Engineering Physics BS

The Engineering Physics major at Ramapo College is designed for students who like physics, have strong aptitude in it, and are interested and excited by the applied or engineering aspects of it. The Engineering Physics major is designed to offer students a broad theoretical and practical background providing a pivotal point for its graduates either to enter graduate school for further study and research or to pursue a professional career in private industry, government, or teaching.

Physics is known as the most fundamental of all sciences: it encompasses both the life sciences and the physical sciences. Physics is to the present what natural philosophy is to the past: it is at the root of every field of science. Engineering is the application of science in the design, construction, analysis of machines, processes or works for practical purposes. Engineering Physics is meant to provide a more thorough grounding in applied physics and it offers an unlimited scope of study and career opportunities in such areas as electronics, atomic, nuclear, and sub-nuclear physics, solid-state and low-temperature physics, optics, acoustics, relativity, quantum electronics, astrophysics, biophysics, and chemical physics, as well as a whole range of applied technology fields.

Advanced course offerings provide experience in electronics; mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetic theory and optics; relativity, atomic, and quantum theory; nuclear, sub-nuclear, and solid state physics; and computer science.

The faculty encourages and supports independent undergraduate research projects in computer studies, electronics, alternate energy sources and technologies, and optics. Facilities include well-equipped laboratories in electronics, advanced physics, computer science, instrumentation, optics, and a machine shop.

Majors in Engineering Physics are encouraged to take more than the minimum requirements of the major and to consider additional courses in microprocessors, computer modeling, energy system design, and mathematics, depending on their particular interests. There are also opportunities through cooperative education for students to gain credit and work experience in local industrial and research laboratories.

An program is also offered.

Goal 1: Develop qualitative skills.

Outcome 1: Develop an integrated conceptual understanding of engineering physics concepts and demonstrate knowledge of the topics taught including mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, electricity and magnetism, light and optics, and advanced physics.

Goal 2: Develop analytical / solving problem skills.

Outcome 1: Develop analytical skills by demonstrating the ability of applying the acquired knowledge of the material to solve problems.

Goal 3: Develop interdisciplinary skills.

Outcome 1: Apply acquired mathematical skills to solve engineering physics problems. Demonstrate proficiency in applying theoretical physics concepts to practical engineering applications.

Goal 4: Develop experiential laboratory / research skills.

Outcome 1: Develop hands-on laboratory skills, including methods, data collection, error analysis, graphing and statistical methods.

Goal 5: Develop communication skills.

Outcome 1: Write precise and concise scientific reports related to laboratory or research assignments. Display proficiency in providing an oral presentation of an engineering physics-related field.

Goal 6: Develop cultural integration of scientific disciplines.

Outcome 1: Learn about History and current developments in the fields of Engineering Physics. Develop an adequate understanding of scientific progress, the evolution of technology and the role of science and technology in modern society.