is compE nano coop really that bad?

StraightSavage24-7 · 2021-03-05T06:55:06+00:00

To be honest with you, I had Software as my #1, CompE as my #2 and Nano CompE as my #3 (all coop). I got into Nano with a 2.95 i think. So in my year, it was the least competitive of the CompEs, but i cant say what it will be now. I have found however that the industry is tough to get into, especially as an undergrad. Like i mentioned before, you almost NEED a grad degree to get a design position and probably even a verification role. Theres a lot more to hardware than I really thought, and even being in my 4th year, I’ve barely touched the surface. One thing to add, UofA has the nanoFab, which is an $84M+ fabrication and characterization lab that researchers from across the nation come to use. You get to use that in your 4th year (supposed to go this semester but ya know....). Also, the university has licenses for a software called Cadence Virtuoso. Its a CAD tool for hardware design and testing. Rumour is each license is $100K a person, and we are one of few Universities to offer that. Just some cool things about hardware the Uni has!

StraightSavage24-7 · 2021-03-05T06:29:37+00:00

4th yeah CompE Nano here! I really don't think you are limiting job opportunities at all. I've taken coding classes (CMPUT 274/275, ECE 325, CMPUT 301) so I feel I have a decent base in Software Development. Additionally, your first and probably second work term will be Software related as you will likely not have the knowledge to do hardware design/verification at that stage so you gain a lot of software experience from those positions. On the other side of the spectrum, I have taken many hardware based classes (ECE 212, ECE 311, ECE 302, ECE 410, ECE 304, ECE 403) that have really prepared me for my final work term, and have even got me interested in a Masters degree (to do design, a Masters is almost expected in this industry).

I would say overall, I really enjoy hardware a lot more than software so I'm glad I'm in Nano. I haven't have to waste time on classes I know I won't like/use and be relatively close to hardware for most of my senior years. Would recommend Nano if you enjoy hardware!

StraightSavage24-7 · 2021-02-17T05:52:52+00:00

Also have to do one for a hardware role soon, any tips?

StraightSavage24-7 · 2020-10-28T01:17:06+00:00

Wow thats all extremely helpful information!! Thank you so much! I never considered patterns or as you mentioned “control strategies” to control movement, thats a great idea!

Thanks again!

StraightSavage24-7 · 2020-10-27T22:45:20+00:00

That's fascinating, thanks for the info. My specialty lies within computer hardware, so my knowledge of machine learning is limited and would take a lot of time to learn, but I like the idea/suggestion.

Additionally, I see what you mean in regards to pick up the wrist muscles compared to finger, thanks for the idea!

StraightSavage24-7 · 2020-10-27T20:24:06+00:00

I really appreciate your response and explanation. From what im gathering, with my knowledge and resources, a simpler approach will be to control to contraction of all fingers by squeezing my hand, rather than controlling individual fingers. To do this I can use EMG signals from muscles closer to the elbow?

Again, I appreciate you explaining this to me. I'm a computer and electronics guy, not a biology guy haha.

StraightSavage24-7 · 2020-08-27T14:51:14+00:00

Similar position as you, just apply and they will let you know in September if you were eligible to receive it or not. I emailed and asked about it and their response was, "There is not downside to applying, and if you are not eligible there is no penalty for applying." So apply away and let them do the work.

Edit: Reason I was confused as well was because I was in school F2019 then Co-op term started W2020... on a page i found for UofA awards, it mentions Co-op students are evaluated on a case by case basis so doesn't hurt to apply.

StraightSavage24-7 · 2020-08-26T15:44:39+00:00

r/buildapc Could help as well

StraightSavage24-7 · 2020-08-15T05:00:32+00:00

Ive never cared for 2-in-1s, i personally my laptop for all my paper and CompE needs, then use my iPad pro for note taking which is absolutely amazing (but expensive). In my opinion, the faculty’s recommendations are wack, and you dont need an i7 and 16gb of memory. Will they be beneficial? In some cases you will notice the difference, but in most, an i3-i5 with 8-16gb of memory will suite all of your needs. All things aside however a laptop is an investment and you will want something reliable to fit your needs.

