Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Academic Catalog and Student Handbook 
    
2021-2022 Undergraduate Academic Catalog and Student Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Department of Engineering Physics


Engineering Physics

Department Chair: Dr. Antonio Ruotolo, Associate Professor

Degree Programs

Engineering Physics


Overview

The Department of Engineering Physics offers students an applied and theoretical foundation in broad science concepts and applications. Through the department’s Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics students can focus on diverse applications and research areas within the fields of physics, making them highly desirable candidates for a range of fields from semiconductors to finance, medicine, and many more. 

Bachelor of Science, Engineering Physics

See Program Description  for full curriculum and additional details.

Florida Common Prerequisites

Students who started as freshmen at Florida Poly (native students) must complete general education requirements and the following courses to enter the degree program as a junior:

  • CHM 2045 - Chemistry 1 Credits: 3

  • CHM 2045L - Chemistry 1 Laboratory Credits: 1

  • MAC 2311 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 Credits: 4

  • MAC 2312 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2 Credits: 4

  • MAC 2313 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus 3 Credits: 4

  • PHY 2048 - Physics 1 Credits: 3

  • PHY 2048L - Physics 1 Laboratory Credits: 1

  • PHY 2049 - Physics 2 Credits: 3

  • PHY 2049L - Physics 2 Laboratory Credits: 1

 

Transfer students must meet general education requirements and satisfy the following Florida State Common Prerequisites to enter the degree program as a junior:

CHM2045/2045L

  • or CHM X040

    • and CHM X041

  • or CHM X045/X045L

& MAC 2311

  • or MAC X281

& MAC 2312

  • or MAC X282

& MAC 2313

  • or MAC X283

& PHY 2048/2048L and PHY 2049/2049L

Academic Learning Compact

Florida Polytechnic University’s Academic Learning Compact describes what students, who follow the major’s study plan, will know and be able to do. These are listed as core student learning outcomes.

Program:

Engineering Physics

Purpose of the Program:

The Engineering Physics Bachelor of Science degree program at Florida Polytechnic University is designed to prepare aspiring students to be knowledgeable in conceptual understanding of Physics and critical thinking encompassed with problem solving skills. The acquisition of the above skills are paramount values for Poly Physics Majors to get ready for high paying industrial jobs or graduate school in advanced physics, engineering, or related disciplines.

The program in Engineering Physics focuses on the use of Physics in the analysis and evaluation of engineering problems and scientific applications. Engineering Physics offers a unique program in which students acquire the in-depth understanding of concepts based on defined physics principles and theoretical derivations, while also practicing its real world applications. 

Graduates of the program will demonstrate the following:

Graduates of the Engineering Physics program will demonstrate the following:

  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.

Core Learning Outcomes:

Student Learning Outcomes

The Outcomes Involve These Skills:

Upon completion of the Engineering Physics Degree in the College of Engineering, students will possess:

Content

Critical Thinking

Communication

an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics

 

X

 

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

X

 

 

an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences

 

 

X

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

 

X

 

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

X

 

X

an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions

 

X

 

an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

X

X

 

Course Offerings

Courses

  • AST 3222 - Introduction to Astrophysics


    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: PHY 2048 - Physics 1  with a C or better
    Co-requisite or Prerequisite: PHY 2049 - Physics 2  or None
    Course Description: Comprehensive survey of the universe and its appearance from earth seasons, tides, eclipses. The solar system, stellar evolution and galaxies, quasars, pulsars, black holes.
  • AST 3271 - Astrophysics Laboratory


    Credits: 1

    Prerequisites: PHY 3101 - Introduction to Modern Physics  and PHY 3101L - Modern Physics Laboratory  
    Course Description: An introduction to experiments methodology, data analysis and interpretation, calibration techniques, scientific model validation, data presentation and communication of results. The experiments are chosen for astrophysical relevance and include magnetic fields, optical interference and diffraction, wave polarization, line spectroscopy, photoelectric effect and radioactive decay.
  • AST 4220 - Astrophysics 1


    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: PHY 2049 - Physics 2  and PHY 2049L - Physics 2 Laboratory  and AST 3222 - Introduction to Astrophysics  
    Course Description: This course introduces concepts and theories describing the physical and mathematical treatment of the properties of the Universe and the bodies within it, including the formation, structure, and evolution of stars, binary stars, stellar nucleosynthesis, white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes.
  • AST 4221 - Astrophysics II


