2015-16 Engineering Physics
Contact
Engineering Student Services
230 Bechtel Engineering Center # 1702
Berkeley, CA 94720-1702
(510) 642-7594
ess@berkeley.edu
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
230 Bechtel Engineering Center #1702
engineeringscience@coe.berkeley.edu
engineeringscience.berkeley.edu/engineering-physics/
Department Overview
Engineering Physics is part of the multi-departmental and interdisciplinary Engineering Science Program. This undergraduate program encompasses a variety of closely-related areas of the physical sciences, mathematics, and engineering. It is intended to provide a means whereby students, while acquiring knowledge of engineering methods, can pursue their interests in areas of natural science. The options offered within the curriculum prepare students for advanced study in engineering, science, or mathematics.
The Engineering Science Program is administered by the Engineering Science Committee, which is comprised of faculty from the seven departments the College of Engineering, as well as faculty from the Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Chemical Engineering, and Chemistry Departments.
Engineering Physics
This program interweaves classical and modern physics, chemistry, and mathematics with their engineering applications. A great strength of the program is its flexibility. The firm base in physics and mathematics is augmented with a selection of engineering course options that prepare the student to tackle the complex problems faced by society. Because the program emphasizes science and mathematics, students are well prepared to pursue graduate studies in physics or engineering.
Course | Fall | Spring |
---|---|---|
Freshman Year | ||
Chemistry 1A and 1AL-General Chemistry or Chemistry 4A-General Chemistry and Quantitative Analysis(5) |
4
|
–
|
Chemistry 1B-General Chemistry or Chemistry 4B-General Chemistry and Quantitative Analysis(5) |
–
|
4
|
Engineering 7-Introduction to Computer Programming for Scientists & Engineers or CS 61A-Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs(7) |
–
|
4
|
Mathematics 1A-Calculus |
4
|
–
|
Mathematics 1B-Calculus |
–
|
4
|
Physics 7A-Physics for Scientists and Engineers |
–
|
4
|
Reading and Composition Course from List A(1) |
4
|
–
|
Humanities/Social Science Course(1) |
3-4
|
–
|
Optional Freshman Seminar or E 92 (Survey Course) |
1
|
–
|
Total |
16-17
|
16
|
Sophomore Year | ||
Mathematics 53-Multivariable Calculus |
4
|
–
|
Mathematics 54-Linear Algebra and Differential Equations |
–
|
4
|
Physics 7B-Physics for Scientists and Engineers |
4
|
–
|
Physics 7C-Physics for Scientists and Engineers |
–
|
4
|
Technical Electives(2) |
3-5
|
3-5
|
Reading and Composition Course from List B(1) |
4
|
–
|
Humanities/Social Science Course(1) |
–
|
3-4
|
Total |
15-17
|
14-17
|
Junior Year | ||
E 115-Engineering Thermodynamics or Physics 112-Introduction to Statistical and Thermal Physics |
–
|
4
|
Mathematics 104-Introduction to Analysis and Mathematics 185-Introduction to Complex Analysis, or Mathematics 121A and 121B-Mathematical Tools for the Physical Sciences |
4
|
4
|
ME 104-Engineering Mechanics or Physics 105-Analytic Mechanics |
3-4
|
–
|
Physics 137A-Quantum Mechanics |
4
|
–
|
Physics 137B-Quantum Mechanics |
–
|
4
|
Technical Electives(2) |
–
|
3-4
|
Humanities/Social Science Course(1) |
3-4
|
–
|
Total |
14-16
|
15-16
|
Senior Year | ||
EE 143-Microfabrication Technology, or NE 104(6)-Nuclear Instrumentation Lab, or Physics 111A(3)-Instrumentation Laboratory |
3-4
|
–
|
ME 185-Introduction to Continuum Mechanics or ME 106-Fluid Mechanics |
–
|
3
|
Physics 110A and 110B-Electromagnetism and Optics; or EE 117-Electromagnetic Fields and Waves and EE 118-Introduction to Optical Engineering(4) |
4
|
3-4
|
MSE 111-Electric and Magnetic Properties of Materials or Physics 141A-Solid State Physics |
4
|
–
|
Technical Electives(2) |
3-4
|
3-4
|
Humanities/Social Science Course(1) |
–
|
3-4
|
Total |
14-16
|
12-15
|
Notes
Because of the interdisciplinary nature of this major, electives must be selected and approved in consultation with the faculty adviser.
1The Humanities/Social Science (H/SS) requirement includes two approved reading and composition courses and four additional approved courses, with which a number of specific conditions must be satisfied. Reading and Composition “A” and “B” must be completed by no later than the end of the sophomore year. The remaining courses may be taken at any time during the program. See Humanities and Social Science Requirements for complete details and a list of approved courses.
2Technical electives must include:
- Two courses from the following lower division technical electives: Astronomy 7A, 7B; Biology 1A and 1AL, 1B; CE C30/ME C85; Chemistry 3A and 3AL; E 45; EE 16A.
- 15 units of upper division courses in engineering. The 15 units of upper division engineering DO include all required upper division engineering units completed. If in selecting options to meet upper division requirements the total does not come to 15 units of engineering, additional units (chosen in consultation with a faculty adviser) must be added. Upper division engineering units cannot include: any course taken on a P/NP basis; BioE 100; ChemE185; CS 195, H195; Des Inv 190; Engin 125, 130 AC, 140, 157AC; IEOR 172, 185, 186, 190 series, 191, 192, 195; ME 191AC, 190K, 191K.
- A minimum of 14 units of upper division physics. The 14 units of upper division physics DO include all required upper division physics units completed. If in selecting options to meet upper division requirements the total does not come to 14 units of physics, additional units (chosen in consultation with a faculty adviser) must be added.
- At least 40 units of approved upper division technical subjects (mathematics, statistics, science, and engineering). These 40 units DO include all required upper division technical course work taken for the major.
3Students planning to pursue graduate school in physics are advised to complete Physics 111B (for 3 units) to satisfy the laboratory requirement. Note: Students will need to obtain consent of the Physics 111B instructor if they have not completed the prerequisites of Physics 111A and 137A.
4Students opting to take EE 117 must take either EE 118 (formerly EE 119) or BioE 164. Students opting to take Physics 110A must take 110B. (Note: Effective Fall 2013 EE 119 was renumbered to EE 118.)
5Chemistry 4A and 4B are intended for students majoring in Chemistry or a closely related field.
6NE 104 offered in spring only, prerequisite is NE 101.
7Junior transfer admits may fulfill this requirement with a course equivalent to CS 61B if completed prior to transfer.
* A minimum of 120 units is required for graduation.