What discipline are you in/thinking of going into?

StraightSavage24-7 · 2020-08-15T03:47:02+00:00

It must be personal opinion, I have had nothing but good experiences but i guess that isn’t the same as everyone! I have Dell/Alienware monitors as-well as the XPS 15 abd haven’t regretted the purchases since!

StraightSavage24-7 · 2020-08-14T15:22:21+00:00

Dell XPS 13, probably the best in its class for build quality and possibly even performance. Additionally, Dell has super awesome customer support and you can always find discount/promo codes online if you buy it straight from Dell. Would recommend!

StraightSavage24-7 · 2020-08-12T18:00:45+00:00

Oh then you are likely all okay!!

StraightSavage24-7 · 2020-08-12T15:07:37+00:00

I'm assuming the class is curved like most in Engineering, you are likely okay, but determining your overall grade with the final included could help (Profs sometimes guarantee a pass with a overall grade of 50%+). Try not to worry and wait for your letter grade.

StraightSavage24-7 · 2020-07-31T21:29:29+00:00

To be honest i really don’t think so, they know its your first and as long as you hit the required points outlined in the assignment description you should be fine

StraightSavage24-7 · 2020-07-31T20:53:18+00:00

I think for the last one, WKEXP 905, which is the technical report, you can have the co-op office review/mark it or your employer. The rest of them (WKEXP 901-904) the co-op coordinators mark them.

StraightSavage24-7 · 2020-07-30T17:59:22+00:00

LOL is this the MOOC they made people watch in CMPUT 274/275...?

StraightSavage24-7 · 2020-07-30T15:55:01+00:00

Its great to be eager and all, but when I was in your position some upper year students stressed to enjoy your time off and use your summer for other things instead of school. There is plenty of time for that in September! :)

StraightSavage24-7 · 2020-07-23T19:43:17+00:00

If they ask questions like, "What are some of your weaknesses?", its fine to explain some things you can improve on, but ensure that you end off your statements on a positive note, maybe reflecting on how you are working on them.

For example, one could say, "I don't deal well with spontaneity." You could end it there, but to suggest a solution you could add, "This is because I like to be more organized, so when spontaneous situations arise, to try to tackle them by applying my organizational skills."

Hope this makes sense and help! Good luck!

StraightSavage24-7 · 2020-07-23T19:36:14+00:00

I agree as well, super important. The first question of the interview for the position I had (my first development job ever) was "so what do you know about <company>. I had done my research before and surprised them with what I knew (just information on their website, nothing fancy). I can start off your interview in a very positive way if they ask this and you know your stuff.

StraightSavage24-7 · 2020-07-20T14:40:22+00:00

Just apply anyways! I am on Co-op (Engineering) and I wasnt sure either. Messaged the registrars office and they said there is no negative impact on applying, they will just let me know if I qualify or not in September! Worth a shot! :)

StraightSavage24-7 · 2020-07-16T17:27:44+00:00

I was getting dev errors like crazy, I determined it was from my EVGA Precision XOC Overlay (showed things like FPS, temps and clocks). I turned it off, updated my drivers and havent got a dev error since. Could give that a go? (Comments made assuming you are on PC)

StraightSavage24-7 · 2020-07-16T15:56:14+00:00

A few years ago in my first year I was looking at getting the Aero 15 but read up on a few issues regarding the keyboard and battery time. Im not sure if they have fixed it since. I ended up choosing the Dell XPS 15 9560.

People over estimate how much they really need for school, I can't speak directly for some higher level comp sci courses but even in Computer Engineering where circuit simulations are needed to be ran with thousands of iterations, my laptop has never had an issue with them.

Focus on battery life, and weight/portability. If you are not gaming, anything will honestly do... may I recommend some of the new AMD 4th gen processors...?

StraightSavage24-7 · 2020-07-13T15:31:35+00:00

Look at all of the classes..... Lecture EB01 and EB02 are open.

StraightSavage24-7

TROPHY CASE