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Prerequisites
Majors are expected to have a basic understanding of calculus, physics, chemistry, and computer science. First-year students interested in the major should take the placement test in mathematics.
Unless otherwise prohibited, prerequisites may be taken under the non-recording option. Any course being used to satisfy major or minor requirements beyond the prerequisites, may not be taken under the non-recording option.
| COURSE TYPE | NUMBER OF REQUIRED COURSES | COURSES |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics* | 4 courses | MATH 3: Calculus MATH 8: Calculus of Functions of One and Several Variables MATH 13: Calculus of Vector-Valued Functions MATH 23: Differential Equations |
| Physics | 2 courses | PHYS 13: Introductory Physics I PHYS 14: Introductory Physics II |
| Chemistry** | 1 course | Students will be placed in one of the following courses: CHEM 5: General Chemistry |
| Computer Science | 1 or 2 courses | Choose one option: Option 1 (1 course): Option 2 (2 courses): |
* Students with prior experience in calculus (as demonstrated through AP, IB, A-level, or placement exams) may place out of MATH 3 and/or Math 8, and may be required instead to take the MATH 8 and 13 sequence, or MATH 11.
** Students with no prior experience in chemistry will be placed in CHEM 5. Students with prior experience with chemistry (as demonstrated through AP, IB, or A-level exams) automatically receive credit for CHEM 5. Students who place into CHEM 11 via placement exam must complete CHEM 11 towards the prerequisite requirements, as they only receive credit for CHEM 5 after successfully completing CHEM 11.
Required Courses
The Engineering Physics Major must be a 5/5 split of 10 courses between Engineering Sciences and Physics. These courses include the required 3 core courses listed below and 2 electives or free electives in engineering and 2 electives or free electives in physics.
Students taking the honors sequence, PHYS 15 and 16, should substitute a third physics elective for PHYS 19.
Students wishing to pursue the BE degree are advised to elect an Engineering Sciences course.
| COURSE TYPE | NUMBER OF REQUIRED COURSES | COURSES |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Core | 3 courses | ENGS 22: Systems ENGS 23: Distributed Systems and Fields ENGS 24: Science of Materials |
| Physics Core* | 3 courses | PHYS 19: Introductory Physics III PHYS 40: Quantum Physics of Matter: An Introduction PHYS 43: Statistical Physics |
| Electives** | 2 courses | Choose two courses, each from a different group: Group A Group B Group C Group D Group E |
| Free Electives | 2 courses | Any Engineering Sciences courses numbered above 20, excluding ENGS 80 and ENGS 87, or courses from the Physics and Astronomy departments that fulfill the straight Physics major. |
* Students taking the honors sequence, PHYS 15 and 16, should substitute a third physics elective for PHYS 19.
** Students wishing to pursue the BE degree are advised to choose an engineering sciences course as their elective.
Culminating Experience
In addition to coursework, all engineering physics majors are required to complete a culminating experience, which may include a thesis or an advanced engineering sciences course, chosen from an approved list.
| CULMINATING EXPERIENCE (CHOOSE ONE OPTION) | NUMBER OF REQUIRED COURSES | COURSES |
|---|---|---|
| Thesis | 1 course | Choose one course, from the following: |
| Design Project | 2 courses | ENGS 89: Engineering Design Methodology and Project Initiation (Must be taken as part of the two-course design sequence: ENGS 89/ENGS 90.)
|
| Advanced Course | 1 course | Choose one advanced course with a significant design or research project, normally taken in the senior year. Students should consult the approved list of Advanced Courses below and under the Engineering Sciences major or with the Chair of the Department of Engineering Sciences. PHYS 68: Introductory Plasma Physics PHYS 72: Introductory Particle Physics PHYS 73: Introductory Condensed Matter Physics PHYS 74: Space Plasma Physics PHYS 76: Methods of Experimental Physics PHYS 82: Special Topics Seminar PHYS 87: Undergraduate Research |
Medical Physics Careers
Foundation for a Career in Medical Physics
Students interested in a future career in medical physics are encouraged to consider the engineering physics major. Medical physics is a profession in which engineers and physicists develop, characterize, and implement technologies in the healthcare industry for the diagnosis and treatment of a myriad of diseases and for routine care. Examples of diagnostic technologies are CT, MRI, mammography, ultrasound, and PET. Megavoltage linear accelerators are used for the treatment of cancer with X-rays and focused ultrasound may be used for hyperthermia.
Preparation for Graduate Programs
Dartmouth’s engineering physics major prepares students for admission to accredited graduate programs in medical physics, which requires at least four physics courses beyond introductory first-year courses. Qualified medical physicists in healthcare settings are required to hold a master's or doctoral degree from an accredited graduate program (accredited through CAMPEP) and pass the American Board of Radiology board exam.
Contact
Students interested in learning more about the medical physics pathway are encouraged to contact Professor David Gladstone.
Course Planning
For additional information about majors, courses, and degree requirements, see:
Questions? Contact undergraduate.engineering.advising@dartmouth.edu.