ACES OUTLINE The Newsletter 2019 | Page 16

14 ACES Newsletter 2019 - University of Peradeniya ACES Newsletter 2019 - University of Peradeniya INTERVIEW WITH Dr. K. SAMARAKOON HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER ENGINEERING and Information Systems with well-defined discipline boundaries. With the invention of microprocessors, computer engineering emerged from within electrical engineering as a separate discipline. As computer chips became a basic component of most electrical and mechanical devices, the skill-set required to design and program the chips became distinguishable from other areas of engineering, further establishing computer engineering as a discipline of its own. The ACM task force identified five computing fields; namely, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Information Technology, and Computer Engineering. The first two are primarily software related. The next two address the need of computer systems in organizations. Since Computer Engineering emerged from within electrical engineering whose primary focus is on hardware, computer engineering lies in the intersection between these hardware and software based disciplines. A good computer engineer needs a strong 1) Let's start off by explaining the difference in computer hardware knowledge to design computer engineering and computer science control circuitry for larger electro-mechanical or software engineering? And how exactly is systems and a good software knowledge to the curriculum of our department differ from program the circuitry with efficient control other IT-related degrees? algorithms. For many, the distinction between computing disciplines is not clear. Because of this, in 2005, The Association of Computing Machinery (ACM), The Association of Information Systems (AIS), and the IEEE Computer Society (IEEE-CS) jointly established a task force to identify the differences in disciplines related to computing. Simply put, computer engineering is concerned with the design and construction of computers and computer-based systems. It involves the study of hardware, software, communication and most importantly, the interaction among them. Its curriculum focuses on the theories, principles, and practices of traditional electrical engineering and mathematics, and applies them Before the 1970s, there were only three to the problems of designing computers and computing-related degree programs, namely computer-based devices to operate in the real Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, world. This, I believe to be the distinguishing features that make it an engineering discipline. Initially, the devices designed and programmed by computer engineers were confined to industrial systems and were not visible to the public. However, these control systems are now becoming extremely complex and demanding and hence the computer engineers should employ the rigorous Software Engineering principles in designing the control systems to ensure their reliable operation. Furthermore, they use the algorithmic foundations of Computer Science to design applications that interact with hardware systems 2) In your opinion, what is expected from a We, as a department, have a fresh computer engineering graduate by the policy not to promote our degree program by industry? highlighting job prospects after graduation At the present time, Sri Lankan despite the high demand. Instead, we invite computing industry is primarily focusing the students who are passionate about on software development. Although our computing to select computer engineering curriculam emphasize on computer degree program. I think this approach has engineering, our fresh computer engineering been successful in attracting only the students graduates are knowledgeable of Computer who are truly passionate about computing to Science and Software Engineering principles join the department. In such a fast-moving and supplemented by a well-honed analytic and difficult discipline, without an internal drive, problem solving mindset. I believe that this students can easily become dispassionate makes our graduates attractive to the local and disengaged from the course (and the field in general) which would cause them to industry and are readily employable. perform poorly at university and ultimately However, we are not focusing exclusively to be dissatisfied with their life choices. That cater to the present local industry. Instead, is why this time all students who joined the we expect and encourage our graduates to department chose computer engineering as be pioneers for starting new companies that their first choice. When someone is passionate develop world-class hardware and software about learning a subject, they devote and products contributing to the economic deliver and have an enjoyable time while development of Sri Lanka. We hope our doing so. Apart from offering a world-class students use the skills we have tried to foster degree program, our department organizes in them and find niches missing in the local many activities to improve the soft skills of our industry when starting new companies. students and I believe that this is a significant 3) Computer Engineering Department has contributor to the performance of Peradeniya reached the top among all the departments of engineering in the industry. This reputation the faculty when it comes to field selection. has an avalanche effect where more and more What are the reasons behind becoming students selected to the engineering faculty the first choice of fresh engineering opt to study computer engineering leading to an even more passionate cohort of students. undergraduates? 15