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
| MATH19A | Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics | 5 |
| MATH19B | Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics | 5 |
And one of these (whichever is completed first)
| AM30 | Multivariate Calculus for Engineers | 5 |
| OR | |
| MATH23A | Vector Calculus | 5 |
And one of these (whichever is completed first):
| AM10 | Mathematical Methods for Engineers I | 5 |
| MATH21 | Linear Algebra | 5 |
And all of these:
| AM20 | Mathematical Methods for Engineers II | 5 |
| ECE9 | Introduction to Statics, Dynamics, and Biomechanics | 5 |
| CSE12 | Computer Systems and Assembly Language | 5 |
| CSE12L | Computer Systems and Assembly Language Laboratory | 2 |
| CSE13E | Embedded Systems and C Programming | 7 |
| CSE16 | Applied Discrete Mathematics | 5 |
| CSE30 | Programming Abstractions: Python | 7 |
| PHYS5A | Introduction to Physics I | 5 |
| PHYS5L | Introduction to Physics Laboratory | 1 |
| PHYS5C | Introduction to Physics III | 5 |
| PHYS5N | Introduction 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:
| MATH19A | Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics | 5 |
| MATH19B | Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics | 5 |
| MATH23A | Vector Calculus | 5 |
| AM10 | Mathematical Methods for Engineers I | 5 |
| MATH21 | Linear Algebra | 5 |
| AM20 | Mathematical Methods for Engineers II | 5 |
| ECE9 | Introduction to Statics, Dynamics, and Biomechanics | 5 |
| CSE12 | Computer Systems and Assembly Language | 5 |
| CSE12L | Computer Systems and Assembly Language Laboratory | 2 |
| CSE13E | Embedded Systems and C Programming | 7 |
| CSE16 | Applied Discrete Mathematics | 5 |
| CSE30 | Programming Abstractions: Python | 7 |
| CSE15 | Introduction to Data Structures | 5 |
| CSE15L | Data Structures Laboratory | 2 |
| PHYS5A | Introduction to Physics I | 5 |
| PHYS5L | Introduction to Physics Laboratory | 1 |
| PHYS5C | Introduction to Physics III | 5 |
| PHYS5N | Introduction 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
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:
| AM10 | Mathematical Methods for Engineers I | 5 |
| MATH21 | Linear Algebra | 5 |
And all the following:
| AM20 | Mathematical Methods for Engineers II | 5 |
| CSE12 | Computer Systems and Assembly Language | 5 |
| CSE12L | Computer Systems and Assembly Language Laboratory | 2 |
And one of the following options:
If using CSE 15/CSE 15L to meet the requirement, the courses must be completed by Spring 2020.
And either of the following:
| MATH23A | Vector Calculus | 5 |
| AM30 | Multivariate Calculus for Engineers | 5 |
And all the following courses:
| CSE13E | Embedded Systems and C Programming | 7 |
| CSE16 | Applied Discrete Mathematics | 5 |
| MATH19A | Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics | 5 |
| MATH19B | Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics | 5 |
| PHYS5A | Introduction to Physics I | 5 |
| PHYS5L | Introduction to Physics Laboratory | 1 |
| PHYS5C | Introduction to Physics III | 5 |
| PHYS5N | Introduction to Physics Laboratory | 1 |
| ECE9 | Introduction to Statics, Dynamics, and Biomechanics | 5 |
| ECE10 | Fundamentals of Robot Kinematics and Dynamics | 5 |
Upper-Division Courses
All of the following:
| CSE100 | Logic Design | 5 |
| CSE100L | Logic Design Laboratory | 2 |
| CSE107 | Probability and Statistics for Engineers | 5 |
| CSE121 | Microprocessor System Design | 5 |
| CSE121L | Microprocessor System Design Laboratory | 2 |
| ECE141 | Feedback Control Systems | 5 |
| ECE167 | Sensing and Sensor Technologies | 5 |
| ECE167L | Sensing and Sensor Technologies Lab | 2 |
| CSE101 | Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms | 5 |
| ECE101 | Introduction to Electronic Circuits | 5 |
