Robotics Engineering B.S.

• Information and Policies
• Requirements and Planners

Information and Policies

Program Learning Outcomes Expand and Collapse

Student Outcomes

1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics

2. an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors

3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences

4. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts

5. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives

6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions

7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Academic Advising for the Program Expand and Collapse

The Baskin Engineering Undergraduate Advising office offers general advising for prospective and declared undergraduates majoring in Baskin Engineering programs. The office handles major declarations, transfer credits, course substitutions, articulations, and degree certifications.

Transfer students should also refer to the Transfer Information and Policy section.

Baskin Engineering Building, Room 225
[e-mail]
[phone]

Getting Started in the Major: Frosh Expand and Collapse

This major is highly course intensive and sequential; students who intend to pursue this major must begin taking classes for the major in their first quarter at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Math placement is required for one or more of the foundational courses for this major. For more information, please review the Math Placement website.

Transfer Information and Policy Expand and Collapse

Transfer students who want to pursue the robotics engineering major must have applied and been admitted to UC Santa Cruz as a proposed robotics engineering major.

Transfer Admission Screening Policy Expand and Collapse

Time to degree completion varies based on coursework completed prior to transfer. Students are strongly encouraged to complete all equivalent coursework available to them before transferring.

Please refer to the sample plans in the requirements and planners section. In most cases, students are not able to complete more than two upper-division classes per term. Contact the BE Advising office if you have questions regarding how long it will take to complete the degree requirements.

The following courses or their equivalents, are required prior to transfer by the end of spring term for students planning to enter in the fall.

First-year calculus

Both:

MATH 19A	Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics	5
MATH 19B	Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics	5

Linear Algebra

One of:

AM 10	Mathematical Methods for Engineers I	5
MATH 21	Linear Algebra	5

Differential equations

One of:

AM 20	Mathematical Methods for Engineers II	5
MATH 24	Ordinary Differential Equations	5

Calculus-based physics

Two quarters of calculus-based physics courses accepted as equivalent to:

PHYS 5A	Introduction to Physics I	5
PHYS 5L	Introduction to Physics I Laboratory	1
PHYS 5C	Introduction to Physics III	5
PHYS 5N	Introduction to Physics Laboratory III	1

Cumulative GPA

A minimum GPA of 2.8 must be obtained in the courses listed above.

Beginning fall of 2026, CSE 12 or an equivalent will be required prior to transfer

Computer systems

CSE 12

Computer Systems and Assembly Language and Lab

7

Additionally

In addition, the following courses are recommended prior to transfer.

MATH 23A	Vector Calculus	5
CSE 16	Applied Discrete Mathematics	5
CSE 20	Beginning Programming in Python	5
CSE 30	Programming Abstractions: Python	7
ECE 101	Introduction to Electronic Circuits	5
ECE 101L	Introduction to Electronic Circuits Laboratory	2

Also, CSE 16, CSE 20, CSE 30, MATH 23A, ECE 13, ECE 101/ECE 101L, ECE 171/ECE 171L, STAT 131 and many general education requirements may be offered by UC Santa Cruz Summer Session and taken prior to starting the first fall quarter at UCSC.

Prospective students are encouraged to prioritize required and recommended major preparation prior to transfer, and may additionally complete courses that articulate to UC Santa Cruz general education requirements as time allows.

Getting Started in the Major: Transfer Students Expand and Collapse

Transfer students should declare their major in their first quarter at UC Santa Cruz. Instructions for declaring a major in Baskin Engineering are on the Declare Your Major page.

Major Qualification Policy and Declaration Process Expand and Collapse

Major Qualification Expand and Collapse

Transfer students should refer to the Transfer Admission Screening requirements.

In order to be admitted into the robotics engineering major students must be listed as a proposed major within Baskin Engineering. Please refer to the Baskin Engineering "Proposed Major Retention" and its "Declaring a Baskin Engineering Major" sections in the catalog or the BE Undergraduate Advising Prepare to Declare page for more information.

