2013-2014 Graduate Handbook

6. Coursework

  1. Course Descriptions
  2. Sample M.S. Programs
    1. Electrical Engineering
    2. Computer Science
  3. Designated Emphasis
    1. Admissions Procedures for the DE

  1. Course Descriptions

    For the most current list of courses, their webpages, and class schedules please refer to the EECS Courses lists.

    Section Index Grad Handbook Index

  2. Sample M.S. Programs

    The following are sample programs for the M.S. degree coursework (not including time dedicated to research). It is important to note that these are intended as suggestions only. Few students will elect to take precisely the courses indicated in any of these programs, and few will finish their coursework in exactly 2 semesters. Many students take the majority of their coursework in the first year of the 2-year program so that the second year may focus more on the research project and thesis or project report. You are free to devise any coherent program of study satisfying the coursework requirements of the M.S. degree, subject to the approval of your Advisor.

    Caution: Be very careful not to overextend yourself in your first term of graduate study. It is very important to maintain a GPA of at least 3.0. Failure to do so in your first term can put you into a hole that is difficult to climb out of!

    1. Electrical Engineering



      • Sample M.S. Program in ELECTROMAGNETICS and PLASMAS

        (For students who have taken the equivalent of EE 117A, 130)

        Fall Semester
        EE210 Applied Electromagnetic Theory 3
        Electives* 7
        EE299 Individual Research 2
        EE298# Either EM or Plasma Seminar 1
        Total 13 Units
        Spring Semester
        EE239 Partially Ionized Plasmas 3
        Electives* 7
        EE299 Individual Research 2
        EE298# Either EM or Plasma Seminar 1
        Total 13 Units

        *Suggested electives:
        EM Emphasis: EE233, EE290e
        IC Processing Emphasis: EE143, 243, 231, 290n, 290e
        Plasma Emphasis: NE180, 280, 281, 290e, Phys142, 242ab
        Dynamics Emphasis: Phys205ab, EE220


      • Sample M.S. Program in QUANTUM & OPTICAL ELECTRONICS

        (For students who have taken the equivalent of EE 117AB and Physics 137A, 130)

        Fall Semester
        EE210 Applied Electromagnetic Theory 3
        EE236A Quantum & Optical Electronics 3
        EE232 Light wave Devices 3
        EE299 Individual Research 2
        EE298-5 Quantum Electronics Seminar 1
        Total 12 Units
        Spring Semester
        EE233 Light wave Systems 3
        EE236B Quantum & Optical Electronics 3
        EE119 Intro. to Optical Engineering 3
        EE299 Individual Research 2
        EE298-5 Quantum Electronics Seminar 1
        And one of the following:
        EE231 Solid State Devices 3
        EE230 Solid State Electronics 3
        Total 12-15 Units

      • Sample M.S. Programs in BIOELECTRONICS

        Fall Semester
        EE221A Linear System Theory 4
        EE290J Image Processing 3
        EE299 Individual Research 2-3
        And one of the following:
        EE145L Intro. Electronic Transducers Lab 2
        EE146 Dynamic Networks in Biology 3
        Total 12-13 Units
        Spring Semester
        EE225A Digital Signal Processing 3
        EE246 Biological Systems 3
        EE299 Individual Research 2
        And one of the following:
        EE145A Sensors, Actuators, & Electrodes 4
        EE145B Computer Apps in Biology & Medicine 4
        Total 12 Units

      • Sample M.S. Programs for CAD (Computer Aided Design)

        Accelerated Schedule - One Year Masters Program

        Fall–Year 1
        EE244 Intro. to CAD of Integrated Circuits 3
        EE249 Design of Embedded Systems 4
        And one of the following:
        EE219A Computer Aided Verification of Electronic Circuits & Systems 3
        EE219C Computer-Aided Verification 3
        Plus one of the following:
        EE299 Individual Research 2-3
        EE290A Advanced Topics in CAD 3
        Total 12-13 Units
        Spring–Year 1
        EE219B Logic Synthesis for Hardware Systems 4
        EE241 Advanced Digital Integrated Circuits 3
        And one of the following:
        EE225A Digital Signal Processing 3
        EE225 CVLSI Signal Processing 3
        Plus one of the following:
        EE299 Individual Research 2-3
        EE290A Advanced Topics in CAD 3
        Total 12-13 Units

