 000 |
|
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ENG 201 | Composition & Rhetoric I |
ENG 100 OR ENG 200 OR ENG 105 |
|
|
ENG 202 | Composition & Rhetoric II |
ENG 201 |
|
|
ENG 205 | English Communication Skills |
ENG 202 |
|
|
HMS 201 | Active Learning & Research Methodology |
ENG 001 |
|
CODE | DESCRIPTION | PREREQUISITE | CR. | |
MAT 203 | Calculus III |
MAT 102 OR MAT 202 OR PLACEMENT |
|
|
MAT 204 | Discrete Math |
MAT 102 OR MAT 202 |
|
|
MAT 205 | Linear Algebra |
MAT 102 OR MAT 202 |
|
|
MAT 210 | Probability & Statistics For Science |
MAT 102 OR MAT 202 |
|
|
MAT 225 | Differential Equations |
MAT 203 |
|
CODE | DESCRIPTION | PREREQUISITE | CR. | |
CCE 200 | Engineering Physics |
ENG 001 & (MAT 201 OR MAT 101) |
|
|
CCE 201 | Circuit Analysis I |
CCE 200 & (MAT 202 OR MAT 102), Co. CCE201L, Co CCE201P |
|
|
CCE201L | Circuits I Laboratory |
Co. CCE 201 |
|
|
CCE201P | Problem Solving & PSPICE Circuit Analysis I |
Co. CCE 201 |
|
|
CCE 202 | Circuit Analysis II |
CCE 201 & MAT 203, Co. CCE 202L, Co CCE202P |
|
|
CCE202L | Circuits II Laboratory |
Co. CCE 202 |
|
|
CCE202P | Problem Solving & PSPICE Circuit Analysis II |
Co. CCE 202 |
|
|
CCE 203 | Engineering Workshop |
CCE 200 |
|
|
CCE 220 | Digital Systems |
CSI 201, Co. CCE220L |
|
|
CCE220L | Digital Systems Lab |
Co. CCE 220 |
|
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CCE 301 | Electronics |
CCE 202 & CCE202L, Co. CCE301L, CCE301P |
|
|
CCE301L | Electronics Laboratory |
Co. CCE 301 |
|
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CCE301P | Problem Solving in Electronics |
Co. CCE 301 |
|
|
CCE 320 | Computer Organization & Microprocessors |
CCE 220 & CCE220L, Co. CCE320L |
|
|
CCE320L | Computer Organization & Microprocessors Lab |
Co. CCE 320 |
|
|
CCE 330 | Signals & Systems |
CCE 202 & CCE202L & MAT 225, Co. CCE330P, Co. CCE330L |
|
|
CCE330L | MATLAB Applications in Signals & Systems |
Co. CCE 330 |
|
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CCE330P | Problem Solving Signals & Systems |
Co. CCE 310 |
|
|
CCE 342 | Electromagnetism Or Em Theory |
CCE 202 & CCE202L & MAT 225 |
|
|
CCE 348 | Virtual Instrumentation Systems |
CSI 205 |
|
|
CCE 400 | Practical Engineering Training |
Junior Standing |
|
|
CCE 401 | Communication Systems |
CCE 301 & CCE 330 & MAT 210, Co. CCE401L |
|
|
CCE401L | Communication Systems Laboratory |
Co. CCE 401 |
|
|
CCE 405 | Control Systems |
(MAT 205 & CCE 330) OR (MAT 205 & MTE 330), Co. CCE405L |
|
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CCE405L | Control Systems Laboratory |
Co. CCE 405 |
|
|
CCE 406 | Digital Signal Processing |
CCE 330 OR CCE 330B OR MTE 300 OR BME 330 |
|
|
CCE406L | MATLAB Applications Digital Signal Processing |
NONE |
|
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CCE 411 | Digital Communication Systems |
CCE 401 & CCE401L |
|
|
CCE411L | Digital Communication Lab |
Co. CCE 411 |
|
|
CCE411P | Problem Solving Digital Communications Systems |
NONE |
|
|
CCE 417 | Wireless Communications |
CCE 342 & CCE 401 |
|
|
CCE 449 | Embedded Systems |
CCE 320 & CCE 348 |
|
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CCE 490 | Engineering Ethics |
Senior Standing |
|
|
CCE497X | Senior Design Proposal |
Senior Standing |
|
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CCE499X | Senior Design |
CCE 497 |
|
|
CHE201C | General Chemistry |
ENG 001 |
|
|
CSI 205 | Computer Programming I |
CSI 201 & ENG 001, Co.CSI 205L |
|
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CSI205L | Programming I Lab |
Co. CSI 205 |
|
|
CSI 250 | Computer Programming II |
CSI 205 & CSI205L, Co. CSI250L |
|
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CSI250L | Programming II Lab |
Co. CSI 250 |
|
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CSI 345 | Computer Networks |
CSI 205 & CSI205L, Co. CSI345L |
|
|
CSI345L | Computer Networks Lab |
Co. CSI 345 |
|
This is an introductory course that aims at bridging the gap between school and college and develops the student's skills in three areas related to active learning and research methodology. In the first area, the student is introduced to the university's rules and regulations and general guidelines. In the second area, the student hones his/her study skills, namely, developing schedules, improving concentration, developing time-saving test-taking strategies, taking good notes, improving listening and reading skills, and applying strategies to avoid test anxiety. In the third area, the student is introduced to research, armed with the theory, methodology, and techniques of the research process, starting with conceptualization and ending with report writing.
