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Robotics Engineering B.S.

Information and Policies

Academic Advising for the Program

The Baskin School of Engineering Undergraduate Advising office offers general advising for prospective and declared undergraduates majoring in School of Engineering programs. The office handles major declarations, transfer credits, course substitutions, articulations, and degree certifications.

Transfer students should also refer to the Transfer Information and Policy section.

Baskin Engineering Building, Room 225
advising@soe.ucsc.edu
(831) 459-5840

Program Learning Outcomes

For the Robotics Engineering B.S. degree, the PLOs are:

  • an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering;
  • an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints;
  • an ability to function effectively on teams that establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, and analyze risk and uncertainty;
  • an ability to communicate effectively; and
  • an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

Major Qualification Policy and Declaration Process

Major Qualification

In order to be admitted into the robotics engineering major students must be listed as a proposed major within the School of Engineering. Students in the engineering and computing cluster must propose a School of Engineering major before they can declare. Please refer to the School of Engineering's "Proposed Engineering Major Status" and its "Declaring a School of Engineering Major" sections in the catalog or the BSOE Undergraduate Affairs Prepare to Declare page for more information.

Transfer students should also refer to the Transfer Information and Policy.

In addition to being listed as a proposed School of Engineering major, declaration of the robotics engineering major in the first six quarters of enrollment at UC Santa Cruz is based on performance in the following lower-division courses and associated labs required for the major:

 

Both of these
MATH19ACalculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

5
MATH19BCalculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

5
And one of these (whichever is completed first)
AM30Multivariate Calculus for Engineers

5
OR
MATH23AVector Calculus

5
And one of these (whichever is completed first):
AM10Mathematical Methods for Engineers I

5
MATH21Linear Algebra

5
And all of these:
AM20Mathematical Methods for Engineers II

5
ECE9Introduction to Statics, Dynamics, and Biomechanics

5
CSE12Computer Systems and Assembly Language

5
CSE12LComputer Systems and Assembly Language Laboratory

2
CSE13EEmbedded Systems and C Programming

7
CSE16Applied Discrete Mathematics

5
CSE30Programming Abstractions: Python

7
PHYS5AIntroduction to Physics I

5
PHYS5LIntroduction to Physics Laboratory

1
PHYS5CIntroduction to Physics III

5
PHYS5NIntroduction to Physics Laboratory

1

Students in their first six quarters who have completed at least 41 credits in these courses will be admitted to the robotics major if their cumulative GPA is at least 2.8 in all the courses listed above; and they have attempted no more than seven credits resulting in grades of C-, D+, D, D-, F or NP in all of the courses listed above.

Appeal Process

Students who are informed that they are not eligible to declare may appeal this decision by submitting a letter to the undergraduate director within 15 days from the date the notification was mailed. Within 15 days of receipt of the appeal, the department will notify the student, the college, and the Office of the Registrar of the decision.

If you have further questions concerning the appeal process, please contact the Undergraduate Advising Office at (831) 459-5840 or email advising@soe.ucsc.edu.

More information regarding the appeal process can be found on the BSOE Undergraduate Affairs Appeal Your Major page.

How to Declare a Major

Instructions for declaring a major in the Baskin School of Engineering are on the school's Declare Your Major page.

Transfer Information and Policy

Transfer Admission Screening Policy

Students should complete at least seven courses excluding labs from the following list:

MATH19ACalculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

5
MATH19BCalculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

5
MATH23AVector Calculus

5
AM10Mathematical Methods for Engineers I

5
MATH21Linear Algebra

5
AM20Mathematical Methods for Engineers II

5
ECE9Introduction to Statics, Dynamics, and Biomechanics

5
CSE12Computer Systems and Assembly Language

5
CSE12LComputer Systems and Assembly Language Laboratory

2
CSE13EEmbedded Systems and C Programming

7
CSE16Applied Discrete Mathematics

5
CSE30Programming Abstractions: Python

7
CSE15Introduction to Data Structures

5
CSE15LData Structures Laboratory

2
PHYS5AIntroduction to Physics I

5
PHYS5LIntroduction to Physics Laboratory

1
PHYS5CIntroduction to Physics III

5
PHYS5NIntroduction to Physics Laboratory

1

AM 10 and MATH 21 are alternatives; only one or the other can count toward the seven courses.

CSE 30 and CSE 15/CSE 15L are alternatives; only one or the other can count toward the seven courses. CSE 15/CSE 15L must be taken by Spring 2020 to count toward the seven courses.

Their cumulative GPA should be at least 2.8 in all of the courses attempted. Prospective transfer students completing the 2019-20 criteria (published in the 2018-19 catalog) and applying for Fall 2020 will also have satisfied major preparation.

To ensure timely graduation, it is recommended (but not required) that all courses accepted as equivalent to lower-division course requirements be taken prior to transfer.

Students should consult assist.org to determine which courses at other institutions in California are transferable to UC Santa Cruz.

Getting Started at UCSC as a Transfer Student

Transfer students should declare their major in their first quarter at UC Santa Cruz. Instructions for declaring a major in the Baskin School of Engineering are on the Declare Your Major page.

Letter Grade Policy

The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department requires letter grading for all courses applied toward the B.S. in robotics engineering. This policy includes courses required for the degree that are sponsored by other departments.

Course Substitution Policy

Please refer to the School of Engineering section of the catalog for the policy regarding course substitution.

Double Majors and Major/Minor Combinations Policy

Students completing this major cannot also receive the computer engineering minor or the network and digital technology B.A. degree. They can only receive the computer engineering B.S. in a concentration other than robotics and control.

Honors

Majors are considered for “Honors in the Major” and “Highest Honors in the Major” based on their GPA and on results of undergraduate research and other significant contributions to the School of Engineering. Students with a GPA of 3.7 or higher, in most cases, receive highest honors. Students with a GPA of 3.3 or higher but less than 3.7, in most cases, receive honors. Students with particularly significant accomplishments in undergraduate research or contributions to the School of Engineering may be considered with a lower GPA. Robotics engineering juniors and seniors may also be eligible for election to the UC Santa Cruz chapter of Tau Beta Pi, the national engineering honor society founded in 1885.

School of Engineering Policies

Please refer to the School of Engineering section of the catalog for additional policies that apply to all School of Engineering programs.

Materials Fee and Miscellaneous Fees

Please see the section on fees under the School of Engineering.

Requirements and Planners
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Course Requirements

All students in the robotics engineering major must take the courses listed below. Although not required, it is strongly recommended that students interested in the robotics engineering major take ECE 8, Introduction to Robot Automation, in their first quarter. The senior comprehensive requirement for robotics engineering majors is satisfied by completion of the capstone course and the portfolio exit requirement. Students not making sufficient progress in the major may be recommended to change to another major.

Lower-Division Courses

Students who may have originally pursued another major should discuss with the Baskin School of Engineering Undergraduate Advising office whether or not already completed coursework may be substituted for one or more lower-division requirements.

Either of the following:
AM10Mathematical Methods for Engineers I

5
MATH21Linear Algebra

5
And all the following:
AM20Mathematical Methods for Engineers II

5
CSE12Computer Systems and Assembly Language

5
CSE12LComputer Systems and Assembly Language Laboratory

2
And one of the following options:
Either this course
CSE30Programming Abstractions: Python

7
or these courses
CSE15Introduction to Data Structures

5
CSE15LData Structures Laboratory

2

If using CSE 15/CSE 15L to meet the requirement, the courses must be completed by Spring 2020.

