Engineering Physics, BS

Overview
Degree Requirements
Suggested Sequence

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics

department website: Department of Physics

department faculty: Physics Faculty

overview of college admissions & requirements: The Grainger College of Engineering

college website: https://grainger.illinois.edu/

In the Physics (Engineering) program, students will study, measure, and manipulate the fundamental interactions of matter, energy, space, and time. This fundamental branch of science forms the foundation of all natural sciences and engineering disciplines. Students in this major will gain a deep conceptual and mathematical understanding of the world through their coursework and hands-on learning opportunities. This program will give students the tools to quantitatively break down complex problems to solve scientific mysteries and reveal the inner workings of nature. Further, the program will provide students with the keys to a wide range of challenging and fulfilling careers, whether they plan to enter a graduate or professional school or join the private-sector workforce after graduation. There is also the option for students to earn a Secondary Education minor and obtain certification to teach Physics in high schools.

The Physics (Engineering) program provides a solid training in fundamental physics, but also allows space for electives through a diverse range of technical options. This provides students flexibility to take more advanced Physics coursework or pursue other interests. Students may select from a list of pre-approved options or design a custom option, subject to departmental approval. The current pre-approved options, requiring 12-22 credit hours of course work, are:

Acoustical Physics
Astrophysics
Atmospheric Science
Biophysics
Business
Computational Physics
Computer Engineering
Energy/Sustainability
Materials Science
Nuclear Physics
Optical Physics
Law
Professional Physics
Solid State Electronics
Pre-Med
Pre-Law

The course work is selected in consultation with the student's advisor to address an intellectually coherent body of knowledge. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for a wide variety of technical and professional careers, including graduate study in physics or a closely allied field.

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Technical GPA: 2.0

TGPA is required for Math and Physics courses. See Technical GPA to clarify requirements.

Minimum Overall GPA: 2.0

Minimum hours required for graduation: 128 hours

General education: Students must complete the Campus General Education requirements including the campus general education language requirement.

Orientation and Professional Development

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
ENG 100	Engineering Orientation ¹	0
PHYS 110	Physics Careers ¹	0
Total Hours		0

Foundational Mathematics and Science

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
MATH 221	Calculus I ²	4
MATH 231	Calculus II	3
MATH 241	Calculus III	4
MATH 285	Intro Differential Equations ³	3
PHYS 211	University Physics: Mechanics	4
PHYS 212	University Physics: Elec & Mag	4
PHYS 213	Univ Physics: Thermal Physics	2
PHYS 214	Univ Physics: Quantum Physics	2
CHEM 102	General Chemistry I	3
CHEM 103	General Chemistry Lab I	1
CS 101	Intro Computing: Engrg & Sci	3
Total Hours		33

Engineering Physics Technical Core

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
PHYS 225	Relativity & Math Applications	2
PHYS 325	Classical Mechanics I	3
PHYS 435	Electromagnetic Fields I	3
PHYS 486	Quantum Physics I ⁴	4
or PHYS 485	Atomic Phys & Quantum Theory
Total Hours		12

Flexible Physics Core Electives

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Flexible physics core electives. Choose three courses from a departmentally approved list below, with at least one being a lab course (PHYS 401, PHYS 402, PHYS 403, PHYS 404, or PHYS 406). The number of hours varies depending upon the courses chosen.		9-15
PHYS 326	Classical Mechanics II	3
PHYS 401	Classical Physics Lab	3
PHYS 402	Light	3 or 4
PHYS 403	Modern Experimental Physics	4 or 5
PHYS 404	Electronic Circuits	4 or 5
PHYS 406	Acoustical Physics of Music	4
PHYS 427	Thermal & Statistical Physics	4
PHYS 436	Electromagnetic Fields II	3
PHYS 460	Condensed Matter Physics	4
PHYS 470	Subatomic Physics	4
PHYS 475	Introduction to Biophysics	3 or 4
PHYS 487	Quantum Physics II	4

