Campuses:
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Duluth Campus
Engineering Physics B S E PUMD-Physics & Astronomy
Swenson College of Science and Engineering
Engineering physics is the study of the combined disciplines of physics, engineering, and mathematics in order to develop an understanding of the interrelationships of these three disciplines. Fundamental physics is combined with problem solving and engineering skills, which then has broad applications. Career paths for Engineering physics is usually (broadly) "engineering, applied science, or applied physics through research, teaching, or entrepreneurial engineering." This interdisciplinary knowledge is designed for the continuous innovation occurring with technology.
Unlike traditional engineering disciplines, engineering physics is not confined to a particular branch of physics or engineering. Instead, engineering physics is meant to provide a more thorough grounding in applied physics for a selected specialty such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a combination of engineering disciplines. It is the discipline devoted to creating and optimizing engineering solutions through enhanced understanding and integrated application of mathematical, scientific, statistical, and engineering principles. The discipline is also meant for cross-functionality and bridges the gap between physics and practical engineering with emphasis in research and development, design, and analysis. The distinguishing feature of an engineering physics program is a focus on the fundamentals of physics and mathematics, both experimental and theoretical, that are at the heart of modern engineering and research and have broad applicability. In this program students combine this physics base with a firm background in engineering or applied science.
Program Delivery
This program is available:
Admission Requirements
A GPA above 2.5 is preferred for students already admitted to the degree-granting college, transferring from another University of Minnesota College, or transferring from outside the university.
For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the
Office of Admissions
website.
General Requirements
Program Requirements
1. A second field of study (e.g. minor, major, degree) is not required for this major.
Advanced Writing (3 cr)
Engineering Physics Foundation (51 cr)
Chemistry I with Lab
CHEM 1153 - General Chemistry I
[LE CAT, NAT SCI]
(4.0 cr)
CHEM 1154 - General Chemistry Lab I
[LE CAT, NAT SCI]
(1.0 cr)
Mathematics
The first math course is determined by ACT math score. The sample plan presupposes placement into MATH 1296 with Physics I in the spring semester.
MATH 1296 - Calculus I
[LE CAT, LOGIC & QR]
(5.0 cr)
MATH 1297 - Calculus II
[LOGIC & QR]
(5.0 cr)
MATH 3280 - Differential Equations with Linear Algebra
(4.0 cr)
MATH 3298 - Calculus III
(4.0 cr)
Statistics
STAT 3411 - Engineering Statistics
(3.0 cr)
Physics I Lecture
PHYS 2013 - General Physics I
[LE CAT, NAT SCI]
(4.0 cr)
or
PHYS 2017 - Honors: General Physics I
[NAT SCI]
(4.0 cr)
Physics I Lab
PHYS 2014 - General Physics Lab I
[NAT SCI]
(1.0 cr)
Physics II Lecture
PHYS 2015 - General Physics II
(4.0 cr)
or
PHYS 2018 - Honors General Physics II
(4.0 cr)
Physics II Lab
PHYS 2016 - General Physics Lab II
(1.0 cr)
Computer Science and Economics (7 - 8 cr)
Engineering Core (20 cr)
Thermodynamics
ME 2211 - Thermodynamics
[SUSTAIN]
(3.0 cr)
Electrical Engineering
EE 2111 - Linear Systems and Signal Analysis
(4.0 cr)
EE 2212 - Electronics I
(4.0 cr)
EE 3445 - Electromagnetic Fields
(3.0 cr)
Professional and Practice
EMGT 4110 - Engineering Professionalism and Practice
(2.0 cr)
Senior Project
or
EE 4951 - Design Workshop
(4.0 cr)
or
ME 4255 - Multidisciplinary Senior Design
(4.0 cr)
Program Sub-plans
Students are required to complete one of the following sub-plans.
Materials
Required credits within the major: 110 - 111
Required credits to graduate with degree: 128 - 129
An interdisciplinary field, which deals with the discovery and design of new materials. This sub-plan prepares students for a career in industry or graduate study in Materials Science and Engineering.
Materials (15 cr)
IE 3130 - Materials Processing Engineering
(3.0 cr)
ME 2105 - Introduction to Material Science for Engineers
(3.0 cr)
Electives
Take 9 or more credit(s) from the following:
·
EE 4611 - Introduction to Solid-State Semiconductors
(3.0 cr)
·
ME 3140 - System Dynamics and Control
(3.0 cr)
·
ME 3230 - Kinematics and Mechatronics
(3.0 cr)
·
ME 5315 - Nondestructive Evaluation of Engineering Materials
(3.0 cr)
·
ME 5345 - Smart Materials and Structures
(3.0 cr)
Systems
Required credits within the major: 109 - 110
Required credits to graduate with degree: 127 - 128
The application of engineering and physical principles and design concepts to enable the realization of successful systems. Successful systems must satisfy the needs of their customers, users, and other stakeholders. This sub-plan is good preparation for students who want a career in industry or entry into graduate school.
Systems (14 cr)
ENGR 1222 - Introduction to Solid Modeling
(2.0 cr)
ME 3140 - System Dynamics and Control
(3.0 cr)
Electives
Take 9 or more credit(s) from the following:
·
EE 3235 - Electronics II
(4.0 cr)
·
EE 4501 - Power Systems
(4.0 cr)
·
EE 5501 - Energy Conversion System
(3.0 cr)
·
ME 4050 - Fundamentals of Nuclear Engineering
(3.0 cr)
·
ME 4060 - Machine Vision and Image Based Robot Control
(3.0 cr)
·
ME 4135 - Robotics and Controls
(3.0 cr)
·
ME 4145 - CAD/CAM
(4.0 cr)
·
ME 4175 - Machine Design
(3.0 cr)
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Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
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Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | CHEM 1173/CHEM 1153/CHEM 1161 |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 1.0 [max 1.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | CHEM 1174/CHEM 1154 |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 5.0 [max 5.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Math1290/1296/1596 |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 5.0 [max 5.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Math 1597/1297 |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 1.0 [max 1.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 [max 1.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Engr 1210/IE 1225 |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Engr 2026/ME 2226 |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 5.0 [max 5.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | CS 1511/1581 |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 5.0 [max 5.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | CS 1511/1581 |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | PHYS 2033/2031 |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 [max 1.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Periodic Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | IE 4255/ ME 4255 |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | ME 4135/3230/ IE 4135 |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Spring Even Year |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Engr 1222/IE 1225 |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | EE 5501/ME 5325 |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Spring Even Year |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Fall Even Year |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Periodic Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |