A Comprehensive, Laboratory-Enchanced Signals and Communications Curriculum

电气工程(55)-在过去的十年中，无线通信领域已经形成了自己的领域，并且随着最近3G蜂窝，无线网络和无线传感器系统的发展，它将成为一种无处不在的技术。因此，今天毕业的电气工程师需要在本科课程中通常没有发展的市场技能。该项目通过显著加强佛蒙特大学电气和计算机工程系（ECE）的信号和通信课程来解决这一既定需求。本课程的重点在于将实践经验纳入无线传感器系统跨学科领域的四门以理论为基础的本科课程。这些课程的改变是由显著的实验室基础设施的加强和示范教学法的适应所支持的。实验室设备的改进包括现代示波器，射频信号发生器，频谱分析仪和矢量网络分析仪。这个项目的智力价值在于，这些仪器支持补充性的通信课程练习和课程，因此，为学生提供学习如何设计现代无线通信系统的新机会。PI正在调整和实施在南佛罗里达大学开发的课程原型和实验室练习。这个项目影响着UVM的每一个ECE学生。该计划的广泛影响包括通过现有的UVM外展计划增加学生和教师与高中生的互动，教师参与招聘工作，以及与当地行业的合作。

Electrical Engineering (55)- In the past decade the field of wireless communications has come into its own and is posed to become a ubiquitous technology with the recent developments of 3G cellular, wireless network and wireless sensor systems. As such, today's graduating electrical engineers need marketable skills that are typically not developed in undergraduate curricula. This project addresses this stated need through a significant enhancement of the signals and communications curriculum in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department (ECE) at the University of Vermont (UVM). The emphasis of this curriculum enhancement lies in the inclusion of hands-on experience in four theory-based, undergraduate courses in the interdisciplinary area of wireless sensor systems. These curriculum changes are supported by significant laboratory infrastructure enhancements and adaptation of exemplary pedagogy. Laboratory equipment improvements include modern oscilloscopes, a RF signal generator, a spectrum analyzer and a vector network analyzer. The intellectual merit of this project is that these instruments are supporting complementary communication course exercises and curriculum, and thus, providing new opportunities for students to learn how to design modern wireless communications systems. The PI is adapting and implementing curriculum prototype and laboratory exercises that were developed at the University of South Florida.This program is affecting every ECE student at UVM. The broader impacts of the program include increased interaction of students and faculty with high school students through existing UVM outreach programs, new involvement of faculty in recruiting efforts, and collaboration with local industry.