Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications

Self – Evaluation of professional studies programs in ELECTRONICS

Riga Technical University Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications Riga, 2000 CONTENTS

1. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ______3

2. CHARACTERIZATION OF THE CURRICULA ______4

3. CHARACTERIZATION OF THE PROSPECTS OF THE CURRICULA __ 7

4. PLANS FOR THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT ______8

5. FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF THE STUDY PROGRAM ______12

6. TECHNICAL RESOURCES OF THE STUDY PROGRAM ___ 12

7. QUALIFICATION OF STAFF ______13

8. RESEARCH ______14

9. COLLABORATION WITHIN THE CURRICULA ______15

10. STUDENT EVALUATION METHODS ______15

11. COMPARISON WITH SIMILAR CURRICULA IN OTHER COUNTRIES_16

12. SUMMARY ______22

SUPPLEMENT A ______23

2 1. Aims and Objectives

Academic studies program "Electronics" provides specialized studies in - electronics. Electronics is one of the most developing fields in the whole world for many years. In Latvia the situation in this field is more complicated. It has a very bright history starting in the twenties and thirties when radio sets produced by the factory VEF (State Electrotechnical Factory) received international recognition (Grand Prix in International World Trade Exhibition in Paris in 1937). In the fifties until seventies Riga was one of the Soviet Union's most developed centers in professional and household electronics with large enterprises like "VEF", "RRR" (radio sets and communication tools) and "Alfa" (microelectronics), different development teams and various research institutions. However already in the seventies the level of the USSR electronics was lagging behind the world standards while in the nineties, alongside with the disintegration of the USSR, all large-scale electronics industry also collapses in Latvia: all big enterprises got closed, disintegrated or restructured into more effective and smaller enterprises, many specialists changed their profile. Today the transition period is not over yet, but the rebirth of electronics industry is starting: technologies are modernized, and many small and medium enterprises are coming into being, implementing, designing and producing electronic goods. Electronics is becoming an integral part of everyone’s life starting from toys and household articles up to professional computer systems and satellite as well as cellular communication tools. Therefore there is a need of great number of specialists in different fields of electronics. Unfortunately, presently the demand for such specialists cannot be satisfied. Besides, in Latvia there is need for a new qualification system for electronic specialists, realizing life-long education. According to this situation the University has to set its aims and objectives. The goal of the "Electronics" academic program is to prepare highly qualified specialists in electronics with solid knowledge in mathematics, physics and electrical and electronic basic subjects. In this way the young specialist will be prepared for self-education and regular qualification improvement. Following are the goals of the professional program "Electronics":

 To provide the students with relevant theoretical knowledge and practical skills in electronics;  To train the students to apply their knowledge and to work independently and creatively acquiring the latest achievements in electronics;  To provide a possibility to acquire the necessary specialization with the help of elective courses and study specializations;  To train the students to acquire engineering comprehensive skills: in measurement techniques, in design techniques and management, a.o.;  To facilitate the students’ ability to present and explain their study results in public, in writing and with the help of up-to-date information technology tools;  To provide the basics of economics and management in the field of electronics.

3 A more detailed goals and objectives of professional study program is presented in the following paragraph 2.2.

2. CHARACTERIZATION OF THE CURRICULA

The "Electronics" curricula for professional education set the contents and plan of the "Electronics" professional studies, give detailed requirements and procedures for student evaluation and the academic, material and financial resources available to the program (Supplement 1.1). The precise course description of curricula is given in Supplement 2. The "Electronics" curricula have been developed in agreement with the regulations of the Senate, the Studies Department and the Study Profile of Computer systems, Electronics and Power engineering of the RTU. The curricula have been approved at the Councils of the Institute of Radio Electronics and at the Senate of the RTU. At the RTU, credit points (CP) are used to evaluate the amount of studies necessary for obtaining a degree. The number of CP in one year of study is 40. One CP is equivalent to a workweek (i.e., 40 hours) or 16 lecture contact-hours.

2.1. Engineering study program in Electronics

Objective necessity to prepare well-educated specialists in electronics is determined by very vide usage of electronics in different fields of science and technique. Besides, drastic changes are in the qualification of electronic engineers: any up-to-date electronic device consists of some computer or controller. A new technologies are appearing, based on usage of computers and processors and a quite new applications of electronics are becoming as reality, by example multimedia, digital radio and television. In Latvia till now it is not special institutions devoted to life-long education problems i.e. changing of specialization. As a result all this wide spectrum of needs for different specialization in electronics should be satisfied by RTU, as only technical university in Latvia preparing engineers in electronics. Using present material-technical bases and methodological potential, RTU professional study program in Electronics provides students with comprehensive knowledge in professional activity, future self-education and life-long education. Realization of professional study program in Electronics depends on previous Secondary School education: 1) graduates of any Secondary School can start education in academic Bachelor's program in Electronic (3 years), following with 2 years in professional program in Electronics, obtaining qualification of engineer in following fields:

a) Radio, Television and Mobile Communications; b) Radio Systems with Microprocessors and Computers; c) Telematics.

2) graduates of any Secondary School could start education in college of RTU (2 years) obtaining qualification of "Technician of Electronics Management and 1 All, (except Supplement A ) Supplements are available in Latvian version only

4 Service", and then following 2.5 years studies in "Electronics Equipment" direction and obtaining qualification of engineer; 3) graduates of Special Technical Secondary School could start education in professional study program in Electronics (4 years) obtaining qualification of engineer in "Radio, Television and Mobile Communications".

