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Electronic Engineering

The work of electronic engineers is essential to our social, business and industrial lives. New Zealand’s electronics manufacturing industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the country. Our companies are targeting niche markets, such as telecommunications, and exporting their products all over the world.

Please note

The Electronic Engineering programme was revised and re-developed into the new Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree. As such, there will be no new enrolments in Electronic Engineering.

Electronic engineers design, build and maintain many of the latest technologies that society relies on, including: Smart phones, the internet, drones, medical diagnostic equipment, efficient and safe fossil-fuel craft, electric vehicles, alternative energy, agricultural management systems, computers, smart factories, navigation aids for aircraft, human implants, electronic toys and games.

There is a global shortage of electronic engineers, and the New Zealand Government has set a priority to expand electronics education. When you graduate you will be in demand by employers looking for capable graduates with the practical experience and robust engineering and design skills you will gain at Waikato.

An important part of the Electronic Engineering programme at the University of Waikato is supported work placements into relevant industries. This gives you the opportunity for paid work experience while further exploring the field of Electronic Engineering you could choose for your career.

You'll work on major research design projects, creating products with commercial applications, which are then showcased at our annual Waikato Engineering Design Show.  Importantly, there is also a focus on developing well-honed communication skills that are such a vital part of the profession.

At Waikato the Electronic Engineering programme is fully accredited by Engineering New Zealand (formerly IPENZ); meaning your degree is internationally recognised and you can work just about anywhere in the world.

Facilities

The electronics laboratories at the University of Waikato feature the latest equipment and are supplied with a wide selection of modern components and powerful software. Classes are run in an environment just like that found in contemporary electronics companies.  Engineering students have access to the latest equipment including vector impedance and spectrum analysers, precision meters, fast oscilloscopes, semiconductor analysers, lightning and surge simulators, distortion analysers, complex signal sources, a range of special-purpose measuring equipment, a mechanical workshop and high-power computing facilities.

Build a successful career

As an electronic engineering graduate you could work in a range of exciting fields including aerospace, livestock management, renewable energy (wind, solar, geo), electronic mapping, data communications, satellite systems, vehicle companies, hospitals, and the military.

Apply to enrol

Key information

Study Locations:Hamilton, Tauranga
Papers offered differ by location. The Catalogue of Papers has full location info.
Area of Study:

Career opportunities

  • Electronic Engineer
  • Manufacturing Manager
  • Mechatronic Engineer
  • Product Design Engineer
  • Embedded Programmer
  • Research and Development

Year 1

Students must take the following papers: COMPX102, ENGEN101, ENGEN102, ENGEN103, ENGEN111, ENGEN112, ENGEN170 and ENGEN180.

Year 2

Students must take the following papers: COMPX201, COMPX203, ENGEE211, ENGEE231, ENGEE233, ENGEE280, ENGEN201, ENGEN270 and ENGEN271.

If you are studying the Diploma in Engineering Management, concurrent with the BE(Hons), you must complete ENGEN272 (in place of ENGEN271).

Year 3

Students must take the following papers: ENGEE323, ENGEE331, ENGEE334, ENGEE335, ENGEE336, ENGEN301, ENGEN370, ENGEN371 and ENGME352.

If you are studying the Diploma in Engineering Management, concurrent with the BE(Hons), you must complete ENGEN372 (in place of ENGEN371).

Year 4

Students must take the following papers: ENGEN570 and ENGEN582.

Plus 60 points of electives from: COMPX361, COMPX310, COMPX324, COMPX301, COMPX502, COMPX521, COMPX523, COMPX529, ENGME353, ENGME357, ENGEE531, ENGEE532, ENGEE580 or ENGEN583.

