UQ0108

What is the difference between information science and electrical/electronic engineering?

Broadly speaking, information science focuses on systems for processing and using information, including algorithms, software, data, networks, and information systems. Electrical and electronic engineering focuses on physical devices and phenomena involving electricity, such as circuits, electronic devices, signals, communications, control, and power. The fields overlap in programming, mathematics, communications, and embedded systems, and their boundaries vary by university and program.

Key points

  • Information science often emphasizes computation, software, and data processing.
  • Electrical and electronic engineering often emphasizes circuits, devices, signals, power, and related physical phenomena.
  • Embedded systems, communications, and control can belong to either or both fields.

Things to check

  • Even programs with similar names can differ in content, so check the official curriculum and course list of the university and program you are considering.