Graduate Courses

These guidelines are set forth to inform all new graduate students of the policies of the Department, including the use of departmental supplies and facilities and to elaborate on the rules for the M.S. degree as set forth in the Graduate Catalog. They are not intended to replace the rules as stated in the Graduate Catalog. Any suggestions for corrections or for additional information which should be included in future revisions would be appreciated.

 

Last Updated 6/17/03

1.0 INTRODUCTION

2.0 UNIVERSITY RULES

2.1 Academic Regulations
2.2 Special Students
2.3 800- and 900-level Courses
2.4 700-level Courses
2.5 Grades
2.6 AF Grades
2.7 C, C+ Grades
2.8 Credit/Fail Grades
2.9 Audit Grades
2.10 Incomplete Grades
2.11 W Grades
2.12 Academic Standards
2.13 Dual Credit
2.14 Transfer Credit
2.15 Special Student Credits
2.16 Off-Campus Courses
2.17 Twelve-Credit Rule
2.18 Exceptions to the 12-Credit Rule

3.0 MASTERS DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Academic and Thesis Advisor
3.2 Credits
3.3 MS Degree "Technical Presentation" Requirement
3.4 Residency
3.5 Masters Continuing Enrollment
3.6 Time Limit
3.7 Thesis Option
3.7.1 Thesis Credit
3.7.2 Thesis Committee
3.7.3 Submission of Thesis

4.0 DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Credits
4.2 Grade Point Average
4.3 Residency
4.4 Doctoral Research
4.5 Guidance Committee
4.6 Preliminary and Comprehensive Examinations
4.6.1 Preliminary Exam
4.6.2 Comprehensive Exam
4.7 Language/Research Tool Requirement
4.8 Degree Candidacy
4.9 Doctoral Committee
4.10 Time Limit
4.11 Dissertation
4.12 Final Defense
4.13 Submission of Dissertation
4.14 Graduation

5.0 TEACHING AND RESEARCH ASSISTANT RULES

5.1 Teaching Assistant (TA)
5.1.1 General Guidelines
5.1.2 Laboratory Teaching
5.1.3 Recitation Teaching
5.1.4 Grading
5.2 Research (Project) Assistants (RA)

6.0 GENERAL DEPARTMENT RULES

6.1 Telephone
6.2 Secretarial Time
6.3 Building and Office Keys
6.4 Research Equipment and Instruments
6.5 Computer Usage
6.6 Departmental Library

7.0 ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-BSEE STUDENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION

This manual is intended to provide the new Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) graduate student with specific information regarding both University and ECE Department rules and regulations. A student should use this as a guide when questions arise regarding any policies governing graduate students. If a graduate student cannot find the answer to a particular question within this document, the student should see the Graduate Coordinator for the ECE Department.

This document is divided into several sections. Section Two contains University rules, and where necessary ECE specific rules. The general rules apply to all graduate students who attend the University of New Hampshire (UNH) while the ECE specific rules apply only to ECE graduate students. Section Three describes both University and ECE Department requirements for the Masters degree. Section Four describes both University and ECE Department requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy degree. Section Five presents rules and guidelines for teaching assistants (TAs) and research assistants (RAs) within the ECE department. Finally, Section Six provides information on general departmental rules and regulations, while Section Seven indicates M.S. program pre-requisites for non-BSEE undergraduates.

 

2.0 UNIVERSITY RULES

It is the student's responsibility to become familiar with the academic regulations and degree requirements of the Graduate School as well as any requirements of his or her own academic program. The general requirements of the Graduate School are found in the Graduate Catalog. Some of those requirements are reproduced here, however, for a complete listing of Graduate School rules the student is referred to the Graduate Catalog.

 

2.1 Academic Regulations

Graduate credits may be earned in courses numbered from 800 through 999. The faculty of each graduate program prescribes the courses that make up the degree program. In addition, the Graduate School has general requirements for Masters and doctoral degree programs.

 

2.2 Special Students

Special Students are individuals holding baccalaureate degrees and register for graduate courses on campus through the Division of Continuing Education, or for graduate courses off campus through the University of New Hampshire at Manchester, the Nashua Graduate Center, or the School for Lifelong Learning. Special students are not required to file an application for admission to the Graduate School and are not candidates for a graduate degree. Special Students are not normally permitted to register as full-time students.
 

2.3 800- and 900-level Courses

These courses are offered for graduate credit only and therefore are open only to admitted or special graduate students.

 

2.4 700-level Courses

These are advanced undergraduate courses. Up to 12 credits earned in 700-level courses may be taken for graduate credit by a graduate degree student, provided such courses are approved by the student's advisor, Graduate Program Coordinator, and the dean of the Graduate School, and provided they are given in a department other than the one in which the student is earning the degree. Such courses must be taken for a letter grade.

 

ECE Specific:

Normally EE 700 level courses are dual listed as both 700 and 800 level. EE students cannot receive graduate credit for any EE courses taken at the 700 level. A graduate student considering taking a dual listed courses should register for the 800 graduate level.

 

2.5 Grades

The following grades are used at the University: A,A-,B+,B,B-,C+,C,C-,D+,D,D-,F. Graduate credit is normally granted only for coursework completed with a grade of B- or higher. Individual programs may have stricter requirements for major courses. Grade points and averages are not calculated on the academic record for graduate students.

