Engineering Physics - Bachelor of Science (BSEP)

During the freshman and sophomore years, students receive a broad introduction to physics, chemistry, applied mathematics and mathematical methods in physics. Starting in the sophomore year, students take electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, classical mechanics, mathematical methods, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, and advanced mathematics. In addition, there is a core of four laboratory courses that students take. Laboratory courses emphasize student-developed and student-designed independent projects in which students use the knowledge acquired to build apparatus of their own choosing. One of the capstone lab courses, PHYS 4430 , provides students with hands-on experience with optical spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, scanning tunneling microscopy, and laser cooling and trapping of atoms, among other experiments. The other capstone course, PHYS 4700 , provides students an opportunity to gain professional and technical quantum science skills and experience through participation in real-world projects in collaboration with industry leaders and academic investigators.

The program encourages the formation of student research collaborations with faculty in the pursuit of senior thesis projects. Recent projects include research in pulsed laser deposition of high-temperature superconductors, electron diffraction studies of protein structure, and lattice distortion theory of colossal magnetoresistance materials.

Students who plan to become registered professional engineers should check the requirements for registration in their state before choosing their engineering major.

Note: Students may not earn a bachelor’s degree in physics from the College of Arts & Sciences as well as a bachelor’s degree in engineering physics from the College of Engineering & Applied Science. Furthermore, the physics minor may not be earned with either of these two baccalaureate programs.

Requirements

• Program Requirements
  • Required Courses and Credits
  • Upper-Division Physics Electives

  Program Requirements

  In order to earn a bachelor's degree in engineering physics, students must complete the curriculum in the undergraduate major program, as outlined below. For up-to-date program requirements, visit the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics webpage.

  Students may not earn a BS in Engineering Physics + BA in Physics.

  Note: Some variations may be possible; students are advised to see their engineering physics academic advisor.