RE-BRANDING "CHEMISTRY WITH COMPUTER ENGINEERING"
by: Edward T. Chainani

CH/CE: Looking back in time

The Ateneo BS Chemistry with BS in Computer Engineering (abbreviated CH/CE) is a five-year double-degree program established in June 1983 in cooperation with the Physics Department. Students in the CH/CE program obtain a BS in Chemistry (CH) after four years of full-time study, and a BS in Computer Engineering (CE) after an additional year.

When the CH/CE program was created, it was envisioned to train students integrate computers into scientific instruments and support the Chemistry Department's initiatives in developing low-cost homebuilt instruments. In the mid-80's for example, the CH/CE students were taught to fabricate low-cost instruments, interface these with microcomputers, and design data acquisition systems.

The original CH/CE program emphasized microprocessors and digital logic until about 1991 when more software courses were introduced. It has since evolved into its present form with the addition of engineering mathematics and electronics.

The current CH/CE program is one of the most popular science programs in ADMU attracting ca. 25 to 30 freshmen every year. Most of our CH/CE graduates find employment in consulting, manufacturing, software development and education.

Computer engineering in a fast-changing world

Following worldwide trends, other universities started offering BS in Computer Engineering programs in the late 1980's. As with most engineering disciplines in the country, the BS in Computer Engineering as offered by these schools is a five-year degree program. A Computer Engineering technical panel to formulate standards and guidelines was eventually formed and the term "computer engineering" encompasses not just electronics and digital logic but also computer architecture and software engineering. Sizing up our "computer engineering" program against other universities' similarly named programs, we find that we cannot realistically fit their 5-year curriculum in the one additional year.

Further challenges loomed ahead: There was also talk in the computer engineering community about plans to have the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) regulate the professional practice of Computer Engineering. This means that PRC may eventually require CE students to take a minimum of 60 units of CE subjects to be eligible to take the CE board examinations should there be one.

Pioneering though we were, we now had to be concerned that in offering the CE program in the Philippines, graduates of Ateneo's CE may not be eligible to take the PRC Board Examinations for Computer Engineers in the event that CE becomes regulated.

Wanting to take a proactive stance, the Department proposed in early 2003 that the current BS in Chemistry with BS in Computer Engineering (CH/CE) be re-branded to BS in Chemistry with BS in Applied Computer Systems (CH/ACS). As in the CH/CE program it replaces, CH/ACS graduates get two degrees - a BS in Chemistry (CH) after four years, and a BS in Applied Computer Systems (ACS) after an additional year.

Advantageous label

As the label for the second degree after the BS in Chemistry, the use of "BS in Applied Computer Systems" in place of "BS in Computer Engineering" is advantageous for several reasons:

The new label avoids the prospect of granting a degree whose graduates may not be eligible to take the PRC Board Examinations in the event Computer Engineering becomes regulated. The term "Applied Computer Systems" emphasizes the multidisciplinary nature of the second degree and allows Ateneo the flexibility to design a fifth year program that caters to Chemistry majors inclined towards computer work. Finally, the new label allows the Electronics and Communications Engineering Department to develop its own 5-year Computer Engineering course, should it wish to do so.

The CH/ACS curriculum still fulfills the PRC requirement of at least 60 units of Chemistry and university ceiling of 162 units maximum in the first four years. CH/ACS graduates remain eligible to take the Board Examinations for Chemists.

Strategy for Re-branding

With the approval of the Curriculum Committee, the Department will now adopt the label "BS in Chemistry with BS Applied Computer Systems (formerly BS in Chemistry with BS in Computer Engineering)" starting June 2004 until May 2008. Then, starting June 2008 when the students who entered the CH/CE program in June 2003 will have graduated, the phrase "formerly BS in Chemistry with BS in Computer Engineering" will be dropped. By that time, the CH/ACS program will be labeled only as "BS in Chemistry with BS Applied Computer Systems".

Students currently enrolled (2nd year and higher) in CH/CE will continue to follow the current CH/CE program until they graduate on/before April 2008. Students who shift or transfer from other courses finishing all CH/CE requirements on/before April 2008 may still obtain the CH/CE degree. Otherwise, they will be informed that the new CH/ACS program will apply to them

CH/ACS: Looking forward to the future

The "Applied Computer Systems" curriculum (now under the wings of the Ateneo de Manila University Department of Electronics and Communications Engineering) retains the desirable features of its "Computer Engineering" predecessor, which make our CH/CE training so attractive to prospective employers. Remaining true to its original intent, it strengthens our students' capabilities in instrumentation by offering courses in analog electronics and computer instrumentation and control.

But looking to the future, the "Applied Computer Systems" curriculum offers an updated set of electives, allowing the students more opportunities to pursue individual interests and become acquainted with the latest technological advances through electives such as "Networking Laboratory", "Industrial Automation and Design" and "Mobile systems".

Proud of its pioneering history and significant niche in the job market, the Chemistry Department believes that "Applied Computer Systems" is a fitting description for our unique course offering.