Department website: https://www.uwplatt.edu/program/engineering-physics
Department Chair: Andrew Pawl
Office: 221 Engineering Hall
Phone: 608.342.6160
E-mail: pawla@uwplatt.edu
Majors
Minors
About the Department, Majors and Minors
The UW-Platteville Department of Engineering Physics offers majors in Engineering Physics and Broad Field Science, and minors in Physics and Natural Science.
Engineering Physics
University of Wisconsin Platteville’s B.S. program in Engineering Physics is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org.
The engineering physics program at UW-Platteville is a hybrid of applied physics, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering. The engineering physics curriculum provides students with a fundamental knowledge of physics and the application of physics to engineering problem solving, including design. It includes introductory courses in mechanical and electrical engineering, as well as a significant professional engineering concentration tailored to suit the individual’s particular interest. The program is designed to address the needs of students seeking innovative careers in high-tech fields, areas where multiple engineering disciplines merge (e.g., electro-mechanical industries), or non-traditional engineering disciplines (e.g., optics or acoustics). The engineering physics program is also structured for those students who have an interest in the physical sciences as well as engineering. The majority of graduates of the engineering physics program have obtained engineering positions in fields such as automation/controls, mechanical design, electronics design, nuclear instrumentation, robotics, manufacturing/QC, medical devices, or research & development. Others have continued their studies earning M.S. and Ph.D.’s in Physics, Material Science, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, and Electro-Optics.
Program Educational Objectives
The Engineering Physics program provides our graduates with a quality undergraduate education in liberal studies, mathematics, science and engineering to prepare them to, within a few years after graduation,
(1) attain positions as professionals in industry, government or academia
(2) become responsible, accountable, current professionals who work effectively in multidisciplinary teams, readily adapt to broad technical challenges and demonstrate leadership.
Student Outcomes
By graduation, students in our program are expected to attain the following student outcomes:
(1) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
(2) an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
(3) an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
(4) an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
(5) an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
(6) an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
(7) an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Curricular Goals
The engineering physics curriculum is 123 credits including 58 credits of engineering. The engineering physics program provides a balanced curriculum emphasizing physics and engineering principles with design, diverse hands-on experiences to prepare the engineering physics graduate for the demands of laboratory or manufacturing environments, and strong communication and team working skills. The engineering credits are divided nearly equally among electrical and mechanical engineering science, engineering physics and a professional engineering concentration. The electrical engineering and mechanical engineering science includes introductory courses that provide the necessary prerequisites for further study in these two areas. The engineering physics core covers nearly all the basic areas of physics with a special emphasis placed on practical problem solving, including design. The professional engineering concentration consists of electives. Here a student may tailor the program to suit individual interests by selecting from a long list of courses in electrical and mechanical engineering, as well as some courses in software and industrial engineering. While students are free to choose the electives, an emphasis in one of the following areas is recommended: controls, electronics/digital systems, electric power, materials science engineering, mechanisms machines and systems, or thermo-fluid and energy systems.
Academic Standards
- An average G.P.A. > 2.00 is required for all professional engineering courses taken to fulfill the requirements of the engineering physics major (all required and elective engineering courses numbered 3000 or above) in order to graduate with an engineering physics degree.
- A “C-” or better is required in ENGRPHYS 4930 (or GENENG 4930 with departmental permission) in order to graduate with an engineering physics degree.
- Prerequisite courses in mathematics, science, and engineering often require a "C-" or better to advance to the next course (see course descriptions in this Catalog for specific information).
- Only one “D/D+” in an ENGRPHYS course may be counted toward graduation with an engineering physics degree.
General Requirements Bachelor of Science Degree
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Total for graduation | 123 | |
| General education | 26 | |
Broad Field Science
https://www.uwplatt.edu/department/broad-field-science
The College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science administers an interdepartmental broad field science major and a natural science minor.
Subjects in this department include: Engingeering Physics (ENGRPHYS), Microsystems & Nanotech (MSNT), Physical Science (PHSC), and Physics (PHYSICS)
Engingeering Physics (ENGRPHYS)
ENGRPHYS 1020 Engineering Physics Systems 1 Credit
Hands-on engineering physics laboratory projects. PLC and microcontroller programming of electromechanical systems, with a final project.