100 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
COMPX102Object-Oriented Programming15.024B (Hamilton), 24B (Secondary School - Unistart), 24B (Tauranga), 24C (Hamilton Waikato College), 24H (Hamilton), 24X (Hainan University, Haikou, China) & 24X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
This paper builds on introductory programming experience, and assumes a knowledge of basic programming techniques, which it expands on particularly in the areas of data organisation and algorithms. It also provides an introduction to: object-oriented programming, computer architecture, Boolean algebra, assembly language, and progra...
ENGEN101Engineering Maths and Modelling 1A15.024A (Hamilton), 24A (Secondary School - Unistart), 24A (Tauranga) & 24B (Hamilton)
A study of the fundamental techniques of algebra and calculus with engineering applications.
ENGEN102Engineering Maths and Modelling 1B15.024B (Hamilton), 24B (Secondary School - Unistart), 24B (Tauranga) & 24G (Hamilton)
A further study of the fundamental techniques of algebra and calculus with engineering applications. Includes an introduction to relevant statistical methods.
ENGEN103Engineering Computing15.024A (Hamilton), 24A (Tauranga), 24G (Hamilton) & 24X (Hainan University, Haikou, China)
This paper introduces computer programming in languages such as the MATLAB and Python languages. It provides the basis for the programming skills required in more advanced papers.
ENGEN111Electricity for Engineers15.024B (Hamilton), 24B (Tauranga) & 24X (Hamilton)
Concepts underlying electricity such as current, voltage and power will be introduced, and apply these concepts to analyse electrical energy systems.
ENGEN112Materials Science and Engineering15.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (Tauranga)
Introduction to engineering materials (metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, semiconductors and biomaterials) and their atomic structure and mechanical properties. Includes; elastic and plastic deformation, fracture mechanisms, failure in service, iron-carbon phase diagram, redox reactions in corrosion, production of polymers, ce...
ENGEN170Engineering and Society15.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (Tauranga)
Introduction to the role of engineering in society with a focus on sustainable development, data analysis, holistic systems thinking, and the future of work within a global and New Zealand context including an introduction to the Treaty of Waitangi.
ENGEN180Foundations of Engineering15.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga)
Introduction to the engineering design process and computer aided design, fundamental principles of engineering analysis, open ended problem solving, engineering economics and the skills of a successful engineer. Includes a design-build-test experience.

200 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
COMPX201Data Structures and Algorithms15.024A (Hamilton), 24A (Tauranga) & 24X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
This paper covers object-oriented software development in Java focusing on abstract data types and dynamic data structures, while introducing design methodologies in software construction, software process, and software testing.
COMPX203Computer Systems15.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (Tauranga)
This paper provides an overview of the operation of computer systems. The central theme is the way in which the hardware and software co-operate to allow the execution of programs written in a high-level language.
ENGEE211Electromagnetics and Machines15.024A (Hamilton)
This paper covers engineering applications of electric and magnetic fields including capacitance, magnetic induction, and motors, taught in a problem-solving context.
ENGEE231Electrical Circuits15.024B (Hamilton) & 24X (Hainan University, Haikou, China)
This paper covers the theory, analysis and frequency response of electrical circuits involving passive elements, complex impedance, complex gain, and feedback. The application of electric circuit model to analyse electrical machine performances and three phase electrical power system will be covered.
ENGEE233Digital Electronics and Microprocessors15.024A (Hamilton)
This paper provides students with an introduction to digital electronics and microprocessors. It covers combinatorial and sequential logic, hardware description languages, and processor architecture and construction.
ENGEE281Design of Smart Systems15.024B (Hamilton)
The paper will involve a number of design case studies and design project, involving smart homes and buildings, smart manufacturing and agriculture, smart grids, and smart transportation.
ENGEN201Engineering Maths and Modelling 215.024A (Hamilton) & 24H (Online)
Calculus of Several Variables and its Applications. Vector calculus (Green's, Gauss' and Stokes' theorems). Taylor's Theorem in n dimensions. Introduction to ordinary differential equations and methods to solve them.
ENGEN270Engineering and Business15.024B (Hamilton)
This paper focuses on empowering students to become “business savvy” and prepared to enter the workplace and solve real-world problems. Topics covered include; team formation, design thinking, Lean Canvas, project management, Agile, risk management, project finance, professional ethics, preparing for the workplace, and business...
ENGEN271Engineering Work Placement 10.024X (Hamilton)
This paper is taken by students undertaking their first work placement for the BE(Hons). It involves 400 hours of engineering-related work experience. The paper is typically undertaken during the November to February window after completing the two years of engineering study.
ENGEN272Engineering Work Placement 130.024X (Hamilton)
This paper is taken by students undertaking their first work placement for the BE(Hons) concurrent with the Diploma in Engineering Management or Certificate in Professional Engineering Practice. It involves 400 hours of engineering-related work experience. The paper is typically undertaken during the November to February window aft...

300 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
COMPX301Design and Analysis of Algorithms15.024A (Hamilton)
This course gives a survey of advanced algorithms and analysis of their performance, along with heuristic methods that include basic Artificial Intelligence techniques.
COMPX310Machine Learning15.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga)
This paper introduces Machine Learning (ML) which is the science of making predictions. ML algorithms strive to be fast and highly accurate, while processing large datasets. This paper will use standard Python-based ML toolkits to teach the fundamentals of ML.
COMPX324User Experience Design15.024B (Hamilton), 24B (Tauranga) & 24X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
An introduction to the field of human-computer interaction (HCI) where students develop skills and techniques for the design and evaluation of modern computer interfaces.
ENGEE331Signals15.024B (Hamilton)
Signals are all pervasive in electrical and electronic engineering. This paper teaches analogue signals and digital signal processing. Topics taught include the Fourier representation of signals, digital filter design and windowing, the Z-transform, and the signalling principles behind radio technology.
ENGEN301Engineering Maths and Modelling 315.024A (Hamilton)
Introduces numerical methods and statistical ideas relevant to Engineering.
ENGEN370Engineering and the Environment15.024A (Hamilton)
This paper covers sustainability in engineering design and renewable energy generation through the critical lens of environmental impact assessment, risk and resilience, sustainable infrastructure and development, material and energy flow analysis, emissions, carbon accounting and life cycle analysis.
ENGEN371Engineering Work Placement 20.024X (Hamilton)
This paper is taken by students undertaking their second work placement for the BE(Hons). It involves 400 hours of engineering-related work experience. The paper is typically undertaken during the November to February window after completing the three years of engineering study.
ENGEN372Engineering Work Placement 230.024X (Hamilton)
This paper is taken by students undertaking their second work placement for the BE(Hons) concurrent with the Diploma in Engineering Management or Certificate in Professional Engineering Practice. It involves 400 hours of engineering-related work experience. The paper is typically undertaken during the November to February window af...
ENGME352Control and Applications15.024A (Hamilton)
This paper teaches students the theory and application of control in mechanical and electrical systems. This paper covers the introduction of s-domain and plane, open and closed-loop control, PID control, digital control, root locus and frequency response analysis.
ENGME353Mechanical and Electrical Machines15.024A (Hamilton)
This paper builds on the fundamentals taught in ENGEN110, ENGEN111 and ENGEN180; it covers application of electromechanical machine characteristics in drive design, selecting suitable power sources and matching transmission components. Problem-based learning is used in conjunction with experimentation to compare theory to real mach...

500 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
COMPX502Cryptography15.0No occurrences
An introduction to cryptographic methods.
COMPX521Machine Learning Algorithms15.024B (Hamilton)
This paper exposes students to selected machine learning algorithms and includes assignments that require the implementation of these algorithms.
COMPX523Machine Learning for Data Streams15.024A (Hamilton)
Data streams are everywhere, from F1 racing over electricity networks to news feeds. Data stream mining relies on and develops new incremental algorithms that process streams under strict resource limitations.
ENGEE532Image Processing and Machine Vision15.024B (Hamilton)
This paper is an introduction to image processing and machine vision in the engineering context. Students will learn to develop image processing algorithms from theory through to software implementation.
ENGEN570Engineering and the Profession15.024D (Hamilton)
The roles and responsibilities of professional engineers are examined. Topics include; project management, leadership, negotiation, ethical responsibilities, legal duties, Treaty of Waitangi, intellectual property and professional communication.
ENGEN582Honours Research and Development Project45.024X (Hamilton) & 24X (Tauranga)
This paper provides the "capstone" project required to complete an accredited engineering degree. The paper builds on the knowledge and skills students have gained in the first three years of their professional engineering degree and reinforces the multidisciplinary aspect of engineering. Students will learn how to carry out a Res...
ENGEN583Special Topics in Engineering 315.024X (Hamilton)
An independent theoretical literature or experimental investigation of an engineering topic supervised by a member of staff.

New to Waikato? The International Excellence Scholarship is worth up to $10,000.

Energy Education Trust Undergraduate Scholarship  Accepting applications

For students who are enrolled full-time in their 3rd or 4th year (including honours year) in the field of science, engineering, economics, law or other related fields, with a specific interest in energy matters in New Zealand.
Closing Date: 31 March 2024

Looking for more scholarships?

Visit our Scholarship Finder


Work placements are a major feature of the Electronic Engineering programme and you will complete 800 hours of relevant work experience during your degree.

Our Cooperative Education Unit actively seeks and oversees your industrial work placement, ensuring a good fit for your area of study and career goals, and monitoring the quality of your work experience.  They are the leader in New Zealand for co-operative education programmes, with an average 350 students placed in industry every year.

By the time you graduate you will have the credibility of paid experience to take to your interviews.


Subject links


Contacts

School of Engineering
Phone: +64 7 838 4322
Email: [email protected]
Website: eng.waikato.ac.nz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUEngineering