COURSE SYLLABUS
ECE 420
Readings in ECE
Fairfield University School of Engineering

Instructor:  	Dr. Douglas Lyon	
			203-641-6293
			203-877-4187  FAX  

Course Description:

This course prepares students to formulate a thesis proposal, perform literature surveys, and learn the finer points of technical writing at the graduate level.  The course requires a meta-paper written about the literature in the field.  It emphasizes the basics of technical writing and research and is organized to emphasize methods of the writing and the research process.  Students learn to state a problem, the techniques of analysis, methods of investigation, and functional organization.  Students consider the ethical and environmental aspects of their efforts at each stage.

Prerequisites:	One ECE domain or permission of the instructor.

Office Hours
Monday	 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm 
Tuesday	3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Course Offerings
CR311, Image Processing	Mc 203 Mon 6:30-9:20
CR325, Computer Graphics	Mc 203 Thur 6:30-9:20
ECE420, Readings	Mc 203 Tues 6:30-9:20
ECE482, Special Topics	Mc 203 Tues 6:30-9:20
ECE510, Thesis I	Mc 203 Tues 6:30-9:20
ECE510, Thesis II	Mc 203 Tues 6:30-9:20
ECE510, Thesis III	Mc 203 Tues 6:30-9:20
E-mail:	 lyon@DocJava.com
Web: 	http://www.DocJava.com

Objectives and Outcomes

No.	Objective	Outcome	
1	To understand the process of performing research at the graduate level	Students will perform literature surveys using books, periodicals, conference proceedings, and other relevant material
	
2	To understand how to formulate a problem statement and how to develop a plan to solve it 	Students will, as part of their report, define and document a problem that exists in their area of interest and will develop a detailed plan to investigate the problem
	
3	To develop skills in technical writing	Students will use proper grammar and punctuation, and will document all sources in the proper format
	
4	To understand the ethical and environmental aspects of engineering	Students will consider and document the ethical and environmental aspects of their proposed work

Performance Indicators and grading:

Students will need to write a thesis proposal, as described in:
http://show.docjava.com:8086/general/foo_toc.htm

Students are required to write a weekly progress report, as described in:
http://show.docjava.com:8086/general/weekly.htm

Students are to do a presentation as a part of the progress report, in class, every week. Attendance in the course is required. Missing a presentation will impact your grade.

Students will need a research plan, as described in:
http://show.docjava.com:8086/general/researchPlan.htm

Students should keep a lab notebook, as described in:
http://show.docjava.com:8086/general/lab_note.htm

Progress reports count as homework.
Grading: 1/3 – homework, 1/3 midterm, 1/3 final.
Class participation is required. Unexcused absences will be reflected in the final grade.
The midterm consists of a draft of the thesis proposal.
The final consists of the final thesis proposal.

Students who take an incomplete in this course will not be allowed to register for the thesis.

Class structure:

Students will meet with their advisor on a regularly scheduled basis.  At this time, the students will present their progress reports and action plans for discussion.

Students are required to select their own area of concentration with input from their advisor.  This must be accomplished no later than the second week of the term.
Course Notes: Handouts/diskettes/e-mail, web page
Web: http://www.DocJava.com

Attendance Policy:	Students are responsible to acquire notes and homework assignment from classmates in case of absence.
Grading:
	Midterm	1/3
	Final Examination	1/3
	Homework	1/3	includes tests, quizzes, projects, etc.

“If you have a documented disability and wish to discuss academic accommodations, please contact: David Ryan-Soderlund at Academic and Disability Support Services (203) 254-4000, x2615, or email <mailto:drsoderlund@mail.fairfield.edu>drsoderlund@mail.fairfield.edu, and notify the course instructor within the first two weeks of the semester”