Embedded System Independent Study Overview

Dr. Linden McClure

ECEN 48x0/58x0

 

Each semester, I am contacted by several students interested in performing independent study in embedded systems. I am not always able to accept all student requests, due to my other commitments. I typically choose only one to three students each semester for independent study.

I am in the process of developing course materials in the areas of PCB design, high-speed digital design, USB peripheral design, and FPGA-based design. Students who have a common interest in these areas will typically get priority for the limited number of independent study slots I can supervise.

Students who have taken my ECEN 4613/5613 Embedded System Design course and who have earned a good grade and demonstrated a positive attitude and motivation will have priority over those students who have not taken my class.

If you are interested in independent study with me, then here is the process to follow:

  1. Review my independent study web site: http://ece.colorado.edu/~mcclurel/usbdesign.html
  2. Read the independent study possibilities document, the application form, and the agreement form.
  3. If you are still interested and see a possible match between your interests and mine, then fill out the application form and e-mail it to me or deliver it to me in person. If your application is strong, I will try to discuss your interests in a face to face meeting, or via e-mail.
  4. If we determine there is a good match, then we will work on filling out the agreement form. This form needs to be submitted to the ECE Department and the College of Engineering for official approval. Independent study students also need to sign up for independent study course credit hours through the ECE Department or through CAETE.

I typically do not commit to teaching during the summer, as I need some time for other projects.

If we plan to pursue an independent study arrangement, then I encourage students to do background reading and investigation in the months leading up to the independent study. Advanced preparation will enable a better learning experience and more sophisticated projects.

I usually wait until close to the beginning of the semester to set up formal arrangements for independent study, to make sure I've collected applications from all interested students.

Students should understand that they will be responsible for all costs associated with independent study projects. Sometimes I have funding that can be used to subsidize projects, but that is not always the case.

-LHM