Physics and Engineering

Professor Wentworth
Assistant Professor Enders

Physics is concerned with basic questions about the structure and behavior of the physical universe: the description and causes of motion, the nature of energy and energy changes in systems, the interactions between particles, the relationship between structure and behavior the macroscopic behavior of a system and its microscopic parts. It is both a foundation for understanding other sciences, such as astronomy, chemistry and biology, and a source of practical knowledge used by the engineering disciplines, which promote technological advances.

Engineering is concerned with using the tools of science and mathematics to solve real world problems.  It is intrinsically interdisciplinary, involving knowledge from the natural sciences, computer science, and mathematics and informed by an understanding of the social and cultural context in which a problem solution must be provided. 

The Department of Physics and Engineering offers two majors and one minor.  A physics major is offered with three emphases.  An engineering physics major is offered for students wanting more applications oriented experiences as preparation for an engineering career or graduate work in engineering.

Programs

• Engineering Physics
• Physics

• Physics Minor

Courses

• AST 103 - Introductory Astronomy (3)
• AST 103L - Astronomy Laboratory (1)

• PHY 101 - Introduction to Physics and Engineering (3)
• PHY 107 - Introductory Physics I (4)
• PHY 108 - Introductory Physics II (4)
• PHY 201 - General Physics I (4)
• PHY 202 - General Physics II (4)
• PHY 225 - Sophomore Exam (0)
• PHY 271/371/471 - Selected Topics (1-3)
• PHY 290/390/490 - Directed Study (1-3)
• PHY 302 - Electricity and Magnetism (3)
• PHY 305 - Advanced Physics Laboratory (2)
• PHY 306 - Theoretical Mechanics (3)
• PHY 308 - Heat and Thermodynamics (3)
• PHY 310 - Introduction to Materials Science (3)
• PHY 312 - Optics (3)
• PHY 314 - Modern Physics (3)
• PHY 318 - Statics (3)
• PHY 325 - Electronics (4)
• PHY 395 - Physics Research I (1)
• PHY 405 - Quantum Mechanics (3)
• PHY 421 - Physics Internship (0-12)
• PHY 435 - Mathematical Methods for Physics (3)
• PHY 495 - Physics Research II (1)
• PHY 496 - Senior Seminar (1)

• EGR 210 - Introduction to Computer Assisted Design (3)
• EGR 318 - Engineering Statics (3)
• EGR 320 - Engineering Dynamics (3)
• EGR 325 - Mechanics of Materials (3)
• EGR 395 - Senior Engineering Design I (1)
• EGR 495 - Senior Engineering Design II (3)