ESL design in the context of embedded systems education

In 1999 the Technical University of Braunschweig introduced a new study program dedicated to embedded systems design: Computer and Communication System Engineering tries to bring together the traditional curricula in computer science and microelectronics design. It covers the gap between these two disciplines providing skills urgently requested by industry and science. In the meantime, the new study program has also been introduced at other universities and our experience shows that it is well accepted by both industry, and students. This is also reflected in a close collaboration with Intel Braunschweig Labs, who have sponsored a chair in VLSI system design to complement the curriculum in that field. Recently our Diploma program has been transformed into a 2-phased program with a separate Bachelors and a Masters following the recommendations of the Bologna process.