Mathematics Elective

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Mathematics elective, chosen from a departmentally approved list below:		3
CS 357	Numerical Methods I	3
CS 450	Numerical Analysis	3 or 4
MATH 415	Applied Linear Algebra	3 or 4
MATH 417	Intro to Abstract Algebra	3 or 4
MATH 453	Number Theory	3 or 4
MATH 412	Graph Theory	3 or 4
MATH 413	Intro to Combinatorics	3 or 4
MATH 414	Mathematical Logic	3 or 4
MATH 482	Linear Programming	3 or 4
MATH 347	Fundamental Mathematics	3
MATH 348	Fundamental Mathematics-ACP	4
MATH 424	Honors Real Analysis	3
MATH 441	Differential Equations	3 or 4
MATH 442	Intro Partial Diff Equations	3 or 4
MATH 444	Elementary Real Analysis	3 or 4
MATH 446	Applied Complex Variables	3 or 4
MATH 447	Real Variables	3 or 4
MATH 484	Nonlinear Programming	3 or 4
MATH 489	Dynamics & Differential Eqns	3 or 4
MATH 402	Non Euclidean Geometry	3 or 4
MATH 403	Euclidean Geometry	3 or 4
MATH 423	Differential Geometry	3 or 4
MATH 432	Set Theory and Topology	3 or 4
MATH 481	Vector and Tensor Analysis	3 or 4
MATH 461	Probability Theory	3 or 4
MATH 463	Statistics and Probability I	4
MATH 450	Numerical Analysis	3 or 4

Technical/Professional Option Electives

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Technical/professional option electives for the option selected, chosen from a departmentally approved list of Technical/Professional Option Electives (or a list designed for a departmentally approved custom option) below. The number of hours varies depending upon the option chosen.		12-22
Acoustical Physics
ECE 210	Analog Signal Processing	4
ECE 473	Fund of Engrg Acoustics	3 or 4
Choose 2 classes from the following:
ECE 310	Digital Signal Processing	3
ECE 417	Multimedia Signal Processing	4
ECE 473	Fund of Engrg Acoustics	3
ECE 402	Electronic Music Synthesis	3
PHYS 402	Light	3 or 4
Astrophysics
ASTR 210	Introduction to Astrophysics	3
ASTR 350	The Big Bang, Black Holes, and the End of the Universe (OR ASTR 406: Galaxies and the Universe)	3
ASTR 404	Stellar Astrophysics	3
ASTR 405	Planetary Systems	3
ASTR 414	Astronomical Techniques	4
Atmospheric Science
ATMS 201	General Physical Meteorology	3
Choose 4 classes from the following:
ATMS 301	Atmospheric Thermodynamics	3
ATMS 302	Atmospheric Dynamics I	3
ATMS 304	Radiative Transfer-Remote Sens	3
ATMS 305	Computing and Data Analysis	3
ATMS 306	Cloud Physics	3
ATMS 314	Mesoscale Dynamics	3
ATMS 405	Boundary Layer Processes	4
BioPhysics
CHEM 104	General Chemistry II (OR CHEM 204)	3
CHEM 105	General Chemistry Lab II (OR CHEM 205)	1
CHEM 232	Elementary Organic Chemistry I (OR CHEM 236)	3 or 4
CHEM 233	Elementary Organic Chem Lab I	2
Choose 2 classes from the following:
BIOP 401	Introduction to Biophysics	3
MCB 450	Introductory Biochemistry (OR MCB 354: Biochemistry and Physical Basis of Life)	3
PHYS 498	Special Topics in Physics (Quantiative Biology)	4
Business
ENG 471	Seminar Energy & Sustain Engrg	1
IE 420	Financial Engineering	3 or 4
SE 400	Engineering Law	3 or 4
TE 100	Introduction to Innovation, Leadership and Engineering Entrepreneurship	1
TE 360	Lectures in Engineering Entrepreneurship	1
TE 333	Creativity, Innovation, Vision	4
TE 461	Technology Entrepreneurship	3