Components: Laboratory
Typically Offered: Fall
ENGRPHYS 3240 Applied Mechanics 4 Credits
Particle and rigid body mechanics including viscous forces, vibrations, noninertial reference frames, collisions, planar and 3D dynamics, Lagrangian mechanics, and numerical solutions to more realistic problems. Includes a term design project.
Components: Class
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: "C-" or better in PHYSICS 2340 and GENENG 2130; C: MATH 3630
Typically Offered: Fall
ENGRPHYS 3640 Electric and Magnetic Fields 4 Credits
Electrostatics, magnetostatics, Maxwell's equations, plane waves, and transmission lines.
Components: Discussion, Class
Cross Offering: ELECTENG 3140
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: "C-" or better in ELECTENG 2210, MATH 2840, MATH 3630 and PHYSICS 2340
Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
ENGRPHYS 3910 Advanced Instrumentation 1 Credit
This course is a laboratory class on non-destructive surface characterization techniques commonly used to evaluate materials properties or perform failure analysis. Optical methods, electron microscopy, and scanning probe techniques are introduced, culminating in an industry-relevant final project that utilizes multiple techniques to analyze and evaluate the structure, composition, or behavior of a given sample. Student teams schedule individual lab times to ensure that there is only one team using the lab equipment at any given time.
Components: Laboratory
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: PHYSICS 2340 AND (CHEMSTRY 1240 OR CHEMSTRY 1450)
Typically Offered: All
ENGRPHYS 3950 Engineering Physics Cooperative Education 2 Credits
Work experience in industry under the direction of the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science Cooperative Education and Internship Program. During co-op the student is expected to be away from his/her studies at UW-Platteville and work for an industry for a semester and summer.
Components: Field Studies
Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
ENGRPHYS 3970 Engineering Physics Internship 1 Credit
Work experience in industry under the direction of the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science Cooperative Education and Internship Program. NOTE: This program is separate and distinct from the cooperative education program and is principally designed to cover the summer work experience. Internship is designed to provide experiential learning experience to the student during the summer period. Credits do not fulfill graduation requirements.
Components: Field Studies
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: Junior standing
Typically Offered: Summer
ENGRPHYS 4010 Engineering Physics Lab 2 Credits
Experimental methods, error analysis, design of experiments, teaming and communications. Includes a term design project.
Components: Laboratory
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: PHYSICS 3140 with a "C-" or better
Typically Offered: Fall
ENGRPHYS 4140 Applied Optics 4 Credits
Geometric and physical optics to minimally include ray matrices, Cardinal Points, time-harmonic waves, phasors, interference, diffraction, thin films, Fresnel relations, and Gaussian Optics. The course also includes a laboratory component which covers basic geometric and physical optics.
Components: Laboratory, Class
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: "C-" or better in PHYSICS 3140; C: ELECTENG 3220
Typically Offered: Spring
ENGRPHYS 4210 Sensor Lab 2 Credits
Study of the physics exploited by the most basic types of sensors, including photoelectric, electromechanical, resistive, inductive, capacitive, and chemical. Includes a study of the basic building blocks of a sensor system: the sensor itself, signal conditioning electronics, and computer interfacing.
Components: Laboratory
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: C- or better in PHYSICS 3140 and ELECTENG 2210 and COMPUTER 1430
Typically Offered: Spring
ENGRPHYS 4220 Engineering Quantum Mechanics 2 Credits
Introduction of the quantum theories which are related to engineering applications. Applications of quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and solid state physics to nanoscale material structures, electronics, optoelectronics and other modern engineering technologies.
Components: Discussion, Class
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: "C-" or better in PHYSICS 3140
Typically Offered: Fall
ENGRPHYS 4930 Engineering Physics Senior Design 3 Credits
Capstone, industry sponsored, comprehensive engineering design experience. Students work in teams with their sponsor to develop a solution to a real-world problem by a rigorous application of the engineering design process to include constraints and project management. This is the culminating course in the major and challenges students technically as well as technically and professionally.
