Engineering-Physics Track

Many students find their study of physics connects with interests in engineering. Engineering includes a broad range of fields that apply scientific understanding to design solutions to real-world problems.  At Wesleyan there are several distinct ways to combine study of physics and engineering. These include:

  1. The dual-degree programs - codes engineering
  2. The linked major in IDEAS (Integrated Design, Engineering Arts and Society) where the mechanical and materials engineering track and the electrical engineering track are linked to the physics major.
  3. Inclusion of engineering courses as electives in the physics major without a separate IDEAS major or minor.

Electives:

Up to 2 elective credits can come from outside Physics.  Suggested electives are listed below.  Due to yearly changes in course availability, there may be courses not listed below that are appropriate as an elective. Consult with your Physics advisor if you wish to consider other non-physics courses as an elective.

Suggested Physics Electives:

PHYS 217 Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos
PHYS 313 Classical Dynamics
PHYS 315 Quantum Mechanics II
PHYS 358 Condensed Matter Physics

Suggested Non-Physics Electives:

If using two non-physics electives, it is preferred that the courses come from different departments to develop breadth.

IDEA/PHYS 210 How Things Fail
IDEA 212 Metal Manufacturing Through the Ages
IDEA 215 Introduction to Sensors, Measurement and Data Analysis
IDEA 353 Robotics

Because the College of Design and Engineering Studies is growing and new courses are being added, there may be appropriate engineering oriented electives that are not listed here.  Talk with your major advisor about other courses that might work well for you.