Engineering Physics, BS/BA

Curriculum

The engineering physics major leads to either a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science. It requires 128 hours of coursework:

• BELL core requirements: 53 hours
• Major requirements: 53 hours
• Career Track Electives: 12-13 hours
• General electives: 15 hours

See All Program Requirements

Courses you'll take:

PHY 2230 Introduction to Modern Physics: This course introduces students to developments in physics since the 20th century. Topics include relativity, elementary quantum theory, statistical physics, basic atomic and nuclear physics, elementary particle physics and cosmology. Quantitative and qualitative aspects of the subject will be developed using both analytical and computational techniques.

PHY 3110 Analytical Mechanics: This course explores topics from classical physics including linear and nonlinear oscillations, momentum and energy theorems, conservation laws, central force field motion and Lagrangian dynamics.

PHY 3120 Electricity and Magnetism: This course examines concepts from classical electricity and magnetism such as electrostatics, study of fields in dielectrics, magnetic forces and electric and magnetic properties of matter. Maxwell’s equations of electromagnetic theory are introduced.

PHY 4210 Quantum Mechanics I: This course examines the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics including the wave properties of particles, superposition, the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, the Schrodinger equation, eigenfunctions and eigenvalues, identical particles and operators. Applications are made to the harmonic oscillator and the hydrogen atom.

PHY 3700 Research in Physics I: A discussion of research in physics, including experimental design, data analysis, literature review methods, publications of physics research and research presentations. Students will create a proposal for research to be executed in PHY 4700.

PHY 4010 Advanced Laboratory: Designed to acquaint students with the laboratory techniques of experimental physics. Experiments from optics, electricity and magnetism, mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics are performed.

PHY 4050 Physics Senior Capstone: The Physics Senior Capstone is designed to prepare students for employment or post-graduate education. Central to this course is the integration of physics concepts and application to practical, real-world issues. Students will select a topic to be approved by the instructor, prepare an abstract, conduct a search of the relevant literature and present their findings both in oral and written form. This course will also be used in program assessment.

PHY 4700 Research in Physics II: Students will execute the research project proposed in PHY 3700 or another project agreed upon by the student and the instructor.

PHY 2250 Electronics and Circuit Theory: This course explores the design and function of DC and AC circuits using resistors, capacitors, inductors and semiconductor devices. Laboratory work is an integral part of this course.

Washington University in St. Louis Partnership

Washington University in St. Louis (Wash U) and Belmont University have partnered to create a new “3+2” Engineering Dual Degree Program, enabling you to earn two degrees from both universities. By attending Belmont for the first three years before completing your degree at Wash U with financial assistance, you’ll gain access to two great universities while also benefiting from the foundation of courses offered by Belmont and the prestige that comes with studying at The McKelvey School of Engineering, which has a stellar reputation in this field. At the end of five years, you will be able to graduate with both an undergraduate and graduate degree. About 75% of participants also earn an engineering master’s degree (“3+3”). 

Learn more about Engineering Partnerships

University of Arkansas Partnership

Belmont has entered a new program with the University of Arkansas that guarantees placement and funding for postgraduate degrees to engineering physics graduates. The partnership between Belmont and the University of Arkansas provides admission to graduate school as well as funding. Requirements: Earn a GPA of 3.5 within the program and score sufficiently high on the GRE to receive automatic admission with funding for some programs. Other students would also be considered for admission and funding on a case-by-case basis.

Learn more about Engineering Partnerships

• Society for Physics Students
• Belmont’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURFs) program
• Study Abroad
• Community Outreach

Our students have been accepted to competitive summer research programs (REUs) and internships at universities and companies nation-wide. Many of our students have attended or presented their research at regional, national or international physics conferences.