      • Typical Schedule - 3 SEMESTER MASTER'S PROGRAM

        Fall–Year 1
        EE244 Intro. to Computer Aided Design of Integrated Circuits 3
        EE290A Advanced Topics in CAD 3
        EE299 Individual Research 3
        And one of the following:
        EE219C Computer-Aided Verification 3
        EE219A Computer Aided Verification of Electronic Circuits & Systems 3
        CS170 Efficient Algorithms & Intractable Problems 4
        Total 12-13 Units
        Spring–Year 1
        EE219B Logic Synthesis for Hardware Systems 4
        EE290A Advanced Topics in CAD 3
        EE299 Individual Research 2-3
        And one of the following:
        EE241 Advanced Digital Integrated Circuits 3
        EE225A Digital Signal Processing 3
        EE225C VLSI Signal Processing 3
        Total 12-13 Units
        Fall–Year 2
        EE249 Design of Embedded Systems 4
        EE290A Advanced Topics in CAD 3
        EE299 Individual Research 2-3
        And one of the following:
        EE219A Computer Aided Verification of Electronic Circuits & Systems 3
        EE219C Computer-Aided Verification 3
        CS170 Efficient Algorithms & Intractable Problems 4
        EE225A Digital Signal Processing 3
        EE225C VLSI Signal Processing 3
        Total 12-14 Units

      • Sample M.S. Program for IC PROCESSING

        Fall Semester
        E143 Processing & Design of Integrated Circuits 4
        EE130 Integrated-Circuit Devices 4
        EE141 Intro. to Digital Integrated Circuits 3
        EE299 Individual Research 2
        Total 13 Units
        Spring Semester
        EE243 Advanced IC Processing & Layout 3
        EE231 Solid-State Devices 3
        EE24 Advanced Digital Integrated Circuits 3
        EE299 Individual Research 3
        Total 13 Units

      • Sample M.S. Programs for SOLID-STATE DEVICES

        Fall Semester
        EE130 Integrated Circuit Devices 4
        EE299 Individual Research 1
        And one of the following:
        EE141 Digital Integrated Circuits 4
        EE140 Linear Integrated Circuits 4
        Plus one of the following:
        EE143 Processing & Design of Integrated Circuits 4
        EE230 Solid State Electronics 3
        Total 12-13 Units
        Spring Semester
        EE231 Solid State Devices 4
        EE299 Individual Research 3
        And one of the following:
        EE241 Advanced Digital Integrated Circuits 3
        EE243 Advanced Integrated Circuit Process & Layout 3
        Plus one of the following:
        EE233 Light Wave Systems 3
        EE245 Intro. to MEMD Design 3
        Total 13 Units

      • Sample M.S. Programs for COMPUTER INTEGRATED MANUFACTURING

        Fall Semester
        CS186 Intro. to Database Systems 4
        EE143 Processing & Design of Integrated Circuits 4
        EE299 Individual Research 2
        And one of the following:
        EE241 Advanced Digital Integrated Circuits 3
        EE231 Solid State Devices 3
        Total 13 Units
        Spring Semester
        STAT135 Concepts of Statistics 4
        EE243 Advanced Integrated Circuits Processing & Layout 3
        EE244 Computer Aided Design of Integrated Circuits 3
        EE299 Individual Research 3
        Total 13 Units
        Fall–Year 2
        EE290W Special Issues in Semiconductor Mfg. 3
        EE290N Integrated Circuit Technology Design 3
        EE299 Individual Research 4
        And one of the following:
        IDS296 Management of Innovation & Policy 3
        CS287 Advanced Robotics 3
        IEOR165 Forecasting, Quality Control & Assurance
        IEOR215 Analysis & Design of Databases 3
        Total 13 Units