In addition to being listed as a proposed Baskin Engineering major, declaration of the robotics engineering major in the first six quarters of enrollment at UC Santa Cruz is based on performance in the following lower-division courses and associated labs required for the major:

Take both of these courses:

MATH 19A	Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics	5
MATH 19B	Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics	5

Plus one of the following:

AM 30	Multivariate Calculus for Engineers	5
MATH 23A	Vector Calculus	5

Plus one of the following:

AM 10	Mathematical Methods for Engineers I	5
MATH 21	Linear Algebra	5

And all of these courses:

AM 20	Mathematical Methods for Engineers II	5
ECE 9	Statics and Mechanics of Materials	5
CSE 12	Computer Systems and Assembly Language and Lab	7
CSE 16	Applied Discrete Mathematics	5
CSE 30	Programming Abstractions: Python	7
ECE 13	Computer Systems and C Programming	7
PHYS 5A	Introduction to Physics I	5
PHYS 5L	Introduction to Physics I Laboratory	1
PHYS 5C	Introduction to Physics III	5
PHYS 5N	Introduction to Physics Laboratory III	1

Students in their first six quarters who have completed at least 41 credits in these courses will be admitted to the robotics major if their cumulative GPA is at least 2.8 in all the courses listed above; and they have attempted no more than seven credits resulting in grades of C-, D+, D, D-, F or NP in all of the courses listed above.

NOTE: Students seeking to change their current major to the robotics engineering B.S. in their seventh through ninth quarters who have completed all of the lower-division major requirements, and have completed the four or more of the following upper-division classes and associated labs with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50 by their ninth quarter will also be admitted: ECE 101/ECE 101L, ECE 103/ECE 103L, ECE118, ECE121, ECE141, ECE167, STAT 131 or CSE 107, CSE 100/CSE 100L.

Appeal Process Expand and Collapse

Students who are informed that they are not eligible to declare may appeal this decision by submitting a letter to the undergraduate director within 15 days from the date the notification was mailed. Within 15 days of receipt of the appeal, the department will notify the student, the college, and the Office of the Registrar of the decision.

If you have further questions concerning the appeal process, please contact the Undergraduate Advising Office at [phone] or email [e-mail].

More information regarding the appeal process can be found on the BE Undergraduate Advising Appeal Your Major page.

How to Declare a Major Expand and Collapse

Instructions for declaring a major in Baskin Engineering are on the Baskin Engineering Undergraduate Advising Declare Your Major page.

Letter Grade Policy Expand and Collapse

The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department requires letter grading for all courses applied toward the B.S. in robotics engineering. This policy includes courses required for the degree that are sponsored by other departments.

Course Substitution Policy Expand and Collapse

Please refer to the Substitutions for Courses Taken at UCSC and Course Equivalencies and Substitutions Taken at an Outside Institution sections of the Baskin Engineering page of the catalog for the policy regarding course substitutions.

Double Majors and Major/Minor Combinations Policy Expand and Collapse

Students completing this major cannot also receive the computer engineering minor or the network and digital technology B.A. degree.

Study Abroad Expand and Collapse

Four-Year Institutions and the UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP)

Students who intend to take a course at a four-year institution or UC Education Abroad, must submit a Course Substitution Petition to the BE Undergraduate Advising Office to have the course reviewed for equivalency. Courses that need to be reviewed must be accompanied by a course description and syllabus.

It is very helpful if students can provide further evidence of course content, such as examples of programming assignments, homework, or examinations. To guarantee equivalency, departments may sometimes require a grade of B or better. If the course is approved for equivalency, then the student must also receive approval by their major department PRIOR to taking the class. Forms and procedures for approval can be obtained from and submitted to the BE Undergraduate Advising Office.

