Engineering Physics


Q: Why is it best to teach physics on the edge of a cliff?

A: Because that’s where students have the most potential.

Hyper – X at Mach 7: This computational fluid dynamic (CFD) image is of the Hyper – X at the Mach 7 test condition with the engine operating. [Source]

What Is Engineering Physics?

Engineering Physics applies cutting-edge research in physics and engineering to real-world innovations in many modern technologies. People in engineering physics may design instruments for use in experiments (like a gravitational wave observatory) or develop devices that use physical phenomena (like quantum computers).

The Engineering Physics major provides students with both specialized physics and engineering courses. The courses cover pure math, applied math, experimental physics, theoretical physics, computer science, and programming. EngPhys has a long history of successful graduates. In fact, Engineering Science used to be called “Engineering Physics”.

Why Choose Engineering Physics (aka EngPhys)?

  • You want options! Lots of fields and industries require physics where you might not expect. For example, engineering physicists might work at environmental agencies to develop models of complex systems, like Earth’s atmosphere. Moreover, the fields of econophysics and quantitative finance are beginning to grow rapidly as financial companies recognize that the math and modeling in physics are useful in predicting systems like the stock market.

  • You’re interested in research! Physics is a field that is always rich in researchers and research topics, both theoretical and experimental. In EngPhys, you will learn about recent experiments that have confirmed or supported current theories. You will also have the courses necessary to pursue graduate studies after completing your degree.

     
  • You want more science in your engineering practice! Engineering physicists work with leading edge science, including new discoveries in computer science, math, and experimental physics.

Courses in Year 1 and Year 2 That Relate to EngPhys:

Year 1 

EVERYTHING!

Work in modern physics requires skills in math, programming, and physics. All your courses in first year will provide you with some skills you need if you want to do EngPhys.

PHY180: Classical Mechanics

PHY180 will introduce you to classical mechanics, which can be used to describe anything on the size of the human scale. The principles of classical mechanics (like energy and momentum) are also frequently used in modern physics.

ECE159: Fundamentals of Electrical Circuits

This course covers basic circuits. Electricity is a fundamental force in physics, and this course introduces you to the basics of it while giving you practical knowledge, i.e. How to physically build a series or parallel circuit.

ESC103: Engineering Mathematics and Computation and MAT185: Linear Algebra

These courses will introduce you to the basics of linear algebra and computational programming. Linear algebra is used all over physics, such as in Hermitian matrices in quantum mechanics, which you will take in second year. Computational programming is one of the most useful skills you can have for research or modeling, especially in the field of physics.

ESC180: Introduction to Computer Programming and ESC190: Computer Algorithms and Data Structures

These courses will introduce you to more techniques in programming and algorithm development.

ESC194: Calculus I and ESC195: Calculus II

These courses cover calculus, the most important field of math for physics! In later years, you will build upon what you learn in these courses to learn more sophisticated mathematical techniques.

MSE160: Molecules and Materials

The first half of MSE160 will cover fundamental quantum mechanics like electrons, the wave function, and photon emission. The second half will introduce you to some material properties that are derived from classical mechanics, like stress, shear, and tension. CIV102 (Structures and Materials) will cover these topics as well from a structural engineering perspective.

Praxis I and Praxis II

These courses may not involve complex math or physics, but they will expose you to testing and development that is common in the development of experiments, devices, and instruments.

Year 2 

ALMOST EVERYTHING!

Again, many of the courses in second year refine upon the diverse topics you cover in first year, and are equally valuable to developing the skills you’ll need in EngPhys.

PHY293: Waves and Modern Physics

PHY293 covers waves and the very basics of general relativity. You can model many phenomena and objects as waves in physics, so this course gives you the mathematical tools for that. The two largest branches of physics today are quantum mechanics and general relativity, so this course’s introduction to general relativity is essential.

PHY294: Quantum and Thermal Physics

PHY294 serves as an introduction to quantum mechanics in the first half, and thermal physics in its second half. Both these fields are essential in modern physics. The quantum mechanics half covers the mathematical theory and the crucial experiments that produced some important observations in quantum mechanics. The thermal physics half shows how a few basic principles can be used to make a sophisticated theory.

CHE260: Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer

CHE260 is another two-part course. In the thermodynamics half, you will learn about some properties of gasses. In the second half, you will study how geometry and materials can affect the rate at which objects heat up and cool down. Both halves use basic chemistry and classical mechanics.

AER210: Vector Calculus & Fluid Mechanics

AER210 extends the calculus of first year into the third dimension in its first half. In the second half, you will study some of the physics surrounding fluids using more classical mechanics.

MAT292: Ordinary Differential Equations

MAT292 will introduce you to differential equations, one of the most common mathematical modelling tools in physics. A lot of the examples in this course are related to physics, so you will quickly see how closely related the two fields are.

ECE286 (Probability and Statistics)

ECE286 will introduce you to the fundamentals of probability and statistics. Statistical mechanics is one of the most important fields in modern physics, and has wide application in quantum mechanics. ECE286 will provide you with the tools you need to begin studying statistical mechanics. Statistics and probability are also of deep interest in experimental physics, especially when considering the validity of an experiment’s results (error and uncertainty).

Interesting Courses in This Major

PHY327 – Advanced Physics Laboratory

PHY327 introduces students to current experimental research. The course has a focus on learning about different instrumentation used in physics experiments. On top of the standard set of experiments, there are also a limited number of research projects available.

Where To Get Some Experience Before Deciding? 

The HPVDT

The Human-Powered Vehicles Design Team (HPVDT) designs and constructs innovative, high-performance, human-powered vehicles. They are currently focusing on designing high-speed aerodynamic vehicles that reach speeds in excess of 100 km/hr. As a member of the team, you’ll have the opportunity to work with composites and other advanced materials. You’ll also design the aerodynamic, mechanical, structural, and electrical components of the bicycle.
The HPVDT has two types of roles for new students: General Team Member and Electronics Team Member. You can visit their application page to learn more about the responsibilities of each position.

UTAT

UTAT is an award-winning design team comprising undergraduate and graduate students working on amazing design projects in the field of Aerospace. They have several different divisions you can try: Rocketry, Aerial Robotics, UAV, Space Systems, Outreach, and Aerospace Policy. UTAT also has a history of breaking records, winning competitions, and doing overall exciting work.

UTAT is always looking for motivated members who are interested in computer programming, math, physics, engineering, electronics, and design. A lot of the work they do builds and uses skills that are crucial in engineering physics.

ASX

The Astronomy & Space Exploration Society (ASX) is run by undergraduate students at U of T. ASX’s main purpose is to educate and excite people about astronomy and space. ASX holds 10 or more events each year with hundreds of attendees. Their biggest event is usually the Annual Symposium which has attracted an audience of up to 500 people. ASX also has the privilege of inviting many prominent professionals and speakers in astronomy and related fields, including Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield! Joining ASX is a great way to learn about physics and astronomy, and how we can bring them to the general public.

 
Visit the Skule Clubs and Design Teams pages to find more extracurriculars. 

Check out the EngSci majors website here for more info: