The Certificate Program in Computer Engineering Technology is designed to provide students with a broad-based knowledge of digital electronics, microprocessors and advanced digital technologies. Students enrolled in the program must complete the seven courses listed below. The curriculum includes engineering science and design courses that provide a balanced view of hardware, software, application trade-offs and the basic modeling techniques used in computer engineering. All the courses in this certificate program can be applied towards the B.S. Degree in Electronic Engineering Technology.

Required Courses: (7)
17.341 Logic Design I and Laboratory
17.342 Logic Design II & Laboratory
17.353 Digital Electronics
17.383 Microprocessors A
17.384 Microprocessors B
90.267 C Programming
90.268 C++ Programming

Course Descriptions

17.341 Logic Design I and Laboratory
This course studies numbers, switching (Boolean) algebra, switching functions, and combinational circuits. Number systems and conversion. Binary codes. Switching algebra. Algebraic simplification of switching functions. Canonical forms of switching functions. Switching function minimization using Karnaugh maps. Two-level and multi-level combinational circuits. Gate conversion. Decoders, encoders, multiplexers, and demultiplexers. Programmable logic devices: read-only memories, programmable logic arrays and programmable array logic.
Prerequisite: 17.214
Credits: 3
Special Notes: 17.341 Logic Design I and Lab and 17.342 Logic Design II and Lab replace 17.346 Logic Design A, 17.347 Logic Design B and 17.348 Logic Design C.

17.342 Logic Design II and Lab
This course studies synchronous sequential circuits and register transfer logic. Latches and flip-flops. Registers. Counters. Analysis and design of synchronous sequential circuits. Moore model and Mealy model. Two's complement arithmetic. Algorithmic state machine (ASM) chart. One-hot state assignment. Register transfer logic. Data-path and control circuit. Design of a simple arithmetic processor.
Prerequisite: 17.341
Credits: 3
Special Notes: 17.341 Logic Design I and Lab and 17.342 Logic Design II and Lab replace 17l.346 Logic Design A, 17.347 Logic Design B and 17.348 Logic Design C.

17.353 Digital Electronics
This course presents the building blocks and concepts associated with digital electronic networks. The material presented will cover the design requirements necessary to develop successfully functioning digital logic circuits. The lectures will cover combinatorial networks, the Eber-Moll Transistor model, state devices, RTL, TTL, ECL, and CMOS logic families, read-only memories (ROMs), static and dynamic MOS random access memories (RAMs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs) and macrocell logic. Homework, based on actual applications, is designed to provide practice in the use of the fundamental circuit design. Real life examples are given to show the application of design theory.
Prerequisite: 17.356, 17.346
Credits: 3

17.383 Microprocessors A
Introduces the microprocessor and microprocessor programming through an integrated set of experiments and related lectures. Topics include: binary, decimal, and hexadecimal numbers; the microprocessor; memory devices; structure of microprocessor-based systems; programming and instruction sets; addressing modes; arithmetic, logical, and shift instructions; branch conditions and instructions; indexed addressing; the tack; subroutines; assembly language; floating-point routines; and software development techniques. Approximately one-half of the course time will be an associated laboratory, culminating with a programming project.
Prerequisite: 17.346 or 17.371
Credits: 3

17.384 Microprocessors B
Extends the skills developed in 17.393 to interfacing the microprocessor to the outside world through an integrated set of experiments and related lectures. Topics include: architecture of microprocessor-based systems; microcontrollers; parallel I/O ports; interrupts; A/D and D/A converters; programmable timers; handshaking; and serial communications. The course will contain a three-week project applying the functions learned to a real world design. Approximately one-half of the course time will be an associated laboratory.
Prerequisite: 17.383
Credits: 2

90.267 C Programming
Introduces students to the techniques of programming in C. The language syntax, semantics, its applications, and the portable library are covered. This course is not an introductory course in programming. However, it will teach some of the basics in the first few weeks. Students should have a working knowledge of at least one high-level programming language.
Prerequisite: Previous programming experience
Credits: 3
Special Notes: Students may not receive credit for both the 90.211/90.212 sequence and 90.267
This course qualifies for free MSDNA software!

90.268 C++ Programming
This course will cover the C++ language and show the student how to use the language. We will cover class construction, operator overloading, virtual functions, templates, and introduce the student to the IO streams. Inheritance and its use in creating extendible libraries will be presented. Object-oriented concepts will be presented in the context of the C++ language and its support for object-oriented programming.
Prerequisite: 90.267 or 90.212
Credits: 3
Special Notes:
This course qualifies for free MSDNA software!

Students enrolled in UMass Lowell certificate programs must complete the indicated series of certificate program courses, generally consisting of both required courses and electives. Students may complete the certificate programs at their own pace, enrolling in one or two courses per semester (which is the average recommended course load). Students should anticipate at least two hours of preparation for every hour of classroom instruction and they are required to maintain a grade point average of 2.0 or better to receive the certificate.

Courses held on campus typically meet one night per week, three hours each night, for 14 weeks during the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters (Summer courses are also offered over two 6-week condensed sessions). Call for a course bulletin or check our website course listings for specific course scheduling information.

Application into the Program
Those who wish to enroll in a certificate program should submit a completed application form and arrange to have their official high school transcript or GED sent to Continuing Studies, Corporate and Distance Education. Applications, transcripts, and other correspondence should be sent to: University of Massachusetts Lowell, Admissions/Continuing Studies, Dugan Hall, Room 110, 883 Broadway Street, Lowell, MA 01854-5104. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and there is no fee to apply. Upon acceptance, notification will be sent to students.

Registering for Courses
Continuing Studies offers courses during the Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. Information about current course offerings, schedules, and registration procedures is published regularly on our website at http://continuinged.uml.edu. If you would like to receive a printed Course Bulletin, please contact our Faculty and Student Support Center at (978) 934-2474.

You may take courses without being officially enrolled in a certificate or degree program, but you must meet the particular course prerequisites. Registrations are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Class size is limited. We recommend that you register early to reserve your place in class.

Transfer Policy
With the program coordinator's approval, one course may be transferred from another accredited institution to satisfy certificate program requirements. The course should be equivalent to UMass Lowell instruction, applicable to the intended program, and the student must have received a grade equivalent to a C- (1.70 on a 4.00 scale) or better.

Academic Advising
Program coordinators and general Faculty and Student Support Specialists are available by appointment to help students determine appropriate course loads, discuss admission requirements, and review the transferability of courses. To schedule an appointment with a program coordinator or Faculty and Student Support Specialist, please call Continuing Studies at (978) 934-2474. General walk-in advising is available Monday through Thursday from 8:30am-8:00pm and Friday from 8:30am-5:00pm at the Continuing Studies Faculty and Student Support Center located in Southwick Hall, Room 202 on UMass Lowell North. For online advising, email our Faculty and Student Support Specialists at Continuing_Education@uml.edu.

Awarding of Certificates
Upon successful completion of the certificate program, students must submit a completed Certificate Petition Form to Continuing Studies. Upon verification, students will be mailed their certificates. Receipt of the certificate will be noted formally on the student's transcript with an award date of October, February, or June.

Tuition
Please refer to our website course listings or our current printed course bulletin for the latest information on tuition and fees.

For More Information
For additional information on any of our programs, call Continuing Studies  at (978) 934-2474 or email Continuing_Education@uml.edu.

For information on Financial Aid, call the University's Financial Aid Office at (978) 934-4220.