The Smart Systems Engineering program is an advanced academic program within the College of Engineering and Information Technology. It integrates traditional engineering principles with concepts from artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), robotics, and big data. The program focuses on providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand complex systems, analyze data, and make intelligent decisions.
This program is the first of its kind in Palestinian universities in the West Bank to offer a Bachelor’s degree in Smart Systems Engineering. The curriculum consists of 162 credit hours distributed across theoretical and practical fields. The specialization utilizes modern smart technologies and data analysis and engineering to develop engineering systems. The program serves as a cornerstone for establishing smart cities and systems, as it primarily integrates knowledge from key disciplines including electrical and electronic engineering, computer and information technology engineering, and artificial intelligence.
- To provide students with a theoretical and practical foundation in AI, machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision.
- To develop engineering skills that enable students to design and develop integrated and reliable smart systems.
- To encourage innovation through practical projects and applied research that stimulate creative thinking and entrepreneurship.
- To prepare qualified graduates for the local and global job market, capable of adapting to rapid technological developments.
- To prepare graduates who can design smart systems that solve real-world problems in local and global communities.
- To contribute to scientific research by producing academic research and studies in the field of smart systems.
The program targets exceptional students who have a general secondary education certificate (scientific, industrial, or technological branches) or its equivalent, such as other international certificates. It is designed for students from within Palestine or abroad who have a passion for science, mathematics, and programming.
Graduates of the Smart Systems Engineering program are expected to possess the following qualities:
- High technical skills in designing and developing AI applications and controlling smart systems.
- Critical and analytical thinking with the ability to analyze complex problems and design innovative and effective solutions.
- Ability to work in a team and participate effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
- Continuous learning, with a desire to keep pace with rapid developments in the field of AI and to engage in self-learning.
- Professional ethics, with an awareness of the ethical and legal responsibilities associated with the development and use of smart systems.
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will be able to:
- Apply AI principles and develop algorithms to solve complex engineering problems.
- Design and develop smart control systems and robotics in various environments.
- Analyze and interpret big data and use machine learning tools to extract patterns and knowledge.
- Integrate AI technologies into existing systems and processes to improve performance and efficiency.
- Identify ethical considerations related to the design and implementation of smart systems.
- Possess a broad knowledge of electronics, smart systems, devices, and their real-world applications.
- Be able to deal with modern trends in smart systems and their applications (Internet of Things, Big Data, Cloud Computing, Deep Learning, AI, Data Science, etc.).
- Have in-depth knowledge of modern programming languages and tools that support smart computing.
- Be able to analyze big data from sources like social media, medical, and industrial data to make appropriate decisions.
- Be able to make strategic decisions based on smart data models and AI utilization.
- Be able to design smart devices and systems based on requirements analysis and a structured process.
- Be able to develop and build smart systems and applications (web, mobile, embedded) using the necessary software and hardware.
- Have sufficient knowledge of electronic chips, sensors, and microcontrollers, and how to program and use them for real-world smart applications.
- Be able to inspect and maintain smart devices, chips, sensors, and systems.
Graduates of the Smart Systems Engineering program have a wide range of career opportunities, including:
- AI Engineer: In technology, telecommunications, and manufacturing sectors.
- Machine Learning Engineer: To develop machine learning models and algorithms in fields such as forecasting and data analysis.
- Robotics Engineer: In industrial automation, healthcare, and defense systems.
- Data Analyst: To analyze large datasets and extract valuable insights for companies.
- Academic Researcher: At universities and research centers specializing in AI.
- Entrepreneurship: Founding startups specializing in AI solutions.
Students are accepted with a grade of 80% or higher in the general secondary education certificate (Tawjihi) from the scientific or industrial branches, or equivalent international certificates such as the French Baccalauréat, International Baccalaureate (IB), and the British General Certificate of Education (GCE).
The guiding plan:
| First Year | |||||||
| First semester | Second semester | ||||||
| CNUM | Course name | Cr.H. | Pre | CNUM | Course name | Cr.H. | Pre |
| 110101 | Arabic Language Skills 1 | 3 | 113200 | The Palestinian Cause | 3 | ||
| 120101 | English Language Skills 1 | 3 | 120102 | English Language Skills 2 | 3 | ||
| 410131 | Fundamentals of Computing and Programming | 3 | 450102 | Calculus 2 | 3 | ||
| 450101 | Calculus 1 | 3 | 450122 | Computer Programming | 3 | ||
| 450111 | General Physics for Engineering | 3 | 450123 | Computer Programming Lab | 1 | ||
| 450121 | General Physics Lab for Engineering | 1 | 450162 | Engineering Drawing | 1 | ||
| 471122 | Circuits and Electronics 1 | 3 | |||||
| Total | 16 | 17 | |||||
| Second Year | |||||||
| First semester | Second semester | ||||||
| CNUM | Course name | Cr.H. | Pre | CNUM | Course name | Cr.H. | Pre |
| 151102 | Islamic Culture | 3 | 410211 | Critical Thinking Skills | 1 | ||
| 450202 | Principles of Statistics and Probability | 3 | 450152 | Engineering Workshops | 1 | ||
| 450214 | Engineering Entrepreneurship | 3 | 450211 | Design Thinking | 3 | ||
| 471212 | Circuits and Electronics 2 | 3 | 450220 | Linear Algebra and Differential Equations | 3 | ||
| 471213 | Object-Oriented Programming | 3 | 450222 | Project Management and Engineering Economics | 3 | ||
| 471215 | Object-Oriented Programming Lab | 1 | 471223 | Data Structures and Algorithms | 4 | ||
| 471219 | Practical Circuits and Electronics Lab | 1 | |||||
| Total | 17 | 15 | |||||
| Summer semester | ||||
| CNUM | Course name | Cr.H. | Pre-requisite | Co-requisite |
| 471200 | Field Training 1 | 1 | Completion of the second-year level | |
| Total | 1 | |||
| Third Year | |||||||
| First semester | Second semester | ||||||
| CNUM | Course name | Cr.H. | Pre | CNUM | Course name | Cr.H. | Pre |
| 471301 | Digital Logic Systems | 3 | 471222 | Computer Organization and Architecture | 4 | 471222 | |
| 471304 | Discrete Mathematics | 3 | 471302 | Web and Mobile Application Development 1 | 4 | 471302 | |
| 471325 | Operating Systems | 3 | 471332 | Introduction to Smart Systems | 3 | 471332 | |
| 471331 | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning | 4 | 471413 | Signals and Control Systems | 3 | 471413 | |
| 471341 | Introduction to Database Technology | 4 | — | Elective Specialization Requirement | 3 | — | |
| Total | 17 | 17 | |||||
| Summer semester | ||||
| CNUM | Course name | Cr.H. | Pre-requisite | Co-requisite |
| 471300 | Field Training 2 | 2 | Completion of the third-year level | |
| Total | 2 | |||
| Fourth Year | |||||||
| First semester | Second semester | ||||||
| CNUM | Course name | Cr.H. | Pre | CNUM | Course name | Cr.H. | Pre |
| 471407 | Web and Mobile Application Development 2 | 4 | 471302 | 471415 | Multimedia and Graphics | 3 | 472421 |
| 471412 | Sensors in Smart Devices | 4 | 471222 | 471420 | Microcontrollers in Smart Devices | 4 | |
| 471416 | Introduction to Smart Device Communication Systems | 3 | 450122 | 471422 | Embedded Systems Programming | 4 | |
| 471417 | Smart Systems Networks | 4 | 471122 | 471432 | Fundamentals of Cybersecurity | 4 | 471301 |
| 471441 | Software Engineering | 3 | 471223 | 471490 | Programming Project | 2 | 450122 |
| Total | 18 | 17 | |||||
| Summer semester | ||||
| CNUM | Course name | Cr.H. | Pre-requisite | Co-requisite |
| 471400 | Field Training 3 | 3 | Completion of the fourth-year level | |
| Total | 3 | |||
| Fifth Year | |||||||
| First semester | Second semester | ||||||
| CNUM | Course name | Cr.H. | Pre | CNUM | Course name | Cr.H. | Pre |
| 112101 | Physical Education | 1 | 472412 | 471592 | Graduation Project | 3 | 472591 |
| 130300 | Community Service | 1 | 471592 | Graduation Project | 3 | ||
| 450212 | Operational Skills and Professional Ethics | 3 | — | University Elective Requirement | 3 | ||
| 471513 | Introduction to Information Security for Smart Devices | 3 | — | Elective Specialization Requirement | 3 | ||
| 471591 | Introduction to Graduation Project | 1 | |||||
| — | Free University Elective | 3 | |||||
| Total | 12 | 9 | |||||
| Digital Logic Systems (plus HDL) | This course will cover Number systems and conversion, Boolean algebra, the assertion level concept; minterm and maxterm expansions, Karnaugh maps, combinatorial logic circuit design, NAND and NOR gate-based design. State machines and sequential circuits flip-flops, minimization of state tables, state assignment. Higher-level digital system design using SSI-MSI blocks such multiplexers/decoders, adders, memory and programmable gate arrays; bus-oriented systems. Digital system applications will include counters, magnitude comparators, Analog-to-Digital and Digital-to-Analog conversions, feedback control, sensor interfacing and signal conditioning. Furthermore, the course introduces finite state machines, hardware description language (HDL). |
| Object Oriented Programming | This course aims to introduce students to the basics of OOP, object design, classes, methods, inheritance, mechanisms of software reuse, classes and subclasses, effect of inheritance on software engineering, multi- inheritance, polymorphism, topics in Software Engineering (clarity, reusability and coherence) and objects. |
| Data Structures and Algorithms | The course starts by an introduction to the computer programming principles. The course then covers the following topics: data structure operations, queues and stacks and their applications, lists and strings, linked lists and their different variations, and their different variations, searching techniques, sorting techniques, tree structures and graphs. Furthermore, the course will introduce techniques for the design and analysis of efficient computer algorithms through theoretical backgrounds and examples of advanced methods and data structures. Topics include asymptotic growth analysis of functions, average and worst-case analysis, sorting and selection problems, advanced search trees, graph theory and related algorithms, divide and conquer and greedy programming paradigms, hashing, complexity classes of P, NP and NP-complete. |
| Software Engineering | This course introduces software engineering as a discipline, discusses stages of the software lifecycle, compares development models such as waterfall, prototyping, and incremental/ iterative. It covers software requirements analysis, effort and cost estimation, compares structured and object-oriented analysis and design methods. It also discusses verification/ validation, quality assurance, software reliability, testing methods, maintenance, documentation, project management and team structure, metrics, and available tools. |
| Circuits and Electronics 1 | This course introduces the concepts of electrical circuits and electronics to students. Topics covered include: resistive elements and networks; circuit analysis methods including KVL, KCL and the node method; independent and dependent sources; linearity, superposition, Thevenin & Norton methods; digital abstraction, combinational gates; and MOSFET switches and small signal analysis. Analog networks include amplifiers, power supplies and oscillators. Digital efforts are concentrated in the CMOS and pseudo-NMOS areas with a brief look at the BJT logic. Explores basic concepts of frequency response, feedback and data conversion. Design and lab exercises are also significant components of the course. |
| Circuits and Electronics 2 | Introduces design and analysis of semiconductor circuits. Analog networks include amplifiers, power supplies and oscillators. Digital efforts are concentrated in the CMOS and pseudo-NMOS areas with a brief look at the BJT logic. Explores basic concepts of frequency response, feedback and data conversion. Design and lab exercises are also significant components of the course. |
| Discrete Mathematics | Sets, relations and functions, application to data structure and graph representations, partial ordered sets, trees, algebraic structures, lattices and Boolean algebra, semi groups, groups, introduction to grammars and machines
and languages, error correcting codes. |
| Operating Systems | This course introduces the main concepts of computer networking and operating systems for students. Topics include overviews of full introduction to modern operating system design, including memory management, scheduling, I/O, protection, and so on. The architecture of Unix-like operating systems (such as Linux) is used as an example of more general principles in OS design. |
| Web and Mobile Development 1 | In this course, you’ll explore the basic structure of a web application, and how a web browser interacts with a web server. You’ll be introduced to the request/response cycle, including ET/POST/Redirect. You’ll also gain an introductory understanding of Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), as well as the basic syntax and data structures of the PHP language, variables, logic, iteration, arrays, error handling, and super global variables, among other elements. |
| Web and Mobile Development 2 | This course introduces students to programming technologies, design and development related to mobile applications. At the beginning an introduction to Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) will allow you to style markup for webpages. Lastly, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge to install and use an integrated PHP/MySQL environment like XAMPP or MAMP. Design and development related to mobile applications. Topics include accessing device capabilities, industry standards, operating systems, and programming for mobile applications using an OS Software Development Kit (SDK). The students should be able to create basic applications for mobile devices. |
| Introduction to Cloud Systems | The course presents a top-down view of cloud computing, from applications and administration to programming and infrastructure. Its main focus is on parallel programming techniques for cloud computing and large-scale distributed systems which form the cloud infrastructure. The topics include: overview of cloud computing, cloud systems, parallel processing in the cloud, distributed storage systems, virtualization, security in the cloud, and multicore operating systems. |
| Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning | Basic concepts and techniques of Artificial Intelligence, Data representation and knowledge data, Inference control, Examples of Models recognitions, Games, Theory proving, Searching Problems, Heuristic Search techniques, Inference rule, first predicate calculus, Inference by contradiction, Logical Reasoning, Production systems, Programming using Prolog, Knowledge representation, Expert systems, Applications. In addition, this course provides a broad introduction to machine learning and statistical pattern recognition. Topics include: supervised learning (generative / discriminative learning, parametric/non-parametric learning, neural networks (NNs), and support vector machines (SVM)); unsupervised learning (clustering, dimensionality reduction, kernel methods); learning theory (bias/variance tradeoffs, practical advice); reinforcement learning and adaptive control. |
