Physics and engineering find an integral presence in the world we live in. While engineering is critical to the design and development of our day-to-day instruments and equipment, physics is concerned with how the various components of the universe interact with each other. By combining these important scientific disciplines, engineering physics comprises a unique integration. It encompasses the study of theoretical physics, instrumentation, and communication. And if you are interested in pursuing this domain under engineering branches that balance both theoretical and practical aspects of science, there are many possibilities that you can choose from. Through this article, we will take a look at what is involved in engineering physics as a career, the courses offered as well as the major institutes that you can choose from.
What is Engineering Physics?
In Engineering Physics, students get to learn about the designing of various devices, including electromechanical systems, electronics used in communication, measurement as well as the acquisition of data, photovoltaics, optics, etc. It is one of the best engineerings. Courses for the future as they aim to blend the interdisciplinary nature of these areas.
Major Courses in Engineering Physics:
There are several degrees and diplomas offered in Engineering Physics that one can choose from. Below is a list of some of the popular bachelor’s and master’s courses available in this particular field of study:
- Bachelor of Engineering in EP
- Bachelor of Science in EP
- And Bachelor of Technology in EP
- Master of Science in EP
- MEng in Engineering Physics
- Masters in Physics (Applied and Engineering Physics)
Engineering Physics: Subjects Covered
The subjects covered under BE/BTech or MTech in Engineering Physics programs aim to cover the basics and interdisciplinary nature of this domain. To help you understand the various Engineering Physics syllabus, we have compiled a comprehensive list of topics below.
- Semiconductor device
- Statistical mechanics
- Heat and thermodynamics
- Electromagnetics
- Engineering optics
- Quantum mechanics
- Nuclear science and engineering
- Analog and digital electronics
- Microprocessor Architecture and Programming
- Laser and photonics
- Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy
- Computational physics
Top Universities Offering Courses in Engineering Physics
There are many colleges and universities that offer courses in this field across the world. The following paragraphs describe in detail some of the leading institutions as well as their potential programs in this area:
KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden
Established in the year 1827, the KTH Royal Institute of Technology is one of the most respected and largest technical universities in Sweden. It is majorly known for the wide range of technology and engineering courses offered at the undergraduate and master’s levels. KTH offers Master’s degree programs in Engineering Physics to students from all over the world.
Heriot-Watt University, UK
According to QS World University Rankings: Engineering & Tech 2019, Heriot-Watt University is featured at #243. Established in the year 1821 as the world’s first mechanics institute, this university is located in Edinburgh, UK. Degrees offered by the institute in this field include a BSc (Hons) in Engineering Physics and a Master of Physics in Engineering Physics.
Technical University of Munich, Germany
Established in the year 1868, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) is one of the renowned educational institutions in Europe. Located in Munich, Germany, it is a research-oriented university and offers various courses in engineering and technology. In addition, TUM offers a Masters’s in Physics (Applied and Engineering Physics), securing the 22nd rank in the QS World University Rankings 2019 list for Engineering and Technology.
Aberystwyth University, UK
Founded in 1827, Aberystwyth University (AU) is one of the leading and notable research institutions in the United Kingdom. According to the National Student Survey 2019, AU ranks among the top universities in England and Wales in terms of overall student satisfaction. This university offers MEng and BEng in Engineering Physics to its domestic and international students.
Apart from the above, some of the major institutes that you should explore in this field are:
- Stanford University, United States
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, United States
- University of British Columbia, Canada
- Queen’s University, Canada
- Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
Career Prospects:
At the conclusion of your course, you can explore many possibilities in different sectors, whether public or private. Some of the major recruiters of engineering physics graduates are defense organizations, space research centers, IT companies, research institutes, etc. Some of the important job profiles available in the specific sector are:
- Industrial Engineer
- Research scientist
- Physicists
- Financial Analyst
- Aerospace engineer
- Medical physicist engineer
- Optical engineer
- Data analyst
- Nuclear and materials scientist
Therefore, we hope that this article has helped you to understand what is the field of Engineering Physics.
Apart from this, you can also do a course in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. It provides information on the development, testing, design, manufacture, maintenance, and operation of aircraft, military aircraft, space aircraft, missiles, satellites, etc.