Electrical and Computer Engineering

Faculty Affiliation

Applied Science and Engineering

Degree Programs

Electrical and Computer Engineering

MASc

• Fields:
  • Biomedical Engineering;
  • Communications;
  • Computer Engineering;
  • Electromagnetics;
  • Electronics;
  • Energy Systems;
  • Photonics;
  • Systems Control

• Emphases:
  • Robotics (admissions have been administratively suspended);
  • Sustainable Energy

MEng

• Emphases:
  • Analytics;
  • Biomedical Engineering;
  • Communications;
  • Computer Engineering;
  • Electromagnetics;
  • Electronics;
  • Energy Systems;
  • Engineering and Globalization;
  • Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Innovation and Technology in Engineering (ELITE);
  • Identity, Privacy and Security (IPS);
  • Photonics;
  • Robotics;
  • Sustainable Energy;
  • Systems Control

PhD

• Fields:
  • System Control
  • Biomedical Engineering;
  • Communications;
  • Computer Engineering;
  • Electromagnetics;
  • Electronics;
  • Energy Systems;
  • Photonics

• Emphases:
  • Robotics (admissions have been administratively suspended);
  • Sustainable Energy

Collaborative Specializations

The following collaborative specializations are available to students in participating degree programs as listed below:

• Biomedical Engineering
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering, MASc, PhD
• Neuromodulation
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering, MASc, PhD
• Psychology, Psychiatry and Engineering
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering, MASc, PhD
• Robotics
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering, MASc, PhD

Overview

During the past few decades, we have witnessed exciting new discoveries and developments in almost every aspect of electrical and computer engineering, including microelectronics, computers, communication networks, photonics, alternative energy systems, robotics, and many others. At the intersection of computers and communications there are opportunities that are limited only by our imagination. Along with these highly visible developments, there are equally impressive achievements in building the theoretical underpinnings of the respective areas of knowledge. Graduate studies provide the highly qualified individuals who are the lifeblood of the research leading to these advances.

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is engaged in the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge across a wide range of areas of engineering and applied science — from the fabrication of atomic-level structures with special optical properties, through to the technologies that have revolutionized our world, such as microelectronics, computer systems, software, and networks.

The department conducts research in the following fields of study: Biomedical Engineering, Communications, Computer Engineering, Electromagnetics, Electronics, Energy Systems, Photonics, and System Control.

Contact and Address

Web: www.ece.utoronto.ca
Email: ecegradoffice@utoronto.ca
Telephone: (416) 978-5804
Fax: (416) 978-1145

The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of Toronto
Sandford Fleming Building
Room 1107, 10 King's College Road
Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G4
Canada

Master of Applied Science

Program Description

The MASc provides students with an opportunity to pursue advanced studies in the particular area of interest and an opportunity to engage in research.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering's additional admission requirements stated below.

• An appropriate bachelor's degree in electrical and computer engineering or its equivalent from a recognized university.

• High academic standing equivalent to a mid-B or better, normally demonstrated by an average grade in the final year or over senior-level courses.

Program Requirements

• Each student's program of study must receive the approval of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and, in general, shall consist of a research or design project on which a thesis must be submitted.

• During Year 1, students are required to attend the ECE Colloquium and complete JDE1000H Ethics in Research (0.0 FCE).

• Coursework. Normally, completion of 2.5 graduate full-course equivalents (FCEs) or five half courses. Students whose undergraduate preparation does not include the study of subjects deemed to be necessary for research in the chosen area will be required to complete additional courses.

• Thesis. This thesis shall demonstrate the student's ability to do independent work in relating, organizing, and extending existing techniques where required, and in suggesting and developing new approaches to problems in an area of applied science and engineering.

• Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Sustainable Energy as part of their degree program. Please see details in the Electrical and Computer Engineering MASc, MEng, PhD Emphases section.

Program Length

6 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S)

Time Limit

3 years full-time

Master of Engineering

Program Description

The MEng program is designed to provide professional training beyond the undergraduate level and to accelerate careers with specialized engineering expertise needed in business, government, and industry.

The MEng program can be taken on a full-time, extended full-time, or part-time basis.

Full-Time Option

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering's additional admission requirements stated below.

• An appropriate bachelor's degree in electrical and computer engineering or its equivalent from a recognized university.

