REPUBLIC OF BENIN

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MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
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UNIVERSITY OF ABOMEY-CALAVI
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POLYTECHNICAL SCHOOL OF ABOMEY-CALAVI
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4TH YEAR OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING

COURSES : ENGLISH

TOPIC :
LINK BETWEEN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING AND
COMPUTER ENGINEERING

GROUP N°3

GROUP MEMBERS : LECTURER :

1- AHOUANNOU Ange Dr SEGUEDEME Alexis

2- AMAGBEGNON Daniel
Dr BIAOU Jacob
3- DJEGUI Lionel
4- GBAZAKA Josias
5- HOUENOU Emmanuel
6- TOGBE Godfried

ACADEMIC YEAR : 2021 – 2022

 TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................... 3

1 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING..................................................................................................... 4

1.1 Definition................................................................................................................................. 4

1.2 Fields of application ................................................................................................................ 4

2 COMPUTER SCIENCE .................................................................................................................. 5

2.1 Definition................................................................................................................................. 5

2.2 Fields of application ................................................................................................................ 5

2.2.1 Theoretical computer science .......................................................................................... 5

2.2.2 Applied computer science ............................................................................................... 6

3 LINK BEETWEEN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE .................. 7

3.1 Similarities between computer science and electrical engineering ......................................... 7

3.1.1 Education level ................................................................................................................ 7

3.1.2 Computer expertise .......................................................................................................... 8

3.1.3 Specialized skills ............................................................................................................. 8

3.2 Differences between computer science and electrical engineering ......................................... 8

3.2.1 Theoretical vs application................................................................................................ 8

3.2.2 Educational focus ............................................................................................................ 9

3.2.3 Pay level .......................................................................................................................... 9

CONCLUSION ..................................................................................................................................... 10

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 INTRODUCTION
Electrical engineers and computer scientists are everywhere—in industry and research
areas as diverse as computer and communication networks, electronic circuits and systems,
lasers and photonics, semiconductor and solid-state devices, nanoelectronics, artificial
intelligence, robotics, design and manufacturing, control and optimization, computer
algorithms, software engineering, cryptography and computer security, power and energy
systems and many more. The infrastructure and fabric of the information age, including
technologies such as the internet and the web, search engines, cell phones, high-definition
television, and magnetic resonance imaging, are largely the result of innovations in electrical
engineering and computer science. What is the relationship between electrical engineering and
computer science ?

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1 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
1.1 Definition
Engineering is the practical application of electricity. Electrical engineering focuses
specifically on heavy currents — or light and power systems. Professionals in the field design
and develop electrical equipment such as communication systems, electrical systems of
automobiles and aircraft, power generation equipment, and electric motors.

Their work affects almost every aspect of modern life, from powering our homes to how
we travel. For instance, communication and computer specialists in the electrical engineering
field have advanced microwave, satellite, and wire circuits to improve voice and data
transmissions. Additionally, specialists focused on power and electric light have created
advanced turbines, motors, and lighting systems.

1.2 Fields of application

One of the properties of electricity is that it is very useful for energy transmission as well
as for information transmission. These were also the first areas in which electrical engineering
was developed. Today electrical engineering has many subdisciplines, the most common of
which are listed below.

• Power and energy

• Telecommunications
• Control engineering
• Electronics
• Microelectronics and nanoelectronics
• Signal processing
• Instrumentation
• Computers
• Optics and photonics

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2 COMPUTER SCIENCE

2.1 Definition

Computer science is the study of computers and their theoretical foundations such as
software. Computer scientists focus on researching and creating new uses for technology
through the study of algorithms, data structures, artificial intelligence, and computer design.
Some specialties include robotics (creating programs to control robots) and programming
(developing programming languages, such as Java), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics (BLS).

The field impacts not only individuals’ digital lives but society as a whole. Improving
artificial intelligence to combat discrimination against people of color, enhancing algorithms
that make predictions, and building better software for online schooling are a few examples of
computer science’s impact.