And either of the following:
MATH23AVector Calculus

5
AM30Multivariate Calculus for Engineers

5
And all the following courses:
CSE13EEmbedded Systems and C Programming

7
CSE16Applied Discrete Mathematics

5
MATH19ACalculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

5
MATH19BCalculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

5
PHYS5AIntroduction to Physics I

5
PHYS5LIntroduction to Physics Laboratory

1
PHYS5CIntroduction to Physics III

5
PHYS5NIntroduction to Physics Laboratory

1
ECE9Introduction to Statics, Dynamics, and Biomechanics

5
ECE10Fundamentals of Robot Kinematics and Dynamics

5

Upper-Division Courses

All of the following:

CSE100Logic Design

5
CSE100LLogic Design Laboratory

2
CSE107Probability and Statistics for Engineers

5
CSE121Microprocessor System Design

5
CSE121LMicroprocessor System Design Laboratory

2
ECE141Feedback Control Systems

5
ECE167Sensing and Sensor Technologies

5
ECE167LSensing and Sensor Technologies Lab

2
CSE101Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms

5
ECE101Introduction to Electronic Circuits

5
ECE101LIntroduction to Electronic Circuits Laboratory

2
ECE103Signals and Systems

5
ECE103LSignals and Systems Laboratory

2
ECE118Introduction to Mechatronics

5
ECE118LIntroduction to Mechatronics Laboratory

2

Electives

Advanced Robotics Elective

One of the following:

ECE215Models of Robotic Manipulation

5
ECE216Bio-Inspired Locomotion

5
ECE240Introduction to Linear Dynamical Systems

5
ECE242Applied Feedback Control

5
ECE244Digital Control

5
ECE245Estimation and Introduction to Control of Stochastic Processes

5
ECE246Hybrid Dynamical Systems

5
ECE249Introduction to Cyber-physical Systems

5
Upper-Division and Graduate Elective

One course from the following:

AM114Introduction to Dynamical Systems

5
ECE145Estimation and Introduction to Control of Stochastic Processes

5
AM147Computational Methods and Applications

5
CMPM146Game AI

5
CSE120Computer Architecture

5
CSE113Parallel and Concurrent Programming

5
CSE122Introduction to VLSI Digital System Design

5
CSE125Logic Design with Verilog

5
CSE125LLogic Design with Verilog Laboratory

2
CSE165Human-Computer Interaction

5
CSE150Introduction to Computer Networks

5
CSE150LIntroduction to Computer Networks Laboratory

2
CSE151Advanced Computer Networks

5
CSE151LAdvanced Computer Networks Laboratory

2
ECE153Digital Signal Processing

5
CSE156Network Programming

5
CSE156LNetwork Programming Laboratory

2
CSE167Mobile Sensing and Interaction

5
CSE106Applied Graph Theory and Algorithms

5
CSE102Introduction to Analysis of Algorithms

5
CSE110AFundamentals of Compiler Design I

5
CSE110BFundamentals of Compiler Design II

5
CSE111Advanced Programming

5
CSE131Introduction to Operating Systems

5
CSE112Comparative Programming Languages

5
CSE115AIntroduction to Software Engineering

5
CSE118Mobile Applications

5
CSE132Computer Security

5
CSE138Distributed Systems

5
CSE139Data Storage Systems

5
CSE103Computational Models

5
CSE140Artificial Intelligence

5
CSE142Machine Learning

5
CSE160Introduction to Computer Graphics

5
CSE160LIntroduction to Computer Graphics Laboratory

2
CSE161Introduction to Data Visualization

5
CSE161LData Visualization Laboratory

2
CSE180Database Systems I

5
CSE181Database Systems II

5
CSE183Web Applications

5
ECE130Introduction to Optoelectronics and Photonics

5
ECE130LIntroduction to Optoelectronics Laboratory

1
ECE135Electromagnetic Fields and Waves

5
ECE135LElectromagnetic Fields and Waves Laboratory

2
ECE102Properties of Materials

5
ECE102LProperties of Materials Laboratory

2
ECE151Communications Systems

5
ECE152Introduction to Wireless Communications

5
ECE153Digital Signal Processing

5
ECE171Analog Electronics

5
ECE171LAnalog Electronics Laboratory

2
ECE172Advanced Analog Circuits

5
ECE173High-Speed Digital Design

5
ECE173LHigh-Speed Digital Design Laboratory

2
ECE175Energy Generation and Control

5
ECE175LEnergy Generation and Control Laboratory

2
ECE193Field Study

5
ECE198Individual Study or Research

5
CSE276Optimization Theory and Applications

5

Lecture and required concurrent lab course counts as one course.

Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement

Students in all majors must satisfy that major's upper-division Disciplinary Communication (DC) requirement. The DC requirement in robotics is satisfied by completing the senior capstone course sequence:

Either these three courses:
ECE129ACapstone Project I

5
ECE129BCapstone Project II

5
ECE129CCapstone Project III

5
Or these two courses:
ECE129ACapstone Project I

5
ECE195Senior Thesis Research

5

10 credits for the senior thesis course, ECE 195, must be completed for this option.

Comprehensive Requirement

Capstone Requirement
Students must complete one capstone design course that spans three quarters
ECE129ACapstone Project I

5
ECE129BCapstone Project II

5
ECE129CCapstone Project III

5
or complete the following courses:
ECE129ACapstone Project I

5
ECE195Senior Thesis Research

5

10 credits for the senior thesis course, ECE 195, must be completed for this option.

Exit Requirement

Students are required to complete an exit survey and attend an exit interview. Portfolios of the students work will be collected from our courses for program evaluation. The portfolios will be reviewed by the Electrical and Computer Engineering undergraduate committee and will include two project reports: ECE 118/ECE 118L and either the senior capstone report (ECE 129A/ECE 129B/ECE 129C) or the student’s senior thesis.

Planners

Four-Year Planner for Robotics Engineering

Below is a sample academic plan for students majoring in robotics engineering. The plan for the third and fourth years will vary according to the electives and capstone selected. As part of the major declaration process students prepare a four-year plan and the selected electives may affect the placement of other courses as well. Careful planning at the time of declaration is required to complete the degree within four years. General education requirements that are not covered in the four-year planner are: CC (Cross-Cultural Analysis), ER (Ethnicity and Race), IM (Interpreting Arts and Media), TA (Textual Analysis), PE (Perspective), and C (Composition).

Year Fall Winter Spring 
1st (frosh)

 MATH 19A MATH 19B MATH 23A 

ECE 8 (optional)
 CSE 12 & CSE 12L
 CSE 13E 
       
2nd (soph) PHYS 5A & PHYS 5L  ECE 9  ECE 10

AM 10  AM 20
 CSE 16

CSE 15 & CSE 15L or
CSE 30
 PHYS 5C & PHYS 5N
  
3rd (junior) ECE 101 & ECE 101L  CSE 100 & CSE 100L  Elective 
  CSE 101
 CSE 107
 CSE 121 & CSE 121L 
      ECE 103 & ECE 103L 
4th (senior)  ECE 129A  ECE 129B  ECE 129C 

ECE 141
 ECE 167 & ECE 167L
 Advanced elective 
  ECE 118 & ECE 118L     

Three of the upper-division electives must be taken in the student’s concentration.

Plan for Junior Transfers

Below is a sample academic plan for students transferring to UC Santa Cruz in robotics engineering for their junior year. It assumes that all lower-division course requirements have already been satisfied, except possibly ECE 10. The plan for the third and fourth years will vary according to the electives and capstone selected. As part of the major declaration process students prepare a plan and the selected electives may affect the placement of other courses as well. Carefully planning at the time of declaration is required to complete the degree within two years.

This planner assumes that most general education courses have been completed before coming to UCSC.

Year  Fall  Winter  Spring 
3rd (junior)  ECE 101 & ECE 101L  CSE 107  CSE 121 & CSE 121L

CSE 101
 CSE 100 & CSE 100L  ECE 103 & ECE 103L
 
Elective   
4th (senior)  ECE 129A  ECE 129B  ECE 129C 

ECE 141
 ECE 167 & ECE 167L
 Advanced elective 

ECE 118 & ECE 118L     

Three of the upper-division electives must be taken in the student’s concentration.

Curriculum charts for all BSOE majors are available at the department's Major Curriculum Charts page.