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Physics – Concentration in Engineering Physics

Bachelor of Science

Home » All Programs » Physics – Concentration in Engineering Physics
Scientific, technological, and engineering advances that have changed our world are built on the fundamental principles of physics.

» Program Overview

Engineering physicists delve deep into the physical laws that govern our world to develop groundbreaking innovations and applications. From the workings of the atom to advanced aerospace engineering, LTU engineering physics students learn both theory and practice.

LTU’s engineering physics program provides an interdisciplinary foundation to prepare graduates for in-demand careers in industry and research. Through hands-on learning, state-of-the-art laboratory experiences, computational physics projects, and opportunities to engage in groundbreaking research and applied physics endeavors, students develop the critical thinking, technical proficiency, and analytical skills that employers need. With a curriculum designed to combine scientific discovery with engineering solutions, graduates of this program are ready to take on complex challenges in fields such as renewable energy, aerospace, nanotechnology, and beyond.

» Why LTU?

  • Dedicated faculty with extensive research experience who are ready to mentor students through professional networking, internships, and career placement assistance.
  • An emphasis on the “hands-on” application of physics. To learn experimentation, our students have built their own instruments to levitate objects with sound, measured the speed of a shockwave of an explosion, visualized turbulent air currents, and more.
  • The opportunity for paid research assistantships supported by the National Science Foundation, which offer the possibility of being published in professional journals and travel to regional and national conferences.
  • The opportunity to join the Society of Physics Students, an award-winning student organization that offers academic, professional, and social activities.

» Curriculum

Fall Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

University Chemistry 1
May need 1 year high school chemistry and chemistry placement or math placement. Laws and concepts of chemistry and their application to chemical systems. The liquid and solid states, phase changes and phase diagrams, topics in the chemistry of materials, oxidation-reduction chemistry, electrochemistry, chemical thermodynamics and gas-phase equilibrium. Lect. 3 hrs., Workshop 1 hr., 3 hours credit. The following courses can be taken concurrently with this course: MCS 1074, MCS 1414, MCS 1424.

CHM1213

3

University Chemistry 1 Lab

University Chem 1 Lab – Laboratory experiments supporting topics covered in CHM1213. Lab 3 hrs. The following course can be taken concurrently with this course: CHM 1213.

CHM1221

1

Calculus 1
Topics include, limits and continuity, differentiation of algebraic and transcendental functions, mean value theorem, applications of differentiation, anti-derivatives, indefinite integrals, inverse trigonometric functions, substitutions, definite integrals, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, applications of integration. Applications will be emphasized. In addition to regular class meetings, all students are required to participate in calculus lab sessions. The schedule, frequency, and modality of these labs may vary by section. Refer to the class schedule and course syllabus for details.

MCS1414

4

Foundations of Computer Science
An overview of computer science for CS and non-CS majors with the overarching objective to develop a computational mindset. For CS majors, to gain an appreciation of the relevance of the various computing topics and interrelationships for future courses. For non-CS majors, to provide the necessary technological background to appreciate and integrate into today’s technical society.

MCS1243

3

Introduction to Science
Introduction to scientific thinking with emphasis on collaboration, community, and scientific communication. Hands-on experiments and laboratory safety. Exploration of institutional resources and active areas of scientific research at LTU.

PSC1161

1

College Composition
College Composition develops students’ acquisition of the fundamental principles of academic writing. This course focuses on the development of writing thesis statements and main arguments, topic sentences, transitional words and phrases, supporting paragraphs, use of evidence, essay organization, and research skills. Extensive writing and research practice is required.

COM1103

3

Total Credits:

15

Spring Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

University Physics 1
Calculus based kinematics and dynamics of particles, conservation of energy, momentum, rotational dynamics and statics, fluids, temperature and heat, and laws of thermodynamics. 3 Credit hours. Lecture 3 hrs., Studio 1 hr. The following course can be taken concurrently with this course: MCS1424.

PHY2413

3

University Physics 1 Lab
Course description not found.

PHY2421

1

Calculus 2
Hyperbolic functions, L’Hospital’s rule, techniques of integration, application to arc length and surface area, polar coordinates, infinite series, Taylor Series. In addition to regular class meetings, all students are required to participate in calculus lab sessions. The schedule, frequency, and modality of these labs may vary by section. Refer to the class schedule and course syllabus for details.

MCS1424

4

Computer Science 1
Introduction to programming with C++. Binary, two’s complement, decimal, hex, and octal representations. Variable types. Simple, iterative, and conditional statements. Procedure and functions with parameters by value and reference with or without a returning value. Arrays and vectors, multidimensional arrays, bubble and selection sorts, linear and binary search. Pointer and dynamic memory allocation, character and C-strings, file input/output (sequential). Classes, friends, array of objects, and operators’ overloading. Inheritance, polymorphism, virtual function, and recursion.

MCS1514

4

Engineering Materials

No course title provided.

EGE1023

3

Total Credits:

15

Fall Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

University Physics 2
Calculus based simple harmonic motion, waves and sound, geometric optics, interference and diffraction, electric charge and interaction, electric current, DC Circuits, magnetism, electromagnetic induction, and RC circuits. 3 Credit Hours. Lecture 3 hrs., Studio 1 hr. The following course can be taken concurrently with this course: MCS 2414.

PHY2423

3

University Physics 2 Lab
Introductory laboratory experiments complementing University Physics 2. 1 Credit Hours. Lab 2 hrs.

PHY2431

1

Calculus 3
Three-dimensional analytic geometry. Vectors, vector-valued functions, motions in space, functions of several variables, partial differentiation, multiple integration, integration of vector fields, Green’s Theorem and Divergence Theorem.

MCS2414

4

Materials Laboratory

No course title provided.

EME2011

1

Technical and Prof. Communication
Course description not found.

COM2103

3

Engaging Ancient Texts
A historical survey that develops students’ abilities to critically engage texts of the ancient global world, placing an emphasis on the way these texts reflect their context and human experience. Readings may draw from philosophy, history, literature, visual art, and more. Class activities include reading of primary sources, seminar discussion, and writing in various genres. May be taken concurrently with COM 1103.

HUM1213

3

Total Credits:

15

Spring Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Contemporary Physics
Introduction to concepts of modern physics: interference and diffraction, relativity, photoelectric effect, Heisenberg uncertainty principle, Bohr’s models of the atom, Schrödinger’s wave equations, radioactivity, nuclear reactions, statistical mechanics, condensed matter physics, astrophysics and cosmology. 3 Credit hours. Lecture 3 hrs.

PHY3653

3

Contemporary Physics Lab
Laboratory experiments to complement the material presented in PHY3653. 1 Credit hours. Lab 3 hrs. The following course can be taken concurrently with this course: PHY 3653.

PHY3661

1

Differential Equations
Topics include, but are not limited to, solving first and second-order differential equations and first-order linear systems of differential equations by various techniques such as separation of variables, integrating factors, substitution methods, variation of parameters, and Laplace Transforms. Emphasis will be placed on applications of differential equations arising from engineering applications and the natural sciences.

MCS2423

3

Computational Physics

No course title provided.

PHY3513

3

Circuits 1

No course title provided.

EEE2114

4

Circuits 1 Lab

No course title provided.

EEE2111

1

Engaging Modern Texts

A historical survey that develops students’ abilities to engage texts of the modern global world, placing an emphasis on the way these texts reflect their context and human experience. Readings may draw from philosophy, history, literature, visual art, photography, film, digital media, and more. Class activities include reading of primary sources, seminar discussion, and writing in various genres. May be taken concurrently with COM 1103.

HUM1223

3

Total Credits:

18

Fall Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Analytical Mechanics*
A study of Newton’s laws of motion applied to particles and systems, with an emphasis on velocity-dependent forces, forced/free/damped oscillations, accelerated/rotating systems, gravitational forces, and Lagrangian. 4 Credit Hours. Lecture 4 hrs.

PHY3414*

4

Advanced Engineering Math
Systems of linear equations, matrices, determinants, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, Finite-dimensional vector spaces, linear transformations and their matrices, Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization, inner product spaces. Lecture 3 hrs.

