Program in Engineering Physics
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The College of Engineering and the Department of Physics supervise the following degree program:

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics

This program emphasizes flexibility and personalized advisement and is directed toward students who are seriously interested in the interplay between basic physics and work at the frontiers of engineering development. This program is ideal for students in the Honors College who have a love for physical science. Each degree program must include a distinct engineering specialty that provides a cohesive set of engineering courses leading through upper-level engineering design. Students should review the mission statement and objectives for the department providing the engineering specialty.

The engineering physics program is a cooperative effort of the College of Engineering and the Department of Physics in the College of Arts and Sciences. Graduates are prepared for advanced study in both engineering and physics.

Mission. The mission of the engineering physics program is to develop students into professionals with in-depth knowledge and skills in mathematics, science, and engineering to understand physical systems; to research, design, and solve problems in the context of societal and community needs; and provide the foundation for graduate study and lifelong learning.

Educational Goal. Engineering physics is a unique program with three educational goals. These goals are:

1. Provide an in-depth knowledge of physical laws, principles, and material properties of physical systems to prepare graduates to work in either a research or industrial setting.
2. Meet the educational objectives of the engineering program in which the option is selected.
3. Provide courses and experiences that develop students who have the professional skills to practice engineering.

Educational Objectives. The constituencies of the engineering physics program have established six specific educational objectives. Graduates of the program should be able to:

• Identify and understand the fundamental physical principles underlying engineering devices and processes necessary for engineering physics graduates to become successful engineers and lifelong learners.
• Evaluate engineering problems and solutions on the basis of fundamental scientific principles.
• Understand and know how to apply basic physical capabilities associated with tools, instruments, and engineering processes.
• Apply a broad, generalist background of fundamental physics common to all engineering disciplines.
• Work in teams to research, design, and solve problems of a physical nature and to communicate effectively both internally and externally.
• Practice engineering with a commitment to professional, scientific, and ethical responsibility.

Short-Term Educational Outcomes. Students at graduation must have:

• An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science,
  and engineering.
• An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data.
• An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs.
• An ability to function on multidisciplinary teams.
• An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
• An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
• An ability to communicate effectively.
• The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context.
• A recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in lifelong learning.
• A knowledge of contemporary issues.
• An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
• An ability to understand the interface between basic physics and engineering.
• An ability to apply the methods of mathematical physics to engineering problems.

Undergraduate Program (Back to Top)

In the first semester of their freshman year, students should consult the advisor in the particular engineering department in which they expect to specialize. No later than the first semester of the junior year, students must file a degree plan approved by the engineering advisor, the physics advisor, and the dean of the college. Students, in consultation with the physics advisor and the engineering advisor, select the courses to be used for the electives shown in the following curriculum tables. This allows considerable flexibility to accommodate the various programs available in the engineering departments.

Assessment. Assessment is made on student and alumni performance before and after graduation. The focus of assessment before or at the time of graduation is on meeting the short-term educational objectives as program outcomes. The focus of assessment of alumni one year and later is the achievement of the educational objectives.