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Overview

The field of Electrical Engineering generally deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics and electromagnetism. The field has grown rapidly and covers many diverse areas including electronics engineering, digital computers, power engineering, telecommunications, control systems, radio-frequency engineering, signal processing, instrumentation, and microelectronics. The profession is guided and strongly supported by the Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE). Like every other country, Guyana requires a well-trained cadre of Electrical Engineers to work in a very wide range of industries ranging from basic circuit theory and maintenance to the management skills required of project managers. The maintenance of a continuous supply of electricity is a demanding task that predominantly requires dedicated Electrical Engineers.

The Electrical Engineering programmes have been strengthened and modified to include an awareness of the indigenous diversities of Guyana and the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). The programmes have been redesigned to align with the requirements of international accreditation bodies. The programmes consist of a 2-year Associate of Science option and a 4-year Bachelor of Science option. The Associate of Science – Electrical Engineering provides courses that form the foundation of electrical engineering whereas the Bachelor of Science – Electrical Engineering offers more in-depth study of the various core areas. The number of credit hours per course has been based on best practices of other universities and accreditation standards.

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Programme Goals

The Associate of Science – Electrical Engineering aims to produce graduates with an introductory knowledge and skills in the fundamental components of electrical engineering, including programming, electrical energy systems, telecommunications, electronic circuits and systems, along with sufficient mathematics. Such a graduate is expected to be a competent electronics/electrical technician/technologist. Specifically, the goal of this programme is to prepare graduates who will be able to:

  1. Apply knowledge of the fundamental mathematics and sciences that provide the basis for engineering applications;
  2. Demonstrate adequate levels of training as electrical technicians and technologists;
  3. Integrate independent and teamwork skills in a blend of applied competencies;
  4. Recognize the need for continuous learning to keep current in this fast changing field;
  5. Exhibit behavioural norms that are ethical, professionally responsible and respectfully respond to societal diversities.

 

Programme Description

The Associate of Science – Electrical Engineering is designed to serve students who are desirous of pursuing a career as an electrical technician or technologist. The programme contains a blend of hands-on and theoretical learning activities with strong focus on problem solving. Emphasis is placed on the application of current technology to meet the needs of industries and commercial enterprises. Students are exposed to information and engage in activities that will allow them to develop the knowledge required to manipulate basic electrical systems and perform adequate maintenance and basic re-designs.

This 2-year programme is structured so that during the first year students are exposed to foundation physics and mathematics courses at the CAPE equivalent level. The concept of who is an engineer and what the engineering profession entails, are added. Some fundamental courses in electronics and electrical technology are also offered in the first year. Oral and written communication skills are emphasized. The second year offers an introduction to electronics circuits and systems, electrical energy systems, and telecommunication systems, along with relevant laboratory exercises and projects to develop practical skills. Modern electrical systems are predominantly interfaced to computers for control and monitoring. An introductory course on microprocessors and microcontrollers is therefore introduced in order to build basic competencies in programming.

Students learn through a combination of design and lab work. This mix of theory and practical application allows students to think meaningfully about the content and their learning and then apply their ideas in a variety of real life situations. Students also learn to diagnose problems and develop a variety of solutions.

Students are assigned a minor project during the final semester where they are expected to apply the skills and competencies they have developed over the course of the programme.

The Associate of Science – Electrical Engineering prepares the student for integration into an ever-expanding industrial and technological environment. The graduate will be able to work and communicate with engineers, as well as supervise the work of skilled technicians. The programme provides the basis for further studies leading to the Bachelor of Science – Electrical Engineering.

 

Student Learning Outcomes

The successful graduate of the Associate of Science – Electrical Engineering should be able to:

  1. Apply mathematical principles and concepts in solving engineering problems;
  2. Apply various analytical approaches towards the solution of electric and electronic circuits of varying complexities;
  3. Use various software to render, model, analyse and solve power systems, electric circuits and electronic circuits;
  4. Communicate effectively via oral, graphic and written media;
  5. Provide proper engineering and management services;
  6. Apply knowledge and skills to aid in the troubleshooting and design of functional, economical and reliable engineering systems;
  7. Engage in sustainable engineering practices;
  8. Exhibit and utilise professionalism and ethics in all responsible decision making processes.

 

Entry Requirements

The specific requirements for entry are as follows:

  • Passes in at least five (5) subjects at the CSEC/GCE 'O' Level. The subjects must include English Language, Mathematics, and Physics or Chemistry or Electrical and Electronic Technology; or
  • Applicants with five (5) subjects, but without passes in English or Mathematics or Physics, are required to write a Qualifying Examination. Applicants without Physics can also opt for the Pre-University Physics course offered by the Faculty; or
  • Guyana Technical Education Examination Technician Certificate [G.T.E.E.], Parts I and II in Electrical Engineering or Telecommunications; or
  • G.T.E.E. Diploma in Science (Physics or Chemistry or Computer Science); or
  • G.T.E.E. Technician Diploma in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering; or
  • Mature applicants [26 years or older in the year of admission] with the relevant technical experience who have passed the University of Guyana Entrance Examination (UGEE).

 

Graduation Requirements

To be eligible for the award of the Associate of Science – Electrical Engineering, the student must complete the programme with a minimum of sixty-six (66) credits, within six (6) years.

 

Programme Structure

The Associate of Science – Electrical Engineering constitutes a minimum of sixty-six (66) credits of courses taken over two (2) years. The programme has a blend of foundation courses, core courses and electives, as well as complementary courses in Mathematics and Management. This is detailed below:

  • Credits allotted to foundation courses total ten (10). Physics and English courses are covered in year 1, while another Physics course is offered in the final semester of the programme.
  • One (1) elective, which may be a course in Caribbean Studies, a Foreign Language, History, Economics, Accounts or Computer Science, has to be taken in year 1, semester 1. The elective has to be a 3-credit or 4-credit course.
  • Core courses encompass the broad areas of electrical engineering, such as telecommunications, electrical technology, electronics, control systems and power systems. Core courses are offered in both years of the programme. Credits allotted to core courses total forty-one (41).

Mathematics courses and one (1) Management course complement the other courses. Mathematics courses are offered in the first three (3) semesters, while one (1) management course is offered in the final semester. Credits allotted to Mathematics courses total nine (9), and the Management course is worth three (3) credits. All students are required to take these courses.