All these programs have different length of studies for obtaining qualification of engineer in Electronics because the previous education also is different. The shortest study duration is for graduates of Special Technical College (4 years), but the longest one is for students entering Bachelor's studies (5 years). 2.2 Aims and objectives of the engineering program In accordance with the situation of electronics in Latvia and following development tendencies of electronics in the rest of world and, within the limits of RTU, more detailed aims and goals of the engineering program in Electronics are presented: Aims - to prepare specialists, who:  Are capable to work in the field of service and modernization of electronic equipment;  Are skilled for maintenance and modernization of electronic systems;  Could manage up-to-date programming tools and design methods;  Are qualified for practical work in electronics.

Objectives:  To provide the students with knowledge of physical processes and technical solutions of circuits used in electronics;  To provide the students with knowledge of maintenance, production and design of electronic equipment;  To provide the students with knowledge of computerized analysis and design of electronic equipment;  To facilitate acquiring and developing practical work skills;  To facilitate acquiring research work and management skills, including experimental research and analysis of literature;  To provide the students with knowledge in life-long education.

Basing upon a common basis, the program has following specializations:  "Electronic Equipment" – the program is oriented to the multiform electronic equipment, accenting its origin as definite hardware who needs proper maintenance, modernization and utilization;  "Radio, Television and Mobile Communications" - the program is oriented to the service of electronic equipment for broadcasting and production of radio programs and TV programs as well as equipment for mobile communications;  "Radio Systems with Microprocessors and Computers" – the program is oriented to the application of programming integral circuits ( microprocessors, controllers, computers) in different electronic equipment;  "Telematics" – the program is oriented to the application of up-to-date electronic and software means for household and small business and usage of telecommunications and multimedia in distance education.

5 2.3 Contents of the engineering study programs

The study process at RTU is organized according course (semester) principle with the appropriate study plans. In the framework of professional study program in Electronics, students are studying general technical subjects, specialized subjects, economical subjects and humanities. Overall amount of subjects (Supplement 1.) consists of two kind of technical subjects – compulsory subjects (part A) and limited electives (part B1), economics electives (part B2), humanities electives (part B3) and free electives (part C), as well as Professional Training (part D) and final examination – Diploma Project (part E).

2.4. The duration of the studies and credits for the subjects

The duration of studies in different directions depends on starting position of students. Students, upon acquiring 122 academic credits for the Bachelor's degree have to study for additional 2 years (81 CP), but graduates of Secondary Technical School with akin specialization to electronics have to study for 4 years, making 140 CP. But those, starting its education in College of RTU have to study for 4.5 years with 180 CP (Engineer of Electronic Equipment), receiving Technician qualification in the middle of studies (80 CP).

2.5. The proportions between course categories

The proportion between course categories in engineering study programs is regulated by the decision of the RTU Senate "Updating the structure of professional programs" from 27.04.1998. (Supplement 1.). In agreement with this decision professional program in Electronics has following proportions between course categories, shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Upon Upon completion completion of Versions of Upon completion of the Bachelor's of the the General the Studies degree in Electronics Secondary Secondary Technical Education and Education College of RTU R&TV and Radio R&TV and Electronic mobile Systems Telematics mobile Parts of the Equipment program commun. MP&D commun. % KP % KP % KP % KP % KP Compulsory subjects 69 140 69 140 69 140 57 80 65 117 (part A) Limited Electives 8 16 8 16 8 16 8 11 7 12 (part B1) Economics Electives 3 6 3 6 3 6 5 7 3 4 (part B2) Humanities 3 6 3 6 3 6 1 2 3 6

6 Electives (part B3) Free Electives 4 8 4 8 4 8 3 4 2 4 (part C) Professional Training 4 8 4 8 4 8 14 20 8 15 (part D) Diploma Project 9 19 9 19 9 19 11 16 12 22 (part E) Total 203 203 203 140 180

The requirements for receiving Professional qualification are fulfilling the study program and a successful presentation of the Diploma Project. The presentation is examined by The State Examination Commission, which consists of leading engineers from different organizations, companies and research institutions. The credit for the Diploma Project is 16 CP. The thematic and evaluation criteria of the Diploma Project are given in Supplement 3.

2.7. Humanities, economic, social and natural sciences within the Engineer's curriculum Some parts of the professional education programs are given to limited electives in non-profile subjects. Table 2.

Engineer in R&TV and Electronics Subject groups Electronics after Mobile Equipment Bachelor's degree Communications Languages 3 CP 8 CP 5 CP Economics and 4 CP 6 CP 4 CP Management Humanities / Social sc. 4 CP 6 CP 4 CP Free electives 4 CP 4 CP 4 CP

2.8 Advertisements and information about the curriculum Information about the Professional programs in Electronics and future carrier after receiving a professional qualification is included in the informative materials (supplement 6.). Besides, Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications takes part in annual international exhibitions devoted to Electronics and Telecommunications with its own stall, thus spreading information about study programs and faculty. Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications has its Internet home page http://www.rsf.rtu.lv .

2.9 The Curriculum Assessment by the Students and Employers

To find out students' assessment of the Professional Programs' quality and the practical execution of the Electronics Professional programs the fourth and fifth year students are asked to fill out anonymous questionnaires (results from latest years are presented in supplement 4.). Students are interested to make some changes in curricula i.e. to replace some humanities electives with foreign language electives.

7 Mostly respondents are satisfied with the program chosen, but they are asking for improvements in program material-technical part. Employers (computer companies MA-1, Fortech, State Inspection of Communications, State Radio and State Television) as well the graduates are satisfied with the quality of knowledge and of study programs. Employers point to the wide range of vision and possibility to fit with changing technologies in electronics of the graduates of Electronics programs, but sometimes they lack a possibility to solve practical problems.

