Undergraduate Core Audit¶
Audience¶
Learners auditing a full undergraduate-level EE core
Final outcome¶
Covers mathematics, natural science, engineering core, laboratory practice, and capstone-style design for completeness auditing without claiming accreditation.
Stages¶
Stage 0: diagnostics and tools¶
Selection rule: Complete all 6 required courses.
- Single Variable Calculus — Required; MIT; Mainline; S
- Linear Algebra — Required; MIT; Mainline; S
- Classical Mechanics — Required; MIT; Mainline; S
- Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism with an Experimental Focus — Required; MIT; Mainline; A
- Introduction to CS and Programming Using Python — Required; MIT; Mainline; S
- Practical Programming in C — Required; MIT; Mainline; A
Stage exit criterion: Earn at least 80% on a timed diagnostic and reproduce the acquisition, unit checks, and fitting workflow for one mechanics or electromagnetics experiment in a single repository; every plot must rebuild on another machine using only the README.
Stage 1: circuits and dynamics¶
Selection rule: Complete all 3 required courses; use the other 1 option only to close a specific gap.
- Differential Equations — Required; MIT; Mainline; S
- Circuits and Electronics — Required; MIT; Mainline; S
- Introduction to Electronics, Signals, and Measurement — Optional supplement; MIT; Alternative; A
- Signals and Systems — Required; MIT; Mainline; S
Stage exit criterion: Derive state-space and frequency-domain models for a second-order circuit from its differential equation, then measure or simulate its step and swept-frequency responses; dominant pole, DC gain, and bandwidth must each agree with prediction within 5%.
Stage 2: probability, digital, and fields¶
Selection rule: Complete all 4 required courses.
- Probabilistic Systems Analysis and Applied Probability — Required; MIT; Mainline; S
- Computation Structures — Required; MIT; Mainline; S
- Electromagnetic Fields and Waves — Required; Cornell University; Mainline; S
- Microelectronics — Required; Cornell University; Mainline; S
Stage exit criterion: Implement a digital module driven by stochastic inputs with at least 1,000 reproducible test vectors and submit an electromagnetic model of its interconnect; logic mismatches must be zero and simulated power-balance residual must stay below 5%.
Stage 3: laboratory and fabrication¶
Selection rule: Complete all 3 required courses.
- Introductory Analog Electronics Laboratory — Required; MIT; Mainline; S
- The Art and Science of PCB Design — Required; MIT; Mainline; S
- Digital Systems Design Using Microcontrollers — Required; Cornell University; Mainline; S
Stage exit criterion: Fabricate and commission a PCB containing an analog front end and digital control, preserving traceable calibration data, a test matrix of at least ten operating points, rework history, and hardware photographs; every requirement must map to test evidence.
Stage 4: concentration choices¶
Selection rule: Complete all 1 required course and choose 2 of 5 elective options.
- Digital Signal Processing — Required; MIT; Mainline; S
- Principles of Digital Communications I — Elective option; MIT; Mainline; S
- Introduction to Linear Dynamical Systems — Elective option; Stanford University; Mainline; S
- Power Electronics — Elective option; MIT; Mainline; S
- Physics of Semiconductors and Nanostructures — Elective option; Cornell University; Mainline; A
- Introduction to Photonics — Elective option; IIT Madras / NPTEL; Mainline; S
Stage exit criterion: Integrate the signal-processing spine with two selected concentrations in one design review, defining at least two subsystem metrics per concentration and validating them with simulation, measurement, or public data; the final report must include interface risks and one failed iteration.
Execution rules¶
- Follow each stage's selection rule: complete every required course and the stated number of electives; when complete path options are provided, choose one and finish every course in its listed order; use optional supplements only to close a specific gap.
- Produce at least one reproducible artifact per stage and include failed attempts in the retrospective.
- Work involving mains voltage, high voltage, RF exposure, lasers, chemicals, or fabrication equipment requires local-law compliance and qualified supervision.