 

2.6 AF Grades

An "AF" grade, Administrative F, is assigned for failure either to drop or complete the course. An "AF" is considered a failing grade by the Graduate School.

 

2.7 C, C+ Grades

The Dean of the Graduate School may, under limited conditions, approve up to 8 credits of C or C+ grades for graduate credit. When a student's Advisory Committee or a student's advisor, in conjunction with the appropriate departmental committee, wishes to recommend that credit be given for work completed with a C or C+, the Advisory Committee shall forward its recommendation, with appropriate justification, to the Dean of the Graduate School within one month after conclusion of the course. Normally these courses will be elective courses outside the student's major area.

 

2.8 Credit/Fail Grades

A "CR" grade is given for complete, approved theses and dissertations, as well as other approved courses and seminars.

A graduate student may petition to take graduate independent study courses (800/900 level) as well as undergraduate courses on a credit/fail basis. Such a petition must be approved by the end of the add period for the term the course is taken. Courses at the 700 level approved for graduate credit cannot be taken for credit/fail.

 

2.9 Audit Grades

An "AU" grade is assigned for completion of courses for which audit approval was granted. No credit is earned.

 

2.10 Incomplete Grades

An "IC" grade is assigned with the approval of the instructor for excused unfinished work only. The work must be completed and submitted to the instructor by the last day of classes of the semester immediately following the one in which the incomplete was granted (800- and 900-level courses only; mid-semester for 400-, 500-, 600-, and 700-level courses). A petition requesting an extension of time, approved by the instructor, may be submitted to the Dean of the Graduate School by the appropriate deadline. An extension will be granted by the Dean only under unusual circumstances. An incomplete grade automatically becomes an F if not removed or if a petition for an extension is not approved within the allowed time period. This policy also applies to students who withdraw from the University or who are not currently registered.

An "IA" grade is assigned for approved continuing courses such as thesis or doctoral research and remains on the record until the course requirements are completed.

 

2.11 W Grades

If a student withdraws from school or drops a course prior to the fifth Friday of classes, the course(s) will not appear on the student's permanent record. If a student withdraws from school or, for compelling non-academic reasons, submits an approved petition to drop a course after the fifth Friday of classes, a notation of "W" will be shown on the student's academic record. If the withdrawal or drop is after mid-semester, a "WP" or "WF" is shown on the record. A "WF" is considered a failing grade.

 

2.12 Academic Standards

Grades below the B- level, including grades of C or C+ that may have been approved for graduate credit, will, for the purposes of determining academic standing, be considered failing grades. Failing grades (below B-) received in undergraduate courses taken while the student is in the Graduate School are counted in the cumulative total of failing credits.

Graduate students receiving failing grades in 9 or more credits will be dismissed from the Graduate School. Students on a conditional status must meet the conditions as stated in the letter of admission in order to remain in the Graduate School.

Each individual program may set and announce standards for coursework and research achievements that are more rigorous that the Graduate School standard. Thus, students may be dismissed if they accumulate less than 9 credits of failing grades and/or fail to make adequate progress in other aspects of their graduate program.

 

2.13 Dual Credit

University of New Hampshire seniors who have been admitted to the Graduate School under early admission may, upon recommendation of the department and approval of the Graduate School, be allowed to count credits toward both a bachelor's and masters degree, for a maximum of two graduate-level courses. Dual credit forms must be completed and approved by the Dean of the Graduate School at the beginning of the semester for which dual credit is sought. Dual credit forms are available at the Graduate School.

 

2.14 Transfer Credit

Candidates for the Masters degree and the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (C.A.G.S.) may request that up to 6 semester

credit hours of resident courses completed on the campus of an accredited institution authorized to grant graduate degrees be transferred to count toward their graduate program. All courses presented for transfer must have been completed with a grade of B or better and must have been taken for graduate credit. Courses cannot be transferred for credit if used in earning another degree. Transfer of credits must be recommended by the program faculty and approved by the Dean of the Graduate School. Students taking courses at another university for transfer after enrolling at UNH should obtain approval of their adviser and the Dean of the Graduate School prior to enrolling in the course. Since the doctoral degree does not require a specific number of courses, credits are not normally transferred onto doctoral students' academic records.

 

2.15 Special Student Credits

The Special-Credit Rule states that a maximum of 12 credits earned in University of New Hampshire graduate courses by a special student may, upon recommendation of the program faculty and approval of the Dean of the Graduate School, be applied to a student's degree program. The 12-credit limitation applies to all courses completed or in progress on the date when the official letter of admission is written. This number can be reduced if transfer credits are also applied.

 

2.16 Off-Campus Courses

Credits earned off campus will be applied toward a graduate degree only if recommended by the major department and approved by the Graduate School. UNH courses offered off campus that are not listed in the Graduate Catalog or specifically approved by the Dean of the Graduate School will not be approved for graduate credit.

 

2.17 Twelve-Credit Rule

A maximum of 12 credits, not including thesis, may be earned in UNH courses taken off the Durham campus. Credits earned off campus by a special graduate student will be counted as part of the 12 credits allowed.

 

2.18 Exceptions to the 12-Credit Rule

Students who are admitted to external graduate degree programs (a listing of approved UNH programs is available at the Graduate School) are exempt from the 12-credit rule.

