Computers, one of humanity's most significant inventions, play a crucial role in many aspects of life, including telecommunications, banking, transportation, security, defense, medicine, research, education, shopping, and entertainment. Thanks to computers, we can now process large-scale data, solve complex mathematical problems within seconds, predict weather conditions, control airplanes, shop online, perform surgeries, and even discover new planets. These are just a few examples of what can be achieved with today's computer systems.
Computer engineering encompasses the science and technologies developed to design, build, implement, and maintain the software and hardware components of modern computer systems and devices controlled by computers. It is widely regarded as a combination of computer science and electronics engineering. This unique blend allows students to prepare for their careers by learning the various stages, from designing to implementing computer systems. Rather than focusing solely on software engineering or electronics engineering, computer engineers typically receive training in electrical and electronics engineering, software, and hardware-software integration. They work on various hardware and software components in computing, from designing microprocessors, personal computers, and supercomputers to circuit design. This branch of engineering not only explores how computer systems function but also how they come together to form a cohesive whole.
There are numerous specialized fields within computer engineering, including:
- Coding, cryptography, and information security
- Communication and wireless networks
- Compilers and operating systems
- Computational science and engineering
- Artificial intelligence, machine learning, pattern recognition, and data mining
- Bioinformatics and computational biology
- Computer networks, mobile computing, and distributed systems
- Computer systems: computer architecture, parallel processing, and reliability
- Computer vision and robotics
- Integrated circuits, VLSI design, testing, and CAD
- Embedded systems
- Signal, image, and speech processing
- Internet and network technologies
- Software engineering