Research Areas for ECSE
Computer Systems Engineering
Computer systems engineers analyse, design, develop, and manufacture all kinds of digital products, including hardware and software such as laptops, personal computers, mainframes, supercomputers, workstations, virtual-reality systems, video games, modems, telephone switches, embedded micro-controllers for aircraft, cars, appliances and machines of all types. Some computer systems engineers specialise in digital systems, operating systems, computer networks and software. Others deal with the design and performance of advanced computer systems and determine which functions should be incorporated as software and which as hardware.
Prospective students interested in Computer Systems Engineering can pursue this through the ECSE degree or via the more specialised Bachelor of Computer Systems Engineering.
Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical engineers develop new tools to diagnose disease and repair or replace diseased organs. Pacemakers, blood analysers, cochlear implants, medical imaging, lasers, prosthetic implants, devices capable of making the paralysed walk, and life-support systems all use electrical engineering expertise. Medical information systems depend on computer systems expertise, as well as communications. Biomedical engineers also design electromedical equipment, advise clinicians on patient care and monitoring equipment, and work directly with patients on rehabilitation.
For more information about the Biomedical Engineering research being conducted at Monash University, see the Biomedical Engineering research page.
Prospective students interested in Biomedical Engineering should investigate the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Biomedical Science. Single degree students may be able to take Biomedical Engineering units if the course structure permits.
Telecommunications
Telecommunications, communications and signal processing engineers design systems and equipment to improve the accuracy, speed, reliability and efficiency of the transmission of information through wired, optical fibre or wireless networks. Applications include cable TV and video on demand, mobile and deep space communication, missile decoy and guidance, satellite navigation, fibre optic communications and the internet.
Power Engineering
Power generation and distribution engineers provide a reliable and safe electricity supply network for our everyday needs. They plan, develop, test, install and maintain the equipment and systems that produce, distribute and use electricity. Some design power systems for aircraft and spacecraft. Others provide computer-controlled energy management systems that conserve energy in manufacturing facilities. Still others design electrical motors for everything from household appliances to processing plants, and design and build solar panels and wind-powered generators.
Electronics
Electronics engineers design, develop, and manufacture computers; integrated circuits; audio, video, broadcasting, and telecommunications equipment; process control systems; navigation, guidance, and detection systems; medical devices and instrumentation; and pollution monitoring instruments.
Control
Automation and control engineers design, build and operate the automatic systems that control our water supply, chemical plants, oil refineries, factories, mines and even traffic control systems. They also design the many automatic systems in medical equipment, aircraft, ships and cars, and in domestic appliances such as dishwashers.
Robotics
Robotics engineers design and program systems that perform functions associated with human intelligence like voice recognition, mechanical tasks such as sorting or assembling and making predictions on the basis of experience. Robotic systems involve a combination of mechanical, electronic, and computing components. A computer and its program provide the ‘brains’ of the robot, allowing it to remember, process information and perform tasks.
Students interested in robotics may also be interested in the Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering, managed by the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.