Students who are admitted to all other graduate degree programs are subject to the 12-credit rule. Exceptions for these students may be granted on a course-by-course basis. Courses taught by regular members of the graduate faculty of UNH may be approved for exception to the 12-credit rule. The Graduate School maintains a list of the approved courses. It is the responsibility of a student who has reached the 12-credit maximum to check with his/her advisor to see if the desired course(s) can be applied toward his/her degree program, and with the Graduate School to see if the course has been approved for exception to the 12-credit rule.

 
3.0 MASTERS DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
 

3.1 Academic and Thesis Advisor

When a student is accepted into the Electrical Engineering Master of Science (MS) program, a faculty member is appointed to be the student's Academic Advisor. The role of the Academic Advisor is to help the Masters student structure a program that will address the goals of the student. This typically includes identifying courses of interest to the student and organizing them into the educational program. Not all graduate courses may be taught exactly when students may want them. Modifications to the student's program will be necessary depending upon the graduate courses offered from semester to semester. Careful preparation of the student's tentative program and attention given to alternative course identification will help ensure a smooth program for the student. In addition to course planning, the Academic Advisor will help the student identify faculty members who are working in research areas that may be of interest. It is essential that students begin to identify areas of research interest as soon as possible after arrival at UNH. This is usually begun through discussion with the student's Academic Advisor, who directs the student to other appropriate faculty members.

A student should set up an appointment with the Academic Advisor that has been assigned as soon as possible after arrival at UNH. Prior to this meeting, the student should have mapped out a preliminary educational plan for the Masters degree. This plan should include courses that the student is interested in taking and a tentative chronological schedule for completing them. It is up to the student to identify a faculty sponsor who is willing to act as the advisor for a thesis topic. A faculty member is not obligated to work with a student on a thesis topic. The student should seek out and talk with faculty working in areas of interest to the student by the end of the first semester in graduate school. By the end of the student's second semester of graduate school the student should have a Thesis advisor who is willing to work with the student. The Thesis advisor need not be the same as the Academic Advisor. If these guidelines are followed, a Masters student should be able (and is expected) to complete the MS degree within two years.

 

3.2 Credits

General:
A minimum of 30 graduate credits are required for all Masters degrees. The student must take a minimum of 24 credits of course work and the thesis, which is equal to 6 credits of course work. Graduate credits are normally earned in courses numbered 800-999. Up to 12 credits earned in courses numbered 700-799 may be taken for graduate credit by Masters degree students provided the courses are approved by the Dean of the Graduate School and given in a department other than the one in which the degree is earned. A maximum of 12 credits taken by a student prior to admission can be applied to a degree program.

ECE Specific:
Each student meets with the assigned Academic Advisor to set up a program of study. No specific course requirements are mandated for the Masters degree. However, a minimum of 12 credits of 900-level courses are required for graduation. The 12 credit requirement does not include thesis credits. These 12 credits are typically taken in the Electrical Engineering Department. However, under certain circumstances it may be desirable to take courses outside the Department to attain the goals outlined in the student's program of study. In these cases, up to two 900 level courses outside of the Department are allowed without petition, provided that they are approved by the student's Academic Advisor and that the student take at least two 900 level courses (neither of which may be independent studies) within the Department. A student wishing to take more than two courses (either 800 or 900 level) outside the Department must petition the Graduate Committee.

 

3.3 MS Degree "Technical Presentation" Requirement

Every Masters candidate is required to complete two "technical presentation" experiences before graduation. The four most common types of "technical presentations" are:

  1. Presentation of a technical lecture (25 minutes or longer) as part of the requirements for a course in which the student is enrolled.
  2. Presentation of a technical lecture in a course as a "stand in" for the faculty member in charge.
  3. Presentation of a technical seminar at UNH or to a public group or industry (neither the M.S. thesis defense nor the EE995 oral project examination can be used to satisfy a technical presentation requirement).
  4. Presentation of a research paper at a professional technical conference.

It is the responsibility of the student to satisfy this requirement before graduation. Students must get prior approval from their advisor for any activity that is intended to be used as a technical presentation experience. The two presentations required must be different. Giving the same seminar twice does not count as two presentations. If the activity does not fall into one of the four categories listed, prior approval of the ECE Graduate Committee must also be obtained. The student should write a brief letter for each of the two required experiences, stating the nature of the experience and the date on which it was satisfied. This letter should be signed by the student, the student's advisor, and, if applicable, by the faculty member in charge of the related course. This letter should be placed in the student's departmental file.

 

3.4 Residency

It is normally expected that a student will spend at least one calendar year on the UNH campus in satisfying the requirements for the degree. The Nashua Graduate Center is considered part of the UNH campus for the purpose of the residency requirement.

 

3.5 Masters Continuing Enrollment

Masters students who have completed all course requirements and have previously registered for the maximum number of thesis or project credits and are on campus completing their Masters program must register for Masters Continuing Enrollment.

 

3.6 Time Limit

General:
All graduate work for any Masters degree must be completed within six years from the date of matriculation (admission/enrollment) in the program. If courses transferred are to be used for the degree sought, all graduate work must be completed within six years from the date of the earliest course that was used for transfer credit (i.e., the date the earliest course was taken). Progress toward the degree will be carefully monitored by the Academic Advisor and the Graduate School to ensure that adequate advancement is made toward the completion of the program and that any deficiencies noted at the time of admission are removed.

ECE Specific:
A student who is a teaching or research assistant will normally complete all MS degree requirements within two years. Students without such responsibilities should progress at a faster pace. All students should attempt to complete their degrees as soon as possible.

 

3.7 Thesis Option

General:
Students who are in a thesis program are required to conduct independent research and prepare a scholarly paper for submission to the Graduate School. Each department will determine the date when the student must submit for approval a statement of the subject of the thesis and the date when the thesis must be completed. When students are writing a thesis they should obtain a copy of the Thesis and Dissertation Manual from the Graduate School. Students are required to pass a final oral presentation/examination on their thesis. The regulations concerning this exam are the same as those in the non-thesis option above. The Thesis Committee will normally also serve as the Examining Committee.

ECE Specific:
The student must complete a minimum of 24 credits of approved graduate coursework, plus 6 credits of thesis work. The thesis research and the writing of the thesis itself normally take about one year of half-time effort. Upon completion of the thesis research, the student must make an oral public presentation of the research results to an Examining Committee as defined in Section 3.7.2. The student should not underestimate the amount of time that it will take to compile and distill the research conducted into a coherent written document. As a guide, the student should not schedule a defense within one month of graduation. This should ensure that the defense, any required corrections or additions to the thesis, printing and screening by the Graduate School, and finally submission to the Graduate School, can be accomplished before the Graduate School submission deadlines for graduation have passed. The Thesis Committee must have at least seven days to review the thesis. This requirement can be altered with mutual consent of the Thesis Committee and the student. Notification of the Defense must be made to the Dean of the Graduate School, the Dean of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, the ECE faculty, and the ECE graduate students at least seven days prior to the defense date. This notification is the responsibility of the Thesis Advisor. A sample defense notice can be found in Appendix A of this document. The defense notice must be reviewed by the Graduate Coordinator before it is distributed or posted.

A detailed report of the research effort, known as the thesis, must be prepared in strict accordance with Graduate School format requirements, and it must be approved by the Examining Committee. The student is responsible for supplying a minimum of three bound copies of the thesis, however, the total number of required copies should be discussed with the Thesis Advisor (see section 3.7.3 for additional information).

 

3.7.1 Thesis Credit

A minimum of six and a maximum of ten thesis credits may be applied toward a Masters degree. The exact number of credits to be applied toward the degree will be determined by the faculty of the individual programs. No thesis credit shall be given until the completed thesis has been approved by the Thesis Committee and accepted by the Graduate School. Satisfactory acceptance of the thesis will be recorded as a credit (Cr).

ECE Specific:
A maximum of six thesis credits may be applied toward a Masters degree.

 

3.7.2 Thesis Committee

General:
A Masters thesis must be approved by a committee composed of the faculty member under whose direction it was written and two other members of the graduate faculty nominated by the department chairperson or graduate program coordinator and appointed by the Dean of the Graduate School.

ECE Specific:
Normally a graduate student will have identified a Research Advisor by the end of the student's second semester in residence at UNH. The student, in consultation with the Research Advisor, will identify potential thesis committee members. The Research Advisor will contact the particular faculty members to verify if they are willing to serve as members on that committee. At least three members are required for the Thesis Committee, however, there is no formal upper limit as to the size of the Thesis Committee. The choice of Thesis Committee members is made by the Research Advisor in consultation with the Masters student. The appointment of the Thesis Committee is normally completed prior to the commencement of thesis research. A standard Committee Nomination Form must be filled out by the Thesis advisor and submitted to the Graduate Coordinator. These forms may be obtained from the Graduate Coordinator. The Examining Committee is appointed by the Dean of the Graduate School, and its members are intended to serve not only as examiners, but as expert sources to be consulted during the course of research. The three required members of the committee must be ECE faculty members. The student's Research Advisor serves as the chairperson of the committee. Additional members of the committee may be outside the ECE department (and in some instances can be from outside UNH) provided that they are approved by the Graduate School. If the committee being formed has a member from outside UNH or outside the ECE Department a Curriculum Vita or Resume for each proposed member outside UNH or outside the ECE Department must be attached to the Committee Nomination Form prior to submission to the Graduate Coordinator. Upon approval of the committee selection by the Graduate School, the student and committee members involved will be notified by the Graduate School. The Thesis Committee alone shall decide on the merits of the candidate's performance by a majority vote.

 

3.7.3 Submission of Thesis

General:
Two copies of the approved thesis, ready for binding, shall be submitted to the Graduate School Office as soon after approval as possible, but not less than two weeks before Commencement. Binding fees will be paid at the Graduate School. Most programs require one additional copy of the thesis.

ECE Specific:
In addition to the two copies to be delivered to the Graduate School, the Student must supply one bound copy to the ECE Department for inclusion into the departmental library. The student should discuss with the Research Advisor the need for any additional copies that may be required. It is suggested that the student retain two bound copies for reference and lending purposes.

 

4.0 DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is conferred on qualified candidates who have passed written and oral examinations on the subject matter of their field of study, who have completed an original investigation in this field and have embodied the results in an acceptable dissertation, and who have passed an oral examination in defense of the dissertation. The degree of Ph.D. is essentially a research degree. It is not given merely for the completion of course credits. The following sections contain both Graduate School requirements and requirements that are ECE specific. The ECE specific rules pertain only to students pursuing a Ph.D. degree in Engineering within the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences.

 

4.1 Credits

The doctoral student along with his/her Guidance Committee (see Sec.4.5) will map out a curriculum that is designed to meet the student's educational goals and support the field of research chosen. Typically a doctoral student will accumulate 24 credits or more of graduate coursework past the MS degree. A Ph.D. student should have breadth as well as depth in fields relating to electrical engineering. Therefore, a student pursuing the Ph.D. degree in Engineering within the ECE Department is required to take a minimum of two courses beyond the bachelors degree in each of three areas chosen from the following list:

  1. Circuits and Electronics.
  2. Communications and Signal Processing.
  3. Control Systems.
  4. Digital Logic, Computer Architecture and Processing.
  5. Electromagnetic Fields.
  6. Math and Physics.

A student who has obtained a Masters degree in Electrical Engineering may have satisfied this requirement, however, students without a Masters or who have a Masters degree in another field, or do not meet the minimum course requirement, will be required to take the necessary courses.

 

4.2 Grade Point Average

The Ph.D. student must maintain a minimum of 3.33 (B+) cumulative grade point average to continue in the Ph.D. program. Any student who fails to maintain the minimum cumulative grade point average will be subject to dismissal from the Ph.D. program.

 

4.3 Residency

All doctoral students must be registered each semester that they use University facilities. A minimum of three academic years of graduate study is required for the doctorate. Resident graduate work done at other universities may be counted toward the minimum requirement upon approval of the Guidance Committee and the Dean of the Graduate School, but one full academic year must be in residence at the University of New Hampshire. In individual cases, the major department and the Dean of the Graduate School may grant permission to pursue the research for the dissertation at another institution where access to special facilities would be advantageous.

 

4.4 Doctoral Research

A minimum of two semesters of registration in Doctoral Research (EE999) is required. However, doctoral students using University facilities while engaging in dissertation research must register for EE999 each semester, even if the minimum requirement has been met.

 

4.5 Guidance Committee

A Guidance Committee is appointed by the EE graduate coordinator upon the student’s completion of the preliminary examination. The committee assists the student in planning a program of study, writing a research proposal, and preparing for the comprehensive examination.

 

4.6 Preliminary and Comprehensive Examinations

To qualify for the Ph.D. in Engineering the student must successfully pass two separate examinations. The first exam is called the Preliminary Exam. This exam tests the student's general knowledge in six subject areas as listed in the following section. The level of this material is undergraduate. The faculty of the ECE Department strongly believe that a student pursuing the Ph.D. degree within the Electrical Engineering Department should be competent in these six listed areas. The second exam is the Comprehensive Exam. This exam tests the student's fitness for engaging in research, particularly in the subject proposed for the dissertation. Together these exams make up what is called the Qualifying Exam in the Graduate School Bulletin. The chairperson of the Graduate Committee will communicate the examination results to the Dean of the Graduate School.

 

4.6.1 Preliminary Exam

The Ph.D. Preliminary Exam must be taken by the end of the first year of Ph.D. graduate study. Normally the student will take the Preliminary Exam between his or her first and second semesters. The Preliminary Exam is administered by the Graduate Coordinator and consists of two parts. The first part is a written exam that consists of questions from each of six areas (see areas listed below). These questions are selected by the Graduate Committee from a library of exam questions submitted by six corresponding sub-committees of the ECE faculty. The student will be provided in advance with a list of appropriate texts to assist in reviewing for the six hour closed book exam.

The exams will be evaluated by faculty selected by the ECE Graduate Coordinator from the six faculty sub-committees. The overall results of the exam will be determined by the Graduate Committee, in consultation with the student's Academic Advisor. The student will normally be notified of the exam results within two weeks of the written examination.

The primary purpose of the Preliminary Exam is to identify weaknesses in the student's background which may require remedial work. If the student performs satisfactorily on all sections of the exam, no further exams will be required until the Comprehensive Exams. If the student performs satisfactorily in at least four of the exams, an oral exam may be given to the candidates within two weeks after the results of the preliminary exam are announced. He/she will be asked to do remedial course work on those topics deemed by the committee to be weak. If the performance is unsatisfactory in four or more of the exams, he/she will become ineligible to continue in the Ph.D. program.

The following six areas are covered in the written portion of the Preliminary Exam:

  1. Circuits and Electronics.
  2. Communications and Signal Processing.
  3. Control Systems.
  4. Digital Logic, Computer Architecture and Processing.
  5. Electromagnetic Fields.
  6. Math and Physics.

Further details regarding the preliminary exams, including specific study textbooks, can be obtained from the Graduate Coordinator

 

4.6.2 Comprehensive Exam

The Comprehensive Exam is normally given at the completion of any course work (typically 24 credits beyond the M.S.) and only after successful completion of the Preliminary Exams. The Comprehensive Exam is comprised of two parts. The first part entails the development of a research proposal by the student outlining in detail the Ph.D. research to be undertaken. This is to be done in consultation with the student's Ph.D. Guidance Committee. The proposal should include, but is not limited to, the following parts:

  1. A general description of the research to be undertaken.
  2. Significance of the research.
  3. Specific research objectives.
  4. Background, historical information, and prior work of others relating to the research to be performed.
  5. Proposed approach to the research.
  6. Estimated time schedule of research including key milestones (e.g., Experiment Completion, Dissertation to Committee, etc.).
  7. Resources required to carry out the research and estimated budget to complete the research.
  8. Preliminary work that may have been conducted by the student prior to the proposal.
  9. References and bibliography related to the research.