      • Sample M.S. Programs for SOLID-STATE SENSORS and ACTUATORS

        Fall Semester
        EE143 Processing & Design of Integrated Circuits 4
        EE230 Solid State Electronics 3
        EE290G Microsensors & Microactuators 2
        EE299 Individual Research 3
        Total 12 Units
        Spring Semester
        EE231 Solid-State Devices 3
        EE299 Individual Research 3
        Electives* 6
        Total 12 Units

        *Electives can be chosen from a wide variety of courses offered according to student interest and need. Courses in EE that are especially relevant to the subject area are those in integrated circuits, plasmas, quantum electronics and superconductivity. Courses in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics and Bioengineering may also hold special interest. In addition to the Graduate Information Manual, consult the General Catalog, as well as advisors in the general field.


      • Sample Program in INTEGRATED CIRCUITS

        Fall Semester
        EE140 Linear Integrated Circuits 3
        EE141 Digital Integrated Circuits 4
        Electives 5
        Total 12 Units
        Spring Semester
        EE240 Advanced Analog Integrated Circuits 3
        EE241 Advanced Digital Integrated Circuits 3
        EE299 Individual Research 3
        Electives 3
        Total 12 Units

      • Sample Program in CONTROL

        Fall Semester
        EE221A Linear System Theory 4
        EE226A Random Processes in Systems 4
        EE298-14 Control Seminar 1
        And one of the following:
        EE122 Communication Networks 2
        EE125 Introduction to Robotics 4
        EE291E Hybrid Control Systems
        Total 11-13 Units
        Spring Semester
        EE222 Nonlinear Systems: Analysis, Stability & Control 3
        CS298-4 AI Robotics & Vision Seminar 4
        EE299 Individual Research 3
        And one of the following:
        EE223 Stochastic Systems: Estimation & Control 3
        EE227A Optimization Techniques 3
        ME235 Switching Control & Computer Interfacing 3
        ME234 Multivariable Control System Design 3
        Plus one of the following:
        EE291E Hybrid & Hierarchical Systems 3
        CS280 Computer Vision 3
        Total 16 Units

      • Sample Program in CIRCUITS and NETWORKS

        Fall Semester
        EE219 Circuit Theory & Computer Aided Analysis 3
        EE221A Linear System Theory 4
        EE226A Random Processes in Systems 4
        EE299 Independent Research 1
        Total 12 Units
        Spring Semester
        EE222 Nonlinear Systems-Analysis, Stability & Control 3
        EE225A Digital Signal Processing 3
        EE299 Independent Research 3
        And one of the following:
        EE227A Optimization Techniques 3
        EE244 Computer-Aided Design of Integrated Circuits 3
        Total 12 Units

      • Sample Program in MECHATRONICS

        Fall Semester
        EECS221A Linear System Theory 4
        EECS125 Introduction to Robotics 4
        EE245 Introduction to MEMD Design 3
        EE299 Independent Research 2
        And one of the following:
        EE145M Introductory Microcomputer Interfacing Laboratory 2
        ME230 Real-Time Applications of Mini & Micro Computers 4
        Total 15-17 Units
        Spring Semester
        EECS192 Mechatronic Design Lab 3
        EE225A Digital Signal Processing 3
        EE299 Independent Research 1
        ME235 Switching Control & Computer Interfaces 4
        And one of the following:
        CS184 Foundations of Computer Graphics 4
        EECS222 Nonlinear Systems Analysis, Stability, & Control 3
        EE291E Hybrid Control Class 4
        Total 14-15 Units

      • Sample Program in COMMUNICATIONS

        Fall Semester
        EE221A Linear System Theory 4
        EE226A Random Processes in Systems 4
        EE299 Independent Research 1-2
        And one of the following:
        EE228A High Speed Communications Networks 3
        EE122 Intro. to Communication Networks 2
        Total 11-13 Units
        Spring Semester
        EE224 Digital Communication 3
        EE299 Independent Research 6
        And one of the following:
        EE223 Stochastic Systems: Estimation & Control 3
        EE229 Information Theory & Coding 3
        EE225A Digital Signal Processing 3
        Total 12 Units

