Holistic Development of Computer Engineering Curricula Using Y-Chart Methodology

The exponential growth of advancing technologies is pushing curriculum designers in computer engineering (CpE) education to compress more and more content into the typical 4-year program, without necessarily paying much attention to the cohesiveness of those contents. The result has been highly fragmented curricula consisting of various disconnected theory courses and laboratory practicals. A holistic approach to curricula development that focuses on integrated fundamental knowledge is required to remedy this. This paper proposes a holistic approach to developing a CpE curriculum and to maintaining continuous, coherent development of that curriculum. The elements of the proposed approach are the following: formulation of objectives, identification of major curriculum areas, construction of a system model for CpE core courses by using the Y-chart methodology, description of electives, integration of laboratory practices, and assessment of the curriculum. An assessment of the curriculum is presented based on survey data and accreditation outcomes. Assessment results show that holistic understanding and integrated design experience assist students in achieving the program objectives.