Bachelor's Program in Engineering Physics
Introduction
Engineering physicists typically work in areas of applied science and emerging technology in which standard engineering practices are rapidly evolving to keep pace with advances in science. They are often involved in developing new engineering methods and principles. The goal of the engineering physics program is to prepare students to apply the principles and problem-solving approaches of physics to the solution of engineering problems at the frontiers between science and technology, by:
- Providing students with a thorough knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering science with an emphasis on the principles of physics and of the derived physical, chemical, and biological sciences as appropriate to individual career goals;
- Training students in the communication, team cooperation, and problem identification and solving skills needed to practice engineering art in the modern world;
- Preparing students through example and experience to apply those principles and skills to the design and conduct of experiments, to the analysis and interpetation of measured results, and to the design of components, processes, and systems that meet specific, identified needs; and
- Instilling in students understanding and appreciation of the cultural, historical, societal, economic, and environmental contexts in which problems of engineering and science arise, and to promote commitment to seek solutions which achieve appropriate balance of cultural, social, and technical value.
The program is designed to fulfill the educational requirements for professional work in various fields of applied science that are based on a thorough knowledge of physics. The first two years of the curriculum are concerned with fundamental courses in engineering, science, mathematics, and general education. In the upper division, the curriculum allows some choice of courses in engineering and in physics depending on the interest and career goals of the student. The undergraduate program is a complete, professional program, equipping the student for entry into a variety of work in industry and research. The program also leads to graduate work in either physics or engineering.
Contact the Engineering Physics Coordinator, Dr. Stuart B. Elston, with any questions (selston@utk.edu).
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Richard Manley earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics 2001. He now works as a research scientist at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Panama City, Florida (see profile from the physics newsletter). |
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Engineering Physics Curriculum
First Year
- 1English 101* or 118*, 102* (6 hours credit)
- Mathematics 141* or 147*, 142* or 148* (8 hours credit)
- Engineering Fundamentals 105, 151 or 157, 152 or 158 (9 hours credit)
- Chemistry 120* or 128*,130* or 138* (8 hours credit)
Second Year
- Mathematics 231, 241 or 247 (7 hours credit)
- Computer Science 102 (4 hours credit)
- 2Physics 135 or 137, 136 or 138 (10 hours credit)
- 3Engineering/Technical Electives (3 hours credit)
- Cultures and Civilizations Electives* (6 hours credit)
Third Year
- Physics 250, 321 (7 hours credit)
- Physics 311, 312 (6 hours credit)
- Physics 361 (3 hours credit)
- Physics 421 (4 hours credit)
- 3Engineering/Technical Electives (6 hours credit)
- Social Sciences Electives* (6 hours credit)
Fourth Year
- Physics 411, 412 (6 hours credit)
- Physics 431, 432 (6 hours credit)
- Physics 461 (3 hours credit)
- 3Engineering/Technical Electives (12 hours credit)
- Arts and Humanities Electives* (6 hours credit)
*Meets University General Education Requirement.
1Students who obtain a grade of A or B in English 118 may complete their freshman English requirement with English 102 or with a sophomore literature course in the English Department, or English 355. Students and their advisors are cautioned to insure that Engineering, Technical, and/or General Education elective course selections meet the General Education Writing Communicating and Oral Communication requirements.
2Transfer students from other engineering departments may substitute Engineering Fundamentals 152 for Physics 135, Physics 231 for Physics 136, and Physics 232 for Physics 250.
3A total of 12 hours of engineering electives plus 9 hours of technical electives are required. Engineering electives should form a coherent group of courses taken in the College of Engineering. Technical electives may be taken in physics, engineering, math, other physical sciences, or astronomy. Engineering and Technical electives must be approved by the advisor and department head.