Honors Expand and Collapse

Majors are considered for “Honors in the Major” and “Highest Honors in the Major” based on their GPA and on results of undergraduate research and other significant contributions to Baskin Engineering. Students with a GPA of 3.7 or higher, in most cases, receive highest honors. Students with a GPA of 3.3 or higher but less than 3.7, in most cases, receive honors. Students with particularly significant accomplishments in undergraduate research or contributions to Baskin Engineering may be considered with a lower GPA. Robotics engineering juniors and seniors may also be eligible for election to the UC Santa Cruz chapter of Tau Beta Pi, the national engineering honor society founded in 1885.

School of Engineering Policies Expand and Collapse

Please refer to the Baskin Engineering section of the catalog for additional policies that apply to all Baskin Engineering programs.

Materials Fee and Miscellaneous Fees Expand and Collapse

Please see the section on fees under Baskin Engineering.

Requirements and Planners

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Course Requirements Expand and Collapse

Completing the major declaration requirements in math and physics during the first two years is a priority to meet upper-division prerequisites. Although not required, it is recommended that students interested in the robotics engineering major take ECE 8, Introduction to Robot Automation. Please contact BE Advising if you have questions. The senior comprehensive requirement for robotics engineering majors is satisfied by completion of the capstone course and the portfolio exit requirement. Students not making sufficient progress in the major may be recommended to change to another major.

Lower-Division Courses Expand and Collapse

Students who may have originally pursued another major should discuss with the Baskin Engineering Undergraduate Advising office whether or not already completed coursework may be substituted for one or more lower-division requirements.

Either of the following:

AM 10	Mathematical Methods for Engineers I	5
MATH 21	Linear Algebra	5

And all the following:

AM 20	Mathematical Methods for Engineers II	5
CSE 12	Computer Systems and Assembly Language and Lab	7

And the following:

CSE 20	Beginning Programming in Python	5
CSE 30	Programming Abstractions: Python	7

Students with no prior programming will take CSE 20 before CSE 30. Students with a prior programming course, AP credit, or clearing the “Test-out” bar will start with CSE 30.

And either of the following:

MATH 23A	Vector Calculus	5
AM 30	Multivariate Calculus for Engineers	5

And all the following courses:

ECE 13	Computer Systems and C Programming	7
CSE 16	Applied Discrete Mathematics	5
MATH 19A	Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics	5
MATH 19B	Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics	5
PHYS 5A	Introduction to Physics I	5
PHYS 5L	Introduction to Physics I Laboratory	1
PHYS 5C	Introduction to Physics III	5
PHYS 5N	Introduction to Physics Laboratory III	1
ECE 9	Statics and Mechanics of Materials	5
ECE 10	Fundamentals of Robot Kinematics and Dynamics	5

Upper-Division Courses Expand and Collapse

All of the following:

CSE 100	Logic Design	5
CSE 100L	Logic Design Laboratory	2
ECE 141	Feedback Control Systems	5
ECE 167	Sensing and Sensor Technologies	7
CSE 101	Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms	5
ECE 101	Introduction to Electronic Circuits	5
ECE 101L	Introduction to Electronic Circuits Laboratory	2
ECE 103	Signals and Systems	5
ECE 103L	Signals and Systems Laboratory	2
ECE 118	Introduction to Mechatronics	10
ECE 121	Microcontroller System Design	7

And either of the following:

CSE 107	Probability and Statistics for Engineers	5
STAT 131	Introduction to Probability Theory	5

Electives Expand and Collapse

Advanced Robotics Elective

One of the following:

ECE 215	Models of Robotic Manipulation	5
ECE 216	Bio-Inspired Locomotion	5
ECE 240	Introduction to Linear Dynamical Systems	5
ECE 242	Applied Feedback Control	5
ECE 244	Digital Control	5
ECE 245	Estimation and Introduction to Control of Stochastic Processes	5
ECE 246	Hybrid Dynamical Systems	5
ECE 249	Introduction to Cyber-physical Systems	5