| Big Data Analytics | This course demonstrates the analysis of big-data for information security. It will demonstrate how to analyze data which is applied to “massive network traffic datasets” in order to support real-time decision making for security threats in real-time distributed environments. |
| Signals and Control Systems | This course introduces the fundamentals of continuous and discrete time signal and system analysis to students. This course will cover linear system analysis including impulse response and convolution, Fourier series, Fourier transform, sampling, discrete time signal and system analysis, and Z-transforms. Topics include analysis and design of control systems using physical system models, State variables, steady-state error, time- and frequency responses, and control system stability. |
| Introduction to Database Technology | This course aims to introduce students to the internal design and properties of database systems, and thus development of application software. Topics include: emergence of databases, structure of data models, types of database systems, relational databases, also, conceptual, logical and physical structure of relational database, keys, functional dependency, normalization, introduction to Structured Query Language (SQL), database administration, concurrency control and databases security/protection and study cases. |
| Legal & Ethical Issues in Information Security | This course examines how ethics, rules and technology are employed in IT-based associations and organizations. The objectives of this course are to understand the issues arising from: access control, secrecy, privacy, and policy enforcement in addition to other ethical and legal dilemmas prevalent in current associations and organizations. |
| Fundamentals of Cyber Security | This course introduces the fundamentals concepts and topics of cyber-security to students. These concepts include cyber-security theory and basic techniques for optimizing security on personal computers and small networks. Learners will gain insight into the importance of
Cyber-security and the integral role of cyber-security professionals. The interactive, self-guided format will provide a dynamic learning experience where users can explore foundational cyber-security principles, security architecture, risk management, attacks, incidents, and emerging IT and IS technologies. |
| Computer Organization and Architecture | The course will focus on how basic logic blocks of a simple computer are designed. Topics covered include: basic Von Neumann computer architecture; an introduction to assembly language programming Data and information representation and processing, machine-level representation of programs, instruction set architecture, pipelining, optimization program performance, memory hierarchy, cache memories, virtual memory. Furthermore, the course will cover programmable logic devices (e.g., FPGAs) |
| Introduction to Communications systems | Wireless Communications is increasingly pervasive in society, from the smart phones that we use to embedded medical devices communicating in real-time to remote medical teams. This course provides aims to ensure students have both a systematic and deep understanding of all key aspects of a wireless communication system and its component elements and in particular for smart devices, including the propagation and communication challenges in different contexts – such as the highly mobile user, the connected sensor, or implanted devices. Furthermore, the course covers the basics of network protocols for smart devices, to provide an insider’s perspective on the existing paradigms in terms of communication of smart and embedded sensor devices and presents the underlying protocols that are used for their communication. Additional Topics covered include sensing platforms, applications, wireless protocols for communication at various layers of TCP/IP stack, Arduino/Raspberry PI programming, and social aspects of IoT. |
| Programming Embedded Systems | The course covers the following areas: development environments for embedded software, resource aware programming, hardware programming, developing multi-threaded software, inter-process communication with shared memory and message passing, programming using real time operating systems, fault detection and testing, and fault tolerance and fault recovery.
At the end of this course, students must be able to: Develop low-level embedded software using high level programming in e.g., C. Explain the most important features of real-time operating systems, and their use in embedded software. Use programming patterns that take into account limitations of embedded hardware platforms, e.g. memory size, processor capacity, and bandwidth. Discuss basic mechanisms for establishing fault tolerance and recovery. Explain basic approaches in validating the functionality of embedded software. |
| Smart Systems Networks | The course covers an introduction to Internetworking, communicating applications, data transport, core Internet protocols (TCP, UDP, IP, ICMP), introduction to routing and forwarding, Ethernet and other physical technologies, common tools for network debugging, and introduction to data security. Furthermore, hands-on training will be provided for exploring the network, data transport in practice, and setting up a small network. |
| Field Training 1 | The aim is to enable the student to apply theoretical knowledge in the design and development of computer systems, and to gain experience in a real technological work environment.