• High academic standing equivalent to a mid-B or better, normally demonstrated by an average grade in the final year or over senior-level courses.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Normally, completion of 4.5 graduate full-course equivalents (FCEs) or nine half courses for applicants with adequate undergraduate preparation. At least 2.5 graduate FCEs or five half courses must be drawn from graduate courses offered by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

• Students may choose to complete an engineering project with an equivalent value of 1.5 FCEs. Students choosing the project option will be required to complete a total of 3.0 FCEs in addition to the project. In order to pursue the project option, the student must secure a professor who will act as the supervisor throughout the project.

• Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Analytics; Biomedical Engineering; Communications; Computer Engineering; Electromagnetics; Electronics; Energy Systems; Engineering and Globalization; Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Innovation and Technology in Engineering (ELITE); Identity, Privacy and Security (IPS); Photonics; Robotics; Sustainable Energy; or Systems Control as part of their degree program. Please see details in the Electrical and Computer Engineering MASc, MEng, PhD Emphases section.

Program Length

3 sessions (typical registration sequence: F/W/S)

Time Limit

3 years

Extended Full-Time Option

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering's additional admission requirements stated below.

• An appropriate bachelor's degree in electrical and computer engineering or its equivalent from a recognized university.

• High academic standing equivalent to a mid-B or better, normally demonstrated by an average grade in the final year or over senior-level courses.

Program Requirements

• Students are expected to complete the requirements in six sessions (two years) and are limited to six half courses per year and three half courses per session.

• Coursework. Normally, completion of 4.5 graduate full-course equivalents (FCEs) or nine half courses for applicants with adequate undergraduate preparation. At least 2.5 graduate FCEs or five half courses must be drawn from graduate courses offered by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

• Students may choose to complete an engineering project with an equivalent value of 1.5 FCEs. Students choosing the project option will be required to complete a total of 3.0 FCEs in addition to the project. In order to pursue the project option, the student must secure a professor who will act as the supervisor throughout the project.

• Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Analytics; Biomedical Engineering; Communications; Computer Engineering; Electromagnetics; Electronics; Energy Systems; Engineering and Globalization; Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Innovation and Technology in Engineering (ELITE); Identity, Privacy and Security (IPS); Photonics; Robotics; Sustainable Energy; or Systems Control as part of their degree program. Please see details in the Electrical and Computer Engineering MASc, MEng, PhD Emphases section.

Program Length

6 sessions (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S)

Time Limit

3 years

Part-Time Option

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering's additional admission requirements stated below.

• An appropriate bachelor's degree in electrical and computer engineering or its equivalent from a recognized university.

• High academic standing equivalent to a mid-B or better, normally demonstrated by an average grade in the final year or over senior-level courses.

Program Requirements

• Students normally complete the requirements in nine sessions (three years). They are limited to four half courses per year and two half courses per session.

• Coursework. Normally, completion of 4.5 graduate full-course equivalents (FCEs) or nine half courses for applicants with adequate undergraduate preparation. At least 2.5 graduate FCEs or five half courses must be drawn from graduate courses offered by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

• Students may choose to complete an engineering project with an equivalent value of 1.5 FCEs. Students choosing the project option will be required to complete a total of 3.0 FCEs in addition to the project. In order to pursue the project option, the student must secure a professor who will act as the supervisor throughout the project.

• Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Analytics; Biomedical Engineering; Communications; Computer Engineering; Electromagnetics; Electronics; Energy Systems; Engineering and Globalization; Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Innovation and Technology in Engineering (ELITE); Identity, Privacy and Security (IPS); Photonics; Robotics; Sustainable Energy; or Systems Control as part of their degree program. Please see details in the Electrical and Computer Engineering MASc, MEng, PhD Emphases section.

Program Length

9 sessions

Time Limit

6 years

Doctor of Philosophy

Program Description

The PhD program is designed for exceptional individuals who intend to pursue a career in fundamental or applied research.

Applicants may enter the PhD program via one of three routes: 1) following completion of the University of Toronto master's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering or its equivalent from a recognized university; 2) transfer from the University of Toronto MASc program; or 3) direct entry for exceptionally qualified students with an appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university.

PhD Program

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering's additional admission requirements stated below.

• Admission may be granted for applicants with a University of Toronto master's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering with an overall average of at least B+, or its equivalent from a recognized university.

