Information and Policies
Program Learning Outcomes
Student Outcomes
-
an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
-
an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
-
an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
-
an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
-
an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
-
an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
-
an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Academic Advising for the Program
The Baskin Engineering Undergraduate Advising office offers general advising for prospective and declared undergraduates majoring in Baskin 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
bsoeadvising@ucsc.edu
(831) 459-5840
Getting Started in the Major: Frosh
This major is highly course intensive and sequential; students who intend to pursue this major must begin taking classes for the major in their first quarter at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Math placement is required for one or more of the foundational courses for this major. For more information, please review the Math Placement website.
Transfer Information and Policy
Transfer students who want to pursue the robotics engineering major must have applied and been admitted to UC Santa Cruz as a proposed robotics engineering major.
Transfer Admission Screening Policy
Time to degree completion varies based on coursework completed prior to transfer. Students are strongly encouraged to complete all equivalent coursework available to them before transferring.
Please refer to the sample plans in the requirements and planners section. In most cases, students are not able to complete more than two upper-division classes per term. Contact the BE Advising office if you have questions regarding how long it will take to complete the degree requirements.
The following courses or their equivalents, are required prior to transfer by the end of spring term for students planning to enter in the fall.
First-year calculus
Both:
| MATH 19A | Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics | 5 |
| MATH 19B | Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics | 5 |
Linear Algebra
One of:
| AM 10 | Mathematical Methods for Engineers I | 5 |
| MATH 21 | Linear Algebra | 5 |
Differential equations
One of:
| AM 20 | Mathematical Methods for Engineers II | 5 |
| MATH 24 | Ordinary Differential Equations | 5 |
Calculus-based physics
Two quarters of calculus-based physics courses accepted as equivalent to:
| PHYS 5A | Introduction to Physics I | 5 |
| PHYS 5L | Introduction to Physics I Laboratory | 1 |
| PHYS 5C | Introduction to Physics III | 5 |
| PHYS 5N | Introduction to Physics Laboratory III | 1 |
Cumulative GPA
A minimum GPA of 2.8 must be obtained in the courses listed above.
Beginning fall of 2026, CSE 12 or an equivalent will be required prior to transfer
Computer systems
| CSE 12 | Computer Systems and Assembly Language and Lab | 7 |
Additionally
In addition, the following courses are recommended prior to transfer.
| MATH 23A | Vector Calculus | 5 |
| CSE 16 | Applied Discrete Mathematics | 5 |
| CSE 20 | Beginning Programming in Python | 5 |
| CSE 30 | Programming Abstractions: Python | 7 |
| ECE 101 | Introduction to Electronic Circuits | 5 |
| ECE 101L | Introduction to Electronic Circuits Laboratory | 2 |
Also, CSE 16, CSE 20, CSE 30, MATH 23A, ECE 13, ECE 101/ECE 101L, ECE 171/ECE 171L, STAT 131 and many general education requirements may be offered by UC Santa Cruz Summer Session and taken prior to starting the first fall quarter at UCSC.
Prospective students are encouraged to prioritize required and recommended major preparation prior to transfer, and may additionally complete courses that articulate to UC Santa Cruz general education requirements as time allows.
Getting Started in the Major: Transfer Students
Transfer students should declare their major in their first quarter at UC Santa Cruz. Instructions for declaring a major in Baskin Engineering are on the Declare Your Major page.
Major Qualification Policy and Declaration Process
Major Qualification
Transfer students should refer to the Transfer Admission Screening requirements.
In order to be admitted into the robotics engineering major students must be listed as a proposed major within Baskin Engineering. Please refer to the Baskin Engineering "Proposed Major Retention" and its "Declaring a Baskin Engineering Major" sections in the catalog or the BE Undergraduate Advising Prepare to Declare page for more information.
In addition to being listed as a proposed Baskin 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:
Take both of these courses:
| MATH 19A | Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics | 5 |
| MATH 19B | Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics | 5 |
Plus one of the following:
| AM 30 | Multivariate Calculus for Engineers | 5 |
| MATH 23A | Vector Calculus | 5 |
Plus one of the following:
| AM 10 | Mathematical Methods for Engineers I | 5 |
| MATH 21 | Linear Algebra | 5 |
And all of these courses:
| AM 20 | Mathematical Methods for Engineers II | 5 |
| ECE 9 | Statics and Mechanics of Materials | 5 |
| CSE 12 | Computer Systems and Assembly Language and Lab | 7 |
| CSE 16 | Applied Discrete Mathematics | 5 |
| CSE 30 | Programming Abstractions: Python | 7 |
| ECE 13 | Computer Systems and C Programming | 7 |
| PHYS 5A | Introduction to Physics I | 5 |
| PHYS 5L | Introduction to Physics I Laboratory | 1 |
| PHYS 5C | Introduction to Physics III | 5 |
| PHYS 5N | Introduction to Physics Laboratory III | 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.
