Engineering

College of Science and Engineering
Dean: Sheldon Axler

School of Engineering
SCI 163
415-338-1174
E-mail: engineer@sfsu.edu
Director: Wenshen Pong

Graduate Coordinator: Hamid Shahnasser

Faculty

Professors—D'Orazio, Franco, Ganji, Holton, Hu, Krishnan, Liou, Pong, Shahnasser, Sinha, Tarakji

Associate Professor—Cheng, Enssani

Assistant Professors—Chen, Jiang, Mahmoodi, Teh

Programs

B.S. in Civil Engineering
B.S. in Computer Engineering
B.S. in Electrical Engineering
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering
Minor in Civil Engineering
Minor in Computer Engineering
Minor in Electrical Engineering
Minor in Mechanical Engineering
M.S. in Engineering: Concentration in Structural/Earthquakes
M.S. in Engineering: Concentration in Embedded Electrical and Computer Systems

Mission and Goals

The mission of the School of Engineering is to educate students from a diverse and multicultural population to become productive members of the engineering profession and society at large. Educational objectives in support of this mission depend upon the major program, and are stated below in the description of each program.

Program Scope

The School of Engineering offers Bachelor of Science programs in Civil, Computer, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering, as well as a minor program in each discipline. Descriptions of the four major and minor programs follow this general introduction.

Civil engineering is concerned with the building of civil and environmental facilities, which are essential for the commerce of our society. Civil engineers design and construct bridges, buildings, wastewater treatment plants, water supply facilities, hazardous waste facilities, and transportation systems. The program at San Francisco State University provides a broad and practical education which prepares students for civil engineering employment and (for those who qualify) for graduate studies.

Computer engineering combines electrical engineering and computer science and deals with the design and application of computer systems. These computer systems can range from super computers to tiny microprocessors that are embedded in all kinds of apparatus such as automobiles, appliances, cellular phones, medical devices, office equipment, etc. The computer engineering program teaches students about computer hardware, software, integration, interfacing and applications with a strong emphasis on analysis and design. Hence, students pursuing a computer engineering degree must have a solid foundation in mathematics and physical sciences. Students develop problem-solving and decision-making skills as well as an appreciation for the impact of technology in society. Graduates of the program can seek employment immediately, or can continue studies for an advanced degree in computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or other areas such as business, law, or medicine.

Electrical engineering is the profession that deals with the design and analysis of electrical and electronic devices and systems. This branch of engineering covers many diverse areas, including electrical power generation and distribution, the design and fabrication of electronic semiconductor devices, and the creation of components and systems for consumer, medical, telecommunications and many other applications. Graduates with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering have a number of options available to them. They may engage in the analysis, modeling, simulation, design, testing, manufacturing, or field services of electrical, electronic, or magnetic equipment. Persons interested in research, development, or college-level teaching may return to universities for advanced degrees in a specified area of electrical engineering.

Mechanical engineering is the field responsible for the design of machines and devices used throughout society. Industries involved in the generation of electricity; in petroleum production; and in the design and manufacture of electronics, aircraft, automobiles, consumer and industrial products typically employ large numbers of mechanical engineers. Mechanical engineers are also employed by companies involved in automated manufacturing as well as robotics and control. The program at San Francisco State University prepares the student to enter into professional employment directly after graduation in addition to providing the needed foundation for graduate study.

Recognizing the value to certain students majoring in science broadening their education to include applications of their backgrounds in science to real-world physical systems, four minors in engineering are offered.

The master’s program includes primary curricular areas of specialization in civil/structural and electrical/computer engineering from which the student may choose his/her program of study upon advisement. The objectives of the program are to provide students with the advanced engineering education necessary for solving complex problems in engineering practice and to provide opportunities for updating and upgrading the skills of practicing engineers. These objectives are accomplished by a flexible program to meet individual student needs.

