Introduction
The Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering (FCSE) at GIK Institute has always strived for excellence in the field of computing and allied disciplines since its inception in 1993, and continues to pursue the latest trends in the computing industry. The graduates from FCSE have catered to the needs of the local software industry in Pakistan as well as for foreign industry – some alumni from earlier undergraduate batches are now in upper management posts in renowned software houses in Pakistan as well as abroad and continue to make the faculty and institute proud. Many of our alumni from Computer Engineering (Computer Systems Engineering from 1993 – 2010) are or have remained part of renowned Top 100 Forbes companies like Microsoft Inc., Facebook and Google Inc. The student body has indeed been a source of pride for the faculty considering an annual intake of only 40 students every year and relatively recent beginnings of the faculty (since 1993, 26 batches have graduated so far).
The field of Computer Engineering (CE) has traditionally been a mix of two programs, major courses from Computer Sciences and minor courses from Electrical Engineering. It has played a crucial role in developing specialized Computer Scientists, who are well-aware of the underlying hardware and experts in solving domain problems related to both computer software and hardware. They excel in understanding the hardware-related issues that may affect the performance of a software deployed on the hardware. They are central to handling the many real-world complex problems through application of computing knowledge and hardware expertise to develop working prototypes that deploy both the software and the hardware components. Hence, Computer Engineering offers its students the unique ability to master both the core Computer Science topics, and the core Electrical Engineering items related to Computers. In that regard, just like Mechatronics does for Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering programme is a true merger of the field of Computer Science and a few topics from Electrical Engineering. In recent times, particularly with the introduction of Objective-Based Education (OBE) and the accrediting body of all engineering programmes, Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), becoming a signatory to the Washington Accord, the degree of Computer Engineering is one of the most sought off degree in Pakistan and in international market.
In-line with its tradition to actively pursue the cutting-edge trends and techniques as well as to proactively meet the future demands of industry, FCSE took the initiative to start the Bachelor of Science program in Computer Systems Engineering (B.S. in CSE) in 1993 with the first intake of students. FCS&E then subsequently introduced the degree of Bachelor of Science in Computer Software Engineering in 2003. In line with the recent trends in industry and demand from PEC, the Bachelor of Science in Computer Systems Engineering was renamed to Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (B.S. in CE) from 2011 onwards along with various updates to the curriculum and since then, the curriculum has been regularly updated through semester-wise meetings of various faculty, curriculum advisory board and Academic Council meetings. Under the guidance and supervision of the Rector GIK Institute, Engr. Jahangir Bashar, Dean FCSE and their team at FCSE have been working hard to get all required pieces into place to keep the program curriculum in line with PEC as well as keeping the standard of the program as high as possible. The employment ratio after graduation, the popularity of the program among admission candidates at GIK Institute, and the successful contribution of the alumni from Computer Engineering program are a proof that the program has been a huge success for GIK Institute, by the grace of Allah Almighty and the continuous hardwork of the faculty, students and all involved stakeholders of the program.
Major Thrust Areas
The major thrust areas of B.S. in CE program of GIK Institute are:
- Signal and Image Processing,
- Digital System Design,
- Microprocessor Interfacing,
- Cloud Computing and Distributed Systems, and
- Computer Networks.
Major and Salient features of B.S. in CE curriculum
The core focus of the program is to prepare undergraduate students for the latest cutting-edge technologies in the field of Computer Engineering such that they provide the work force required in the future for development of the country’s economy and become contributing members of the society. The curriculum is focused enough to produce graduates with excellent specialized knowledge of Computer Engineering but broad enough for them to fit in with allied computing and engineering disciplines as well as learn the managerial and social aspects at undergraduate level for their future life as entrepreneurs and/or job hunters.
The program curriculum is fully compliant with the requirements for the PEC approved Computer Engineering curriculum. It consists of 41 courses, spread across eight semesters, with minimum of 16 credit hours and a maximum of 18 credit hours in a semester. Sixteen credit hours have been allocated to the practical labs with courses, in addition to the 6 credit hours of lab work associated with the Final Year Projects. The degree is well-balanced, with at most three labs in a semester and a maximum of fifteen credit hours allocated to theory in a semester. The curriculum retains the traditional flair of a typical Computer Science degree in addition to the rigor required for an Electrical Engineering program. The courses are well-distributed across semesters and categories such that the program has the right mix of Humanities and Mathematics courses. There is one Humanities course in every semester and there is one course of Mathematics in the first five semesters. Such a spread enables students to grasp the right foundation in the right dose. It helps them develop Management skills as well as the basic Mathematical skills necessary for a Computer Engineering program without too much pressure.