3. CHARACETRIZATION OF THE PROSPECTS OF THE CURRICULA

Electronics in one of the most rapidly developing fields in the whole world (as reflected for instance, by Moor's Law). This development is connected with the tendency of globalization i.e. there is no possibility for development in only one country or region, because achievements in one country are spreading to others. Electronics is not only the basis for computer systems and telecommunications, rapidly developing due to electronics, but also for many other fields. Therefore, specialists in electronics are essential for countrys' successful development. Practically, all Technical Universities have Study Programs in Electronics but the problems for development are different. The previous period of educating students in our programs is characterized by rather high level of graduates and quite good technical basis. Our problems for further development are mainly connected with insufficient financing. One of the main reasons is very low salaries of academic staff in comparison with those employed in the private sector and government institutions. Therefore, many good specialists are leaving University and there are no new comers. The second problem is the prices for electronic test and measuring equipment and CAD software that are not comparable with money allocated by the government. The Riga Technical University has necessary intellectual and technological potential for accomplishing professional education in Electronics. The knowledge acquired is adequate to keep pace with the rapidly changing electronics. In Latvian job-market there is a great demand for the graduates and students of the RTU Electronics programs. Today Riga Technical University is only one of the Universities offering Electronics program. Digital radio and digital TV are now spreading all around the whole world and our programs also will continue professional education in this direction. Mobile communications and amount of information flow are increasing very rapidly. Thus we are going to continue education in telematics engineering. By improving our material-technical bases for microprocessor's and specialized processor's applications (with our limits) we could offer better education in automation of electronic equipment and systems as well as application of discrete algorithms for Control Devices and Signal Processing. Now, we have approximately 150 students in Electronics program (including freshmen) but in professional engineering program we have some 60 students in two specialization – "Radio, TV and mobile communications" and "Telematics". Graduates of Radio, TV and mobile communications are being engaged in state and private radio and TV broadcasting companies or they are becoming sales managers in mobile communications companies in Riga and regions. Graduates of Telematics are becoming engineers in computer data network companies, developers of distance

8 education systems and courses. They are prepared for multimedia and telecommunications service carrier. Society needs approximately 16-18 well educated professional specialists in each of specialization annually. Our present number of students is insufficient to fulfill all society demands. We have to increase by 30% students in the Electronics Bachelor's program and by 100% students in the professional engineering programs.

4. PLANS FOR THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

For self-evaluation purposes SWOT analysis has been provided. The summary of the present situation is given in Table 3. The transition period is unfavorable for implementing the program "Electronics" (the same applies to the whole manufacturing industry):  Shortage of financial support from government, especially rather expensive engineering programs;  Now, some other non engineering programs are more popular. The development of Electronics program is depends on the overall economic situation in the country; however, by developing electronics the economy and the country would prosper. Despite the unfavorable situation, electronics specialists are in demand in Latvia and definitely even more in the future. So, there is no other possibility but to continue students' education in electronics field, in view of the sustaining growth of industry in Latvia.

Table 3. Strength Weaknesses  The faculty has qualified and  The studies in program is difficult experienced academic staff; and not very popular among the  The graduates are competitive in the middle-school pupil; labor-market ;  Lack of young teachers;  The Library has enough up-to-date  Out-of-date laboratory equipment; periodicals;  Not very regular contacts with the  The faculty has up-to-date computer manufacturers; system;  Rather weak international  The faculty is connected to Internet for cooperation. accessing information;  The Information Literacy Course in Electronics is introduced in curricula Opportunities Threats  The graduates of the program are highly  Insufficient financing (salaries, demanded in the labor-market; equipment, scholarships);  Rapid development of Electronics;  Bad-prepared freshmen;  Positive evaluation of the program from  Small number of skilled students; graduates and manufacturers;  Lack of new academic staff with  Cooperation with society and Ph.D. degree. consumers.

The main problems we are facing now are:

9  Financial support of the program (salary, up-dating of equipment, scholarships for students);  High-qualified academic staff (refresher courses, international cooperation, and drawing in specialists).

4.1. Financial support Insufficient financing is one of the main problems. It prohibits:  To provide competitive salaries for academic staff and thus to involve in academic work new perspective specialists;  To renew the technical bases;  To devote all students' time for full-time studies, as the scholarships are very low, students have to combine studies with work. Any program needs appropriate financial support for its development. The existing basic financing – the state budget is insufficient: some part of the qualified academic personnel is still working but there are no possibilities for essential improvement of study process and scientific research. Some hopes of increasing financial situation are connected with the promises of all political parties to allocate more money to education. There are already some small improvements: some money is allocated for the purchase of books and equipment. In future financial support should be expected from future employers. At present there are only small-scaled enterprises whose financial situation is quite difficult, but after completing privatization of large-scaled enterprises and renewal of electronics industry there are some hopes for co-operation with firms in joint-usage of expensive technological devices (now the only agreement is with joint-stock company "Alfa-Pro" for common usage of software "Cadence").

4.2. Academic staff The academic staff are overworking to earn some money or taking extra jobs outside the University. The academic staff is rather old, and it should be renewed for further program's survival. There are 20 academic staff members already at the age of retirement or reaching it during next 6 years. Forecasting, that number of students would increase, during next 6 years faculty has to involve some 10 new academic staff members. The solution might be as follows. 1. To provide competitive salaries for the academic staff. In this way the prestige and some interest of academic and research work would increase. 2. To involve young and perspective electronics specialists in pedagogical work, Doctoral studies and academic part-time work. It is clear that money allocated for education will not increase immediately. In order not to destroy all academic work in this field and wait till positive changes, in next couple of years we have to take some temporary measures:  To unite students in bigger groups;  To assure opportunity for the academic staff to elaborate study materials, to copy them and distribute to students;  To co-operate with similar programs in some subject teaching, merging student groups.