Career Outlook

Graduates with a B.S. in Civil Engineering may engage in the design and construction of buildings, bridges, roads, dams, water supply facilities, and environmental facilities for treating wastewater and hazardous wastes. Civil engineers find employment with industrial firms, government agencies, utilities, and public works departments, as well as engineering firms which consult for these enterprises. After gaining practical experience, some civil engineers form their own consulting firms.

Computing engineering is the profession that deals with computer hardware/software design, integration, interfacing, and application. It is the fastest growing engineering profession, and it impacts all aspects of our lives. Since computers are everywhere, from super computers to embedded microprocessors, computer engineers are needed in design, development, testing, marketing, and technical support of a wide variety of industries. Examples of major industries that employ computer engineers include computers, semiconductors, instrumentation, communications, networks, medical equipment, manufacturing, automobile, etc.

Graduates with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering may engage in the analysis, modeling, simulation, design, testing, manufacturing, or field services of electrical, electronic, or magnetic equipment. They may also engage in the operation and maintenance of facilities for electrical power generation or telecommunication. High technology companies employ electrical engineers in the fields of electronic and computer manufacturing, as well as in power generation and communications.

Graduates with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering may immediately engage in the design, analysis, testing, production, and maintenance of machines and mechanical systems. Most industries such as aerospace, manufacturing, automotive, chemical, power generation, agriculture, food processing, textile, and mining employ mechanical engineers.

Engineers interested in research, development, or college-level teaching return to college for an M.S. or Ph.D. in their specified field. Engineers interested in management and business aspects may return to college for a Master of Business Administration.

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS IN ENGINEERING

Freshman applicants should complete four years of mathematics, one year of chemistry, and one year of physics in high school. Students are also encouraged to include courses in mechanical drawing and computer programming.

Community college transfers should complete the sequence of mathematics, chemistry, physics, and engineering courses listed in freshman and sophomore years under the "sample sequence of courses," if available at the community college.

The Bachelors of Science in Civil, Computer, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering require 132 semester units. Major requirements including mathematics, chemistry, and physics prerequisites are 99 units. For civil and mechanical engineering, 51 of the required units are lower division and 48 units are upper division. For electrical engineering, 50 of the required units are lower division and 49 units are upper division. For computer engineering, 47 of the required units are lower division and 52 units are upper division. The remaining 33 units satisfy the balance of the university requirements including communication skills and general education in humanities and social sciences. Students are advised that, except for some G.E. courses, all courses which are to be counted toward completion of an engineering degree must be taken for a letter grade; the CR/NC option may not be used in this context.

Recognizing the need of the professional engineer to participate in facets of problem solving that extend beyond technical and economic considerations, the General Education requirement for engineering students includes 33 units in courses other than mathematics, natural sciences, and business. Students have the option of following either the university General Education program or the School of Engineering General Education program. The School of Engineering G.E. program permits a student to use courses required for the engineering majors to satisfy some of the G.E. requirements, so that the total number of units outside of major requirements is reduced. Students should inquire at the School of Engineering office about the approved General Education requirements for engineering majors.

Courses are scheduled during the day as well as in the late afternoon and evening. Other information and assistance in selecting courses can be obtained from a major adviser in the School of Engineering, or by calling 415/338-1174, by e-mail to engineer@sfsu.edu, or by writing to School of Engineering, San Francisco State University, Science Building, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

The curriculum provides a broad-based common core of engineering science and the essential civil engineering subjects. The students conclude with 17 units of electives where primary emphasis is placed on design, practical applications, and computer solutions in selected areas of civil engineering. The Educational Objectives of the Civil Engineering program are to produce graduates who

• Effectively engage their skills and knowledge in analysis, design, communication, teamwork and professional practice to perform competently in engineering enterprises, while being aware of the economic, environmental, ethical and social factors affecting their work.
• Continue to develop their professional skills though lifelong learning, seek professional certification, and participate in professional societies.

At least 15 units of 400-level courses and engineering electives must be completed at SF State, except with prior approval from an adviser and the head of the civil engineering program. Upper-division courses in the major must be completed within ten years of graduation.