    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: AST 4220 - Astrophysics 1  
    Course Description: The Physics of stellar objects: Classification of stars, nature of stellar spectra, Physics of stellar structure. The Sun, evolution of stars, neutron stars, black holes, binary systems. Galactic Astrophysics: Physics of the milky way, galactic structure, galactic evolution, large scale structure of the universe, active galaxies, cosmology, origin of the universe.
  • AST 4341 - Hydrodynamics and Plasma for Astrophysics 1


    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: PHY 4221 - Introduction to Classical Mechanics  and PHY 3113 - Introduction to Theoretical Physics  
    Course Description: An introduction to the hydrodynamics, plasma physics and magneto hydrodynamics (MHD) necessary for an understanding of astrophysical processes. No prior knowledge of hydrodynamics is required.
  • AST 4402 - Galaxies and Cosmology


    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: PHY 2049 - Physics 2  and PHY 2049L - Physics 2 Laboratory  and AST 3222 - Introduction to Astrophysics  
    Course Description: Study of different types of galaxies, their evolution, their relationship to active galaxies and quasars and the evolution of the universe.
  • BME 3312 - Molecular and Cellular Engineering


    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: CHM 3217 - Organic Chemistry (One Semester)  and CHM 3217L - Organic Chemistry Laboratory (One Semester)  
    Course Description: This course is designed to convey the basics of biological systems and the roles that engineers play in industrial biology to Engineering Physics students.
  • EEL 3287L - Renewable Energy & Sustainability Lab


    Credits: 1

    Prerequisites: None
    Co-requisite: EEL 3287 - Renewable Energy and Sustainability  

    Course Description:  

    A laboratory course designed to complement EEL 3287 - Renewable Energy and Sustainability  lecture course. Mini projects and problem based activities will be administered.

  • EMA 4614 - Production of Electronic Materials


    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: EGN 3365 - Structure and Properties of Materials  and PHZ 3442 - Semiconductor Physics    
    Course Description: The course  provides students with an up-to-date review of modern semiconductor chip fabrication. Topics include modern techniques for growth and characterization of crystalline silicon and semiconductor alloys, their characterization, processes for materials doping, such as diffusion and implantation, thin film deposition and wire bonding, wet and dry etching. Fabrication of electronic devices through photo-lithography and X-ray lithography techniques will be discussed. Students will be introduced to software for the design of multi-layer, lithography masks and mask alignment.
  • IDS 4204 - Advanced Topics in Energy & Sustainability


    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: Approval from the course instructor
    Course Description: Contemporary topics in Energy and Sustainability. Seminars and lectures from industry, academia, government and other stakeholders. Students are required to work on individual or team assignments, research projects and present their work in the format of mini seminars.
  • PHY 2048 - Physics 1


    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: High-school Physics and (PHY 2020 or the equivalent) and MAC 2311 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1  
    Co-requisite or Prerequisite: MAC 2312 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2  
    Co-requisite: PHY 2048L - Physics 1 Laboratory  

    Course Description: This is the first of a two-semester sequence of physics for technology and engineering. The course covers Newtonian mechanics and includes motion, vectors, Newton’s laws, work and conservation of energy, systems of particles, collisions, equilibrium, oscillations, thermodynamics and waves.
  • PHY 2048L - Physics 1 Laboratory


    Credits: 1

    Prerequisites: None
    Co-requisite: PHY 2048 - Physics 1  

    Course Description: This laboratory experience for PHY 2048 Physics  with    provides practical applications of Newtonian mechanics.
  • PHY 2049 - Physics 2


    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: PHY 2048 - Physics 1  and MAC 2312 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2  
    Co-requisite: PHY 2049L - Physics 2 Laboratory  

    Course Description: The second of a two-semester sequence of physics for scientists and engineers. Content includes Coulomb’s law, electric fields and potentials, capacitance, currents and circuits, Ampere’s law, Faraday’s law, inductance, Maxwell’s equations, electromagnetic waves, ray optics, interference and diffraction.
  • PHY 2049L - Physics 2 Laboratory


    Credits: 1

    Prerequisites: None
    Co-requisite: PHY 2049 - Physics 2  

    Course Description: This laboratory experience for   with MAC 2312 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2   illustrates the practical applications of Coulomb’s law, electric fields and potentials, capacitance, currents and circuits, Ampere’s law, Faraday’s law, inductance, Maxwell’s equations, electromagnetic waves, ray optics, interference and diffraction.
  • PHY 3101 - Introduction to Modern Physics


    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: PHY 2049 - Physics 2  and MAC 2312 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2  
    Co-requisite: MAC 2313 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus 3  and PHY 3101L - Modern Physics Laboratory  or PHY 3840L Experimental Techniques in Engineering Physics  

    Course Description: This is an introductory modern physics course designed primarily for students majoring in the sciences and engineering or mathematics. Topics include the special theory of relativity, wave properties of matter, the Schrodinger wave equation, atomic structure, molecular bonding, the electrical and magnetic properties of solids, semiconductors, the atomic nucleus and nuclear interactions.
  • PHY 3101L - Modern Physics Laboratory


    Credits: 2

    Prerequisites: None
    Co-requisite: PHY 3101 - Introduction to Modern Physics  

    Course Description: This course studies experiments that explore radiation and the atomic nature of matter including the photoelectric effect, atomic emission and absorption spectroscopy, the Franck-Hertz experiment, electron spin resonance and nuclear radiation.
  • PHY 3113 - Introduction to Theoretical Physics


    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: MAP 2302 - Differential Equations  and PHY 2049 - Physics 2  
    Course Description: Analytical techniques to solve problems of Physics. The course is designed to develop the basic mathematical skills required in subsequent courses in Physics as well as form the basis for a fundamental understanding of the Mathematics needed for the study of Physics.
  • PHY 3272 - Physics of Space Flight


    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: PHY 2049 - Physics 2  
    Course Description: Basic Physics is used to describe the motions of space craft, with a discussion of various types of propulsion systems, including chemical methods, nuclear systems, electric and photon propulsion.
  • PHY 3840L - Experimental Techniques in Engineering Physics


    Credits: 2

    Prerequisites: EGN 2001C Skills and Design 1  PHY 2049 Physics 2  PHY 2049L Physics 2 Laboratory  
    Co-requisite: PHY 3101 Introduction to Modern Physics  

    Course Description: Hands-on experience in mechanical and electrical fabrication for building research apparatus. Starting from shop drawings, properties of materials and machine-shop techniques, the students will build scientific equipment. Equipment includes those used by scientists and engineers to study properties of materials and to prove concepts of modern physics.
    Primary Term(s) Offered: Rotation Year
  • PHY 4134 - Widely Applied Physics I


    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: PHY 3101 Introduction to Modern Physics  CHM 2045 Chemistry 1  CHM 2045L Chemistry 1 Laboratory   
    Course Description: This course is part 1 of a 2 course sequence (4134, 4135) for the engineering physics degree. It aims to give a broad view of how physics is applied to engineering problems, building on the students’ physics background. It aims to make students develop an attitude of discovery/innovation/creativity. As such, the course will be more descriptive than the standard upper-level courses, with more emphasis on engineering applications and less emphasis on mathematical techniques. Topics may partially be selected in order to reflect the capstone projects of the course participants.
    Primary Term(s) Offered: Rotation Year
  • PHY 4135 - Widely Applied Physics II


    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: PHY 3101 Introduction to Modern Physics  PHY 4134 Widely Applied Physics I  CHM 2045 Chemistry 1  CHM 2045L Chemistry 1 Laboratory   
    Co-requisite: EML 4951C Engineering Design Senior Capstone 2  

    Course Description: This course is part 2 of a 2 course sequence (4134, 4135) for the engineering physics degree. It aims to give a broad view of how physics is applied to engineering problems, building on the students’ physics background. It aims to make students develop an attitude of discovery/innovation/creativity. As such, the course will be more descriptive than the standard upper-level courses, with more emphasis on engineering applications and less emphasis on mathematical techniques. Topics may partially be selected in order to reflect the capstone projects of the course participants.
    Primary Term(s) Offered: Rotation Year
  • PHY 4221 - Introduction to Classical Mechanics


    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: PHY 2049 - Physics 2  and MAC 2313 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus 3  
    Course Description: An introduction to classical mechanics. Topics include, Newton’s laws, particle dynamics, central forces, oscillatory motion, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, system and rigid body dynamics.
  • PHY 4320 - Introduction to Electromagnetism


    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: PHY 2049 - Physics 2  and MAC 2313 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus 3  and MAP 2302 - Differential Equations  
    Course Description:  

    The theory of electromagnetic fields and waves is developed from basic principles. Vector calculus, coulomb’s law, Gauss’s law, electrostatic potential, dielectrics, solutions to Laplace’s and Poisson’s equations, magnetic induction, vector potential, magnetic materials, Maxwell’s equations and propagation of waves in space and various media are discussed.

