Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Electrical and Electronic)

Electrical and electronic engineers do so much more than keep the lights on!

From smart devices to medical imagery and defence technologies, electrical and electronic engineering contributes to every aspect of modern life.The University of Adelaide is the only South Australian university in the world’s top 50 for electrical and electronic engineering*.

We set you up for a range of global career options in a field that’s leading technological change.

The first two years of this program establish a deeper understanding of mathematics, physics and computer programming. They also cover the basic principles of themes that will be developed throughout the program: digital and embedded systems, electronic circuits and signals, electrical systems, and professional practice and systems engineering. This common foundation means that all graduates have the opportunity to work in many specialist areas, and are prepared with lifelong learning skills so that they are able to change specialisations over the course of their careers. At the end of the second year, students have the opportunity to select a major from a wide range of topics. A major is a great way to specialise and pursue topics of interest without narrowing future options. All graduates—irrespective of major—qualify as electrical and electronic engineers and can pursue a career in any specialist field within the profession. Majors are available in Communication Systems, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, Defence Systems, Medical Technologies, Renewable Energy, and Smart Technologies. Completion of a minor introduces students to an aligned field where there technical knowledge can be applied. This allows students to explore career opportunities in these areas. Minors are available in Entrepreneurship and Humanitarian engineering. Students are required to complete eight weeks of approved practical experience.

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

The first two years of this program are common across the majors and establish a deeper understanding of mathematics, physics and computer programming. They also cover the basic principles of themes that will be developed throughout the program; digital and embedded systems, electronic circuits and signals, electrical systems, and professional practice and systems engineering. This common foundation means that all graduates have the opportunity to work in many specialist areas, and are prepared with lifelong learning skills so that they are able to change specialisations over the course of their careers. At the end of the second year, students have the opportunity to select a major from a wide range of topics. Each major has specified core courses and a pool of relevant elective courses. All students undertake advanced professional practice and systems engineering subjects. The final year includes a capstone research project, relevant to the student’s major, which further develops research, technical and professional skills. As being a professional engineer is about more than just technical specialisation, students in the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical and Electronic) undertake three broadening electives as part of their degree. These can be used to study a language, to learn more about business and economics, to gain a greater understanding of general science or even to develop communication and interpersonal skills, which can strengthen a graduate’s employability Students are required to complete eight weeks of approved practical experience.

Areas of Specialisation

MajorsA major is a great way to specialise and pursue topics of interest without narrowing future career options. All graduates of this degree—irrespective of their major—qualify as electrical and electronic engineers, and can pursue careers across computer architecture, computer networks and digital microelectronics.Majors are available across the following areas:Communication SystemsCommunication systems engineers design and manage complex hardware and software, such as mobile, Internet and broadcast networks. In this major, students develop skills to work in industries including defence, mobile phone networks, satellite communications, and infrastructure systems.Computer EngineeringThe Computer Engineering major focuses on the design, development and use of computers to control devices, equipment and processes, including robots, automated infrastructure, and autonomous devices. Graduates can secure jobs in fields such as industrial automation, logistics, and e-commerce.CybersecurityCybersecurity is a high-growth industry. As more devices and systems are connecting to the Internet—creating the Internet of Things —employers are increasingly seeking graduates who can develop secure and robust systems. In this major, students learn from industry experts and can undertake international study opportunities, such as a cybersecurity tour of Estonia.Defence SystemsSouth Australia is Australia’s defence state and home to many important defence investments and industries, including shipbuilding and the over-the-horizon radar project. Electrical and electronic engineers are critical to the future of Australia’s defence capabilities, and this major is ideal for launching a career in the field.Medical TechnologiesThe Medical Technologies major offers a broad choice of study across physiology and the health sciences. It covers the use of electronic sensors and information processing in medical research, diagnosis and treatment. Students learn from experts in the field, work on practical projects, and use technologies such as implantable devices, medical instrumentation, and medical imaging.Renewable EnergyThe Renewable Energy major exposes students to a broad range of engineering and regulatory topics, and prepares them for careers in a rapidly changing industry. Students develop the skills and knowledge required to work with current and future energy infrastructure. Courses cover electric power systems and renewable energy technologies.Smart TechnologiesThe cross-disciplinary Smart Technologies major prepares students for careers in the fascinating field of artificial intelligence, and provides a broader perspective than direct artificial intelligence or electronics majors. Courses cover physical electronic devices and virtual sensor signal analysis, algorithms, and artificial intelligence systems.MinorsCompletion of a minor introduces students to an aligned field in which their technical knowledge can be applied, and enables them to explore career opportunities in the area.Minors are available in the following:EntrepreneurshipTake the technical knowledge from the degree and create ventures in areas from large corporations, to small businesses, the not-for-profit sector, and community organisations through an Entrepreneurship minor. All technology advances in the past decade were once an idea that is now a reality through entrepreneurs. Students learn the processes, risks, rewards, motivations and societal impacts of innovation and entrepreneurship within regional, national and global perspectives.HumanitarianLearn how to work in emergency and humanitarian fields while having a positive global impact on developing populations through the Humanitarian Engineering minor. Students conduct design work with a focus on culture, economic background, and political climate, while developing a strong awareness of communities and the people who reside in them. Graduates are equipped to solve problems in complex environments, allowing them to make real-world change.

Example Study Plan

Study plans are available on the Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences website.

Assessment

Assessment can vary from course to course and can include a combination of class work, tutorials, assignments, laboratory work, quizzes, project work and exams.

For those who are based in Adelaide, we will be offering a blended delivery mode that combines face-to-face with remote learning in as many courses as possible, taking into consideration social distancing and hygiene. All lectures will continue to be delivered online for the remainder of the year, with some exceptions.

For our students who are studying offshore for the remainder of the 2020 Academic Year, the University will continue to offer high-quality access to the learning resources remotely. This includes all lectures, tutorials and other support material. Students will be advised in advance if there are course components that cannot be provided in remote mode and, wherever possible, offered alternative courses.

Career Readiness

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Industry Placement

Professional Accreditation

Engineers Australia

Potential careers

Mechatronic Engineer, Machinist, Medical Device Developer, Medical Technician, Automotive Engineer, Avionics Engineer, Biomedical Engineer, Biotechnologist, Biotechnology, Biotechnology Engineer, Nanotechnologist, Network Engineer, Networking Specialist, Communications Engineer, Communications Technologist, Computer Hardware Engineer, Consultant Engineer, Power Distribution Engineer, Power Generation Engineer, Process Engineer, Cyber Defender, Cyber Intelligence Expert, ...