This is the introduction to all digital courses ECE has to offer. It is a fundamental course for the degree, so there is no avoiding it. When I took it, it was very lab-heavy, and you will go from knowing almost absolutely nothing to feeling like a little super-hero. I would be lying if I said I didn't learn a lot from this class or that I didn't think differently after taking the course.

The class has paper exams and lab exams. The paper exams are dense with information, so you need to do at least two practice exams before you can feel relatively confident going into that exam room. The lab exams, which are called "practicals," are for the most part pass/fail. They take up less of your grade than a paper exam, but they can be pretty intense. However, they are always based on the labs that have been previously done, so if you did your labs, you'll more than likely be fine. The labs are the center-piece of the class. Everything you learn will be from these assignments and the TAs who guide you. It's a good foundational course, and you will feel pretty powerful after taking the course. However, the knowledge gained does not come easily.

Dr. Schwartz taught the class as if you already know the material. It was almost built for someone who has failed the class once before in my opinion. He can go through a concept so fast, and honestly I don't think I learned much at all from him personally. Everything I learned in this class was from the labs, which are intense, but rewarding.

Start every lab as soon as you can. Ask questions, attend office hours, and (if you can) maybe try looking at lecture material ahead of class. Otherwise your head will be spinning.

Very important course. Labs can be time consuming.

Very relevant even if you are software or analog person.

Basically just reads off slides.

Start the labs early, don't get behind.

An intense but immensely important course. Dr. Schwartz doesn't go easy on students but provides refined coursework most similar to what is done in industry.

Don't expect the labs to be like other classes. Start early!