In addition to these measures academic staff should be involved in international projects. Also international co-operation in research and academic work should be promoted. It will allow to improve qualification and to raise some additional funds.

10 4.3. Development of technical resources Due to the very fast development of electronics, technical resources that are necessary for carrying out the program are becoming out-of-date rather quickly and a lot of money is needed to keep them up to date. If the program would not receive necessary financing from the state budget then some alternative solutions could be:  To sign a contracts with companies interested in graduates of Electronics program and with necessary support from these companies arrange laboratory equipment;  To sign contracts with companies interested in graduates of Electronics program and use the laboratories of these companies for completing laboratory works and providing students praxis. To improve study process it is envisaged to increase the purchase of licensed software (up to now we have been using evaluation versions of different software for course project and laboratory work elaboration, but these products have some restrictions). It is quite problematic to purchase an up-to-date measuring equipment, but there are also some positive tendencies, RTU budget plan now has special item for purchasing laboratory equipment.

4.4. Students Students is one of the most essential factors in the development of the program. Just now students' overall evaluation of the program is positive (Supplement 4.). Also the graduates and employers are of the same positive opinion. But, comparing present situation with that some ten years ago, the number of students involved in program has decreased and they overall knowledge when starting the studies is worse, some students have difficulty with the Latvian language. Due to the fact that money allocated for scholarships is very small, students have to combine work with studies in order to provide living and therefore the time left for studies gets reduced. More efforts should be devoted to acquainting secondary school students with the specialty. In addition to " the open-door days", exhibition stalls and information leaflets, as well as some other image-building is needed. Some opportunities:  To up-date and maintain the faculty's Internet home page attractive for young people;  To provide annually 2-3 promotional events in secondary schools with specialization in mathematics and physics. To achieve increase of scholarships and to support loan policy for students. Therefore students will have more time for studies. Successful students should be involved in research. Students should be promoted to participate in EU programs like "ERASMUS" and others.

4.5. Co-operation with graduates and employers

We have to activate mutual contacts with the companies and other enterprises hiring our students. These are Radiotehnika – RRR, Latvian Radio and Television Center, Latvian Radio, Latvian Television, Lattelecom, Latvian Mobile Phone, Baltcom and many other enterprises. Within a year we have to carry out the following activities:  To find out companies’ needs for graduates in the future;  To find out what are the requirements for the future electronics specialists in the labor market;  To create data bases of graduates working in electronics specialty;

11  To find out which are the skills and knowledge presently lacking in the electronics program necessary for practical work;  To find out what are the re-training needs of employees for obtaining a new profession and needs for improving employees’ qualification;  To organize trade improvement courses involving in this process also specialists from enterprises.

4.6. Study process

Following development tendencies of electronics in the whole world and to stimulate development of new technologies in Latvia up-to-date information is included in the program. Unfortunately, this process is not well coordinated. In the future at least once a month this problem has to be discussed in methodological seminars and the council of the program has to co-ordinate the reflection of electronics achievements in present lecture courses and possible new courses. During all the study process irrationally spent time should be reduced. The study process has to be reorganized with a tendency to more independent and self-organized studies. To achieve this students have to be supplied with up-to-date study materials, also new pedagogical methods as well as distance learning principles and technologies have to be introduced. It will be a gradual process of course (some 3-4 courses per year). The assessment process regarding the study program has to be strengthened and the obtained information has to be used to improve the study process.

5. FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF THE STUDY PROGRAM

The following financial sources are planned for realization of Electronics Study Programs:

 State budget; the following table shows the sate budget allocated to Electronic program students (Lats/per student) in 1999.

Study Program State allocation Factual expenses Bachelor's studies 650.00 712.06 Professional studies 950.00 1436.00

 Cash payments from legal and physical entities; tuition fee for bachelor's studies in 1999/2000 is Ls 325 per annum, for professional studies is Ls 375 per annum.  Some amount of finances allocated for research under the Latvian Scientific Council grant-aided system also has to be added to program financing sources since it facilitates the increase of the personnel qualification; the devices obtained for research purposes are partly used also in the study process.

6. TECHNICAL RESOURCES OF THE STUDY PROGRAM

12 On the whole there are three Professor's groups in RTU involved in carrying out the Study process in electronics:

Groups of the Institute of Radio Electronics:  Professor's group of Broadcasting systems;  Professor's group of Radio Electronics;  Professor's group of Design and Technology of Radio Electronics.

The Institute of Radio Electronics is located at 12, Āzenes Street and 14, Āzenes Street. Area occupied is 1972 square meters for laboratories and 2002 square meters for classrooms, including well-equipped classroom sponsored by "Motorola" company (12 Āzenes Street – 210 room) with 38 places. The Professor's group of Industrial Electronic Devices is located at 1, Kronvalda Boulevard. Professor's groups and chairs teaching general subjects are located at 14, Āzenes Street, 16, Āzenes Street, 1, Kaļķu Street and 5, Meža Street. Library of the Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications provides free access to textbooks, scientific literature - books, journals, magazines and Internet connection. The Library has a rather good collection of foreign journals. Mostly foreign language (English) books and journals are donations from Latvians living abroad. The Scientific Library of the Riga Technical University is also located in Ķīpsala with its stock about 2 million items. The greatest part of these items is textbooks. The Scientific Library has an Internet Classroom with 8 working places. The location of the Computer Classrooms for the Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral students is:

12, Āzenes Street, room –108 15 IBM PC Pentium-133 with Internet access; 12, Āzenes Street, room –421 7 IBM PC Celeron-300 and Pentium-100; 12, Āzenes Street, room –415 6 IBM PC Pentium-100 ; 12, Āzenes Street, room –417 2 IBM PC 486 DX 80 and 1 386 DX 40 ; 12, Āzenes Street, room -407 2 IBM PC 486 DX 40 and 1 Pentium-133 ; 12, Āzenes Street, room -105a 1 IBM PC Pentium-133

Students can use computers located in rooms 108 and 421 after their regular lessons for a fee 0.2 Ls per hour. Staff and Doctoral students use 2 IBM PC computers ( Celeron – 400 and Pentium II – 260 ), room – 225 and computers located in room – 407. The total amount of all material – technical equipment in 1999 is 96 381. –Ls ( All equipment produced during the time of the Soviet Union has been devaluated ). Laboratories mainly are equipped with measuring devices produced in the seventies until nineties, and due to the very fast changes in electronics - are out-of-date. Only some equipment has been purchased in the past couple of years, because all possible money is spent for computers and software.

But we have some laboratories unique in all Baltic countries:  Acoustics laboratory with the acoustic – camera;  Microelectronics laboratory.

Microprocessor's and Microcontroller's laboratory is equipped with the support of "Motorola" company.

13 Technical and Methodological resources of the Laboratories enable to fulfill all Program goals but achieving these goals asks for increasing efforts from all staff members from year after year.

7. QUALIFICATION OF THE STAFF

The staff involved in teaching Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral Program courses is: full time staff:  3 habilitated doctors ( J.Jankovskis, G.Raņķis, J.Ziemelis);  8 Ph.D doctors ( E.Beķeris,G.Balodis, J.Grēve, A.Gulbis, V.Jurševičs, P.Misāns, A.Strauts, M.Zeltiņš);  4 docents without Ph.D. degree (K.Brīvkalns, A.Pakalns, J.Barloti, A.Fiļipovs);  1 lecturer without Ph.D. degree (D.Puriševs). part time staff:  1 habilitated doctor (G.Strautmanis);  8 Ph.D. doctors (G.Āboltiņš-Āboliņš, V.Bērziņš, O.Kanaškovs, V.Ņikitins, J.Semeņako, I.Slaidiņš, K.Tomariņš, A.Vītols);  4 docents without Ph.D. degree (A.Ozoliņš, M.Strauts, J.Šumahers, J.Eizentāls).

Many part time staff members are experts in the electronics applications field and the courses taught by them usually are akin to their professional work. Associate Professor's E.Beķeris, G.Balodis and P.Misāns were taking part in mobility programs for academic staff: E.Beķeris and P.Misāns had spent one semester at Lund University in Sweden, but G.Balodis at Linchoping University in Sweden. Some of the academic staff members are the members of the International organization IEEE.

8. RESEARCH

All academic staff members are qualified experts in electronics or in some fields related to electronics. Most of the staff members apart from lecturing are involved in the research work or they are experts or consultants in different companies. Most of the staff members involved in research work participate in the research founded by the Latvian Council of Science (LCS). LCS research projects is a very good opportunity for doctoral students to participate in scientific investigations. Academic staff members participate in the following LCS projects:  96.0461 Researches on parameters and applications of ferrites for signal and power electronics. Project manager Dr.habil.sc.ing.J.Jankovskis, participants – Dr.habil.sc.ing.G.Raņķis, Dr.sc.ing.V.Jurševičs, Dr.sc.ing. V.Ņikitins, doctoral students S.Lomovs and D.Uļjanovs.  96.0479 Analysis of artificial absorbents and study of their electromagnetic properties in the microwave band. Project manager Dr.habil.sc.ing.J.Ziemelis, participants – Dr.sc.ing. J.Semeņako, doctoral student P.Čertovs.  96.0480 The optimization of focusing system parameters for 32 m radioastronomy antenna near Ventspils. Project manager Dr.Sc.Ing. G.Balodis,

14 participants – Dr.sc.ing. A.Mednis, doctoral student V.Mamaiko and postgraduate student D.Kekišs.  96.0496 The principles and Methods of Data Analysis of Low Selective Gas Sensors. Project manager Dr.Sc.ing. P.Misāns.  96.0498 Research of Low Frequency Noise and Reliability of Semiconductor Devices. Project manager Dr.Sc.ing. I.Slaidiņš, participants – Dr.Sc.Ing. E.Beķeris, Dr.Sc.ing. M.Zeltiņš and doctoral student Z.Tabuns.  96.0533 Investigation of Nonlinear Properties of Ferroelectrics. Project manager Dr.phys. A.Gulbis.

Prof. J.Ziemelis is a member of the Council of Informatics of the LCS . Associate Prof. G.Balodis is an expert in the field – Human Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields. Dr.sc.ing. V.Ņikitins and lecturer D.Puriševs are experts in Medicine Electronics Apparatus . Staff members from the Institute of Radio Electronics are involved in renovation of Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center. Renovation is carried out in agreement with three side mutual contract between Latvian Academy of Sciences, Russian Academy of Sciences and Swedish Royal Academy of Sciences. In this renovation program Broadcasting Systems Professor's group represents the RTU and is responsible for renovation of signal channels circuits and modernization of antenna systems. During some last years a new research directions have been started in the faculty associated with the application of telematics and multimedia in education. These directions correspond with EC research priority directions. Research is carried out with cooperation with Distance Education Center of RTU, placed in the premises of the faculty. Staff members ( E.Beķeris, K.Brīvkalns, A.Pakalns, I.Slaidiņš a.o.), students ( master's degree students B.Žuga, K.Patjanko, L.Nīgale, engineering degree students I.Bobrova, K.Jejsa) and some other participants from different RTU structures are involved in Distance Education Projects . From the beginning of this year doctoral student R.Gulbis also will take part in this research. The technical basis for these projects has been founded by the support of PHARE Program " International Cooperation in Distance Education". Also, by the support of PHARE Program, in cooperation with Lattelecom, College of Cable&Wireless and University of Tartu the distance education course BPOM has been elaborated (Business Planning for Open Markets), project manager Dr.Phys. A.Kapenieks. The project covers research of how to use telematic means for project managing, elaboration of study materials and study process. During some last years many staff members have published they research results in different international publications and those of international conferences. Publications of each staff member are presented in Supplement 5.

