Course Listings
Engineering Physics
Major in Engineering Physics
56 credit hours
This major is designed for students in the 3-2 engineering program.
- PHYS 105 Physics & Engineering2
- PHYS 203 General Physics4
- PHYS 204 General Physics4
- PHYS 220 Engineering Statics3
- PHYS 302 Analytical Mechanics3
- PHYS 304 Electronics4
- PHYS 310 Thermodynamics3
- PHYS 410 Senior Seminar3
- Physics elective3
- CHEM 111 General Chemistry4
- CHEM 112 General Chemistry4
- MATH 211 Calculus I4
- MATH 212 Calculus II4
- MATH 213 Multivariate Calculus4
- MATH 321 Differential Equations3
- COSC 216 Programming I4
Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates in Engineering Physics will:
- Apply principles from primary physical theories: mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and thermodynamics.
- Demonstrate facility with mathematical and computational tools of an engineer or a physicist: calculus, differential equations, programming languages, computational environments, and spreadsheets.
- Demonstrate facility with laboratory equipment and ability to analyze and visualize data using tools such as graphing, curve fitting, and statistical analysis.
- Carry out independent design projects and research, both individually and collaboratively.
- Demonstrate oral and written communication skills to present technical matters to a variety of audiences.
Planning and advising notes
If the student attends only six semesters at Goshen, the senior seminar and elective may be fulfilled by transferring courses from the engineering school back to Goshen College. The transfer courses need not be close curricular matches. In similar fashion, the NW perspectives course required in the CORE may be met by transferring a course from the engineering school. Students who remain at Goshen for more than six semesters must meet the full major and CORE requirements.
Engineering 3-2 program
The 3-2 engineering program combines a liberal arts background from Goshen College with an engineering degree from one of the leading engineering schools in the nation. The student spends three years at Goshen College and two years at the engineering school. Goshen College will grant the B.A. degree when the student completes both the engineering curriculum at the partner school and the Goshen College requirements. Goshen College has formal 3-2 partnership program agreements with the University of Notre Dame (South Bend, Ind.), Case School of Engineering of the Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, Ohio), and Valparaiso University (Valparaiso, Ind.). Transfer to other engineering schools is possible and common but is done on an individual basis.
University of Notre Dame
Admission to engineering studies at Notre Dame is granted to a student with a 3.6 overall grade point average, upon recommendation of the physics department. Engineering fields available at University of Notre Dame are:
- Aerospace
- Chemical
- Civil
- Computer
- Electrical
- Environmental
- Mechanical
Valparaiso University
Admission to engineering studies at Valparaiso is granted to a student with a 3.0 overall grade point average, upon recommendation of the physics department. Engineering fields available at Valparaiso University are:
- Bioengineering
- Civil
- Computer
- Electrical
- Environmental
- Mechanical
A student entering Goshen College with one or more AP courses accepted may want to consider the following electives at Goshen College which would replace required courses at the partner school: Math 301: Linear algebra (Notre Dame or Valparaiso) or Math 323: Probability and Statistics (Valparaiso).
Planning Guide for Engineering Physics Major:
| First Year | Goshen Core Calculus I & II General Physics I & II Physics and Engineering (first year seminar) Programming I Multivariate Calculus |
| Second Year | Goshen Core General Chemistry I & II Differential Equations Engineering Statics Thermodynamics Foreign language |
| Third Year | Goshen Core Electronics Analytical Mechanics SST (spring or summer) |
CHEM 111 General Chemistry
An introduction to the basic particles of matter, the modern concept of the atom, chemical bonding and the structure of chemical compounds. The physical and chemical properties of some elements and compounds are examined. Reaction equilibrium and kinetics, acid-base theory,...
CHEM 112 General Chemistry
An introduction to the basic particles of matter, the modern concept of the atom, chemical bonding and the structure of chemical compounds. The physical and chemical properties of some elements and compounds are examined. Reaction equilibrium and kinetics, acid-base theory,...
COSC 216 Programming I
This course provides fundamental programming expertise in a higher-level computational language, focusing on such constructs as user defined functions, recursion versus iteration and files usage. The student also will engage in computational thinking and techniques of general problem solving, with...
MATH 211 Calculus I
Concepts of calculus emphasizing applications in the natural and social sciences. Topics include differential calculus of one and two variables and integration. Prerequisites: three and one-half units of high school mathematics including trigonometry, Math 170, or a minimum ALEKS score...
MATH 212 Calculus II
Theory and applications of single variable calculus with an emphasis on writing clear explanations and proofs. Topics include real numbers, limits, derivatives, integrals, antidifferentiation techniques, function approximation, sequences, and series. Prerequisite: A grade of C or higher in Math 211...
MATH 213 Multivariate Calculus
Differentiation and integration of functions of two and three variables and an introduction to vector calculus. Topics include optimization, vector fields, line and surface integrals, and Green’s Theorem. Prerequisite: Math 211.
MATH 321 Differential Equations
The solution and application of ordinary differential equations; analytic solutions for linear systems; qualitative behavior of nonlinear systems; approximation and computer methods. Prerequisite: Math 211.
PHYS 105 Physics & Engineering
An introduction to the department and to physics and engineering as careers. Presentations by faculty and students of research, introduction to the scientific literature and scientific writing, group lab and design projects. Offered every fall.
PHYS 203 General Physics
A calculus and vector treatment of basic physics. This is the first semester, which includes mechanics of motion, vibration and sound. Required of physics majors. Offered every fall. Prerequisite or Concurrent: Math 211.
PHYS 204 General Physics
A calculus and vector treatment of basic physics. This is the second semester, which includes electric and magnetic fields, light and optics. Required of physics majors. Offered every spring. Prerequisites: Math 211, Phys 203.
PHYS 220 Engineering Statics
A basic engineering course studying static equilibrium. Vector algebra, free-body diagrams and static equilibrium of moments and forces are used to solve problems in two and three dimensions. Topics include methods of solving frames, trusses and machines, distributed forces, determination...
PHYS 302 Analytical Mechanics
Newtonian mechanics based on the formulation of Lagrange and Hamilton. Conservation of mechanical energy and energy methods to find trajectories. Applications to oscillations, orbital motion, scattering, rigid body motion. Special topics include chaos theory and relativity. Offered in fall of...
PHYS 304 Electronics
Introduction to analog and digital electronics and robotics. The focus is on design and construction of practical circuitry which can be used to build useful devices. After the analog and digital groundwork is laid, students learn to program microcontrollers to...
PHYS 310 Thermodynamics
A study of classical thermodynamics including thermodynamic and chemical potentials, kinetic theory of gases, and chemical kinetics. An introduction to statistical mechanics is presented. Applications include studies of material properties and engineering systems. Includes a laboratory. Engineering Physics majors may...
PHYS 410 Senior Seminar
An exploration of the relations between science and religion using the “self” as an organizing lens to focus on what it means to be human. Discussion, preparation, presentation of papers and written reflections in a student-led seminar. Offered every spring....