The research proposal will be evaluated by the student's Guidance Committee. Upon completion of this evaluation the Guidance Committee will submit the evaluation, with comments, to the ECE Graduate Committee. The overall result of the evaluation process will be determined by the Graduate Committee, in consultation with the student's Research Advisor. The student will normally be notified of the evaluation results within two weeks. Following a successful evaluation of the written proposal, a date will be set by theGraduate Coordinator for the oral portion of the Comprehensive Exam.

The oral portion of the Comprehensive Exam will normally be given within one month following the successful completion and evaluation of the written research proposal. This portion of the Comprehensive Exam is comprised of a formal presentation of the proposed research by the doctoral student followed by a questioning period. Normally the oral exam will be three hours; however, there is no set time limit for the length of the exam. As a guideline, the doctoral student should prepare the formal presentation of the research proposal using a target time-frame of one hour. Following this presentation, the student will be open to any reasonable question. Questions will not be limited to graduate experiences. The examiners may include anyone approved by the Graduate Committee. The oral examination will be moderated by the Graduate Coordinator. Immediately following the oral exam, the doctoral student will be asked to leave and the faculty in attendance will vote as to the outcome of the exam. (i.e., unconditional pass, conditional pass, failure). This is a preliminary recommendation; however, the doctoral student will be notified of the preliminary recommendation at the time of the exam and a formal decision on the outcome of the exam will be rendered following a formal vote of the ECE faculty at the next departmental meeting.

 

4.7 Language/Research Tool Requirement

The Ph.D. in Engineering does not require a foreign language or research tool.

 

4.8 Degree Candidacy

A doctoral student is advanced to candidacy for the degree by the Dean of the Graduate School after the student has passed the Comprehensive Examination.

 

4.9 Doctoral Committee

After the student has been advanced to candidacy, a doctoral committee will be appointed to supervise and pass on the dissertation and administer the final examination. This committee will be nominated by the department of major concentration and appointed by the Dean of the Graduate School. It shall consist of a minimum of five members, usually three from the ECE Department and two from related departments. The Dean of the Graduate School is an ex officio member of all doctoral committees. The Doctoral Committee often will include several members of the student's Guidance Committee, but need not be identical in composition to that of the Guidance Committee. A standard Committee Nomination Form must be filled out by the Dissertation advisor and submitted to the Graduate Coordinator. These forms may be obtained from the Graduate Coordinator. Additional members of the committee may be outside the ECE department (and in some instances can be from outside UNH) provided that they are approved by the Graduate School. If the committee being formed has a member from outside UNH or outside the ECE Department a Curriculum Vita or Resume for each proposed member outside UNH or outside the ECE Department must be attached to the Committee Nomination Form prior to submission to the Graduate Coordinator. Upon approval of the committee selection by the Graduate School, the student and committee members involved will be notified by the Graduate School.

 

4.10 Time Limit

All graduate work for the doctorate must be completed within eight years of the beginning of doctoral study, unless the student entered with a Masters degree in the same field, in which case the doctorate must be completed within seven years. The beginning of doctoral study is defined as the beginning date of the earliest course applied to the doctoral record. The student must be advanced to candidacy within five years of the beginning of doctoral study or within four years if the student entered with a Masters degree in the same field.

 

4.11 Dissertation

The dissertation must contribute to scholarship in the student's discipline, embody the results of significant and original research, and be a mature and competent piece of writing. Students writing dissertations should obtain a copy of the Thesis and Dissertation Manual from the Graduate School.

 

4.12 Final Defense

A copy of the completed dissertation must be made available to the members of the Examining Committee two weeks before the final examination date. Notification of the Defense must be made to the Dean of the Graduate School, the Dean of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, the ECE faculty, and the ECE graduate students at least seven days prior to the defense date. This notification is the responsibility of the Dissertation Advisor. A sample defense notice can be found in Appendix A of this document. The defense notice must be reviewed by the Graduate Coordinator before it is distributed or posted.

The final oral examination is conducted by the Doctoral Committee and is intended to give the candidate an opportunity to defend the dissertation. After consultation with the major department, the Dean of the Graduate School may appoint, for participation in the final oral examination, additional members of the faculty under whom the student has worked. The Doctoral Committee alone shall decide on the merits of the candidate's performance by a majority vote.

 

4.13 Submission of Dissertation

As soon after the examination as possible, but not less than two weeks prior to Commencement, three copies of the approved dissertation, ready for binding, shall be turned in to the Graduate School office. Binding, microfilming, and copyright fees will be paid at the Graduate School. The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department requires that one additional copy of the dissertation be supplied to the Department library.

In addition to the three copies to be delivered to the Graduate School, the Student must supply one bound copy to the ECE Department for inclusion into the departmental library. The student should discuss with the Research Advisor the need for any additional copies that may be required. It is suggested that the student retain two bound copies for reference and lending purposes.