• The department must be satisfied of the student's ability to do advanced research before admission may be granted.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Normally, students who enter the PhD with a master's degree will complete 2.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) not previously used for other degree credit. Students may receive a course reduction of up to 1.0 FCE depending on their PhD research needs in relation to their studies at the master's level. The number of required courses will be determined by the Associate Chair, Graduate Studies, in consultation with the PhD supervisor.

• During Year 1, each student must:

  • pass a qualifying oral examination in the area of research;

  • attend the ECE Colloquium;

  • complete JDE1000H Ethics in Research (0.0 FCE) if they have not already done so in a previous University of Toronto master's program.

• Thesis.

• Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Sustainable Energy as part of their degree program. Please see details in the Electrical and Computer Engineering MASc, MEng, PhD Emphases section.

Program Length

4 years

Time Limit

6 years

PhD Program (Transfer)

Transfer Requirements

• Admission may be granted to applicants via transfer from the MASc to the PhD program, upon completion of 2.5 graduate full-course equivalents (FCEs) with an overall average of at least B+.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Normally, students who transfer from the MASc to the PhD will complete 1.5 graduate FCEs, in addition to courses completed while registered in the MASc program. Students may be required to complete up to 1.0 additional FCE depending on their PhD research needs in relation to their studies at the master's level. The number of required courses will be determined by the Associate Chair, Graduate Studies, in consultation with the PhD supervisor.

• During Year 1, each student must:

  • pass a qualifying oral examination in the area of research;

  • attend the ECE Colloquium;

  • complete JDE1000H Ethics in Research (0.0 FCE) if they have not already done so in a previous University of Toronto master's program.

• Thesis.

• Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Sustainable Energy as part of their degree program. Please see details in the Electrical and Computer Engineering MASc, MEng, PhD Emphases section.

Program Length

5 years

Time Limit

7 years

PhD Program (Direct-Entry)

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering's additional admission requirements stated below.

• Admission may be granted by direct entry for exceptionally qualified students with an appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university.

• The department must be satisfied of the student's ability to do advanced research before admission may be granted.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must complete 4.0 graduate full-course equivalents (FCEs).

• During Year 1, each student must:

  • pass a qualifying oral examination in the area of research;

  • attend the ECE Colloquium;

  • complete JDE1000H Ethics in Research (0.0 FCE) if they have not already done so in a previous University of Toronto master's program.

• Thesis.

• Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Sustainable Energy as part of their degree program. Please see details in the Electrical and Computer Engineering MASc, MEng, PhD Emphases section.

Program Length

5 years

Time Limit

7 years

Emphasis: Analytics (MEng only)

To be admitted to the emphasis in Analytics, MEng students must first successfully complete a prerequisite course APS1070H (0.5 full-course equivalent [FCE]).

Subsequently, to earn the emphasis, students must successfully complete four additional half courses (2.0 FCEs) from the list of core courses or elective courses. These must include at least one core course; the remaining courses must be selected from the list of elective courses.

Students must have completed the prerequisite course APS1070H before taking any of the core courses.

Prerequisite Course

APS1070H Foundations of Data Analytics and Machine Learning.

Core Courses

CHE1147H Data Mining in Engineering
ECE1513H Introduction to Machine Learning (exclusions: CSC411H, CSC2515H, ECE421H, ECE1504H)
MIE1624H Introduction to Data Science and Analytics (exclusion: MIE1626H)
MIE1626H Data Science Methods and Quantitative Analysis (exclusion: MIE1624H)
MSE1065H Application of Artificial Intelligence in Materials Design (exclusion: MSE1063H).

Elective Courses

APS502H, APS1005H, APS1017H, APS1022H, APS1040H, APS1050H, APS1051H, APS1052H, APS1053H, APS1080H,
CEM1002H,
CHE507H, CHE1108H, CHE1148H, CHE1434H,
CIV1504H, CIV1506H, CIV1507H, CIV1532H, CIV1538H,
ECE537H, ECE1504H (exclusions: CSC411H, CSC2515H, ECE421H, ECE521H, ECE1513H), ECE1505H, ECE1510H, ECE1657H, ECE1778H, ECE1779H,
MIE562H, MIE1077H, MIE1413H, MIE1501H, MIE1512H, MIE1513H, MIE1517H, MIE1620H, MIE1621H, MIE1622H, MIE1623H, MIE1625H, MIE1628H, MIE1653H, MIE1666H, MIE1721H, MIE1723H, MIE1727H, MIE1769H,
MSE1063H (exclusion: MSE1065H).

