ENGINEERING PHYSICS

The bachelor’s degree program in Engineering Physics is offered jointly by the School of
Engineering and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Department of Physics. The goal of
the interdisciplinary Engineering Physics Program is to offer students a solid background in the
fundamentals of physics while applying that knowledge to engineering disciplines. It is intended
for students who would seek employment in industry after the baccalaureate degree, plan to
attend graduate school in either a specific engineering discipline or in Physics/Applied Physics,
or plan to pursue a professional career with advanced degrees in law or business. The program is
designed to provide a fundamental understanding of physical principles, a strong background in
quantitative skills, and a strong background in an engineering discipline.

The major requires 134 credits of course work including 4 credits of senior thesis.

The engineering disciplines participating in the Engineering Physics major are Electrical &
Computer Engineering (ECE), Metallurgy & Materials Engineering (MMAT), and Mechanical
Engineering (ME). Students who are unsure about their preparation or their choice of a major
should consult with the appropriate advisors in the School of Engineering and the Department of
Physics for help in selecting a program that is most suitable.

Increasingly, engineering requires an understanding of core physics fundamentals. Practitioners

may encounter questions such as:

ƒ What is the fundamental size limitation of electronic devices?

ƒ What are the limitations of quantum computing?
ƒ What is a spin transistor or what is a single electron transistor?
ƒ What material systems should be considered in order to produce tera-hertz switching?
ƒ How are micro-channels used to cool VLSI circuits using fluids?
ƒ What are nano-structures?

To answer these questions and others, which relate to technological advancements, a deeper
understanding of the underlying physical principles is required. The Engineering Physics major
prepares students to answer these discipline-spanning questions with confidence.

Contacts:

Dr. John Ayers Dr. Niloy Dutta

Electrical & Computer Engineering Department of Physics
Bronwell Building, Unit 2157 2152 Hillside Rd., Unit 3046
University of Connecticut University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT 06269-2157 Storrs, CT 06269-3046
Ph.: (860) 486-2207 Ph.: (860) 486-3481
E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

For additional details and curricula, refer to:

Physics
Electrical & Computer Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Metallurgy & Materials Engineering

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 ENGINEERING PHYSICS

An Interdisciplinary Program Jointly Offered by the

School of Engineering and the
Department of Physics, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
I. IMPORTANCE

Technology is a driving force in the world today. An ability to participate in the technological advances not
only needs a strong background in engineering fundamentals, but also an understanding of the physical
principles of the underlying mechanisms. Among these technologies are silicon microprocessors,
communication technologies, micro-electro-mechanical sensors, image processing, and many others.

Examples of physics questions associated with the directions of current technologies are : What is the
fundamental size limitation of electronic devices? What are the limitations of quantum computing? What is
a spin transistor or what is a single electron transistor? What material systems should be considered in
order to produce tera-hertz switching? How are micro-channels used to cool VLSI circuits using fluids?
What are nano-structures? To answer these questions and others which relate to technological
advancements, a deeper understanding of the underlying physical principles is required.

The goal of the Engineering Physics Program is to offer students a solid background in the fundamentals of
physics while applying that knowledge to engineering disciplines. It is intended for students who would
seek employment in industry after the baccalaureate degree, plan to attend graduate school in either a
specific engineering discipline or in Physics/Applied Physics, or plan to pursue a professional career with
advanced degrees in law or business. The program is designed to provide a fundamental understanding of
physical principles, a strong background in quantitative skills, and a strong background in an engineering
discipline.

II. CATALOG COPY

The Engineering Physics major is a joint program between the School of Engineering and the College of
Liberal Arts and Sciences, Department of Physics. The undergraduate Engineering Physics major offers
students a strong foundation in physical science and engineering so that a wide range of career choices are
available after graduation. The program introduces the student to the key theoretical foundations and
application areas in preparation for both industrial careers and graduate study. The major requires 134
credits of course work including 4 credits of senior thesis.

The courses prescribed for the program meet the general education requirements of both the School of
Engineering and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Administration of the program is the
responsibility of co-directors appointed by the Dean of Engineering and the Department Head of Physics.
The directors will make recommendations to the Dean and Department Head for modifications, waivers,
and substitutions of course requirements by individual students. Students are required to meet the academic
level of performance as specified by both schools.