The number of units required for graduation and the General Education requirements are described in the Undergraduate Education section of this Bulletin. For information for all engineering students, see Undergraduate Programs in Engineering above.

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.

Upper Division Electives

Choice of upper division electives must present a clearly identifiable educational objective and ensure that the program requirements in engineering science and design are met by all students. Distribution of credit units among engineering science and design is given in the Advising Guide. A study plan of intended upper division electives must be approved by the student’s adviser and the program head of civil engineering prior to the seventh semester of the engineering program.

A total of 17 units from the following list of courses is required, subject to the minimum number of units specified for each group. Courses numbered 800 and above are available to qualified undergraduates.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER ENGINEERING

Computer engineering is a multidisciplinary field with roots in electrical engineering and computer science that has grown to become a separate discipline in itself. The program has two educational objectives:

• Graduates of SF State’s computer engineering program will use the analysis and design skills that they have acquired in their education to become productive, contributing engineers.
• Graduates of SF State’s computer engineering program will demonstrate the ability to work in teams, communicate effectively, and act in a professional and ethically responsible manner.

The first two years of the program are designed to build a strong background in mathematics and science to provide a basis for understanding the underlying analysis and modeling tools and physical principles that are common to all engineering. The last two years cover a rich set of hardware and software subjects to give students a broad background in computer engineering. This broad foundation enables students to adapt and extend their knowledge and skills more easily in the future. The curriculum also stresses problem solving skills and teamwork. Through electives, students can choose to develop further breadth or in-depth knowledge in one of three areas: embedded systems, network systems, or multimedia systems.

The number of units required for graduation and the General Education requirements are described in the Undergraduate Education section of this Bulletin. For information for all engineering students, see Undergraduate Programs in Engineering above.

A number of required and elective lecture courses in the computer engineering program have corresponding laboratory courses that students are either required or strongly encouraged to take concurrently. These course pairs are:

ENGR 205 (Electric Circuits) and
ENGR 206 (Circuits and Instrumentation Laboratory)

ENGR 353 (Electronics) and
ENGR 301 (Electronics Laboratory)

ENGR 356 (Basic Computer Architecture) and
ENGR 357 (Basic Digital Laboratory)

ENGR 447 (Control Systems) and
ENGR 446 (Control Systems Laboratory)

Students who drop or withdraw from any of these lecture courses must also drop or withdraw from the corresponding laboratory course, or they will be administratively dropped or withdrawn.

Upper Division Electives

Choice of upper division electives must demonstrate a clearly identifiable educational objective and have an adviser’s approval. A study plan of intended upper division electives must be approved by the student’s adviser and the program coordinator for computer engineering prior to registering for ENGR 696. In addition to ENGR 696 and ENGR 697, at least 18 of the senior-level (400 or above) computer engineering units must be completed at SF State. Upper division (300 or above) computer engineering courses must have been taken within five years of graduation.

A total of 9 units from the following list of courses is required.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

The required upper division courses provide a broad and basic understanding of the main fields in electrical engineering. Upon advisement, each student may choose an area of specialization in the senior year in communications, computers, electronics, control/robotics, or power engineering. The program has two educational objectives:

• Graduates of SF State’s electrical engineering program will use the analysis and design skills that they have acquired in their education to become productive, contributing engineers.
• Graduates of SF State’s electrical engineering program will demonstrate the ability to work in teams, communicate effectively, and act in a professional and ethically responsible manner.

The number of units required for graduation and the General Education requirements are described in the Undergraduate Education section of this Bulletin. For information for all engineering students, see Undergraduate Programs in Engineering above.

A number of required and elective lecture courses in the electrical engineering program have corresponding laboratory courses that students are either required or strongly encouraged to take concurrently. These course pairs are:

ENGR 205 (Electric Circuits) and
ENGR 206 (Circuits and Instrumentation Laboratory)

ENGR 305 (Linear Systems Analysis) and
ENGR 315 (Linear Systems Analysis Laboratory)

ENGR 353 (Electronics) and
ENGR 301 (Electronics Laboratory)

ENGR 356 (Basic Computer Architecture) and
ENGR 357 (Basic Digital Laboratory)

ENGR 415 (Mechatronics) and
ENGR 416 (Mechatronics Laboratory)

ENGR 447 (Control Systems) and
ENGR 446 (Control Systems Laboratory)

Students who drop or withdraw from any of these lecture courses must also drop or withdraw from the corresponding laboratory course, or they will be administratively dropped or withdrawn.