Components: Laboratory, Class
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: "C-" or better in ENGRPHYS 4010 and student must be within one year of graduation
Typically Offered: Spring
ENGRPHYS 4980 Special Topics in Engineering Physics 1-3 Credits
A presentation of selected contemporary topics in physics.
Components: Laboratory, Class
Typically Offered: Occasional
ENGRPHYS 4990 Independent Study in Engineering Physics 1-4 Credits
Study of special topics and/or developments of special projects having department approval.
Components: Independent Study
Typically Offered: Fall/Spring/Summer
Microsystems & Nanotech (MSNT)
MSNT 3940 Principles and Applications of Nanotechnology 4 Credits
This course is an introduction to nanometer scale aspects of chemistry, physics, and biology, and how these aspects can be combined to provide solutions to engineering problems. Recent applications will be presented as case studies, including sensors, biology medicine, electronics, and new materials. An extensive series of hands-on laboratory activities is a central part of the course. Students will fabricate and characterize nanoscale structures using a variety of techniques from biology, chemistry, and materials science. Principles of operation of several measurement techniques that underpin this field will be presented, as will social, legal, and ethical aspects of nanotechnology. This course is part of the Minor in Microsystems and Nanotechnology.
Components: Laboratory, Class
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: CHEMSTRY 1240 or CHEMSTRY 1450
Typically Offered: Spring
MSNT 4000 Independent Study in Microsystems & Nanomaterials 1-2 Credits
An opportunity for qualified undergraduates pursue state-of-the-art knowledge in the fields of Microsystems and Nanomaterials, through either research or independent study into advanced current topics. This course will involve a working knowledge of the scientific process and of the fundamentals of microsystems and nanoscience. A written formal report is required for the completion of this course, as is a mid-term update. A student may register for one or two credits in a given semester.
Components: Independent Study
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: Permission of instructor, "C-" or better in MSNT 3940 or MSNT 4230
Typically Offered: Fall/Spring/Summer
MSNT 4230 Design, Fabrication, and Simulation of MEMS 3 Credits
This course is an introduction to Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) technology. It covers basic microfabrication technologies, the governing physics for MEMS devices in different energy domains (mechanical, electrical, optical, thermal, and fluidic), and the analysis of micromachined miniature sensors and actuators. Fabrication and design of MEMS devices be illustrated using examples of existing research prototypes and commercial products. Students will also learn how to design, lay out, and fabricate MEMS using CAD based design and visualization software. This course is part of the Minor in Microsystems and Nanotechnology.
Components: Laboratory, Class
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: GENENG 2340 or PHYSICS 1450 or PHYSICS 2340
Typically Offered: Fall
Physical Science (PHSC)
PHSC 1150 Physical Science 4 Credits
A presentation of the physics and chemistry of our everyday world, with minimal mathematics. This is a liberal arts science course and does not fulfill program requirements for physics or chemistry. Students taking this course to meet their natural science requirement may not count another physics or chemistry course towards general education.
Components: Laboratory, Class
GE: Natural Science
Typically Offered: Spring
PHSC 1300 Survey of Astronomy 3 Credits
Descriptive survey of astronomy for students with minimal background in mathematics and science. Topics include the solar system, stars, nebulae, galaxies, cosmology, and astronomical methods.
Components: Class
GE: Natural Science
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: MATH 10 or MATH 12 or mathematics proficiency level of 10 or above
Typically Offered: EVERY/OTH
PHSC 1310 Introductory Astronomy Lab 1 Credit
Constellation study and telescopic observation of the moon, planets, stars and nebulae; introduction to astronomical techniques and equipment; field trips to regional planetariums and observatories.
Components: Laboratory
GE: Natural Science
Prereqs/Coreqs: P or C: PHSC 1300 or PHSC 1340 or PHSC 1350
Typically Offered: Fall
PHSC 1340 Introductory Astronomy:Stars and Galaxies 3 Credits
Our sky, light, how objects in the universe move, the sun, the stars and stellar evolution, galaxies, cosmology, the origin and fate of the universe. It assumes no previous knowledge of astronomy.