      • Sample Program for SIGNAL PROCESSING

        Fall Semester
        EE123 Digital Signal Processing 4
        EE225B Multi Dimensional Signal Processing 3
        EE226A Random Processes in Systems 4
        EE299 Independent Research 1
        Total 12 Units
        Spring Semester
        EE221A Linear System Theory 4
        EE225A Digital Signal Processing 3
        EE299 Independent Research 2
        And one of the following:
        EE224 Digital Communication 3
        EE223 Stochastic Systems 3
        Total 12 Units

      • Sample Program for ROBOTICS

        Fall Semester
        EE221A Linear System Theory 4
        EE125 Introduction to Robotics 4
        CS298-4 Graphics, Vision & Robotics Seminar 1
        And one of the following:
        CS184 Foundations of Computer Graphics 4
        CS188 Intro. to Artificial Intelligent 4
        Total 13 Units
        Spring Semester
        EE192 Mechatronic Design Lab 2
        CS287 Advanced Robotics 3
        EE222 Nonlinear Control 3
        CS280 Computer Vision 3
        EE299 Individual Research 3
        Total 14 Units


    2. Computer Science


      • Sample M.S. Program for COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE & HARDWARE

        (For students who have taken the equivalent of CS, 152, EE140)

        Fall Semester
        CS252 Graduate Computer Architecture 3
        CS250 VLSI Systems Design 4
        CS162 Operating Systems & System Programming 4
        CS299 Individual Research 3
        Total 14 Units
        Spring Semester
        CS254 Topics in VLSI Chip Design & Implementation 4
        EE299 Individual Research 4
        And one of the following:
        CS257 Advanced Computer Architecture 3
        CS258 Parallel Processors 3
        CS262 Advanced Topics in Operating Systems 4
        CS267 Applications of Parallel Computers 3
        Total 12-11 Units

      • Sample M.S. Program for DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

        (For students who have had the equivalent of CS152, 162, 164)

        Fall Semester
        CS186 Introduction to Database Systems 3
        CS262A Advanced Topics in Operating Systems 3
        CS268 Computer Networks 3
        And one of the following:
        EECS122 Introduction to Communication Networks 3
        CS299 Individual Research 3
        CS188 Introduction to AI & Natural Language Processing 4
        Total 12-13 Units
        Spring Semester
        CS262B Advanced Topics in Computer Systems 3
        CS286 Implementation of Database Systems 3
        CS299 Individual Research 4
        Electives 3-4
        Total 13-14 Units

      • Sample M.S. Program for COMPUTER GRAPHICS

        Fall Semester
        CS170 Efficient Algorithms & Intractable Problems 4
        CS184 Foundations of Computer Graphics* 4
        CS284 Computer-Aided Geo. Design & Modeling 3
        CS299 Individual Research 2
        And one of the following:
        CS285 Solids Modeling 3
        CS280 Computer Vision 3
        Total 13-16 Units

        *If you have had a CS184 equivalent, take CS284 and CS285 whenever they are offered, since they may not be offered every year. Also, get involved with a research project as soon as possible.

        Following Semesters—Take 1-2 courses per semester from this list, doing a minimum of 12 units per semester
        CS260 User Interfaces to Computers 3
        CS264 Implementation of Programming Lang 4
        CS274 Computational Geometry 3
        CS280 Computer Vision 3
        CS284 Computer-Aided Geometric Design & Modeling 3
        CS285 Solids Modeling 3
        CS286 Implementation of Database Systems 3
        CS28 Advanced Robotics 3
        CS288 AI Approach to Natural Language Processing 3
        CS294 Special topics courses offered (e.g. Rendering) 3
        CS299 Individual Research 3+

      • Sample M.S. Program for Human-Computer Interface (HCI)

        Fall Semester
        CS160 User Interface Design, Prototyping & Evaluation* 4
        CS260 Research Topics in Human-Computer Interface 3
        CS294-4 Human-Centered Computing 3
        CS299 Individual Research 2-3
        Total 12-13 Units

        *If you have had a CS160 equivalent, take CS260 and CS294-4 (HCC) whenever they are offered, since they may not be offered every year. Also, get involved with a research project as soon as possible.