NOTE: Students seeking to change their current major to the robotics engineering B.S. in their seventh through ninth quarters who have completed all of the lower-division major requirements, and have completed the four or more of the following upper-division classes and associated labs with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50 by their ninth quarter will also be admitted: ECE 101/ECE 101L, ECE 103/ECE 103L, ECE118, ECE121, ECE141, ECE167, STAT 131 or CSE 107, CSE 100/CSE 100L.
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 bsoeadvising@ucsc.edu.
More information regarding the appeal process can be found on the BE Undergraduate Advising Appeal Your Major page.
How to Declare a Major
Instructions for declaring a major in Baskin Engineering are on the Baskin Engineering Undergraduate Advising 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 Substitutions for Courses Taken at UCSC and Course Equivalencies and Substitutions Taken at an Outside Institution sections of the Baskin Engineering page of the catalog for the policy regarding course substitutions.
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.
Study Abroad
Four-Year Institutions and the UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP)
Students who intend to take a course at a four-year institution or UC Education Abroad, must submit a Course Substitution Petition to the BE Undergraduate Advising Office to have the course reviewed for equivalency. Courses that need to be reviewed must be accompanied by a course description and syllabus.
It is very helpful if students can provide further evidence of course content, such as examples of programming assignments, homework, or examinations. To guarantee equivalency, departments may sometimes require a grade of B or better. If the course is approved for equivalency, then the student must also receive approval by their major department PRIOR to taking the class. Forms and procedures for approval can be obtained from and submitted to the BE Undergraduate Advising Office.
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 Baskin 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 Baskin 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 Baskin Engineering section of the catalog for additional policies that apply to all Baskin Engineering programs.
Materials Fee and Miscellaneous Fees
Please see the section on fees under Baskin Engineering.
Requirements and Planners
Course Requirements
Completing the major declaration requirements in math and physics during the first two years is a priority to meet upper-division prerequisites. Although not required, it is recommended that students interested in the robotics engineering major take ECE 8, Introduction to Robot Automation. Please contact BE Advising if you have questions. 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 Engineering Undergraduate Advising office whether or not already completed coursework may be substituted for one or more lower-division requirements.
Either of the following:
| AM 10 | Mathematical Methods for Engineers I | 5 |
| MATH 21 | Linear Algebra | 5 |
And all the following:
| AM 20 | Mathematical Methods for Engineers II | 5 |
| CSE 12 | Computer Systems and Assembly Language and Lab | 7 |
And the following:
| CSE 20 | Beginning Programming in Python | 5 |
| CSE 30 | Programming Abstractions: Python | 7 |
Students with no prior programming will take CSE 20 before CSE 30. Students with a prior programming course, AP credit, or clearing the “Test-out” bar will start with CSE 30.