Components: Class
GE: Natural Science
Typically Offered: Fall
PHSC 1350 Introductory Astronomy: The Solar System 3 Credits
This class will give students an introductory-level understanding of current knowledge of solar system astronomy, from the night sky we see from Earth to the possibility for life on other worlds. It assumes no previous knowledge of astronomy.
Components: Class
GE: Natural Science
Typically Offered: Spring
PHSC 3000 Special Topics in Astronomy 1-3 Credits
Special topics and laboratory projects dealing with problems of current interest in astronomy and astrophysics. May be taken for credit more than once.
Components: Class
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: PHSC 1340
PHSC 4990 Independent Study in Physical Science 1-4 Credits
Study of special topics and/or developments of special projects having department approval. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
Components: Independent Study
Typically Offered: Fall/Spring/Summer
Physics (PHYSICS)
PHYSICS 1050 Principles of Physics 5 Credits
Mechanics, waves, fluid dynamics, heat, electricity, magnetism, light and optics. This course emphasizes the use of physics principles in analyzing physical systems.
Components: Discussion, Laboratory, Class
GE: Natural Science
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: MATH 15 or MATH 1530 or mathematics proficiency level of 15 or above
Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
PHYSICS 1350 Introductory Physics I 5 Credits
Mechanics, thermodynamics, and wave properties for science and pre-professional students, including an introduction to experimental techniques and experiments. This course is the first semester of a two-semester sequence; students looking for a one-semester algebra-based physics course should take PHYSICS 1050.
Components: Laboratory, Discussion, Class
GE: Natural Science
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: MATH 1530 or MATH 2450 or math proficiency level of 30 or above
Typically Offered: Fall
PHYSICS 1450 Introductory Physics II 5 Credits
A continuation of PHYSICS 1350 including topics and experiments in electricity and magnetism, optics, atomic physics, and nuclear physics.
Components: Discussion, Laboratory, Class
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: PHYSICS 1350
Typically Offered: Spring
PHYSICS 1900 The Physics of Einstein and Beyond 4 Credits
An experimentally-grounded introduction to the ideas of Modern Physics with minimal mathematics. Central topics include atomic theory, quantum mechanics and relativity.
Components: Laboratory, Class
GE: Natural Science
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: MATH 15 with a grade of "C" or better or math placement level of 15 or above.
Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
PHYSICS 2240 General Physics I 4 Credits
Calculus-based course in mechanics and wave properties for students of engineering, mathematics, and science, including an introduction to experimental techniques and experiments.
Components: Laboratory, Class
GE: Natural Science
Prereqs/Coreqs: P MATH 2640 with a C- or better or GENENG 1500 with a C- or better
Typically Offered: Fall/Summer
PHYSICS 2340 General Physics II 4 Credits
Electricity, magnetism, and optics for students of engineering, mathematics, and science, including an introduction to experimental techniques and experiments.
Components: Discussion, Laboratory, Class
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: PHYSICS 2240 with a "C-" or better; MATH 2740 with a "C-" or better
Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
PHYSICS 2410 Physics of Sound 1 Credit
An introduction to acoustics with emphasis on engineering applications.
Components: Class
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: PHYSICS 2240
Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
PHYSICS 3140 Modern Physics 4 Credits
An introduction to special relativity, kinetic theory, quantum physics, the Schrodinger equation in one and three dimensions, a brief introduction to nuclear physics, energy bands of crystalline solids, the physics of semiconductors and its application to semiconducting devices.
Components: Discussion, Laboratory, Class
Prereqs/Coreqs: P: PHYSICS 2340 with a "C-" or better; CHEMSTRY 1450 or 1240 C: MATH 3630
Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
PHYSICS 4940 Independent Study in Physics 1-4 Credits
Study of special topics and/or developments of special projects having department approval.
Components: Independent Study
Typically Offered: Fall/Spring/Summer
Faculty and Lecturers
Additional information about the Faculty and Lecturers below may be found in the Faculty and Academic Staff section of this catalog.
Evensen, Harold T.
Gopalakrishnan, Gokul
Koch, Roberta L.
Li, Wei
Marsteller, Brian
Pawl, Andrew
Plumb, Andrew
Rabidoux, Katherine C.
St. John, W. Doyle
Wu, Yan