Engineering Physics
Professors K. Kihlstrom (chair), W. Rogers, H. M. Sommermann
Description of the Major. The rapid growth of scientific knowledge and its applications has generated a large demand for men and women well-trained in physics and engineering. Physicists seek a fundamental understanding of the physical universe. Engineers apply scientific knowledge to design and develop structures, machines, and products.
Students may pursue the engineering physics major with an emphasis in either area. The physics emphasis stresses fundamental science and mathematics essential for graduate study or professional work in physics. The engineering emphasis, while not a formal engineering program, provides a strong conceptual base for an engineering career. In addition, the “3-2” dual-degree program allows for a full engineering program.
Recent acquisitions of state-of-the-art instrumentation enrich students’ experience in the laboratory. Opportunities exist for involvement in research.
Distinctive Features. In addition to pursuing the regular B.S. or B.A. degree offered in the engineering physics major, students have the option of combining the Westmont liberal arts and sciences curriculum with study at an engineering school. This program usually requires three years at Westmont and two years at an engineering school. Students receive both a formal engineering degree from the engineering school (such as Colorado School of Mines, UCSB, USC, or Washington University) and a B.A. from Westmont. Students are encouraged to participate in an off-campus program during the junior or senior year.
Career Choices. Completion of the engineering physics degree enables students with good academic records to enter graduate study in physics or engineering.
The engineering physics major also prepares students for a variety of careers such as medicine, law, secondary or college-level teaching, and church ministry. It develops their ability to think logically and analytically regarding the objective behavior of physical systems.
Competencies developed in the engineering physics major also help students acquire specific technical skills needed in a variety of careers such as technical writing, patent work, geophysical or marine exploration, and medical technology.
Requirements for a B.S. in Engineering/Physics:
66 units
Required Lower-Division Courses: 43 units
PHY 21, 23 General Physics I, II (4,4)
PHY 22, 24 General Physics Laboratory I, II (1,1)
PHY 25 Modern Physics (4)
PHY 26 Modern Physics Laboratory (1)
PHY 40 Differential Equations (4)
CHM 5, 6 General Chemistry I, II (4,4)
CS 10 Introduction to Computer Science (4)
MA 9, 10 Elementary Calculus I, II (4,4)
MA 19 Multivariable Calculus (4)
Required Upper-Division Courses: 23 units
PHY 115 Mathematical Physics (4)
PHY 130 Mechanics (4)
PHY 142 Circuits and Electronics (4)
PHY 143 Electronics Laboratory (1)
PHY 150 Electricity and Magnetism (4)
PHY 151 Electromagnetic Waves and Optics (4)
PHY 195 Senior Seminar (1)
One of the following: (1)
PHY 170 Advanced Physics Lab (1)
PHY 190 Practicum (1)
PHY 198 Physics Research (1-4)
Requirements for a B.A. in Engineering/Physics:
56-57 units
Required Lower-Division Courses: 43 units
PHY 21, 23 General Physics I, II (4,4)
PHY 22, 24 General Physics Laboratory I, II (1,1)
PHY 25 Modern Physics (4)
PHY 26 Modern Physics Laboratory (1)
PHY 40 Differential Equations (4)
CHM 5, 6 General Chemistry I, II (4,4)
CS 10 Introduction to Computer Science (4)
MA 9, 10 Elementary Calculus I, II (4,4)
MA 19 Multivariable Calculus (4)
Required Upper-Division Courses: 13-14 units
PHY 130 Mechanics (4)
PHY 150 Electricity and Magnetism (4)
PHY 195 Senior Seminar (1)
One of the following: (4-5)
PHY 115 Mathematical Physics (4)
PHY 142, 143 Circuits and Electronics, Laboratory (4,1)
PHY 160 Thermodynamics (4)
Requirements of Engineering/Physics 3-2 Program: 44 units
Required Lower-Division Courses: 35 units
PHY 21, 23 General Physics I, II (4,4)
PHY 22, 24 General Physics Laboratory I, II (1,1)
PHY 25 Modern Physics (4)
PHY 26 Modern Physics Laboratory (1)
PHY 40 Differential Equations (4)
CHM 5 General Chemistry I (4)
MA 9 Elementary Calculus I (4)
MA 10 Elementary Calculus II (4)
MA 19 Multivariable Calculus (4)
Required Upper-Division Courses: 9 units
PHY 130 Mechanics (4)
PHY 142 Circuits and Electronics (4)
PHY 143 Electronic Laboratory (1)
Strongly Recommended
PHY 115 Mathematical Physics (4)
PHY 150 Electricity and Magnetism (4)
Requirements for an Engineering/Physics Minor:
23-24 units
Required Lower-Division Courses: 15 units
PHY 21, 23 General Physics I, II (4,4)
PHY 22, 24 General Physics Laboratory I, II (1,1)
PHY 25 Modern Physics (4)
PHY 26 Modern Physics Laboratory (1)
Required Upper-Division Courses from the following: 8-9 units
PHY 115 Mathematical Physics (4)
PHY 130 Mechanics (4)
PHY 142, 143 Circuits and Electronics, Laboratory (4,1)
PHY 150 Electricity and Magnetism (4)
PHY 160 Thermodynamics (4)
See Physics for Course Descriptions