TE 450	Startups: Incorporation, Funding, Contracts, & Intellectual Property	3
TE 466	High-Tech Venture Marketing	2
Computational Physics
CS 173	Discrete Structures (OR MATH 213: Basic Discrete Structures)	3
CS 225	Data Structures	4
Choose 3 classes from the following:
CS 357	Numerical Methods I	3
CS 420	Parallel Progrmg: Sci & Engrg	3 or 4
CS 418	Interactive Computer Graphics	3 or 4
CS 450	Numerical Analysis	3 or 4
PHYS 298	Freshmen/Sophomore Special Topics in Physics (Computational Physics)	2
PHYS 498	Special Topics in Physics (Computation in Physics)	3
Electrical and Computer Engineering
ECE 110	Introduction to Electronics (OR ECE 205: Electrical and Electronic Circuits)	3
ECE 120	Introduction to Computing	4
ECE 210	Analog Signal Processing	4
Take 1 class from the following:
ECE 310	Digital Signal Processing	3
ECE 330	Power Ckts & Electromechanics	3
ECE 385	Digital Systems Laboratory	3
PHYS 404	Electronic Circuits (or ECE 342: Electronic Circuits)	4 or 5
Energy/Sustainability
ATMS 201	General Physical Meteorology	3
ATMS 302	Atmospheric Dynamics I	3
ECE 205	Electrical and Electronic Circuits	3
ENG 471	Seminar Energy & Sustain Engrg	1
NRES 210	Environmental Economics	3
Choose 1 class from the following:
ECE 333	Green Electric Energy	3
NPRE 402	Nuclear Power Engineering	3 or 4
NPRE 412	Nuclear Power Econ & Fuel Mgmt	3 or 4
NPRE 470	Fuel Cells & Hydrogen Sources	3
NPRE 475	Wind Power Systems	3 or 4
Materials Science
MSE 206	Mechanics for MatSE	4
MSE 280	Engineering Materials	3
MSE 401	Thermodynamics of Materials (OR PHYS 427: Thermal & Statistical Physics)	3
Choose 1 class from the following:
MSE 304	Electronic Properties of Matls	3
MSE 402	Kinetic Processes in Materials	3
MSE 403	Synthesis of Materials	3
MSE 405	Microstructure Determination	3
MSE 406	Thermal-Mech Behavior of Matls	3
Nuclear Physics
NPRE 402	Nuclear Power Engineering	3 or 4
PHYS 470	Subatomic Physics	4
Choose 2 classes from the following:
NPRE 435	Radiological Imaging	3
NPRE 441	Radiation Protection	4
NPRE 446	Radiation Interact w/Matter I	3
Optical Physics
ECE 455	Optical Electronics	3 or 4
ECE 460	Optical Imaging	4
ECE 465	Optical Communications Systems	3
Choose 1 class from the following:
PHYS 402	Light	3 or 4
PHYS 404	Electronic Circuits	4 or 5
PHYS 436	Electromagnetic Fields II	3
Law
CMN 211	Business and Professional Communication	3
JOUR 200	Introduction to Journalism	3
LAW 301	Introduction to Law	2 or 3
Choose 2 classes from the following:
ESE 320	Water Planet, Water Crisis	3
NPRE 480	Energy and Security	3
PS 225	Environmental Politics & Policy	3
PS 273	Environment and Society	3
SE 400	Engineering Law	3 or 4
Professional Option
MATH 415	Applied Linear Algebra	3 or 4
PHYS 326	Classical Mechanics II	3
PHYS 436	Electromagnetic Fields II	3
PHYS 427	Thermal & Statistical Physics	4
PHYS 487	Quantum Physics II	4
Choose 1 lab from the following (cannot count toward Flexible Physics Core):
PHYS 401	Classical Physics Lab	3
PHYS 402	Light	3 or 4
PHYS 403	Modern Experimental Physics	4 or 5
PHYS 404	Electronic Circuits	4 or 5
Solid State Electronics
ECE 110	Introduction to Electronics	3
ECE 444	IC Device Theory & Fabrication	4
PHYS 404	Electronic Circuits	4 or 5
PHYS 460	Condensed Matter Physics	4