The curriculum consists of 07 core courses laying the right foundation for an Engineering program. The courses in this category are Fundamentals of Logic Design, Circuit Analysis, Electronics I, Object-Oriented Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms, Signals and Systems, and Computer Organization and Assembly Language. In addition, a lab on Computer Engineering Workshop has also been added to give the students a taste of computer hardware right in the first semester.
Since this is a computing program, 03 core Computing courses that provide the basics of computing to its graduates have been added to the program, i.e., Fundamentals of Computer Science, Computer Programming, and Discrete Structures. Moreover, 08 major Computer Engineering courses are added into the curriculum that cover the basics necessary to excel in the field of Computer Engineering. This list includes Operating Systems, Introduction to Databases, and Software Architecture and Engineering, Computer Communications and Networks, Microprocessor Interfacing, Signal Processing, Digital System Design, and Cloud and Distributed Computing courses. Hands on practical experience in specially designed labs under the supervision of qualified instructors in addition to the theoretical foundation built through courses is ensured for all core Computer Engineering courses.
Furthermore, CE is a typical mathematical and modelling-heavy engineering, and the program offers a god foundation in Mathematics and Natural Sciences, i.e., Calculus I, Calculus II, Differential Equations and Linear Algebra, Probabilistic and Statistical Methods in Engineering, and Complex Variables and Transforms. The program also offers the course Essentials of Electricity and Magnetism in this category.
Additionally, the program offers enough freedom to students to select four specialization electives of their choice from the field of AI or allied computing fields so that they can specialize within the thrust areas of their choice. Typical example here are Robotics, Image Processing, Advanced Databases, Artificial Intelligence, Bioinformatics, Data Science, etc.
Social Sciences and Humanity courses are, of course, included in the curriculum so that students are able to develop and polish communication and managerial skills as well as are groomed to contribute to the society, as is the hallmark of other GIK graduates. One of the program’s educational objectives is to devote AI to the well-being of society; students will also take courses in ethics and social responsibility.
For the curriculum, FCSE has already received the approval of the department for the updated curriculum, and intends to get the approval of the Board of Studies, and the GIK Institutes’ Academic Council.
Program Educational Objectives (PEOs)
Following are the Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) of BS in CE.
- PEO-1: Graduates responsibly practicing in a variety of computer engineering and allied disciplines.
- PEO-2: Graduates utilizing their skills and knowledge to solve complex engineering problems in real-world settings.
- PEO-3: Graduates demonstrating sustained learning and adapting to evolving fields through continued professional development and self-study.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)[1] of B.S. in CE
- Ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, engineering fundamentals and an engineering specialization to the solution of complex engineering problems. (Engineering Knowledge)
- Ability to identify, formulate, research literature, and analyze complex engineering problems reaching substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, natural sciences and engineering sciences. (Problem Analysis)
- Ability to design solutions for complex engineering problems and design systems, components or processes that meet specified needs with appropriate consideration for public health and safety, cultural, societal, and environmental considerations. (Design/Development of Solutions)
- Ability to investigate complex engineering problems in a methodical way including literature survey, design and conduct of experiments, analysis and interpretation of experimental data, and synthesis of information to derive valid conclusions. (Investigation)
- Ability to create, select and apply appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering and IT tools, including prediction and modeling, to complex engineering activities, with an understanding of the limitations. (Modern Tool Usage)
- Ability to apply reasoning informed by contextual knowledge to assess societal, health, safety, legal and cultural issues and the consequent responsibilities relevant to professional engineering practice and solution to complex engineering problems. (The Engineer and Society)
- Ability to understand the impact of professional engineering solutions in societal and environmental contexts and demonstrate knowledge of and need for sustainable development. (Environment and Sustainability)
- Ability to apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics and responsibilities and norms of engineering practice. (Ethics)
- Ability to work effectively, as an individual or in a team, on multifaceted and/or multidisciplinary settings. (Individual and Team Work)
- Ability to communicate effectively, orally as well as in writing, on complex engineering activities with the engineering community and with society at large, such as being able to comprehend and write effective reports and design documentation, make effective presentations, and give and receive clear instructions. (Communication)
- Ability to demonstrate management skills and apply engineering principles to one’s own work, as a member and/or leader in a team, to manage projects in a multidisciplinary environment. (Project Management)
- Ability to recognize the importance of, and pursue lifelong learning in the broader context of innovation and technological developments. (Lifelong Learning)
Upon completion of B.S. in CE degree, all the students should have attained the aforementioned ten PLOs.
[1] Adopted from Washington Accord
