Integrated Sensing and Information Processing - Theme-Based Redesign of the Undergraduate Electrical and Computer Engineering Curriculum - Duke University

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Terk

Electrical and computer engineering has expanded rapidly over the past two decades, producing specialized subfields alongside innovative devices, algorithms, and simulation methods. These developments create both opportunities and curricular navigation challenges for undergraduates facing diverse course and concentration choices. Duke University’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering redesigned its undergraduate curriculum around Integrated Sensing and Information Processing, emphasizing transferable philosophy, implementation details, and evidence of enhanced design capability and teamwork through course evaluation statistics and evolving project complexity data.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages41

Reading Time1 h 43 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction and Motivation

Curriculum assessment and identified improvement areas

Early integration experiments and supporting evidence

| | Ad | vances in Engineering Edu | cation | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | SUMMER 2011 Integrated Sensing and Information Processing Theme-Based Redesign of the Undergraduate Electrical and Computer Engineering Curriculum at Duke University GARY A. YBARRA LESLIE M. COLLINS LISA G. HUETTEL APRIL S. BROWN KIP D. COONLEY HISHAM Z. MASSOUD JOHN A. BOARD STEVEN A. CUMMER ROMIT ROY CHOUDHURY MICHAEL R. GUSTAFSON NAN M. JOKERST MARTIN A. BROOKE REBECCA M. WILLETT JUNGSANG KIM and MARTHA S. ABSHER Duke University Durham, NC ABSTRACT The field of electrical and computer engineering has evolved significantly in the past two decades. This evolution has broadened the field of ECE, and subfields have seen deep penetration into very specialized areas. Remarkable devices and systems arising from innovative processes, exotic materials, high speed computer simulations, and complex algorithms make ECE an exciting career field. These fascinating developments present greater opportunities for undergraduates to explore the field of ECE as well as greater challenges for them to navigate the curriculum because of the myriad of course and areas of concentration choices they have to make. Reflecting innovations in the field and capitalizing on the collective faculty research expertise, the Department of SUMMER 2011 1 ADVANCES IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION Integrated Sensing and Information Processing Theme-Based Redesign of the Undergraduate Electrical and Computer Engineering Curriculum Electrical and Computer Engineering at Duke University has redesigned its undergraduate curriculum around the theme of Integrated Sensing and Information Processing. This paper presents details of the ECE curriculum redesign at Duke University including its philosophy and implementation as well as elements of the redesign that are transferable to other universities. Evidence of increased student ability to design a system or component and to work effectively in teams is presented through statistical analyses of student end-of-course course evaluations. Student design project complexity evolution as the curriculum redesign unfolded is also presented, and this provides further evidence that design and teamwork have enhanced student learning throughout the new curriculum. Key Words: Department Level Reform, Theme-based curriculum redesign, Integrated Sensing and Information Processing INTRODUCTION AND MOTIVATION This paper presents details of the ECE curriculum redesign at Duke University including its philosophy and implementation, as well as elements of the redesign that are transferable to other institutions. Evidence of increased student learning is presented through statistical analyses of student end-of-course course evaluations and an examination of design project complexity evolution as the curriculum redesign unfolded. Assessment results also indicate areas of the curriculum that need improvement, and plans for ongoing, continuous improvement are outlined. In the 1990’s several anecdotal statements made by ECE students expressing appreciation for course projects and a sense of disconnectedness between courses, combined with trends in end-ofcourse surveys supporting those statements, prompted a methodical approach by the ECE Department at Duke to assess the state of its undergraduate program. This formal assessment commenced in 2000 with 1) a private sector (Acuity Edge) educational consultant who performed in-depth focus groups with ECE students at all levels, 2) analysis of several forms of course, instructor and laboratory surveys, 3) course/lab content review by an industrial advisory board, 4) course/lab content review by the collective ECE faculty, and 5) analysis of surveys of exiting seniors and alumni. This review process, which could be implemented at any institution for any program, proceeded fora period of two years leading to the identification of six critical are

FAQs

What curriculum theme did Duke University adopt for undergraduate ECE?

Duke University redesigned its undergraduate curriculum around the theme of Integrated Sensing and Information Processing.

What evidence is used to evaluate the curriculum redesign?

The paper presents evidence from statistical analyses of end-of-course evaluations, including increased ability to design systems or components and work effectively in teams, supported by design project complexity evolution.

How did Duke’s department assess the undergraduate program before redesigning the curriculum?

The department conducted a formal assessment beginning in 2000, including focus groups with students, analysis of course and laboratory surveys, content review by an industrial advisory board and the faculty, and analysis of surveys from exiting seniors and alumni.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Terk