The workshop objectives are to provide students with hands on experience related to electrical, mechanical and materials engineering. The workshop will train the student on: i) Laboratory safety rules; ii) various applications of engineering instrumentation; iii) engineering drawing; iv) hand manufacturing of printed circuit boards; v) fusion welding processes, resistance welding and cutting; vi) machining processes used to produce round shapes and holes (lathe and lathe operation); vii) drilling, drills and drilling machines; viii) machining processes to produce various shapes: milling and sawing; and, ix) production of microelectronic devices.
This course directly links LabVIEW functionality to the application needs, and provides a jump-start for application development. The course is divided into two constituents: Core 1 and Core 2. Core 1 gives the student the ability to explore the LabVIEW environment, dataflow programming, and common LabVIEW development techniques in a hands-on format. The student will learn to develop data acquisition, instrument control, data-logging, and measurement analysis applications. He/she will be able to create applications using the state machine design pattern to acquire, process, display, and store real-world data. Core 2 is an extension of Core 1, and teaches the student to use common design patterns to successfully implement and distribute LabVIEW applications in research, engineering, and testing environments. Topics covered include the use of event-driven programming, programmatic control of user interface, techniques to optimize reuse of existing code, and use of file I/O functions and tools to create executables and installers.
There are supplementary computer laboratory sessions designed to provide hands on experience related to CCE 406 with a focal point on computer explorations in Digital Signal Processing.
These are supplementary problem solving sessions to accompany the CCE 411 course.
The course will equip students with a strong background of Radio Engineering and its applications in the Mobile Communications industry. The topics covered in this course are: Background of RF Engineering and Mobile Communications. Radio Wave Propagation (Coverage Analysis and Link Budgets). Multiple Access Technologies. Antennas for Mobile Communications. Traffic Analysis (Capacity Analysis). Frequency and PN Planning in Cellular Systems. RF Interference and Noise Reduction. Using Design Software for Propagation Modeling. Discussions of 2G, 3G and 4G Wireless Technologies. Practical Problem Solving Scenarios.
In this course, the students will learn the basics of designing, interfacing, configuring, and programming embedded systems. They will make use of the Arduino platform, which is an inexpensive, popular embedded system used by hobbyists, researchers, and in industry, to implement the techniques learned in class. They will also use the Raspberry Pi and learn how to program it. In addition, an introduction to FPGA systems will be included in this course. By the end of the course, the students will have mastered the basics of embedded system design and programming.
Seminar on research methodologies and preparation of senior design outline. The main concentration is on the planning and the design of CCE systems and software. Emphasis is placed on design philosophies, problem definition, project planning and budgeting, written and oral communication skills, teamwork, development of specifications, utilization of computer - aided design systems, and effective utilization of available resources.
Concentrates on design projects that were begun during the previous semester's design teams in CCE 497. The hardware of the assigned project will be completed, tested for the meeting of specifications and other requirements, and redesigned if necessary. Required software will be written, debugged and incorporated in a written report. The final results of the team project will be presented orally to the class and invited faculty in a publicized seminar.
This course deals with general chemical principles. The goal of this course is to provide knowledge on the basics of atomic structure, chemical bonds, chemical reactions, gases, solutions, reaction equilibria, with emphasis on the practical aspects of chemistry in numerous health-related situations.