  • PHY 4424 - Geometrical and Physical Optics


    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: PHY 4320 Introduction to Electromagnetism  
    Course Description: This course will provide students with a deep understanding of optics and imaging for engineering applications. Topics include geometrical optics (ray-tracing, aberrations, lenses, radiometry and photometry), wave optics (polarization, interference, Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction), image formation and holography.
    Primary Term(s) Offered: Rotation Year
  • PHY 4513 - Thermal & Statistical Physics


    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: PHY 2049 - Physics 2  and MAC 2313 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus 3  and PHY 3101 - Introduction to Modern Physics  
    Course Description: The fundamental laws of thermodynamics and their application to simple systems. The kinetic theory of an ideal gas. An introduction to the classical and quantum statistical mechanics of weakly interacting systems.
  • PHY 4602 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics


    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: PHY 3101 - Introduction to Modern Physics  and MAC 2313 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus 3  and MAP 2302 - Differential Equations  
    Course Description:  

    This course introduces the modern theory of quantum mechanics. It considers both wave and matrix mechanics, as well as their inter-relation in the modern theory. The subject is developed by studying applications to particle systems, simple harmonic oscillators and the hydrogen atom.

  • PHY 4910 - Engineering Physics Capstone 1


    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: PHY 2049 - Physics 2  and PHY 2049L - Physics 2 Laboratory  and PHY 3101 - Introduction to Modern Physics  and PHY 3101L - Modern Physics Laboratory  
    Course Description: Projects in experimental, theoretical or computational Physics conducted in collaboration with Physics faculty. This course requires an oral and written research report by the student.
  • PHY 4911 - Engineering Physics Capstone 2


    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: PHY 4910 - Undergraduate Research 1  
    Course Description:  

    The primary purpose of this course is to provide students with an opportunity for firsthand, supervised research in Physics. Projects may involve inquiry, design, investigation, scholarship, discovery or application in Physics.

  • PHY 4930 - Special Topics in Physics


    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: PHY 2048 - Physics 1  and PHY 2048L - Physics 1 Laboratory  
    Course Description: Special sessions exploring the current issues in Physics. Topics may vary and are selected on the basis of what is new or currently relevant in the field.
  • PHZ 3361 - Radiation Detection and Measurement


    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: PHY 2049 - Physics 2  and PHY 2049L - Physics 2 Laboratory  and PHY 3101 - Introduction to Modern Physics  
    Course Description: This course introduces students to the interaction of radiation with matter, radiation detectors, Gamma Spectroscopy, Pulse Processing, Counting Statistics and Radiation Shielding.
  • PHZ 4151C - Computational Physics with Lab


    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: PHY 2049 - Physics 2  and PHY 2049L - Physics 2 Laboratory  and PHY 3101 - Introduction to Modern Physics  
    Course Description: The topics cover in this course include computer applications in Physics, Numerical Modeling and Simulations of Physics Processes using Linear Algebra and  Differential Equations and Monte Carlo Methods.
  • PHZ 4404 - Introduction to Solid State Physics


    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: CHM 2045 - Chemistry 1  and CHM 2045L - Chemistry 1 Laboratory  and PHY 2049 - Physics 2  and PHY 2049L - Physics 2 Laboratory  
    Course Description: This course introduces students of to the structural, electronic, optical, and magnetic properties of materials.
  • PHZ 4470 - Materials Characterization


    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: PHZ 4404 - Introduction to Solid State Physics  and MAC 2313 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus 3  
    Course Description: This course introduces a large variety of materials characterization techniques that have been developed and are currently used in materials science research while comprehensive understanding of each technique can require substantial background in math, physics and chemistry. This course aims to deliver the basic concepts regarding the principles, the practical aspects and the limitations of these characterization methods.
  • PHZ 4702 - Biomedical Physics 1


    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: PHY 2049 - Physics 2  and PHY 2049L - Physics 2 Laboratory  
    Course Description: This is the first in a series of two introductory courses on the applications of Physics in Biology and Medicine. It discusses applications of classical mechanics, hydrodynamics, and thermodynamics to motion and the structure of musculoskeletal system, the respiratory system and the circulatory system, as well as to the biology of cell.
  • PHZ 4703 - Biomedical Physics 2


    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: PHY 2049 - Physics 2  and PHY 2049L - Physics 2 Laboratory  and PHZ 4702 - Biomedical Physics 1  
    Course Description: The second semester of a two semester sequence to discuss the applications of the physical concepts introduced in the general Physics sequence to biological systems and for medical applications.
  • PHZ 4731 - Introduction to Health (Medical) Physics


    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: PHZ 3361 - Radiation Detection and Measurement  
    Course Description:  

    An introduction to health (medical) Physics. Topics include the biological effects of radiation exposure, environmental and personnel monitoring, dosimetry and dose calculations and Governmental regulations.