| ECE101L | Introduction to Electronic Circuits Laboratory | 2 |
| ECE103 | Signals and Systems | 5 |
| ECE103L | Signals and Systems Laboratory | 2 |
| ECE118 | Introduction to Mechatronics | 5 |
| ECE118L | Introduction to Mechatronics Laboratory | 2 |
Electives
Advanced Robotics Elective
One of the following:
| ECE215 | Models of Robotic Manipulation | 5 |
| ECE216 | Bio-Inspired Locomotion | 5 |
| ECE240 | Introduction to Linear Dynamical Systems | 5 |
| ECE242 | Applied Feedback Control | 5 |
| ECE244 | Digital Control | 5 |
| ECE245 | Estimation and Introduction to Control of Stochastic Processes | 5 |
| ECE246 | Hybrid Dynamical Systems | 5 |
| ECE249 | Introduction to Cyber-physical Systems | 5 |
Upper-Division and Graduate Elective
One course from the following:
| AM114 | Introduction to Dynamical Systems | 5 |
| ECE145 | Estimation and Introduction to Control of Stochastic Processes | 5 |
| AM147 | Computational Methods and Applications | 5 |
| CMPM146 | Game AI | 5 |
| CSE120 | Computer Architecture | 5 |
| CSE113 | Parallel and Concurrent Programming | 5 |
| CSE122 | Introduction to VLSI Digital System Design | 5 |
| CSE125 | Logic Design with Verilog | 5 |
| CSE125L | Logic Design with Verilog Laboratory | 2 |
| CSE165 | Human-Computer Interaction | 5 |
| CSE150 | Introduction to Computer Networks | 5 |
| CSE150L | Introduction to Computer Networks Laboratory | 2 |
| CSE151 | Advanced Computer Networks | 5 |
| CSE151L | Advanced Computer Networks Laboratory | 2 |
| ECE153 | Digital Signal Processing | 5 |
| CSE156 | Network Programming | 5 |
| CSE156L | Network Programming Laboratory | 2 |
| CSE167 | Mobile Sensing and Interaction | 5 |
| CSE106 | Applied Graph Theory and Algorithms | 5 |
| CSE102 | Introduction to Analysis of Algorithms | 5 |
| CSE110A | Fundamentals of Compiler Design I | 5 |
| CSE110B | Fundamentals of Compiler Design II | 5 |
| CSE111 | Advanced Programming | 5 |
| CSE131 | Introduction to Operating Systems | 5 |
| CSE112 | Comparative Programming Languages | 5 |
| CSE115A | Introduction to Software Engineering | 5 |
| CSE118 | Mobile Applications | 5 |
| CSE132 | Computer Security | 5 |
| CSE138 | Distributed Systems | 5 |
| CSE139 | Data Storage Systems | 5 |
| CSE103 | Computational Models | 5 |
| CSE140 | Artificial Intelligence | 5 |
| CSE142 | Machine Learning | 5 |
| CSE160 | Introduction to Computer Graphics | 5 |
| CSE160L | Introduction to Computer Graphics Laboratory | 2 |
| CSE161 | Introduction to Data Visualization | 5 |
| CSE161L | Data Visualization Laboratory | 2 |
| CSE180 | Database Systems I | 5 |
| CSE181 | Database Systems II | 5 |
| CSE183 | Web Applications | 5 |
| ECE130 | Introduction to Optoelectronics and Photonics | 5 |
| ECE130L | Introduction to Optoelectronics Laboratory | 1 |
| ECE135 | Electromagnetic Fields and Waves | 5 |
| ECE135L | Electromagnetic Fields and Waves Laboratory | 2 |
| ECE102 | Properties of Materials | 5 |
| ECE102L | Properties of Materials Laboratory | 2 |
| ECE151 | Communications Systems | 5 |
| ECE152 | Introduction to Wireless Communications | 5 |
| ECE153 | Digital Signal Processing | 5 |
| ECE171 | Analog Electronics | 5 |
| ECE171L | Analog Electronics Laboratory | 2 |
| ECE172 | Advanced Analog Circuits | 5 |
| ECE173 | High-Speed Digital Design | 5 |
| ECE173L | High-Speed Digital Design Laboratory | 2 |
| ECE175 | Energy Generation and Control | 5 |
| ECE175L | Energy Generation and Control Laboratory | 2 |
| ECE193 | Field Study | 5 |
| ECE198 | Individual Study or Research | 5 |
| CSE276 | 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
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/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).
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.
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.