2.2 Fields of application

Algorithms and data structures are central to computer science. According to Edsger
Dijkstra : « Computer science is no more about computers than astronomy is about telescopes.
» As a discipline, computer science spans a range of topics from theoretical studies of
algorithms and the limits of computation to the practical issues of implementing computing
systems in hardware and software.

2.2.1 Theoretical computer science

• Theory of computation
• Information and coding theory
• Data structures and algorithms
• Programming language theory and formal methods
• Computer systems and computational processes
• Artificial intelligence
• Computer architecture and organization
• Concurrent, parallel and distributed computing
• Computer networks

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• Computer security and cryptography
• Databases and data mining
• Computer graphics and visualization
• Image and sound processing

2.2.2 Applied computer science

• Computational science, finance and engineering

• Social computing and human–computer interaction
• Software engineering

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3 LINK BEETWEEN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING AND
COMPUTER SCIENCE

Computer science and electrical engineering are both rooted in mathematics and
technology, and both influence how society functions and interacts, but in different ways. For
example, computer scientists develop software programs such as web browsers and artificial
intelligence, while electrical engineers develop and design tangible technology such as
electronic motors and radar systems.

3.1 Similarities between computer science and electrical engineering

With common roots in mathematics and science, a number of similarities can be found
between the computer science and electrical engineering fields beyond their capacity to create
technical innovation.

3.1.1 Education level

Jobs in both fields require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, according to the BLS,
although further specialization is available in both fields through advanced degrees and
certifications. Jobs in the computer science sector requiring a bachelor’s degree include
computer systems analyst and computer programmer, while computer and information research
scientists typically need a master’s degree. Electrical engineers may pursue advanced careers
in specialized areas such as computer or telecom engineering.

Computer scientists who choose to specialize have a large number of certifications they
can pursue. Computer programmers may focus on specific platforms or programming
languages to gain certifications such as Microsoft Technology Associate Developer or Google
Certified Professional Cloud Architect. Electrical engineers may pursue the Professional
Engineering (PE) license or the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
certification.

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 3.1.2 Computer expertise

Both career paths require extensive computer use and a deep knowledge of
programming languages. Computer science focuses on the algorithms, programs, and software
of computer devices, relying on programming languages such as C++ and Python to design,
implement, and test code. Electrical engineers work closely with electric light and power
systems, and use a variety of programming languages to develop and automate devices.

3.1.3 Specialized skills

Each field requires strong technical, analytical, math, communication, and critical
thinking competencies. A program such as Maryville University’s online Bachelor of Science
in Computer Science offers students a foundation in these skills. Courses such as Applied
Linear Algebra, Web Design, UX/UI Design, Deep Learning, Ethical Hacking, and Designing
for Meaning help students cultivate the specific skills they’ll need to excel in a technology
career.

3.2 Differences between computer science and electrical engineering

While computer science and electrical engineering roles are similar in some respects,
their daily tasks are rooted in different specialties.

3.2.1 Theoretical vs application

Computer science focuses on nontangible concepts like computer programs, while

electrical engineering concentrates on physical products such as circuits. Computer scientists
develop and design computer systems, focusing on software. Electrical engineers work with
electricity and electrical currents, which are typically tied to the design and development of
electrical equipment such as radar or communication systems.

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 3.2.2 Educational focus

Computer science curricula focus on concepts such as cybersecurity, data science, and
artificial intelligence, while electrical engineering curricula focus on technical concepts
involving digital systems and electric circuits. Curricula in undergraduate computer science
programs include classes such as Database Design, Machine Learning, and Blockchain
Networks.

3.2.3 Pay level

While both fields can be lucrative, computer science roles typically have higher pay than
electrical engineering roles. According to BLS data, in 2019 computer scientists made a median
salary of $122,840, while electrical engineers made a median salary of $98,530. The difference
in pay can be a reflection of the preferred level of education in each position. Salaries can also
vary by location, industry, and experience levels.

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 CONCLUSION

Computer science focuses on nontangible concepts like computer programs, while

electrical engineering concentrates on physical products such as circuits. Computer scientists
develop and design computer systems, focusing on software. Electrical engineers work with
electricity and electrical currents, which are typically tied to the design and development of
electrical equipment such as radar or communication systems.

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