9. COLLABORATION WITHIN THE CURRICULA

Full-time staff of the RTU teach the subjects of the Professional Curriculum. High-quality specialists from production and research institutions teach one part of elective courses, e.g. Mr. G.Dziļums and Mr. J.Šīrs, A.Kamens, A.Mednis, J.Šumahers, I.Jēkabsons, L.Petersons. Faculty has co-operation with a major part of Latvia's electronic companies to obtain needed professional skills for engineering students :

15 Lattelekom, Latvian Mobile Telephone, PROVIDERS OF COMMUNICATIONS BaltcomGSM, Radio Com., Balt Tranking;

DEALERS AND MANUFACTURES OF DanLat, AvNet Baltronix, Belss, Solid State COMMUNICATIONS DEVICES Institute of University of Latvia, Alfa;

RADIO AND TV BROADCASTING State Radio, State TV, Baltcom TV, State Center COMPANIES of Radio and TV DEALERS AND MANUFACTURES OF Fortech, MA-1, VAR, Elva, IBM; COMPUTERS Latvenergo, State Inspection of OTHER COMPANIES Communications, CHD.

These co-operation partners are providing professional training for engineering students. Upon completing praxis students have to work out and present the report in the presence of companies representatives. In such a way companies are testing students and can choose some of them for future professional co-operation. Chosen students are granted with real Diploma Project thematic. In the framework of Socrates Program, faculty has cooperation agreement with the Mikeli Polytechnic Institute (Finland) in mobility activities of students. Co- operation agreement between University of Gothenburg, Observatory, University of Latvia and RTU has been concluded in order to prepare professional engineers for "VIRAC". In the framework of the mobility program "International Study Course of Communications Engineering" our student Ē.Tikaiže studied at University of Lubeck Germany.

10. STUDENT EVALUATION METHODS

Apart from lectures students have seminars, practical works in labs, individual projects and tests. All this is not only for better acquiring the study material but also serves as a control mechanism. Laboratory reports, tests, individual projects are evaluated and students have to present them in order to demonstrate the acquired knowledge and skills. Usually there are examinations or tests at the end of each course. Students are evaluated accordingly to the regulations of the RTU (27.01.1998.):

1. The quality indicators:

 10 grade evaluation system;  yes/no test system.

2. The quantity indicators- number of credits.

At the end of the studies, students have to work on and present their Diploma Project. Criteria for elaboration and evaluation of the Diploma Project are given in supplement.

16 11. COMPARISON WITH SIMILAR CURRICULA IN OTHER COUNTRIES

For comparison of our curricula with other university curricula we have used data presented in web pages. Engineering study program curricula has been compared with the University of Surrey (Great Britain), Technical University of Dresden and University of Magdeburg (Germany). Some subject groups has been compared with the Technical University of Eindhoven and the Technical University of Twente. Comparison of subject groups is included in diagrams Fig. 1. – Fig. 5., but comparison of subjects is shown in supplement A.

17 Comparison of directions

12 Diploma Project (part E) 11 9

8 Professional training (part D) 14 4

2 Free electives (part C) 3

s 4 p u o r 3 g

t Humanities electives (part B3) 1 c

e 3 j b u

S 3 Economics electives (part B2 ) 5 3

7 Limited electives (part B1) 8 8

65 Compulsory subjects (part A) 57 69

0 20 40 60 80 Amount (percents)

Electronics Equipment Engineer Electronics Practical Engineer Electronics Engineer upon Bachelor's degree

Figure 1. Comparison of the RTU professional study programs in Electronics

Comparison, shown in figure 1. presents engineering programs in Electronics with different duration. Differences are mainly in the duration of the professional training. The longest (1 year) is for Electronics Practical Engineer upon special secondary education, but the others have less.

Comparison of the RTU Study Program with TU Dresden and University of Surrey Radio, Television and Mobile Communications

10 Professional Training 10 8 13 Project 13 16 4 Economics elect,&Business planning&Free 3 electives 5 2 Humanities Electives 3 4 7,5

s Electronics&Technology 15

p 12 u o r 5 G

Power Electronics t c e j

b 12,5 u Telecommunications S 20 7 2,5 Economics 2 2 7,5 Radio Frequency Systems 9 13 10 Control&Signal Processing 14 6 7,5 Computers 10 6

0 5 10 15 20 25 Credit Points

Riga TU TU Dresden U Surrey

Figure 2. Comparison of the program in Radio, Television and Mobile Communications with the University of Surrey and TU of Dresden.

In figures 2-4, we can see compliances and some differences in the subject groups in the Electronics engineer upon Bachelor's degree study program comparing with the University of Surrey and TU of Dresden. The RTU program in R&TV and Mobile Communications has accent on Radio Frequency technique.

