Electrical and Electronic Engineering

What is Electrical and Electronic Engineering?

Electrical and Electronic Engineers harness one of the fundamental forces of the universe, electromagnetism, for the benefit of the world. Electrical engineers create systems to provide power for homes and industry, the physical parts that transfer information on computers and smart devices.

There is a significant overlap with both the Computer Engineering and Mechatronics Engineering degrees especially relating to smart devices and programming, but Electrical and Electronic Engineers have a stronger focus on making things happen in the physical world compared to Computer Engineers, and a stronger focus on electrical power, digital data, and micro-devices than Mechatronics Engineers.

The following areas and topics are particular strengths of this programme:

• Finding new ways of powering our world from renewable energy sources (wind, solar, hydro)
• Creation of electronic, and nano/microscale devices
• Power electronics to drive robots, electric vehicles and industrial machines and enable efficient and sustainable power flow
• Communications and signal processing

Making an impact

Sustainability: Electrical Engineers help the environment through improved energy efficiency, electric vehicles, electricity transmission, distribution and generation.

Biomedical and signal processing: Sophisticated electronics and software created by electrical engineers allow early and accurate diagnosis of illnesses. Electrical engineers can also help develop devices for those with impaired hearing or vision.

Communications networks: Better communications can save lives. For example, cognitive radio systems to allow emergency services to communicate easily with each other.

Nanotechnology: Develop future nano-devices and materials for electronics, medical applications and renewable energy.

Microprocessors: Most devices now incorporate a microprocessor (the core of a computer), which electrical engineers design and program.

Degree pathway

All Bachelor of Engineering with Honours students begin with an Intermediate Year followed by three years of study called the Professional Years. 

• Intermediate Year 
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering study explained
• Bachelor of Engineering with Honours overview
• List of degree courses and regulations for the BE(Hons) Electrical and Electronic

Workshop and practical work requirements

Completing 800 hours of practical work is a degree requirement for the BE(Hons). Electrical and Electronic Engineering students must also complete ENEL 199 Basic Workshop Course and ENEL 198 Electrical Workshop Course within the First Professional Year.

• Information on the workshop courses are available on student portal Learn pages for ENEL198 and ENEL199.
• Book a workshop course through UC My Timetable.
• See the College of Engineering's overview of practical work and industry links.