ELEC 220 Fundamentals of Computer Engineering

ELEC 220 is required of ECE majors, but this course is a great fit for anyone who wants to see what's behind the magic of modern microprocessors and to better understand how they will shape our lives.

Computer engineering is concerned with combining the fields of computer science and electrical engineering to design and implement an optimized computing system. Computer engineering enjoys: an extensive theoretical base developed over several decades, an elegant implementation technology (semiconductor VLSI) that is highly advanced and well matched to its computational demands, and abundant applications. Computer engineering is at the heart of much of modern technology. Its current and future impact is difficult to overstate.

We will use the five components of every programmable computer (Memory, Input, Output, Control, and Datapath) to navigate the technology enabling modern microprocessors. We will explore some specific modern system examples including machine learning and wearable molecular sensors. For the Paris version of ELEC 220, each student will have a microcomputer board and an optional wearable glucose sensor. During the course, students will learn how these systems work. We will go on field trips to explore the use conditions of these wearable glucose sensors.

Main course content:
• Compiler/processor interface
• Instruction set of a RISC style processor
• Logic design
• Influence of technology (hardware and software) on architecture

Expected learning outcomes:
• Understand the five key components of every computer
• Understand and use the components of a modern digital computer system
• Use computer architectures more effectively
• Understand the role of computer engineering in your future
• Be able to engineer a new computing system

CLICK HERE FOR DRAFT SYLLABUS

This course is 3 Rice credit hours.

No

Yes, students will receive D3 credit for this course.

Priority Deadline: December 10, 2025
Final Application Deadline: February 1, 2026

For details on these two deadlines, please navigate to the Application Timeline section of the Program Information & FAQs page.

For questions regarding the course content, please contact the course instructor (see below).

For questions regarding the program (budget, application process, financial aid, global awards), first read through the Rice Global Paris Summer Program Information and FAQs page on our website. If you cannot find the answer to your question, email us at globalowls@rice.edu.