Difference bewteen Engineering Physics and

[RESmonkey]

physics.uiuc.edu/education/undergraduate/advising_info.htm

There's 4 ways to go into Physics. The College of Engineering has its own Engineering Physics, while the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has it's own:

"Science and Letters" -?
"Specialized" -?

The teaching option I'm not really interested in.

BTW, I'm already in the College of Engineering. Just need to choose which Physics to switch to.

 

[MrFish]

I am a student in Engineering Physics in the U of I.

Basically you can get a degree in physics in one of the four ways: Engineering Physics (degree awarded by the College of Engineering), LAS Physics (Sciences and Letters), LAS Specialized Curriculum in Physics, and LAS Physics Teaching concentration (degrees awarded by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences). The Department of Physics, however, is in the College of Engineering.

There are a number of options in Engineering Physics, like professional option, biophysics, computational physics, optics, electronics, etc. The professional option of the Engineering Physics is almost the same as the Specialized Curriculum in Physics in LAS. The only differences are the foreign language requirement and the general education requirement between the two programs. College of Engineering has easier foreign language requirement, but LAS specialized curriculum has less gen-ed requirement. But after all, students in both programs take the same courses offered the same department. They are considered as the more "hard core" programs in physics.

On the other hand, the LAS sciences and letters curriculum is considered as an easier way to get a degree in physics (because it requires less core courses), but it is very flexible about multiple majors and minors (multiple major is not allowed in Engineering physics nor LAS specialized curriculum). However, in the sciences and letter curriculum you will have to fulfill a whole bunch of gen-ed courses (Note that LAS sciences and Letters has different gen-ed requirement with LAS specialized curriculum).

If you are in the CoE already, I would suggest you to switch to engineering physics because it's much easier (ICT is really annoying). However, if you want to do a double major, then go for LAS sciences and letters.

 

[Mene]

Engineering Physics and Physics are two distinct disciplines within the field of physics. While both involve the study of the fundamental laws and principles of the physical world, they have different focuses and applications.

Engineering Physics is a specialized branch of physics that applies scientific principles to the design, development, and optimization of engineering systems. It combines the analytical and problem-solving skills of physics with the practical and technical skills of engineering. Students in engineering physics typically take courses in both physics and engineering, allowing them to bridge the gap between theory and application. This field is ideal for those who are interested in pursuing careers in industries such as aerospace, materials science, and electronics.

On the other hand, Physics in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences focuses on the theoretical and experimental study of the natural world. It covers a broad range of topics, from classical mechanics and electromagnetism to quantum mechanics and cosmology. Students in this program typically have a strong foundation in mathematics and analytical thinking, and they may go on to pursue careers in research, academia, or other fields that require a deep understanding of the physical world.

The Science and Letters option in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences provides a more flexible curriculum for students who want to combine their physics studies with other disciplines, such as biology or chemistry. This option may be more suitable for those who are interested in interdisciplinary fields or who are unsure about their specific career goals.

The Specialized option in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences allows students to tailor their physics education to a specific area of interest, such as astrophysics or biophysics. This option may be ideal for those who have a clear career path in mind and want to focus their studies on a particular subfield of physics.

Ultimately, the best choice between Engineering Physics and Physics will depend on your interests and career goals. Consider what type of work you see yourself doing in the future and which program will provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to achieve those goals. I recommend speaking with an academic advisor or a faculty member in each program to gain a better understanding of the curriculum and career opportunities available in each option. Good luck with your decision!