Emphasis: Biomedical Engineering (MEng only)

MEng students must successfully complete at least four courses from those listed below. Students may double-count one course at most towards any ECE emphasis.

• Any JEB14XXH course

• ECE1774H Sensory Cybernetics

• ECE2500Y Master of Engineering Project (topic in biomedical engineering; counts as one course towards the emphasis).

Students may include other biomedical engineering-related courses subject to the approval of the ECE Associate Chair for Graduate Studies.

Emphasis: Communications (MEng only)

MEng students must successfully complete at least four courses from those listed below. Students may double-count one course at most towards any ECE emphasis.

• ECE537H Random Processes

• Any ECE15XXH course

• ECE2500Y Master of Engineering Project (topic in communications; counts as one course towards the emphasis).

Emphasis: Computer Engineering (MEng only)

MEng students must successfully complete at least four courses from those listed below. Students may double-count one course at most towards any ECE emphasis.

• ECE516H Intelligent Image Processing

• ECE532H Digital Systems Design

• ECE540H Optimizing Compilers

• ECE552H Computer Architecture

• ECE568H Computer Security

• Any ECE17XXH course

• ECE2500Y Master of Engineering Project (topic in computer engineering; counts as one course towards the emphasis).

Emphasis: Electromagnetics (MEng only)

MEng students must successfully complete at least four courses from those listed below. Students may double-count one course at most towards any ECE emphasis.

• Any ECE12XXH course

• ECE2500Y Master of Engineering Project (topic in electromagnetics; counts as one course towards the emphasis).

Emphasis: Electronics (MEng only)

MEng students must successfully complete at least four courses from those listed below. Students may double-count one course at most towards any ECE emphasis.

• ECE530H Analog Integrated Circuits

• Any ECE13XXH course

• ECE2500Y Master of Engineering Project (topic in electronics; counts as one course towards the emphasis).

Emphasis: Energy Systems (MEng only)

MEng students must successfully complete at least four courses from those listed below. Students may double-count one course at most towards any ECE emphasis.

• ECE510H Introduction to Lighting Systems

• ECE514H Power Electronics: Converter Topologies

• ECE533H Power Electronics

• Any ECE10XXH course

• ECE2500Y Master of Engineering Project (topic in energy systems; counts as one course towards the emphasis).

Emphasis: Engineering and Globalization (MEng only)

MEng students must successfully complete four half courses (2.0 full-course equivalents [FCEs]) from the following lists, with at least two half courses (or one full course) taken from Group A.

Group A

APS510H, APS530H, APS1420H, JCR1000Y (full-year course).

Group B

APS1015H, APS1020H, APS1024H, CHL5700H, CIV1399H, JMG2020H.

Note: Students who choose to pursue an MEng project in their home department that aligns with the Centre for Global Engineering (CGEN)'s disciplinary focus, as deemed by the CGEN Director, may count the project as one required Group B course.

Students who complete the requirements of the emphasis in Engineering and Globalization and wish to obtain a notation on their transcripts should contact the Faculty Graduate Studies office.

Emphasis: Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Innovation and Technology in Engineering (ELITE) (MEng only)

MEng students must successfully complete any four of the following courses (2.0 full-course equivalents [FCEs]):

Leadership

TEP1010H, TEP1011H, TEP1026H, TEP1027H, TEP1029H, TEP1030H, TEP1501H, TEP1502H, TEP1601H.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

APS1012H, APS1013H, APS1015H, APS1023H, APS1033H, APS1035H, APS1036H, APS1041H, APS1061H, APS1088H.

Finance and Management

AER1601H, APS502H, APS1001H, APS1004H, APS1005H, APS1009H, APS1016H, APS1017H, APS1020H, APS1022H, APS1028H, APS1032H, APS1038H, APS1039H, APS1040H, APS1043H, APS1049H, APS1050H, APS1051H, APS1052H.

Engineering and Society

APS510H, APS1018H, APS1024H, APS1025H, APS1031H, APS1034H, APS1101H, APS1420H.

Emphasis: Identity, Privacy and Security (IPS) (MEng only)

MEng students must successfully complete four half courses (2.0 full-course equivalents [FCEs]) as follows:

• JIE1001H/ECE1518H Seminar in Identity, Privacy, and Security (0.5 FCE)

• Two courses (1.0 FCE) from:

  • ECE568H, ECE1517H, ECE1529H, ECE1776H, ECE1778H

• And one course (0.5 FCE) from:

  • INF2124H, INF2181H, INF2241H.

Emphasis: Photonics (MEng only)

MEng students must successfully complete at least four courses from those listed below. Students may double-count one course at most towards any ECE emphasis.

• ECE527H Photonic Devices

• Any ECE14XXH course

• ECE2500Y Master of Engineering Project (topic in photonics; counts as one course towards the emphasis).

Emphasis: Robotics (MASc, MEng, PhD)

Note: effective April 11, 2023, admissions to this emphasis have been administratively suspended for MASc and PhD students. See amendment made on April 17, 2023.

Students must successfully complete four courses (2.0 full-course equivalents [FCEs]) chosen from at least two of the following groups, and no more than two in any given group:

Group 1: Planning and Control

AER1516H, AER1517H,
ECE557H (exclusion: ECE410H), ECE1619H, ECE1635H, ECE1636H, ECE1647H, ECE1653H, ECE1657H,
MIE1064H, MIE1068H.

Group 2: Perception and Learning

AER1513H, AER1515H,
CSC2503H, CSC2506H, CSC2515H, CSC2541H, CSC2548H,
ECE516H, ECE1511H, ECE1512H,
JEB1433H,
ROB501H.

Group 3: Modelling and Dynamics

AER1503H, AER1512H, AER506H,
JEB1444H,
MIE1001H.

Group 4: Systems Design and Integration

AER525H (exclusion: ECE470H), AER1216H, AER1217H,
CSC2621H,
ECE470H (exclusion: AER525H),
MIE505H, MIE506H, MIE1070H, MIE1075H, MIE1076H, MIE1080H, MIE1809H,
ROB521H, ROB1514H.

Emphasis: Sustainable Energy (MASc, MEng, PhD)

MASc and PhD students must successfully complete:

• At least three half courses (1.5 full-course equivalents [FCEs]) from either of the following lists below.

• A thesis towards their degree on a topic related to sustainable energy. Topics must be approved by the steering committee of the Institute of Sustainable Energy. Contact: Mandeep Rayat.

MEng students must successfully complete:

• Four half courses (2.0 FCEs) from either of the following lists below, including at least one core course (0.5 FCE).

Core Courses

APS1032H Introduction to Energy Project Management,
MIE515H Alternative Energy Systems,
MIE1120H Current Energy Infrastructure and Resources.

Elective Courses

AER507H, AER1304H, AER1315H, AER1415H,
CHE568H, CHE1053H, CHE1118H, CHE1123H, CHE1142H, CHE1143H,
CIV575H, CIV576H, CIV577H, CIV1303H, CIV1307H,
ECE533H, ECE1030H, ECE1055H, ECE1057H, ECE1059H, ECE1085H, ECE1086H, ECE1092H, ECE1094H, ECE1476H,
MIE516H, MIE517H, MIE1128H, MIE1129H, MIE1130H, MIE1240H, MIE1241H, MIE1715H,
MSE1023H, MSE1028H, MSE1058H.

Students who complete the requirements of the emphasis in Sustainable Energy will receive a notation on their transcript from the Faculty Graduate Studies Office following a recommendation from the Institute of Sustainable Energy. Contact: Mandeep Rayat.

Emphasis: Systems Control (MEng only)

MEng students must successfully complete at least four courses from those listed below. Students may double-count one course at most towards any ECE emphasis.

• ECE557H Linear Control Theory

• Any ECE16XXH course

• ECE2500Y Master of Engineering Project (topic in systems control; counts as one course towards the emphasis).

The following groups of courses in the more distinct fields of graduate study in electrical and computer engineering are presented for student guidance in selecting courses. Suitable courses offered by other departments may be selected subject to the approval of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Students registered in a graduate degree program which involves research are required to complete the seminar course JDE1000H Ethics in Research during their first year of registration. The department should be consulted each session as to course offerings.

Energy Systems

Electromagnetics

Electronics

Biomedical Engineering

Photonics

Communications

Systems Control

Computer Engineering

Master of Engineering

Reading Course

APS Engineering Course