The HTC engineering physics program is for students interested in physics with an orientation toward applications, or for those who are interested in engineering, but would like a deep understanding of fundamentals. Often such students work on problems that do not lie in a traditional branch of engineering. The requirements for the engineering physics program are the same as those from the physics major in HTC, but students also take a series of courses in one or more engineering disciplines. It should be noted that such a degree will generally NOT satisfy the accreditation criteria of the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET). On the other hand, there is more flexibility in designing a curriculum to meet individual interests. For students that do courses mostly in one engineering discipline, it is possible to declare a major in that engineering discipline and stay for a fifth year to do the senior design project in the engineering discipline and complete the requirements for bachelor's degree in that major. This two-degree program, however, requires students to fulfill the general education requirements for the Russ College of Engineering. The program of courses for students wishing to pursue this option is overseen by the HTC engineering physics director of studies and by an advisor in the engineering discipline.
Research
Engineering physics students are strongly encouraged to gain experience as research assistants, either in the Physics and Astronomy Department's laboratories or through temporary internships at other universities, research centers or national labs. Research work usually begins in the third or fourth year, though opportunities can sometimes arise earlier, and often become the basis of the student's senior thesis. Research opportunities are available in the Department in the following areas:
- Condensed Matter and Surface Science: creating, studying, and simulating the properties of existing or new substances, such as thin magnetic films, semiconductors and glasses. _x000D_
- Nuclear and Particle Physics: investigating how the basic building blocks of matter interact with each other, and how they combine to form the elements we know. _x000D_
- Biophysics: using experimental techniques and computer modeling to understand processes in living systems, including cell adhesion and interacting neurons. _x000D_
Opportunities may also be found with faculty in the Russ College of Engineering. In addition, advanced students interested in teaching can sometimes be given paid appointments as teaching assistants.