The engineering disciplines included in the following are Electrical Engineering (EE), Metallurgy and
Materials Engineering (MMAT), and Mechanical Engineering (ME). Students who are unsure about their
preparation or their choice of a major should consult with the appropriate advisors in the School of
Engineering and the Department of Physics for help in selecting a program that is most suitable. The exact
sequence of humanities and social science courses may be chosen by the student, although the ones shown
below are recommended. A suitably prepared student who follows one of the curricula listed below should
be able complete the requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics in eight semesters.
However, students may also choose to spread their studies over nine or ten semesters.

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 Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics (EE)

Fall Semester Credits Spring Semester Credits

FRESHMAN YEAR
PHYS 151Q - Physics for Engineers I 4 PHYS 152Q - Physics for Engineers II 4
CHEM 127Q - General Chemistry I 4 CHEM 128Q - General Chemistry II 4
MATH 115Q - Calculus I 4 MATH 116Q - Calculus II 4
ENGR 100 - Orientation to Engineering 1 CSE 123C - Intro. to Computing 2
ENGL 105 - English Composition 3 ENGL 109 - Literature & Composition 3
Total Credits 16 Total Credits 17

SOPHOMORE YEAR
PHYS 242Q - Mechanics I 3 PHYS 230Q - Quantum Physics
3
PHYS 258Z - Lab. 3 EE 209W - Analog Design Lab. 2
MATH 210Q - Multivar. Calc. 4 MATH 211Q - Elem. Diff. Eqns. 3
CSE 207 - Computer Science 3 EE 201 - Fund. Circuit Anal. 3
CSE 208W - Logic Design Lab. 2 PHIL 104 (Group 6) 3
Social Science Course (Group 7) 3 Literature Course (Group 4) 3
Total Credits 18 Total Credits 17

JUNIOR YEAR
PHYS 255Q - Electricity & Magnetism I 3 PHYS 257Q - Electricity & Magnetism II 3
MATH 272Q - Diff. Eqns. Appl. 3 Western course (Group 5 ) 3
MATH 227Q - Appl. Linear Algebra 3 STAT 224Q - Prob. Mod. for Engrs. 3
EE 202 - Signals & Systems 3 EE 261 - EE Lab. A 3
EE 204 - Electronic Dev. & Ckts. 3 EE 232 - Systems Analysis 3
Arts Course (Group 4) 3 HIST 100 or 101 (Group 5) 3
Total Credits 18 Total Credits 18

SENIOR YEAR
ENGR 295 – Special topics 2 ENGR 295 – Special topics 2
PHYS 261Q - Quantum Mechanics* 3 PHYS 285Z - Design Lab. 3
EE 241 - Commun. Systems. 3 EE 245 - Micro/Opto Devices 3
EE 228 - Fiber Optics 3 EE 229 - Fiber Optics Lab. 3
Non-Western Course (Group 5) 3 Elective 2
PHYS 271Q – Stat. Term. Phys. 3
Total Credits 17 Total Credits 13

Total Credits (Four years) 134

EE Electives: EE 215, 240, 242, 247,249, 263, 267, 268

Physics Electives: PHYS 273Q, 275Q, 281Q, 270
*Quantum Mechanics for Engineers Offered by EE can be substituted

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 Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics (MMAT)

Fall Semester Credits Spring Semester Credits

FRESHMAN YEAR
PHYS 151Q - Physics for Engineers I 4 PHYS 152Q - Physics for Engineers II 4
CHEM 127Q - General Chemistry I 4 CHEM 128Q - General Chemistry II 4
MATH 115Q - Calculus I 4 MATH 116Q - Calculus II 4
ENGR 100 - Orientation to Engineering 1 CSE 123C - Intro. to Computing 2
ENGL 105 - English Composition 3 ENGL 109 - Literature & Composition 3
Total Credits 16 Total Credits 17

