Exploring Engineering: Electronics and Communications Engineering

What is Electronics and Communications Engineering?

Electronics and Communications Engineering is a branch of engineering that focuses on the creation, development, research and handling of computer devices that deal with electronic communication. It utilizes math and science in order to produce modern communication devices that we use in the present such as cellphones, television, and radios.

How long is this course?

Bachelor of Electronics and Communications Engineering majors usually take this course for five years.

Keep in mind that before you can be formally recognized as a professional electronics and communications engineer, you will need to take the Board of Electronics and Communications Engineering Exams under the Professional Regulations Commission. The exams are usually scheduled in April and October, and upon graduation, students have a few months to prepare for the exams.

What traits and skill sets would you need?

Electronics and Communications Engineering not only involves a great deal of knowledge in math and physics; you will also need to have a certain aptitude for the following skills if you want to pass this course:

• Analytical Skills – students from this course will need to have a keen eye in detecting and fixing problems in various softwares and hardwares.
• Creativity – students should have a great sense of interest in developing prototypes and presenting in them in class.
• English Skills – most of the provided literature in this course is given in this language so you need to have a moderate grasp of English.
• Interpersonal Skills – expect a lot of group work in this course, especially if you need to conceptualize and develop devices as a team.
• Knowledge in Computers – while being computer literate isn’t a requirement, knowing how to use computer applications can aid you while taking this program.
• Mathematical Skills – expect to solve a lot of basic and complex equations that will determine how well your devices will work out.
• Technical Skills – electronics and communications engineering also involves doing math, computer, science, and engineering-related tasks so you’ll need a strong grasp of this as well.

What subjects would you expect from this?

Expect a great deal of math and physics-related classes! Electronics and Communications Engineering, after all, requires you to tinker with communications devices and networks systems, along with other computer skills that involve television and radio broadcasting. 

• • Calculus
  • Differential Equations
  • Engineering Data Analysis
  • Natural / Physical Sciences (e.g. Chemistry, Physics)
  • Basic Engineering Sciences (Computer-Aided Drafting; Engineering Economics; Engineering Management)
  • Allied Courses (e.g. Computer Programming; Materials Science and Engineering; Occupational, Health and Safety Engineering)
  • Professional Courses (e.g. Advanced Engineering Mathematics; Circuits; Communications; ECE Laws, Contracts, Ethics and Standards; Electromagnetics; Electronic Devices and Circuits; Electronic Circuit Analysis & Design; Electronic Systems & Design; Feedback & Control Systems; Logic Circuits & Switching Theory; Methods of Research; Microprocessor & Microcontroller Systems; Numerical Methods; Signal Processing)
  • Non-Technical Courses (Contemporary World; Creativity in Engineering Design; Environmental Sciences; Philippine History; Purposive Communication; Science and Technology; Technopreneurship; Understanding the Self)
  • Technical Electives (Advanced Electromagnetism; Advanced Statistics; Broadcast Engineering; Communications System Design; Introduction to Analog Integrated Circuits Design; Introduction to Power Electronics)

A lot of your classes will not only be in the classroom but in the laboratory as well, since you will have to apply everything that needs to be taught in class to your projects, which involve a lot of hands-on work.

Difference Between Electronics Engineering and Electronics and Communications Engineering

Although both branches of engineering share similar subjects such as the handling of electrical circuits and computer programming, they differ in various ways.

While BS Electrical Engineering focuses on the development of electrical-powered equipment such as machines, power systems and electronics, BS Electronics and Communications Engineering deals with the communications part of engineering and the development of communication-centered devices.

Electronics and Communications Engineering also has more programming and coding subjects than Electrical Engineering, which can enable their graduates to pursue IT and computer-related fields.

What career can you pursue with an Electronics and Communications Engineering degree?

There’s a pretty good number of career options you can take with this course!

If you either haven’t passed the board or chose not to take the board exams, having a BS Electronics and Communications Engineering degree will enable you to pursue the following career options:

• Academician
• Biomedical Engineer
• Broadcast Engineer
• Computer Systems Engineer
• Electrical and Electronics Installers
• Electronics Technician
• Engineering Technician
• Junior Program Analyst
• Optical Networks Technical Marketing Engineer
• Optics Engineer
• Satellite Communications Engineer
• Senior Instrumentation and Controls Engineer
• Senior Manufacturing Engineer
• Senior Telecommunications Engineer
• Systems and Storage Administrator
• Technical Support Engineer
• Telecommunications Engineer
• Telecommunications Field Service Engineer
• Telecommunications Project Engineer

Is BS Electronics and Communications Engineering the right course for you?

Are you into developing software and hardware for modern day devices such as cellphones and televisions? Are you creative in a sense that you want to apply your programming skills in a constantly evolving technology? Are you a natural problem solver and inventor rolled into one?

And most importantly, do you love mathematics and physics?

If you truly love any of these, then by all means, take this course! Like all engineering subjects, BS Electronics and Communications Engineering is no walk in the park, but if your interests lie in this course, then go for it!

So are you excited to take up electronics and communications engineering for college? Why not check out the schools that offer this course? Or do you want to learn more about other branches of engineering programs that best suit you? If so, check out more of these engineering schools at Edukasyon.ph!