The engineering physics program focuses on the foundations of modern technology. The program prepares students for research, development, and entrepreneurial careers in many frontier areas of engineering, including quantum devices, ultra fast lasers, adaptive optics, cryogenic electronics, computer simulation of physical systems, solar cells, magnetic storage technology, micro-mechanical systems, and molecular electronics. All students study the core theoretical subjects of mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermal physics, and quantum mechanics, supplemented by courses in mathematics, computation, and laboratory technique. The program can be tailored to a student’s interests through electives in engineering, physics, or other sciences.
Course code for this program is PHYS.
The Department of Physics offers a minor in physics. A detailed plan can be found at www.colorado.edu/physics.
The bachelor of science majoring in engineering physics is granted by the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences through the Department of Physics in the College of Arts and Sciences.
During the freshman and sophomore years, students receive a broad introduction to physics and chemistry as well as five semesters of applied mathematics and mathematical methods in physics. Starting in the junior year, students take a full year of electrodynamics, a year of quantum mechanics, a semester of classical mechanics, a semester of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, and an additional semester of advanced mathematics. Laboratory courses emphasize student-developed and student-designed independent projects where students use the knowledge acquired to build apparatus of their own choosing. The Advanced Laboratory (PHYS 4430) provides students with hands-on experience with optical spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, scanning tunneling microscopy, and laser cooling and trapping of atoms, among other experiments. The program encourages the formation of student research collaborations with faculty in the pursuit of senior thesis projects. Recent projects include research in pulsed laser deposition of high-temperature superconductors, electron diffraction studies of protein structure, and lattice distortion theory of colossal magnetoresistance materials.
Additional information about the bachelor’s degree in engineering physics may be obtained from the Department of Physics, Duane Physics E-1B32, by phone at 303-492-6953, or online at www.colorado.edu/physics.
Students who plan to become registered professional engineers should check the requirements for registration in their state before choosing their engineering electives.
In order to earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering physics, students must complete the curriculum in the undergraduate major programs available through the Department of Physics. (Some variations may be possible; see an engineering physics advisor.) In addition, students must meet the general undergraduate degree requirements of the College of Engineering and Applied Science.
Below is a typical schedule only. For a complete description of the engineering physics course requirements, go to www.colorado.edu/physics.
Required Courses and Semester Credit Hours
Freshman Year
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Sophomore Year
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Junior Year
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Senior Year
Fall Semester
Spring Semester