We require that the students take an introductory class on programming paradigms [11] (which uses Lisp) as well as a C or C++ programming class. This programming background makes it easier for the students to pick up the MATLAB language syntax and programming with arrays. The background in C helps them in learning the DSP assembly language. Optional but useful courses for the students to have taken include a class on machine structures and a class on differential equations. The machine structures background helps them understand DSP architectures, and the differential equations exposure helps them grasp difference equations. Students that have taken any of the junior signals and systems classes are excluded from taking this course.
Table 1: Semester Lecture Schedule By Week.