Upper-Division and Graduate Elective

One course from the following (with a recommendation of ECE163):

ECE 163	Introduction to Small-Scale UAV Theory and Practice	7
AM 114	Introduction to Dynamical Systems	5
ECE 145	Estimation and Introduction to Control of Stochastic Processes	5
AM 147	Computational Methods and Applications	5
CMPM 146	Game AI	5
CSE 120	Computer Architecture	5
CSE 113	Parallel and Concurrent Programming	5
CSE 122	Introduction to VLSI Digital System Design	5
CSE 125	Logic Design with Verilog	7
CSE 165	Human-Computer Interaction	5
CSE 150	Introduction to Computer Networks	7
CSE 151	Advanced Computer Networks	5
CSE 151L	Advanced Computer Networks Laboratory	2
CSE 156	Network Programming	5
CSE 156L	Network Programming Laboratory	2
CSE 167	Mobile Sensing and Interaction	5
CSE 106	Applied Graph Theory and Algorithms	5
CSE 102	Introduction to Analysis of Algorithms	5
CSE 110A	Fundamentals of Compiler Design I	5
CSE 110B	Fundamentals of Compiler Design II	5
CSE 111	Advanced Programming	5
CSE 131	Introduction to Operating Systems	5
CSE 112	Comparative Programming Languages	5
CSE 115A	Introduction to Software Engineering	5
CSE 118	Mobile Applications	5
CSE 132	Computer Security	5
CSE 138	Distributed Systems	5
CSE 103	Computational Models	5
CSE 140	Artificial Intelligence	5
CSE 142	Machine Learning	5
CSE 160	Introduction to Computer Graphics	7
CSE 161	Introduction to Data Visualization	5
CSE 161L	Data Visualization Laboratory	2
CSE 180	Database Systems I	5
CSE 181	Database Systems II	5
CSE 183	Web Applications	5
ECE 130	Introduction to Optoelectronics and Photonics	5
ECE 130L	Introduction to Optoelectronics Laboratory	1
ECE 135	Electromagnetic Fields and Waves	5
ECE 135L	Electromagnetic Fields and Waves Laboratory	2
ECE 102	Properties of Materials	5
ECE 102L	Properties of Materials Laboratory	2
ECE 151	Communications Systems	5
ECE 152	Introduction to Wireless Communications	5
ECE 153	Digital Signal Processing	5
ECE 171	Analog Electronics	5
ECE 171L	Analog Electronics Laboratory	2
ECE 172	Advanced Analog Circuits	5
ECE 173	High-Speed Digital Design	7
ECE 175	Energy Generation and Control	5
ECE 175L	Energy Generation and Control Laboratory	2
ECE 193	Field Study	5
ECE 198	Individual Study or Research	5
CSE 276	Optimization Theory and Applications	5

Lecture and required concurrent lab course counts as one course.

Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement Expand and Collapse

Students in all majors must satisfy that major's upper-division Disciplinary Communication (DC) requirement. The DC requirement in robotics is satisfied by completing the senior capstone course sequence:

Either these three courses:

ECE 129A	Capstone Project I	5
ECE 129B	Capstone Project II	5
ECE 129C	Capstone Project III	5

Or these two courses:

ECE 129A	Capstone Project I	5
ECE 195	Senior Thesis Research	5
ECE 195	Senior Thesis Research	5

10 credits for the senior thesis course, ECE 195, must be completed for this option.

Comprehensive Requirement Expand and Collapse

The senior comprehensive requirement for robotics engineering majors is in two parts: a project course and assessment options.

Capstone Requirement

Students must complete one capstone design course that spans three quarters

ECE 129A	Capstone Project I	5
ECE 129B	Capstone Project II	5
ECE 129C	Capstone Project III	5

or complete the following courses:

ECE 129A	Capstone Project I	5
ECE 195	Senior Thesis Research	5
ECE 195	Senior Thesis Research	5

10 credits for the senior thesis course, ECE 195, must be completed for this option.

