The Engineering Physics Program, offered by the Department of Physics and
Astronomy, is designed for students who are interested in not only a particular
engineering field, but also the physics and mathematics that provide a
foundation for that field. Thus, the mission of the Engineering Physics Program
is to offer an accredited Bachelor of Science degree that combines a meaningful
sequence of engineering courses within a particular engineering field with a
traditional high quality undergraduate physics education. The goals of the
program are to prepare graduates to directly enter the modern workplace or go on
to graduate study, either in their chosen engineering field or in physics.
The educational objectives of the program are to provide students with:
- a sound knowledge of the fundamental principles of engineering and
physics, together with an appropriate mathematical background for these
subjects.
- problem solving experience in engineering and physics, in both the
classroom and the laboratory learning environment.
- an understanding of the role of the engineer/scientist in today’s society.
Therefore, preparation also includes an introduction to the humanities, social
sciences, communications and a sensitivity to issues of ethics and
professional practice.
Furthermore, the program encourages majors to participate in student
professional organizations, including the Society of Physics Students, the
Society of Women Engineers and the various student societies within the
student’s chosen engineering field. In addition, majors frequently qualify for
membership in the honor societies Sigma Pi Sigma and Tau Beta Pi, among
others.
For further information visit our website
http://www.umephy.maine.edu/programs/programs.html
Program Description
The basic curriculum of required courses, combined with electives in science,
engineering, the humanities and social sciences, culminates in a two-semester
engineering design capstone experience. Of the 127 credits, 45 are electives,
permitting each major, in consultation with his/her advisor, to put together a
significant core of engineering courses in their engineering field of choice,
and to satisfy the University General Education Requirements through electives
supportive of their professional goals.
The program consists of a minimum of eight engineering courses, most of which
lie in the student’s area of engineering specialization, along with a
technical elective and an engineering elective for a total of 24-30 credits.
(A technical elective can be an Engineering, Physics, Astronomy, Chemistry,
Mathematics, Computer Science or other approved science course, generally at
the 300-level or higher.) The engineering sequence is chosen from the
engineering major offerings (Chemical and Biological, Civil and Environmental,
Electrical and Computer, Mechanical, etc) of the College of Engineering.
Engineers teach all engineering courses taken by engineering physics majors.
The program requires a laboratory course in physics in each of eight
semesters. These laboratory experiences emphasize the ability to conduct
experiments, analysis and interpretation of data, working with modern
instrumentation and meeting deadlines. When possible, students work in teams
often alongside majors outside the College of Engineering. Most experiments
require written laboratory reports. The junior year laboratory sequence is
also a writing intensive experience. An English instructor meets regularly
with majors to develop their technical writing skills, through assignments,
guided revision and assessment.
Five courses in mathematics (in addition to a computer programming course) are
required, with the upper level selections involving topics pertinent to
engineering. A minor in mathematics can be earned with one additional
mathematics course beyond these five plus PHY 476. Approximately 50% of
graduating Engineering Physics majors earn a minor in mathematics.
The Engineering Physics program requires satisfactory completion of at least
127 credits at an accumulative grade point of not less than 2.0. The
undergraduate degree is accredited by the Engineering Association Commission
of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers graduate programs leading to
the following degrees: Master of Engineering in Engineering Physics, Master of
Science in Physics, and Doctor of Philosophy in Physics. Further information
about these programs is contained in the Graduate Catalog.
Cooperative “Work Experience” Program Option
Engineering Physics majors who have completed their sophomore year can
participate in the cooperative education program. This program integrates a
practical work opportunity at an industrial facility (obtained through a
specific period of employment) with on-campus classroom and laboratory
experiences. Academic credit is received through enrollment in PHY 495
Engineering Physics Practice.
Employment Opportunities
Engineering Physics graduates work in industry, universities, government
agencies and private practice. Most go directly to an engineering/physics
employment opportunity immediately after graduation. Others continue their
education in graduate programs in engineering, physics, law (patent law),
business and medicine. Employment in industries producing electronics
products, optical products and the nuclear/radiation medicine field is
popular. Because the Engineering Physics major is familiar with both the
practice of engineering and the scientific approach to problem solving, our
students are often sought out for multidisciplinary employment opportunities.
Recent multidisciplinary employment examples include navigation
instrumentation (Lincoln Laboratories), nuclear radiation monitoring (The
State of Maine), and optical and acoustical effects (The Walt Disney
Corporation).
Scholarships
The Department of Physics and Astronomy has several large scholarship
endowments. The Department awards between 25 and 35 scholarships each year to
its undergraduate majors. The College of Engineering also offers scholarships
and awards supported by endowments within the College and from Maine industries.