Engineering Physics Program

Overview

Engineering Physics Program This interdisciplinary program provides students with a broad science and mathematics background equal to that of Tulane’s traditional physics major, combined with a strong grounding in engineering design and the application of physics principles to practical engineering problems. The curriculum is characterized by a strong emphasis on modern physics and its application to 21st century technology, including new materials, quantum electronics, nanofabrication, and devices. For those interested in a specific concentration of study, we are developing optional curricula in three concentrations:

Materials Engineering
Computational Engineering
Nano-Devices

ABET Our students will be well equipped to pursue research and development careers in new and emerging technologies that cut across traditional engineering and science disciplines, to pursue graduate studies in science or engineering, or to enter into other professional fields including law, management, and medicine. Graduates will have substantial experience with laboratory methods, data analysis, and computation.

A centerpiece of the curriculum is the design sequence, consisting of a two-semester Introduction to Design sequence, a summer industry or research internship, and a two-semester capstone Team Design Project. As an intrinsic part of the curriculum, students develop strong oral and written communication skills, multidisciplinary teamwork skills, research, experience in public service, and knowledge about the high ethical standards of the engineering profession.

The program builds on cross-cutting areas of research strength in the School of Science and Engineering, including: novel 21st century materials; materials for energy; biomolecular materials; macromolecules; “quantum mechanics to devices”; surfaces, interfaces, and nanostructures; and computation.

Tulane's Engineering Physics program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET (www.abet.org).

Mission Statement

The mission of our program is to provide the highest quality education for students in the principles and applications of Engineering Physics. The excellence of the program is ensured by our department’s high regard for teaching, research activities and industrial ties. The program educates students to take leadership roles in industry, academia and government.

Undergraduate Program Objectives

Our engineering physics program aims to educate students to become professionals with in-depth knowledge and skills in mathematics, science and engineering to understand physical systems; to research, design and solve problems; and to provide the foundation for graduate study and lifelong learning. Our objective is to prepare graduates who will successfully pursue:

Advanced studies leading to research and/or professional careers in Engineering
Advanced studies leading to research and/or professional careers in Physical Science
Careers in Engineering Physics or related technical and professional fields

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Engineering Physics program at Tulane University will attain:

an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering;
an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data;
an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability;
an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams;
an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems;
an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility;
an ability to communicate effectively;
the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context;
a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning;
a knowledge of contemporary issues;
an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

Engineering Physics is a field that provides broad training in physics and mathematics and basic training in engineering and design. The practitioner of engineering physics is involved in the development of new devices and products using sophisticated physical concepts. The engineering physics curriculum educates students to work in areas where technology is changing rapidly and where the boundaries of several traditional engineering disciplines overlap, such as nanomaterials/devices, lasers, plasmas, robotics, materials, medical imaging, superconductors, and semiconductors. The curriculum develops sufficient depth in both engineering and science to produce graduates who are able to relate basic knowledge to practical problems in engineering. The engineering physicist is a person with the training of both an applied physicist and an engineer, the inclination to attack novel as well as routine problems in engineering, and the flexibility to exploit basic knowledge in any branch of science and technology using analytical and experimental skills.

Facts to Consider

Our engineering physics curriculum places emphasis on:

Basic Principles of Engineering
Problem Solving
Mathematics
Physics
Engineering Design
Computer Science and Engineering
Chemistry
Science and Scientific Principles
Research
Communications
Multi-disciplinary Teamwork
Continuous Learning
Leadership
Ethics
Preparation for Advanced Degrees in Engineering and Science

The required curriculum for engineering physics is relatively full. Class schedules should be carefully planned. Typical of engineering in the US, some engineering physics majors may take a course overload in some semesters.