Upper Division Electives

Choice of upper division electives must present a clearly identifiable educational objective and ensure that the program requirements in engineering science and design are met by all students. Distribution of credit units among engineering science and design is given in the Advising Guide. A study plan of intended upper-division electives must be approved by the student’s adviser and the program coordinator for Electrical Engineering prior to the seventh semester of the engineering program and must include at least two senior-level laboratories. At least 15 of the 400-level engineering units must be completed at SF State. Upper division courses must have been taken within five years of graduation.

A total of 9 units of engineering electives and 3 units of technical electives from the following list of courses is required.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

The required courses provide a thorough grounding in the essentials of mechanical engineering. Elective courses taken as part of one of the areas of emphasis allow for specialization. The areas of emphasis currently offered are mechanical design, thermal-fluids systems, and robotics and control. The program has two educational objectives:

• Mechanical Engineering graduates will employ their skills in analysis, design, communication and teamwork to advance in the engineering profession, and will engage in lifelong learning in order to maintain currency in their field.
• Mechanical Engineering graduates will demonstrate professionalism, ethics and social awareness as they move into positions of increasing responsibility.

30 units must be earned in residence at SF State. 24 of these units must be upper division courses and 12 of these upper division units must be in the major.

The number of units required for graduation and the General Education requirements are described in the Undergraduate Education section of this Bulletin. For information common to all engineering students, see Undergraduate Programs in Engineering above.

Core Electives

Upper Division Electives

Choice of upper division electives must present a clearly identifiable educational objective and ensure that the program requirements in engineering science and design are met by all students. Distribution of credit units among engineering science and design is given in the Advising Guide. A study plan of intended upper division electives must be approved by the student’s adviser and the program head for mechanical engineering prior to the seventh semester of the engineering program.

A total of 13 units from the following list of courses is required, subject to the minimum number of units specified for each group.

MINOR IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

The purpose of the minor in Civil Engineering is to give students with sufficient background in mathematics, physics and chemistry, a fundamental understanding of the field of civil engineering. The minor should be of special interest to students in Geosciences (foundations and earthquake), Environmental Studies, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, and other engineering fields. Students interested in the Civil Engineering minor must meet with the Program Head of Civil Engineering and complete the Civil Engineering Minor Program Approval Form. Revision of the form requires the approval of the Program Head.

The minor is intended for students who have satisfied the following prerequisite requirements:

The minor may be satisfied by a minimum of 21 units (not including prerequisite units) distributed as follows:

To earn the Minor in Civil Engineering, a student must complete at least 12 of the required 21 core and elective units at SF State. Each of the courses in the minor must be taken for a letter grade (CR/NC is not acceptable).

MINOR IN COMPUTER ENGINEERING

The purpose of the Minor in Computer Engineering is to give students who are interested in the computer technology a good basic knowledge in software development, digital electronics, computer organization, and microprocessor applications. Additional knowledge in computer networks, multimedia systems, real-time systems, etc. may be acquired through electives. Students interested in the Computer Engineering minor must meet with the Program Head of Electrical and Computer Engineering and complete the Computer Engineering Minor Program Approval Form. Revision of the form requires the approval of the Program Head.

The minor is intended for students who have satisfied the following prerequisite requirements:

The minor may be satisfied by a minimum of 21 units (not including prerequisite units) distributed as follows:

To earn the Minor in Computer Engineering, a student must complete at least 12 of the required 21 core and elective units at SF State. Each of the courses in the minor must be taken for a letter grade (CR/NC is not acceptable).