Electives

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Free Electives
The Grainger College of Engineering Liberal Education course list, or additional courses from the campus General Education lists for Social and Behavrioal Sciences or Humanities and the Arts ⁵		6
Free electives. Additional unrestricted course work, subject to certain exceptions as noted by the College, so that there are at least 128 credit hours earned toward the degree. The number of hours varies depending upon the total hours earned in both the Flexible Physics Core and the Technical/Professional Option and whether or not MATH 415 and PHYS 486 are taken in place of PHYS 485. ⁶		13-37
Total Hours of Curriculum to Graduate		128

External transfer students take ENG 300 instead.

MATH 220 may be substituted, with four of the five credit hours applying toward the degree. MATH 220 is appropriate for students with no background in calculus.

MATH 285 may be replaced by MATH 441 followed by MATH 442.

⁴

If PHYS 486 is chosen, take prerequisite MATH 415, which may be used to meet free elective requirements.If PHYS 485 is taken, an additional free elective hour or a surplus flexible physics core course hour offsets the one-hour credit differential.

⁵

The Grainger College of Engineering approved liberal education course list can be found here. Note that these credit hours could carry the required cultural studies designation required for campus general education requirements.

⁶

The Grainger College of Engineering restrictions to free electives can be found here.

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics

Suggested Sequence

The curriculum sequence below is a suggested sequence, as all Grainger Engineering students work with a department academic advisor to achieve their educational goals, specific to their needs and preparation. Dynamic and Static curricular maps, which include prerequisite sequencing, can be found here (with Tech Electives) and here (Professional Track).

First Year
First Semester		Hours
PHYS 110	Physics Careers	0
ENG 100	Engineering Orientation	0
MATH 221^1,2	Calculus I	4
CHEM 102	General Chemistry I	3
CHEM 103	General Chemistry Lab I	1
RHET 105 (or General education elective)^3,4	Writing and Research	4-3
General education elective⁴		3
	Semester Hours	15-14
Second Semester
CS 101	Intro Computing: Engrg Sci	3
MATH 231	Calculus II	3
PHYS 211²	University Physics: Mechanics	4
General Education elective (or RHET 105)^3,4		3-4
General Education elective⁴		3
	Semester Hours	16-17
Second Year
First Semester
MATH 241	Calculus III	4
PHYS 212	University Physics: Elec Mag	4
PHYS 225	Relativity Math Applications	2
General education electives⁴		6
	Semester Hours	16
Second Semester
MATH 285⁵	Intro Differential Equations	3
PHYS 213	Univ Physics: Thermal Physics	2
PHYS 214	Univ Physics: Quantum Physics	2
PHYS 325	Classical Mechanics I	3
Technical/professional option elective⁶		3
General education elective⁴		3
	Semester Hours	16
Third Year
First Semester
MATH 415	Applied Linear Algebra	3
PHYS 435	Electromagnetic Fields I	3
Flexible physics core elective^7,8		3
Mathematics elective⁹		3
Technical/professional option elective⁶		3
Free elective		3
	Semester Hours	18
Second Semester
Flexible physics core electives^7,8		6
Technical/professional option electives⁶		10
	Semester Hours	16
Fourth Year
First Semester
PHYS 485 or 486¹⁰	Atomic Phys Quantum Theory	3-4
Technical/professional option electives or Free electives^6,11		6
Flexible physics core electives or Free electives^7,8		6
	Semester Hours	15-16
Second Semester
Free electives		11-10
Technical/professional option electives or Free electives^6,11		5
	Semester Hours	16-15
	Total Hours:	128

MATH 220 may be substituted, with four of the five credit hours applying toward the degree. MATH 220 is appropriate for students with no background in calculus.

Students with proficiency or advanced placement (AP or IB) credit in MATH 221 are strongly encouraged to enroll in MATH 231 and PHYS 211 for the first semester.

RHET 105 (or an alternative Composition I sequence) is taken either in the first or second semester of the first year, according to the student's UIN (Spring if your UIN is Odd). General Education Elective is taken the other semester. Composition I guidelines can be found at http://catalog.illinois.edu/general-information/degree-general-education-requirements/ under Written Communication Requirement.

⁴

Students must take 6 hours from the campus General Education Social and Behavioral Sciences list, 6 hours from campus General Education Humanities and the Arts list, and 6 hours from a liberal education list approved by the college or from the campus General Education lists for Social and Behavioral Sciences or Humanities and the Arts.

Students must also complete the campus cultural studies requirement by completing (i) one western/comparative culture(s) course, (ii) one non-western culture(s) course, and (iii) one U.S. Minority Culture(s) course from the General Education cultural studies lists. Most students select general education courses that simultaneously satisfy these cultural studies requirements.

⁵

MATH 285 may be replaced by MATH 441 followed by MATH 442.

⁶

To be chosen from a departmentally approved list of Technical/Professional Option Electives, in consultation with the student’s advisor, for the option elected (or a list fashioned for a departmentally approved custom option). The number of credit hours varies 12-22 depending upon the option chosen.

⁷

The flexible physics core requirement consists of three courses chosen from a departmentally approved list of Flexible Physics Core Electives with at least one of them being a lab course, PHYS 401, PHYS 403, PHYS 404, or PHYS 406. The number of credit hours varies 9-15 depending upon the courses chosen.

⁸

For courses chosen with more than 3 hours credit, the surplus hours may be used to meet free elective requirements.

⁹

To be chosen from a departmentally approved list of Mathematics Electives. Any course satisfying the Mathematics Elective cannot be used to satisfy any other requirement.

¹⁰

If PHYS 485 is taken, an additional free elective hour or a surplus flexible physics core course hour offsets the one-hour credit differential.

¹¹

Taken if needed to complete a technical/professional option requiring more than 12 hours of credit.