Publication of the dissertation by University Microfilms is required, and the student assumes the cost. Students may choose to copyright their dissertation at the time of microfilming. If the dissertation material is further published, it should be designated as having been accepted as a doctoral dissertation by the University of New Hampshire.

 

4.14 Graduation

Students must file an Intent to Graduate card with the Registrar's Office at the beginning of the semester in which they intend to graduate. Specific information is available at the Graduate School or the Registrar's Office.

Deadlines for graduation are listed in the Graduate School calendar and each semester's Time and Room Schedule.

5.0 TEACHING AND RESEARCH ASSISTANT RULES

 

5.1 Teaching Assistant (TA)

The faculty of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department consider it of prime importance to provide quality education to our students. Because teaching assistants participate both directly and indirectly in the instructional process, it is important that they understand their teaching responsibilities and the faculty's expectation of excellent performance of their duties.

These guidelines are intended to assist the TA in understanding his or her responsibilities. They are divided into several parts. First, general statements applicable to all teaching assistants are presented. Then specific guidelines related to laboratory teaching, recitation teaching and grading of homework and lab reports are discussed.

It should be clearly understood that a teaching assistantship is not a scholarship. Rather it is a special teaching appointment, implying confidence of the faculty that the individual chosen is well qualified to perform the duties assigned and that he or she will act in a professional manner.

It is expected that the TA will act as a role model. A good guideline is for the TA to treat students in the same manner he or she would expect and wish to be treated by faculty.

 

5.1.1 General Guidelines

  1. A TA is expected to devote 20 hours per week to teaching related duties. If the assigned responsibilities turn out to require significantly more or less than 20 hours, it is the responsibility of the TA to discuss the situation with his or her faculty supervisor first. If the situation is not remedied by this approach then the student should contact the Department chairperson.
  2. The TA is usually employed for the full academic year as specified by the University, generally starting the week before classes of the fall semester and ending after the final exam period of the spring semester. This means that the student is to be available during winter recess.
  3. TA assignments will be made prior to the start of the semester. It is the responsibility of the TA to visit promptly each faculty member to whom he or she is assigned to learn the details and expectations of the assignment.
  4. Each TA will be assigned a desk. It is expected that the TA will post a schedule of "office hours". There should be at least 5 hours per week during which the TA is at his or her desk and available to students. The TA should consult with his or her faculty supervisor to arrange suitable office hours. These office hours should be at times when it is likely that the students will be free to come.
  5. It is expected that a TA be able to answer student questions. If the TA does not know the answer to a question he or she should say so, and either advise the student where the answer may be found or tell the student that he or she will find the answer.
  6. It is important that the TA meet frequently with his or her faculty supervisor so that students receive a consistent view of course material.
  7. Good teaching does not mean always giving students the answers. Often it is best for the TA to try to coach or guide the students to find the answers for themselves.
  8. Department supplies and equipment (paper, pencils, copier, computers, etc.) are available to TA's only in connection with their TA responsibilities, and only with permission of the department secretary.
  9. If a TA finds a time conflict between TA responsibilities and courses being taken, he/she should contact his/her faculty supervisor first, then the department chairperson.
  10. It is not the TA's prerogative to grant exceptions to course rules, such as accepting late lab reports or authorizing lab make-up sessions, unless granted specific authority by the instructor.
 

5.1.2 Laboratory Teaching

  1. It is imperative that the TA conduct the laboratory experiment prior to the lab so that he or she understands clearly the operation of all relevant laboratory equipment and the details of the experimental procedure. The TA should also complete any pre-lab sheet required of the students.
  2. The TA has a major responsibility to see that the students exercise good sense and perform in a safe manner in the laboratory.
  3. Following a laboratory, it is the TA's responsibility to see that the laboratory, and in particular the lab benches, are left clean and organized.
  4. Any lab equipment which is observed to be defective should be tagged and reported to the Department technician as soon as possible.
  5. The TA is responsible for the security of laboratory equipment. The lab doors should be shut and locked following the lab. The TA should not leave until after the last student departs. The responsibilities for each lab assignment should be discussed with the lab faculty supervisor.
 

5.1.3 Recitation Teaching

  1. In courses where the faculty member gives lectures and the TA conducts the recitation or problem sessions, it is expected that the TA will attend all lectures, unless excused by the faculty member.
  2. The TA should meet regularly with the faculty member to ensure that the recitation sessions reinforce and supplement the lecture material.
 

5.1.4 Grading

  1. Homework and lab reports should be graded in a timely manner, using a grading system determined by the faculty member. Although faculty will try to accommodate the deadlines TA's have in the courses they take, it is the responsibility of the TA to plan ahead so that grading assignments are carried out on time.
  2. TA's are responsible for the grades they give, and should be able to explain the rationale for their grades to students. Above all, they should be consistent in their grading.
  3. TA's should keep a neat and accurate record of all grades given and should brief the faculty member periodically on these, noting students who are delinquent and pointing out areas where a number of students had difficulty.
  4. If desired by the faculty member, TA's should place graded material in the student's mail boxes.
  5. TA's should not loan or give copies of homework problem solutions to students without the faculty member's permission.
  6. TA's should pick up the homework papers from the Department course mail boxes on the day the homework is due. The policy regarding late homework should be discussed with the faculty member.
 