And either of the following:
| MATH 23A | Vector Calculus | 5 |
| AM 30 | Multivariate Calculus for Engineers | 5 |
And all the following courses:
| ECE 13 | Computer Systems and C Programming | 7 |
| CSE 16 | Applied Discrete Mathematics | 5 |
| MATH 19A | Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics | 5 |
| MATH 19B | Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics | 5 |
| PHYS 5A | Introduction to Physics I | 5 |
| PHYS 5L | Introduction to Physics I Laboratory | 1 |
| PHYS 5C | Introduction to Physics III | 5 |
| PHYS 5N | Introduction to Physics Laboratory III | 1 |
| ECE 9 | Statics and Mechanics of Materials | 5 |
| ECE 10 | Fundamentals of Robot Kinematics and Dynamics | 5 |
Upper-Division Courses
All of the following:
| CSE 100 | Logic Design | 5 |
| CSE 100L | Logic Design Laboratory | 2 |
| ECE 141 | Feedback Control Systems | 5 |
| ECE 167 | Sensing and Sensor Technologies | 7 |
| CSE 101 | Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms | 5 |
| ECE 101 | Introduction to Electronic Circuits | 5 |
| ECE 101L | Introduction to Electronic Circuits Laboratory | 2 |
| ECE 103 | Signals and Systems | 5 |
| ECE 103L | Signals and Systems Laboratory | 2 |
| ECE 118 | Introduction to Mechatronics | 10 |
| ECE 121 | Microcontroller System Design | 7 |
And either of the following:
| CSE 107 | Probability and Statistics for Engineers | 5 |
| STAT 131 | Introduction to Probability Theory | 5 |
Electives
Advanced Robotics Elective
One of the following:
| ECE 215 | Models of Robotic Manipulation | 5 |
| ECE 216 | Bio-Inspired Locomotion | 5 |
| ECE 240 | Introduction to Linear Dynamical Systems | 5 |
| ECE 242 | Applied Feedback Control | 5 |
| ECE 244 | Digital Control | 5 |
| ECE 245 | Estimation and Introduction to Control of Stochastic Processes | 5 |
| ECE 246 | Hybrid Dynamical Systems | 5 |
| ECE 249 | Introduction to Cyber-physical Systems | 5 |
Upper-Division and Graduate Elective
One course from the following (with a recommendation of ECE163):
| ECE 163 | Introduction to Small-Scale UAV Theory and Practice | 7 |
| AM 114 | Introduction to Dynamical Systems | 5 |
| ECE 145 | Estimation and Introduction to Control of Stochastic Processes | 5 |
| AM 147 | Computational Methods and Applications | 5 |
| CMPM 146 | Game AI | 5 |
| CSE 120 | Computer Architecture | 5 |
| CSE 113 | Parallel and Concurrent Programming | 5 |
| CSE 122 | Introduction to VLSI Digital System Design | 5 |
| CSE 125 | Logic Design with Verilog | 7 |
| CSE 165 | Human-Computer Interaction | 5 |
| CSE 150 | Introduction to Computer Networks | 7 |
| CSE 151 | Advanced Computer Networks | 5 |
| CSE 151L | Advanced Computer Networks Laboratory | 2 |
| CSE 156 | Network Programming | 5 |
| CSE 156L | Network Programming Laboratory | 2 |
| CSE 167 | Mobile Sensing and Interaction | 5 |
| CSE 106 | Applied Graph Theory and Algorithms | 5 |
| CSE 102 | Introduction to Analysis of Algorithms | 5 |
| CSE 110A | Fundamentals of Compiler Design I | 5 |
| CSE 110B | Fundamentals of Compiler Design II | 5 |
| CSE 111 | Advanced Programming | 5 |
| CSE 131 | Introduction to Operating Systems | 5 |
| CSE 112 | Comparative Programming Languages | 5 |
| CSE 115A | Introduction to Software Engineering | 5 |
| CSE 118 | Mobile Applications | 5 |
| CSE 132 | Computer Security | 5 |
| CSE 138 | Distributed Systems | 5 |
| CSE 103 | Computational Models | 5 |
| CSE 140 | Artificial Intelligence | 5 |
| CSE 142 | Machine Learning | 5 |
| CSE 160 | Introduction to Computer Graphics | 7 |
| CSE 161 | Introduction to Data Visualization | 5 |
| CSE 161L | Data Visualization Laboratory | 2 |
| CSE 180 | Database Systems I | 5 |
| CSE 181 | Database Systems II | 5 |
| CSE 183 | Web Applications | 5 |
| ECE 130 | Introduction to Optoelectronics and Photonics | 5 |
| ECE 130L | Introduction to Optoelectronics Laboratory | 1 |
| ECE 135 | Electromagnetic Fields and Waves | 5 |
| ECE 135L | Electromagnetic Fields and Waves Laboratory | 2 |
| ECE 102 | Properties of Materials | 5 |
| ECE 102L | Properties of Materials Laboratory | 2 |
| ECE 151 | Communications Systems | 5 |
| ECE 152 | Introduction to Wireless Communications | 5 |
| ECE 153 | Digital Signal Processing | 5 |
| ECE 171 | Analog Electronics | 5 |
| ECE 171L | Analog Electronics Laboratory | 2 |
| ECE 172 | Advanced Analog Circuits | 5 |
| ECE 173 | High-Speed Digital Design | 7 |
| ECE 175 | Energy Generation and Control | 5 |
| ECE 175L | Energy Generation and Control Laboratory | 2 |
| ECE 193 | Field Study | 5 |
| ECE 198 | Individual Study or Research | 5 |
| CSE 276 | Optimization 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:
Or these two courses:
10 credits for the senior thesis course, ECE 195, must be completed for this option.
