Engineering Dual Degree

Major- Physics
Minor-

For Course Offerings and Program Requirements see The Hiram College Catalog.

   1. Which courses are for first year students who wish to explore new areas of interest, but have no clear intent to major in this area?

      If a student is considering engineering, it is best to take Mathematics 198-199 (Calculus I & II) the first year. A student may also take Physics 213 (which has the prerequisite of either high school physics or Physics 113). Suggested courses would be Chem 120 and Chem 121. It would be best if they had a chance to meet with one of the physics faculty first, however. If the student needs to take prerequisites before taking the calculus sequence, it is imperative that those be taken the first year. This student absolutely needs to speak to one of the physics faculty because their schedule will be extremely tight.

      We also have a one-credit-hour course, Physics 250, Introduction to Laboratory Instruments, that is a hands-on way to learn how to use an oscilloscope, digital multimeter, function generator and other types of equipment often seen in science labs. The student will also learn to solder, make and check a cable and wire some simple circuits.
   2. What is the desirable course work a prospective major/minor should complete by the end of their first year and the end of their second year?

      Majors:By the end of a student’s first year it is desirable that they have completed Mathematics 198-199 (Calculus I & II) and Physics 213-214 (Fundamentals of Physics I & II). By the end of their second year both Physics 213-214 and Mathematics 198-199 need to be completed. It is also essential to have taken Mathematics 218 (Linear Algebra) by the end of the second year. The students will find it useful to have taken PHYS 250 (Intro to Lab Instruments) in their first year.

      If a student takes Physics 213-214 their first year, then by the end of their second year, it is desirable to have completed Physics 320 (Modern Physics), its co-requisite Mathematics 200 (Calculus III), Physics 330 (Mechanics) and Mathematics 218 and 243 (Differential Equations). It is also helpful to take at least one of the upper level physics courses offered in the spring of the second year.

      Minors:
   3. What is the minimum a prospective major/minor must do by the end of their first and second year?

      Majors:At a minimum students interested in completing a Physics/Engineering major should have taken Mathematics 198 (Calculus I), 199 (Calculus II), and 218 (Linear Algebra) and Physics 213-214 by the end of the second year. Physics 250, Intro to Lab Instruments, should be taken during the first (best) or second year.

      Minors:
   4. How important is it for a student with some interest in majoring in your area to make contact with a member of your department?

      It is extremely important that a student interested in majoring in Physics/Engineering talk with a member of the Physics Department before enrolling n courses for the first semester of their first year.
   5. What are the major pitfalls a student should avoid during their first year and how can an advisor help the student to avoid them?

      Not getting started in the calculus sequence right away if the student has the preparation to do so. If a student cannot begin the calculus sequence in the first year, then it is essential that the prerequisites be taken that year and also essential that they speak with a member of the physics department before registration.

      Not talking with a member of the Physics Department before enrolling in courses for the student’s first semester.

See hard copy for Binary (Dual Degree) Engineering Program at Hiram College.