Comparison of the RTU Study program with TU Dresden and University of Surrey Radio Systems with Microprocessors and Computers

10 Professional Training 8 10 13 Project 13 16 4 Economics elect.&Business planning&Free electives 3 5 2 Humanities Electives 3 4 s

u Electronics&Technology 15

o 12 r

Power Electronics t c e

j 12,5

b Telecommunications 20

u 7 S 2,5 Economics 2 2 7,5 Radio Frequency Systems 7 9 Control&Signal Processing 10 9 14 7,5 Computers 10 10

0 5 10 15 20 25 Credit Points Riga TU TU Dresden U Surrey

Figure 3. Comparison of the program in Radio Systems with Microprocessors and Microcontrollers with the University of Surrey and TU of Dresden.

The RTU program in RS with Microprocessors and Microcontrollers has accent on computers and computers electronics.

Comparison of the RTU Study Program with TU Dresden and University of Surrey Telematics

12 Professional Training 14 10 16 Project 13 20

5 Economics elect.&Busines planning&Free electives 3 10

2 Humanities electives 3 12 9 Electronics&Technology 14 14 6 Power Electronics0 s

p 0 u o

g Telecommunications 19

t 10 c e j

u Economics 2

S 4 9 Radio Frequency Systems 9 9 12 Control &Signal Processing 13 5

9 Computers 10 6

0 5 10 15 20 25 Credit Points Riga TU TU-Dresden U Surrey

Figure 4. Comparison of the program in Telematics with the University of Surrey and TU of Dresden.

The RTU program in Telematics has accent on up-to-date electronics, technology and radio frequency technique.

21 Comparison of the RTU Study Program with University of Magdeburg and University of Surrey Electronic Equipment

9% Project 9% 11% 13% Professional Training 19% 14% 18% Non-Technical Electives 4% 14% s

p 13% u

o Technical Electives 18% r 18% G

b Laboratories 8% u 7% S 6% Engineering Basic Subjects 2% 4% 21% Specialized Subjects 26% 18% 13% Basic Subjects 15% 14%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% Amount (percents)

Riga TU U Magdeburg U Surrey

Figure 5. Comparison of the program in Electronics Equipment with the University of Surrey and University of Magdeburg.

In figure 5, we can see compliances and some differences in the subject groups in the Electronics Equipment study program comparing with the University of Surrey and University of Magdeburg.

The RTU program in Electronics Equipment has slight accent on technical electives and project . The University of Surrey has accent on non-technical electives .

22 The University of Magdeburg has slight accent on non-technical electives .

SUMMARY The professional studies in RTU program "Electronics" allow to achieve goals in engineering studies. The present program has been developed as the result of Professor's group's scientific activities and historical development of study process in Latvia. Each year some corrections of the programs are made following the Senate regulations and due to the necessity keep pace with the rapidly changing electronics field in the whole world. Programs have analogies in EC Universities, they correspond to the multiform demands of Latvia's labor market. The main problems at the current moment are:  Insufficient financial support of the program;  Lack of young academic staff members. Analysis of the program shows both advantages and disadvantages of the program. The advantages of the program:  Academic staff members have good experience and high qualification in teaching general study courses;  The small number of students in senior courses allows to provide an individualized approach to learning process;  Evaluation of the program by students and graduates is positive;  Electronics' students are highly in demand in the labor market;  Computer classrooms are comparatively up-to-date;  Academic staff is involved in research process. The disadvantages of the program:  Many staff members are over their fifties;  Laboratory equipment is not up-to-date ( however it is possible to demonstrate and measure needed processes );  Lack of textbooks, especially in Latvian;  Students and academic staff members are quite seldom involved in international projects;  Many students try to combine studies with work, which results in longer studies and lowers the quality of studies (the positive side of this is that students acquire additional practical skills ). The following measures have been worked out for improving the program: 1. To develop cooperation with companies and organizations employing our graduates or future graduates: a) by signing contracts for training specialists; b) by signing contracts for usage of company's technical infrastructure in students practical training and elaborating laboratory practice. 2. To introduce latest pedagogical principles in study process, including up-to-date distance learning methods; 3. To encourage the involvement of students and staff members in international projects and improve qualification in foreign Universities and Research Centers.

23 This would allow not only to raise the qualification but might also attract financial support. The necessity of accomplishment of "Electronics" Engineering education at the Riga Technical University is determined by the very fast progress of electronics in the whole world and usage of electronics in different fields in Latvia and the present level of technical and methodological basis.

Supplement A Table 1.

Riga TU C U Surrey, Electronics CP Technical University of C Electronics P (CP are divided by 6, Dresden P equalizing 480 CP with 80) Information Technique Professional Communication 2 Product Engineering 2,5 and Technical Writing &Management Metechnik 3 Design of Radio Links 4 Microwave Electronics 2,5 Hoch and 5 Hochstfrequenztechnik Radio Systems for 2 Digital Signal Processing 2,5 Codierungstechnik 3 Transmission of Information Transmission of Images 2 Optoelectronics 2,5 Electro Acoustics 2 Akustik 3 Formal Models and Systems 2,5 Simulation and Analysis of 3 ASIC Design & VLSI 2,5 Radio Electronic Circuits Design Radio Electronic Systems 3 Telecommunications Theory 2,5 Systemtheorie III 4 Mobile Telecommunication 2 Mobile Communications 2,5 Signalverarbeitung 3 Systems Systems Equipment for Generation and 3 Electronic Devices and 2,5 Analoge Shaltungstechnik 5 Formation of Radio Signals or Technology LAN Software Equipment of Reception and 4 RF Electronics 2,5 Processing of Radio Signals or Interfaces and Protocols Television Receivers or 4 Further Electronics 2,5 Telekommunikation 5 Application of Microprocessors and Microcontrollers Practice of Design 4 Multi-Disciplinary Design 2,5 Praktikum Nachrichtentechnik 2 Project Digital Radio Broadcasting 3 Satellite Systems 2,5 Digitale Shaltungstechnik 5 and Television Labor Protection 1 2,5 LAN Software 3 Computer and Data Network 2,5 Lineare Netzwerke 4 Application of Integrated 2 Switched Mode Power 2,5 Practikum Shaltungstechnik 2 Circuits in Broadcasting Technique Equipment or LAN Hardware Television Systems 3 RF Systems and Circuits 2,5 Theoretische Electrotechnik 5 Humanities Electives 4 Europe and Its Institutions 2 Studium generale 6 Economics & Management 4 European Business Studies 2 Electives Free Electives 4 European Business Plan 2 Studiearbeit 3 Monate Professional Training 8 Professional Training 5 Fachpraktikum im 9 sem 20 11 weeks 3 Months wochen