Comprehensive Requirement
The senior comprehensive requirement for robotics engineering majors is in two parts: a project course and assessment options.
Capstone Requirement
Students must complete one capstone design course that spans three quarters
or complete the following courses:
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 and either the senior capstone report (ECE 129A/ECE 129B/ECE 129C) or the student’s senior thesis.
Planners
The tables below are for informational purposes and do not reflect all university, general education, and credit requirements. See Undergraduate Graduation Requirements for more information.
The following is a sample academic plan for incoming first-year students. Students who are unable to follow this planner should consult with ECE advisors for alternatives. Transfer students should seek advisement as their plans will vary depending on their lower-division courses.
Plan for Entering Frosh
| Year |
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
Summer |
| 1st |
MATH 19A |
MATH 19B |
CSE 12 |
|
| CSE 20 |
PHYS 5A &
PHYS 5L |
AM 10 |
|
| College 1 |
WRIT 1 (if neded) |
CSE 16 |
|
ECE 8* (recommended if
MATH 19A is completed) |
|
|
|
| 2nd
|
PHYS 5C &
PHYS 5N |
AM 20 |
ECE 13 |
Elective Option:
ECE 171 & ECE 171L
completes EE minor |
| AM 30 |
ECE 101 &
ECE 101L |
ECE 103 &
ECE 103L |
|
| CSE 30 |
WRIT 2** |
|
|
| 3rd |
CSE 100 &
CSE 100L |
ECE 121 |
ECE 118 |
|
|
CSE 107 or
STAT 131
|
ECE9 |
ECE 10 |
|
| ECE 8* (recommended) |
|
|
|
| 4th |
ECE 129A |
ECE 129B or
ECE 195 (thesis) |
ECE 129C or
ECE 195 (thesis) |
|
| ECE 141 |
ECE 167 |
Adv. Robo. Elective |
|
| CSE 101 |
|
Elective |
|
* MATH 19A is the priority for 1st-year students. ECE 8 is recommended for 1st-year students who have already earned credit for MATH 19A. Please consult with BE Advising if you have questions.
** WRIT 2 should be taken in or before spring quarter of the second year.
Electives and advanced robotics electives may only be offered once per year, and may have additional prerequisites.
Plan for Junior Transfer Students with completion of screening requirements for admission
| Year |
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
Summer |
| 2nd |
|
|
|
Summer Edge (optional)
(math recommended) |
| 3rd |
ECE 101 &
ECE 101L |
CSE 100 &
CSE 100L |
ECE 103 &
ECE 103L |
Elective Option:
ECE 171 & ECE 171L
completes EE minor |
| CSE 12 |
ECE 9 |
ECE 13 |
|
| CSE 16 |
CSE 20 |
AM 30 or
MATH 23A |
|
| 4th |
CSE 30 |
ECE 121 |
ECE 118 |
|
| ECE 141 |
CSE 107 or
STAT 131 |
ECE 10 |
|
| 5th |
ECE 129A |
ECE 129B or
ECE 195 (thesis) |
ECE 129C or
ECE 195 (thesis) |
|
Elective or
Adv. Robo. Elective |
ECE 167 |
Elective or
Adv. Robo. Elective |
|
| CSE 101 |
|
|
|
Electives and Advanced Robotics Electives may only be offered once per year, and may have additional prerequisites.
Plan for Junior Transfer Students with completion of all recommended coursework prior to transfer
| Year |
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
Summer |
| 2nd |
|
|
|
Summer Edge (optional) |
| 3rd |
ECE 103 &
ECE 103L |
Elective Option:
ECE 171 & ECE 171L
completes EE minor |
CSE 100 &
CSE 100L |
|
| ECE 13 |
ECE 9 |
ECE 10 |
|
| 4th |
CSE 101 |
ECE 121 |
ECE 118 (10 credits, not
recommended with other
upper-division coursewsork) |
|
| |
ECE 141 |
CSE 107 |
|
|
| 5th |
ECE 129A |
ECE 129B or
ECE 195 (thesis) |
ECE 129C or
ECE 195 (thesis) |
|
| Adv. Robo. Elective |
ECE 167 |
|
|
| |
|
Part Time Final Quarter |
|
Electives and Advanced Robotics Electives may only be offered once per year, and may have additional prerequisites.
Curriculum charts for all Baskin Engineering majors are available at the BE Undergraduate Advising Major Curriculum Charts page.