5.2 Research (Project) Assistants (RA)

  1. Project Assistants are employed directly on a research project under the direction of a faculty Principal Investigator. They are expected to work 20 hours per week on the project exclusive of time spent on their own project or thesis work. If the latter is also directly concerned with the project on which they are employed, they are required to put in an extra amount of time commensurate with the academic credit they are receiving.
  2. Departmental stationary supplies are not available to Project Assistants. Requests for all kinds of supplies should be directed to their supervisor. While the department maintains a small stock of electronic components, externally funded projects are expected to purchase major components from their own funds.
  3. Necessary building keys may be issued to Project Assistants upon the request of their supervisor.
 

6.0 GENERAL DEPARTMENT RULES

 

6.1 Telephone

Telephones are provided for official business. No long distance calls may be made from a University telephone by any graduate student unless the student has specific authorization from their faculty advisor or has obtained a personal charge code from Telecommunications. All calls placed on a faculty member's behalf must be logged on that faculty member's telephone list so that the proper account may be charged.

 

6.2 Secretarial Time

No secretarial time for typing, making telephone calls, etc. is allotted for graduate student use. While all the departmental secretaries will assist you in obtaining required graduate information, do not impose on them for personal work.

 

6.3 Building and Office Keys

When a TA or RA student is assigned an office, that student will be issued keys to the building and the office assigned. When necessary, keys will be issued by the Department Secretary. It is the responsibility of the Graduate Student to safeguard them. They are not to be lent to others under any circumstances. If a key or keys are lost it must be reported to the Department Secretary as soon as possible. The student responsible for the keys may be charged a fee for the key replacement and may also be charged for replacement or alteration of locks that are required for security reasons.

 

6.4 Research Equipment and Instruments

While the graduate program is an important and vital part of the department, the primary goal at this public institution is undergraduate education. The undergraduate laboratory courses therefore have first priority on instruments and equipment. Graduate students, including Project Assistants, may use departmental equipment for their research during hours that the equipment is not scheduled to be otherwise utilized. All such usage must be authorized by the Technician in charge of the equipment and the equipment must be returned on time so that the next day's laboratory courses may be properly set up. A student's Research or Project Advisor will be informed of any misuse of equipment privileges. The department Technician should be promptly notified of any equipment malfunctions as usage is often tightly scheduled.

 

6.5 Computer Usage

The ECE Department maintains various computers and peripheral equipment. Departmental policy is that this equipment is off limits to undergraduate and graduate students unless they have been given specific approval by a faculty member. Such approval is given only for professional use (e.g., faculty research, TA grading programs, etc.) and not for private use (e.g., student homework, resume's, letters home, etc.) Any exceptions to this policy must be approved by the department chairperson.

The University supports a variety of computers (both microcomputer clusters and mainframe computers) on campus. Specific information concerning such services can be obtained from Computing Services.

 

6.6 Departmental Library

The departmental library is located in the ECE Conference Room. It serves as both a faculty conference room for committee meetings and informal discussions, and for housing collections of donated books, theses, and certain periodicals. This library is NOT to be used by any student unless specifically instructed to by a faculty member.

 

7.0 REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO THE MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREES IN FIELDS OTHER THAN ELECTRICAL OR COMPUTER ENGINEERING

Normally, students admitted to the MS program in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering are expected to have completed BS degrees in Electrical or Computer Engineering prior to entry into the program. However, students with BS degrees in other fields will be considered for admission if they have completed the equivalent of the core courses of the undergraduate ECE program through the junior year (listed below by general category). Students who have completed the equivalent of all but two or three of the courses may be considered for a "provisional" admission to the MS program. Applicants offered provisional admission must meet the specific criteria, usually undergraduate coursework, stated at the time of their admission before being changed to regular graduate student status. Students who need to complete the equivalent of more than two or three of the remedial courses listed below will not normally be considered for provisional admission. Such students must successfully complete the appropriate remedial courses at UNH or elsewhere before applying to the graduate program. Note that unlike provisional admission, no guarantee of admission to the graduate program will be given in such cases prior to the time that the student completes the remedial course work and applies for admission to the graduate program.

Engineering Mathematics
MATH 425, Calculus I (4 cr)
MATH 426, Calculus II (4 cr)
MATH 527, Differential Equations with Linear Algebra (4 cr)
EE 647, Random Signals and Noise (4 cr)
EE 544, Engineering Analysis (3 cr

Physics
PHYS 407, General Physics I (4 cr)
PHYS 408, General Physics II (4 cr)

Circuits and Electronics
EE 541, Electrical Circuits (4 cr)
EE 548, Electronic Design I (4 cr)
EE 651, Electronic Design II (4 cr)

Computer Engineering
CS 410C, Introduction to Scientific Programming (4 cr)
EE 543, Introduction to Digital Systems (4 cr)
EE 612, Computer Organization (4 cr)

Electromagnetic Field Theory
EE 603, Electromagnetic Fields and Waves (3 cr)

System Theory
EE 633, Signals and Systems I (3 cr)
EE 634, Signals and Systems II (4 cr)

 

For web site questions/comments
send e-mail to ece.dept@unh.edu

Departmentof Electrical and Computer Engineering
Room 247 Kingsbury Hall
Durham, NH 03824