MCS3413

3

-OR-

Advanced Calculus
Line and surface integrals, Green’s theorem, Stokes’ theorem, Divergence Theorem. Topics from differential and integral calculus theory. Power series solution of differential equations. Bessel functions, Leg endre’s equation. Lecture 3 hrs.

MCS3723

3

Probability and Statistics

Representation of data, probability, random variables, discrete and continuous distributions, sampling theory, central limit theorem, confidence intervals, tests of statistical hypotheses, regression analysis. Lecture 3 hrs.

MCS3403

3

Circuits 2

No course title provided.

EEE3124

4

Circuits 2 Lab

No course title provided.

EEE3121

1

Total Credits:

15

Spring Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Electricity and Magnetism
Course description not found.

PHY3574

4

Linear Algebra

No course title provided.

MCS3863

3

Leadership in Scientific Research
Course description not found.

PSC3002

2

Electronics

No course title provided.

EEE3314

4

Mechanics of Materials

No course title provided.

EME3013

4

LLT Elective

2XX3

3

Total Credits:

19

*These courses are offered every two years. An individual plan of work will be developed in consultation with the student’s advisor.

Fall Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Thermal and Statistical Physics*
Course description not found.

PHY4763*

3

Quantum Mechanics*
A theoretical study of the non-relativistic quantum interpretation of matter. Development of wave mechanics, the Schroedinger equation. Formal structure of quantum mechanics. Operators. Solution of one-dimensional and three-dimensional systems. Lecture 4 hrs.

PHY4724*

4

Physics Project 1**
Practice in experimental or theoretical research techniques through setting up and carrying out projects in classical and modern physics. Course fee: $60.00.

PHY4912

2

Control Systems and Lab

EEE4514 combines the existing EEE4513 and EEE4511 into an integrated lecture/laboratory course. Convolution, linear system models and equations, block diagrams, signal flow graphs, time and frequency response of systems, root locus, Bode plots, Nyquist plots, stability, compensators, control system design methods, and computer simulation. Lect. 3hrs., Lab 2hrs. 4 hours credit.

EEE4514

4

SSC Elective

XXX3

3

Total Credits:

16

Spring Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Condensed Matter Physics*
Brief review of atomic theory, crystal structure, binding forces, mechanical and thermal properties, electrical and magnetic properties of diaeletrics, metals, semiconductors and magnetic materials.

PHY4843*

3

Optics, Lasers, and Microscopy*
Course description not found.

PHY4743*

3

Optics, Lasers, and Microscopy Lab*
Course description not found.

PHY4781*

1

Physics Project 2
Continuation of Physics Project 1. Course fee: $60.00.

PHY4922

2

Jr./Sr. Elective
PSY/SSC

3/4XX3

3

Total Credits:

12

*These courses are offered every two years. An individual plan of work will be developed in consultation with the student’s advisor.

**Students must complete a minimum of 4 credits of senior project. They may elect to increase the number of credits to an overall maximum of 6 credits (at the discretion of the senior project advisor).

The extra credits may be allowed to count towards general or tech elective credits. In addition, students may opt to alter the distribution of the credit hours (3 credits in the fall and 1 credit in the spring, for example) to help achieve full time student status.

» Document Viewer

Use Your Cell Phone as a Document Camera in Zoom

  • What you will need to have and do
  • Download the mobile Zoom app (either App Store or Google Play)
  • Have your phone plugged in
  • Set up video stand phone holder

From Computer

Log in and start your Zoom session with participants

From Phone

  • Start the Zoom session on your phone app (suggest setting your phone to “Do not disturb” since your phone screen will be seen in Zoom)
  • Type in the Meeting ID and Join
  • Do not use phone audio option to avoid feedback
  • Select “share content” and “screen” to share your cell phone’s screen in your Zoom session
  • Select “start broadcast” from Zoom app. The home screen of your cell phone is now being shared with your participants.

To use your cell phone as a makeshift document camera

  • Open (swipe to switch apps) and select the camera app on your phone
  • Start in photo mode and aim the camera at whatever materials you would like to share
  • This is where you will have to position what you want to share to get the best view – but you will see ‘how you are doing’ in the main Zoom session.