24 Diploma Project 16 Level 3 Project 5 Diplomarbeit 6 Monate im 10 4 month sem Total Credit Points 80 480:6 80 80

Supplement A 1) CO are obtained, by equalizing 480 CP (U Surrey) with 80 CP (RTU). Table 2.

RTU, Electronics, University of Surrey CP CP Engineer of Electronic Equipment Electronics 1) Management organization 2 Product Engineering & Management 2,5 Microwave Communication 2 Microwave Electronics 2,5 Microprocessors 3 Digital Signal Processing 2,5 Photonics 3 Optoelectronics 2,5 CAD Systems 2 ASIC Design & VLSI Systems 2,5 Information Transmission Systems 4 Telecommunications Theory 2,5 Analogue Devices 4 Analogue Electronics 2,5 Electromagnetic Compatibility of 2 RF Electronics 2,5 Radio Devices and Systems Medicine Electronics 2 Further Electronics 2,5 Design of Electronic Equipment, 5 Multi-Disciplinary Design Project 2,5 Qualimetry and Management Satellite Television 2 Satellite Systems 2,5 Computer Electronics 3 Computer and Data Networks 2,5 Power Supply of Electronic Devices 2 Switched Mode Power Technique 2,5 Radio Systems 3 RF Systems and Circuits 2,5 Analogue and Digital Microcircuits 3 Electronic Devices and Technology 2 Design Data Bases 2 Software Design 2,5 Elements of Solid State Electronics 3 Semiconductor devices 2,5 Exploitation of Radio Equipment 2 Electro Acoustics 2 Interfaces and Protocols 3 Basic Chemistry 2 Basics of Law 2 Management Sociology 2 Labor Protection 1 Civil Protection 1 Languages 2 European Language for Engineers 2 Humanities & Social Electives 4 Europe and its Institutions 2 Economics & Management Electives 4 European Business Studies 2

25 Free Electives 4 European Business Plan 2 Professional Training, 11 weeks 8 3 Months Professional Training 5 Design Project, 4 month 16 Level 3 Projects 10 Subjects, rather different with ours 20 (e.g.: “Machine Intelligence”, “Formal Models & Systems & Systems”) Overall length of studies 2.5 years Overall length of studies 2.5 years Total 100 Total 80

RTU, Electronics; University of Magdeburg, CP 1) Electronic Equipment Basic Studies CP Mathematics (basic course) 6 Mathematik I und II 13 Mathematics (special course) * 3 Mathematik III 3 Basic Signal Theory * 3 Signale und Systeme 3 Professional Communication and 2 Informatik 4 Technical Writing Computers( basic and advanced 5 Programmierung von Mikrorechnern 2 courses) Physics 6 Physik 5 Physics and Magnetism 2 Laborpraktikum Physik 2 Basics of Theoretical Electro 4 Grundlagen der Elektrotehnik I, II 8 Technique * Circuit Theory * 3 Grundlagen der Elektrotehnik III 3 Laborpraktikum Elektrotehnik 3 Measurements in Radio Electronic 3 Metechnik 3 Basic Electronics 8 Elektronische Bauelemente und 7 Electronic Devices* 4 Schaltungen Laborprakt. Bauelem. und 2 Schaltungen Digital Radio Broadcasting and 3 Grundlagen der Nachrichtentecnik 4 Television * Design of Electronic Equipment, 4 Konstruktionslehre 4 Qualimetry and Management Fundamentals of Design and 4 Technische Wärmelehre 3 ergonomic Electro Materials and Components 3 Wekstoffe der Electrotechnik 2 * Grundlagen d. elektr. Energietechnik 2 Elektrische Maschinen und Aktoren 2 Technische Mechanik 5 Micro Electronics 3 Computers and Technical Means 3

26 Languages 6 Economics 2 Humanities & Social sciences 3 Professional Training 7 Qualification thesis 6 Overall amount of studies - 80 CP ** Overall amount of studies - 80 CP 80 1) CP are obtained, by equalizing 120 CP (U Magdeburg) with 80 CP (Subjects of the second RTU). * Subjects of the second stage – subjects of the engineering studies. ** Subjects included in the table are characterizing equivalence between programs , but not a division between stages.

c i n o r t c l c i a e n l c o Amount of the i E t r t t

c 1) 2) 3) c n subject groups in a U S UTE UT e r e l P m E percents r r p e i e e u e n i q n i g E g r n n e E e E n i g n E Mathematics 6 8 9 6 18 15 Physics 6 5 6 3 6 9 Computer sciences 13 4 5 19 3 5 Basic Engineering 10 10 12 18 1 0 sciences Electrical sciences 27 11 31 29 38 33 Profile subjects 15 26 14 11 12 4 Non-technical 5 14 13 14 9 10 subjects Elective subjects 18 23 11 0 13 24 Total % 100 100 100 100 100 100

1) University of Surrey, Electrical Engineering 2) University of Technology, Eindhoven, Electrical Engineering. 3)University of Twente, Electrical Engineering.