        Spring Semester—Take 1-2 courses per semester from this list, doing a minimum of 12 units per semester
        CS294-3 Digital Documents and Services 3
        SIMS290 Computer-Mediated Communication 3
        SIMS214 Needs Assessment and Evaluation of Information Systems 3
        SIMS247 Information Visualization & Presentation 3
        SIMS271 Quantitative Research Methods for Information Management 3
        CS280 Computer Vision 3
        CS188 Introduction to AI & Natural Language Processing 4
        CS288 AI Approach to Natural Language Processing 3
        CS281B Advanced Topics in Learning & Decision Making 3
        CS294-5 Statistical Learning Theory 3
        CS184 Computer Graphics 4
        CS284 Computer-Aided Geometric Design & Modeling 3
        CS262 Advanced Topics in Operating Systems 3
        CS294 Special topics courses offered (e.g. CSCW) 3
        CS299 Individual Research 3+

      • Sample M.S. Program for PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES

        Fall Semester
        CS164 Programming Languages and Compilers 4
        CS162 Operating Systems & System Programming 4
        And one of the following:
        CS170 Efficient Algorithms & Intractable Problems 4
        CS150 Components & Design Techniques for Digital Systems 5
        Total 12-13 Units
        Spring Semester
        CS264 Implementation of Programming Languages 4
        CS262 Advanced Topics in Operating Systems 4
        CS252 Graduate Computer Architecture 4
        Total 12 Units
        Fall–Year 2
        CS263 Design of Programming Languages 3
        CS265 Advanced Programming Languages Implementation 3
        CS299 Individual Research 4
        CS292,294 Special Topics 3
        Total 13 Units

      • Sample M.S. Program for OPERATING SYSTEMS

        (For students who have had the equivalent of CS, 162, and 170)

        Fall Semester
        CS152 Computer Architecture & Engineering 5
        CS262 Advanced Topics in Operating Systems 4
        CS164 Programming Languages & Compilers 4
        CS299 Individual Research 2
        Total 15 Units
        Spring Semester
        CS252 Graduate Computer Architecture 4
        CS267 Applications of Parallel Computers 3
        CS268 Computer Networks 3
        CS299 Individual Research 1
        CS300 TA Software Engineering (CS169) 3
        Total 14 Units

        *also recommended are CS 260, 264, 270, 284 or 286


      • Sample M.S. Program for THEORY of COMPUTATION

        (For those students who have had the equivalent of CS, 152, 170, 172)

        Fall Semester
        CS174 Combinatorics & Discrete Probability 3
        CS270 Combinatorial Algorithms & Data Structures 3
        CS274 Computational Geometry 3
        CS299 Individual Study 3
        Total 12 Units
        Spring Semester
        CS273 Foundations of Parallel Computing 3
        CS276 Number Theory & Cryptography 2
        CS278 Machine-Based Complexity Theory 3
        CS299 Individual Research 4
        Total 12 Units

    Section Index Grad Handbook Index

  3. Designated Emphasis

    Doctoral students in many science programs at UC Berkeley now have the opportunity to pursue a specialization and receive recognition for it when awarded their degree. There are currently 3 of these "designated emphasis" programs (DE's) within the College of Engineering.

    For a list of all the Designated Emphasis programs offered, the Graduate Division maintains a list.

    1. Admissions Procedures for the DE

      Before taking the qual exam, complete an application for admission to the appropriate Designated Emphasis program. Once approved, a Change of Major or Degree Goal petition must be filed with the Degrees Unit to indicate your admission into the DE. Make sure you notify and submit a copy of the form to your Staff Graduate Advisor. Upon receipt of the appropriately signed petition, the addition of the DE will be entered into the Graduate Division and Registrar's databases. When you file your dissertation, the DE will appear on the degrees list and be entered into your transcript in the Registrar's office as awarded.

    Section Index Grad Handbook Index