Exit Requirement

Students are required to complete an exit survey and attend an exit interview. Portfolios of the students work will be collected from our courses for program evaluation. The portfolios will be reviewed by the Electrical and Computer Engineering undergraduate committee and will include two project reports: ECE 118 and either the senior capstone report (ECE 129A/ECE 129B/ECE 129C) or the student’s senior thesis.

Planners Expand and Collapse

The tables below are for informational purposes and do not reflect all university, general education, and credit requirements. See Undergraduate Graduation Requirements for more information.

The following is a sample academic plan for incoming first-year students. Students who are unable to follow this planner should consult with ECE advisors for alternatives. Transfer students should seek advisement as their plans will vary depending on their lower-division courses.

Plan for Entering Frosh

Year	Fall	Winter	Spring	Summer
1st	MATH 19A	MATH 19B	CSE 12
	CSE 20	PHYS 5A & PHYS 5L	AM 10
	College 1	WRIT 1 (if neded)	CSE 16
	ECE 8* (recommended if MATH 19A is completed)
2nd	PHYS 5C & PHYS 5N	AM 20	ECE 13	Elective Option: ECE 171 & ECE 171L completes EE minor
	AM 30	ECE 101 & ECE 101L	ECE 103 & ECE 103L
	CSE 30	WRIT 2**
3rd	CSE 100 & CSE 100L	ECE 121	ECE 118
	CSE 107 or STAT 131	ECE9	ECE 10
	ECE 8* (recommended)
4th	ECE 129A	ECE 129B or ECE 195 (thesis)	ECE 129C or ECE 195 (thesis)
	ECE 141	ECE 167	Adv. Robo. Elective
	CSE 101		Elective

* MATH 19A is the priority for 1st-year students. ECE 8 is recommended for 1st-year students who have already earned credit for MATH 19A. Please consult with BE Advising if you have questions.

** WRIT 2 should be taken in or before spring quarter of the second year.
Electives and advanced robotics electives may only be offered once per year, and may have additional prerequisites.

Plan for Junior Transfer Students with completion of screening requirements for admission

Year	Fall	Winter	Spring	Summer
2nd				Summer Edge (optional) (math recommended)
3rd	ECE 101 & ECE 101L	CSE 100 & CSE 100L	ECE 103 & ECE 103L	Elective Option: ECE 171 & ECE 171L completes EE minor
	CSE 12	ECE 9	ECE 13
	CSE 16	CSE 20	AM 30 or MATH 23A
4th	CSE 30	ECE 121	ECE 118
	ECE 141	CSE 107 or STAT 131	ECE 10
5th	ECE 129A	ECE 129B or ECE 195 (thesis)	ECE 129C or ECE 195 (thesis)
	Elective or Adv. Robo. Elective	ECE 167	Elective or Adv. Robo. Elective
	CSE 101

Electives and Advanced Robotics Electives may only be offered once per year, and may have additional prerequisites.

Plan for Junior Transfer Students with completion of all recommended coursework prior to transfer

Year	Fall	Winter	Spring	Summer
2nd				Summer Edge (optional)
3rd	ECE 103 & ECE 103L	Elective Option: ECE 171 & ECE 171L completes EE minor	CSE 100 & CSE 100L
	ECE 13	ECE 9	ECE 10
4th	CSE 101	ECE 121	ECE 118 (10 credits, not recommended with other upper-division coursewsork)
	ECE 141	CSE 107
5th	ECE 129A	ECE 129B or ECE 195 (thesis)	ECE 129C or ECE 195 (thesis)
	Adv. Robo. Elective	ECE 167
			Part Time Final Quarter

Electives and Advanced Robotics Electives may only be offered once per year, and may have additional prerequisites.
Curriculum charts for all Baskin Engineering majors are available at the BE Undergraduate Advising Major Curriculum Charts page.