Electrical and electronic technologies are present in various applications involving modern society’s daily activities – from electric vehicles and medical scanning machines to mobile phones and computers.
They are tangible results of technological advancement in electrical and electronic engineering, a field encompassing electrical power, control, electronics, telecommunication, signal processing and computer systems engineering, that has impacted the world more significantly than any other engineering field.
Naturally, electrical and electronic engineers are in great demand across the globe and certainly in Malaysia and a wider region in Asia where the development of massive electrical power schemes, telecommunication networks and electronic manufacturing industries have resulted in an unprecedented demand for professionals in the field.
Recognising this growing need, Curtin University is introducing a new Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) (Honours) (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) programme, which will initially be available only at its Malaysian campus, Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) from the upcoming first semester (February) onwards.
Students taking this four-year course at Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering and Science can specialise in either Electrical Power Engineering or Electronic and Communication Engineering, both of which are highly relevant to today’s world.
Indeed, there is hardly any aspect of modern civilisation that is not dependent upon electrical energy. We use it for heating, cooling, lighting, transportation, manufacturing and production, minerals processing, to name just a few areas of application. Electrical Power Engineering considers these applications of electrical energy, together with its generation, transmission and distribution, as well as the harnessing of sources of renewable and sustainable energy.
As for the Electronics and Communication fields, they represent two of the fastest growing technology areas internationally and job opportunities in these fields abound. With the rapid progress of the information society, the role of electronic communications is becoming even more crucial to increase industry efficiency and competitiveness.
The reason lies in the decentralisation of computing power in both the office and factory environment and the ability of specialised communication networks to link all geographically and spatially separated elements. In this stream, students will learn about the theoretical and practical aspects of modern electronic and communication systems.
In the first year, all engineering students will complete the Engineering First Year (EFY). The EFY builds a solid base of the fundamental concepts common to all areas of engineering and was developed in partnership with industry to create a curriculum that is reflective of engineering practice. After completing this common year, students can select to major in Electrical and Electronic Engineering with a focus on either Electrical Power Engineering or Electronic and Communication Engineering.
In the final year of study, students will undertake a major research or design project. They will also need to complete at least 12 weeks of engineering work experience to graduate. High achieving students may complete an additional honours year enabling them to undertake their own significant research project.
The development of the Electrical and Electronic Engineering major is guided by an Industry Advisory Committee whose members are drawn from senior members of industry and academia. The course has an emphasis on fundamental knowledge and the development of practical, problem-solving, design and generic skills.
The Faculty of Engineering and Science has highly-qualified teaching staff with extensive experience in industry who are able to bring considerable industry relevance to the course, and through their strong industry connections, ensure students get adequate industrial exposure.
In addition, the Faculty has relevant teaching and research laboratories, including a Power System Protection Lab, Embedded System Design Lab, Renewable Power Lab, Wireless Communication Lab, Instrumentation and Control System Lab and an industry-sponsored Keysight Technologies Reference Lab.
These innovated laboratories, outfitted with up-to-date equipment, materials and supplies and manned by well-trained technicians, allow students to increase mastery of their subjects though lab research and experimentation, aid in developing scientific reasoning, and learn about the methods and processes of scientific research.
The student learning experience is further enriched by innovative learning spaces equipped with the latest technological advances in teaching and learning at a newly-opened RM20 million Faculty of Engineering and Science building.
Meanwhile, extra-curricular activities organised by the Institution of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) Curtin Malaysia Student Branch focusing on the many different facets of electrical and electronic engineering field, as well as leadership, communication and management skills, allow students to gain hands on experience of the material they learn in the classroom.
Dean of Faculty of Engineering and Science Professor Ir. Lau Hieng Ho said the new major further strengthens Curtin’s engineering course offerings. He added that it is also a significant milestone for Curtin Malaysia as it is offering the major ahead of its Australian main campus to meet the immediate demands of the Malaysian market for such a course.
Head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Dr. Lenin Gopal also expressed pride that the Faculty of Engineering and Science at Curtin Malaysia has been given the task of spearheading the new major. He said it was the university’s recognition of Curtin Malaysia’s status as the leading international campus of Curtin University and its growing importance as a regional teaching and research hub for Curtin University.
Dr. Lenin also said graduates of the major will have broad career opportunities in various sectors across the world, such as utility and manufacturing industries, consulting services, telecommunications, and electronic design and production. They can also join conventional and renewable electrical power generation, transmission and distribution enterprises, and telecommunication infrastructure operation and maintenance ventures.
Career opportunities also abound within Sarawak itself. The development of the massive Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) has resulted in a significant demand for qualified electrical and electronic engineers, which is a promising prospect for Curtin Malaysia graduates.
For details of the major, go to http://courses.curtin.edu.my/courses-and-study/undergraduate/engsci/beng/electricalelectronic/.
Curtin Malaysia’s February/March intake for undergraduate and foundation courses is now in progress with classes commencing on 27 February and 27 March respectively. Potential students can enquire about courses and enrolment at http://www1.curtin.edu.my/future/enquiry.htm or email [email protected].
科廷大学（澳洲大学马来西亚分校） Curtin University Sarawak Malaysia
http://www.fsi.com.my/会员专区/college-profile/?sponsor_id=20
http://www.fsi.com.my/curtin-sarawak/