The student is expected to have completed the second-year level and to have passed courses such as Data Structures and Algorithms, Databases, Computer Networks, and Computer Architecture. This indicates that the student possesses strong skills in programming, database design, and an understanding of the fundamentals of networking and computer engineering. |
| Field Training 2 | The aim is to equip the student with advanced skills in designing and developing software or hardware projects, introducing concepts such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and teamwork, in addition to enhancing research and analytical skills to contribute effectively to graduation projects.
The student is expected to have completed third-year requirements and passed specialized courses such as Operating Systems, Information Security, Web Programming, and Control Systems. This indicates that the student has advanced knowledge in system development, information security, and web applications. |
| Field Training 3 | The aim is to equip the student with advanced skills in designing and developing software or hardware projects, enhancing the application of concepts such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and working on real DevOps projects, as well as collaborating within teams. In addition, it focuses on refining research and analytical skills to contribute effectively to graduation projects.
The student is in the fourth year and has completed specialized courses such as Operating Systems, Information Security, Web Programming, Control Systems, and Software Engineering. This indicates that the student possesses advanced knowledge in system development, information security, and web applications, as well as in hardware, networking, and microcontrollers. |
| Introduction to Graduation Project | This course provides engineering students with a methodological foundation to initiate their graduation project while integrating both software and hardware components. Students will work in teams of 2–3 members to conduct a technical background study, feasibility analysis, literature review, and identify the innovation and added value of their project.
The main topics include system analysis and design, selecting appropriate platforms, defining the system architecture, specifying technical requirements, and identifying the skills needed for development. By the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive project plan and the necessary knowledge base to transition into the graduation implementation phase. |
| Graduation Project | Students will apply their technical knowledge to design, develop, and implement an integrated solution that combines software and hardware components. Working in teams, they will transform their project proposal into a fully functional system by following a structured development cycle that includes system analysis and design, hardware–software integration, project testing, and deployment.
The project requires students to demonstrate problem-solving, research, innovation, and technical proficiency while adhering to engineering standards and best practices. Final deliverables include a working prototype, comprehensive technical documentation, and a formal presentation. |
| Smart Systems Microcontrollers | This course introduces the main concepts of microcontrollers & microprocessors and in particular for smart devices. Topics related to microcontrollers include: integrated development environments (IDEs), architectures, and I/O interfaces. Hardware interfacing of signals: sensors, actuators, duty cycling, and AD/DA, conversions. |
| Software Project | Students, in teams, are expected t develop a software –based application to solve an industrial or service tools. Students will experience the software life cycle, and apply all software engineering topics while develop their tools |
| Instrumentation and Sensors Interfacing | This course introduces the theoretical understanding of various physical phenomena behind the operation of different types of sensors and microsystems, and then introduce the students the main concepts of designing of sensors with appropriate electronic interface as a complete system. Various types of sensors discussed during this course are magnetic, optical, bio, chemical, radiation, electrical and mechanical etc. In general, the students are introduced to the current technology of sensors: electronic, photonic, microfluidics and new materials. The course emphasis is on the integration of electronics with sensors to provide a smart transducer or a system on a chip with multiple integrated devices. |
| Computer Graphics and Multimedia | Computer graphics are an intrinsic component of many modern software applications and are often essential to the success of these applications. The objective of this course is to familiarize students with fundamental algorithms and data structures that are used in today’s interactive graphics systems as well as programming and architecture of high-resolution graphics computers. The principles and practice of computer graphics are described from their mathematical foundations to the modern applications domains of scientific visualization, virtual reality, computer games and film animation. The course will include some practical experience of graphical software environments such as Java Graphics 2D, 3D and WebGL. |
| Operational Skills and Professional Ethics | This course focuses on providing students with the essential personal and professional skills needed for success in the job market, alongside technical knowledge. The curriculum covers topics such as effective communication, project management, teamwork, and career preparation. It also emphasizes the importance of social and professional responsibility, equipping students with the ethical framework necessary for making sound decisions in the workplace. This ensures the preparation of a well-rounded engineer capable of contributing effectively and ethically to the professional community. |
| Introduction to Smart Device Security | The Introduction to Smart Device Security course serves as a fundamental entry point for understanding the security threats and vulnerabilities facing smart devices, such as mobile phones and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The course teaches students the core principles of information security, including cryptography, digital signatures, and identity verification, and how to apply them to protect data and systems. It also covers the latest security attacks on smart devices and how to develop effective defensive strategies, preparing students to understand and design robust, secure systems in a rapidly evolving technological world. |