SOPHOMORE YEAR
PHYS 242Q - Mechanics I 3 PHYS 230Q - Quantum Physics
3
PHYS 258Z - Lab. 3 MATH 211Q - Elem. Diff. Eqns. 3
MATH 210Q - Multivar. Calc. 4 MMAT 244 - Intro. to Structure II 3
MMAT 243 - Intro. to Structure I 2 Literature Course (Group 4) 3
MMAT 283 - Materials Lab. I 1 PHIL 104 (Group 6) 3
Social Science Course (Group 7) 3 Elective 3
Total Credits 16 Total Credits 18

JUNIOR YEAR
PHYS 255Q - Electricity & Magnetism I 3 PHYS 257Q - Electricity & Magnetism II 3
MATH 272Q - Diff. Eqns. Appl. 3 PHYS 281Q - Optics 4
MMAT 265 - Structure/Properties I 3 PHYS 273Q - Intro. to Solid State Phys. 3
MMAT 255 - Materials Processing 4 MMAT 266 - Structure/Properties II 3
Arts Course (Group 4) 3 MMAT 286W - Materials Lab. II 1
MMAT 256 - Applied Thermodynamics 3
Total Credits 16 Total Credits 17

SENIOR YEAR
ENGR 295 – Special topics 2 ENGR 295 - Special topics 2
PHYS 261Q - Quantum Mechanics* 3 PHYS 285Z - Design Lab. 3
MMAT 267 - Structure/Properties III 3 CHEG 256 -Polymeric Materials 3
MMAT Elective 3 MMAT Elective 3
Non-Western (Group 5) 3 HIST 100 or 101 (Group 5) 3
Western Course (Group 5) 3 Elective 3
Total Credits 17 Total Credits 17

Total Credits (Four years) 134

MMAT Electives: MMAT 256, 276, 277, 283, 284

Physics Electives: PHYS 271Q, 275Q, 270
*Quantum Mechanics for Engineers Offered by EE can be substituted

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 Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics (ME)

Fall Semester Credits Spring Semester Credits

FRESHMAN YEAR
PHYS 151Q - Physics for Engineers I 4 PHYS 152Q - Physics for Engineers II 4
CHEM 127Q - General Chemistry I 4 CHEM 128Q - General Chemistry II 4
MATH 115Q - Calculus I 4 MATH 116Q - Calculus II 4
ENGR 100 - Orientation to Engineering 1 CSE 123C - Intro. to Computing 2
ENGL 105 - English Composition 3 ENGL 109 - Literature & Composition 3
Total Credits 16 Total Credits 17

SOPHOMORE YEAR
PHYS 242Q - Mechanics I 3 PHYS 230Q - Quantum Physics
3
PHYS 258Z - Lab. 3 ME 233 - Thermo. Prin. I 3
MATH 210Q - Multivar. Calc. 4 MATH 211Q - Elem. Diff. Eqns. 3
CE 211 - Applied Mechanics I 3 CE 287 - Mechanics of Materials 3
PHIL 104 (Group 6) 3 Social Science Course (Group 7) 3
Total Credits 16 Total Credits 15

JUNIOR YEAR
PHYS 255Q - Electricity & Magnetism I 3 PHYS 257Q - Electricity & Magnetism II 3
MATH 272Q - Diff. Eqns. Appl. 3 PHYS Elective 3
ME 234 - Applied Thermo. 3 ME 250 - Fluid Dynamics I 3
ME 253 Linear Systems Theory 3 ME 220 - Dynam. Mech. Sys. 3
Arts Course (Group 4) 3 Literature Course (Group 4) 3
HIST 100 or 101 3 STAT 224Q - Prob. Mod. for Engrs. 3
Total Credits 18 Total Credits 18

SENIOR YEAR
ENGR 295 – Special topics 2 ENGR 295 – Special topics 2
PHYS 261Q - Quantum Mechanics* 3 PHYS 285Z - Design Lab. 3
ME 242 - Heat Transfer 3 ME Elective 3
ME 227 - Machine Design 3 ME Elective 3
Non-Western Course (Group 5) 3 Electives 6
Western Course (Group 5) 3
Total Credits 17 Total Credits 17

Total Credits (Four years) 134

ME Electives: ME 214, 224, 228, 229, 230, 239, 260, 262, 295
Physics Electives: PHYS 273Q, 275Q,281Q, 270
*Quantum Mechanics for Engineers Offered by EE can be substituted