MINOR IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

The purpose of the Minor in Electrical Engineering is to give students in other fields of study a good basic background in Electrical Engineering. The 16-unit core provides an introduction to four basic areas of modern Electrical Engineering – basic electrical circuit theory, electronics, linear signals and systems, and digital logic and computer architecture. Elective courses provide opportunities for additional breadth or depth in a particular area. Students interested in the Electrical Engineering minor must meet with the Program Head of Electrical and Computer Engineering and complete the Electrical Engineering Minor Program Approval Form. Revision of the form requires the approval of the Program Head.

The minor is intended for students who have satisfied the following prerequisite requirements:

The minor may be satisfied by a minimum of 22 units (not including prerequisite units) distributed as follows:

To earn the Minor in Electrical Engineering, a student must complete at least 12 of the required 22 core and elective units at SF State. Each of the courses in the minor must be taken for a letter grade (CR/NC is not acceptable).

MINOR IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

The purpose of the Minor in Mechanical Engineering is to give students from science and other branches of engineering the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of mechanical engineering, to broaden their understanding of science and engineering, and to prepare them for new technological developments such as material science and nanotechnology. Additional knowledge in control and robotics, mechanical design, or thermal-fluids may be acquired through electives. Students interested in the Mechanical Engineering minor must meet with the Program Head of Mechanical Engineering and complete the Mechanical Engineering Minor Program Approval Form. Revision of the form requires the approval of the Program Head.

The minor is intended for students who have satisfied the following prerequisite requirements:

The minor may be satisfied by a minimum of 21 units (not including prerequisite units) distributed as follows:

To earn the Minor in Mechanical Engineering, a student must complete at least 12 of the required 21 core and elective units at SF State. Each of the courses in the minor must be taken for a letter grade (CR/NC is not acceptable).

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ENGINEERING

Admission to the Program

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering, or a closely related discipline, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in upper division major classes, in addition to meeting general university requirements for graduate standing. The School of Engineering also requires two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the student’s previous academic work or professional accomplishments. Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores within the last three years are also required. A minimum score of 550 on the paper exam or 213 on the computer-based TOEFL is required for graduate applicants whose preparatory education was principally in a language other than English.

Advancement to Candidacy

The applicant is advanced to candidacy when the Advancement to Candidacy (ATC) has been signed and approved by the Dean of the Graduate Division.

Written English Proficiency Requirements

Level One: as a preadmission requirement, applicants must have satisfied one of the following: 1) a score of at least 4.0/6.0 on the GRE or GMAT Analytic Writing Assessment; 2) a score of at least 4.5/6.0 on the essay test of the paper-based [PBT] TOEFL (a minimum score of 24/30 on the Writing section of the Internet-based test[iBT] TOEFL); or 3) a score of at least 6.5/9.0 on the IELTS writing test, or a concordant score on the Pearson Test of English. An applicant that does not meet the above requirement may be conditionally accepted to the program but must complete SCI 614 within the first year of attendance at SF State in order to meet the Level One requirement. SCI 614 does not count toward the 30 unit MS course work requirement. Level Two: is satisfied by the completion of a written thesis (ENGR 898) or research project (ENGR 895).

Curriculum

The Master of Science degree in engineering is based on 30 semester units of which at least 21 units must be earned from graduate level courses. We expect that the Graduate Coordinator will work closely with individual students to develop a curriculum plan that ensures academic rigor while at the same time meeting the needs of the student. The curriculum includes 12 units of required engineering courses and a minimum of 6 units of elective engineering courses. A maximum of 6 units of elective non-engineering courses may be applied to the degree requirements with the consent of the graduate coordinator, if they are consistent with the student’s overall career objectives as provided in the program of study. There are two options for the culminating experience. One option is to first take a 3 unit research course (ENGR 897), and then a 3 unit thesis course (ENGR 898). The other option is to take a 3 unit applied research project course (ENGR 895).

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ENGINEERING:
CONCENTRATION IN STRUCTURAL/EARTHQUAKES

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ENGINEERING:
CONCENTRATION IN EMBEDDED ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER SYSTEMS