Are you a mechanical engineering student looking to expand your skill set? This article unveils a new dual-degree programme merging mechanical engineering and physics, offering a powerful combination for future career success. Learn how this unique program streamlines your education, allowing you to achieve a Bachelor of Science in Physics while enhancing your mechanical engineering expertise.
Engineering and Physics Unite: A New Dual-degree Programme
For students seeking a competitive edge, dual-degree programs offer a streamlined path to expertise in multiple fields [[1]]. The cullen College of Engineering and the college of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM) now offer an innovative Mechanical Engineering (BSME)/ Physics (BS) dual-degree program, designed to provide students with a comprehensive skill set for tackling complex challenges.
Program Overview
This program allows Mechanical Engineering (MECE) majors to earn a Bachelor of Science in Physics (PHYS) with just one additional year—30 credit hours—of coursework. To be eligible, MECE majors must meet NSM’s change-of-major requirements at the time of declaring the dual-degree.
Two Paths to Dual Expertise
Students can pursue this dual-degree in one of two ways:
- Simultaneous Completion: Complete coursework for both the Mechanical Engineering and physics degrees concurrently, ensuring both are finished within six years.
- Sequential Completion: Finish the Mechanical Engineering bachelor’s degree first, then begin the Physics program within one year of completing the engineering degree. The physics requirements must be completed within three years of starting that program.
The Physics Curriculum: Key Courses
The additional 30 credit hours required for the B.S. in Physics include a focused selection of advanced courses:
- MATH 3364: Introduction to Complex Analysis (3 credit hours)
- PHYS 3315: Modern Physics (3 credit hours)
- PHYS 3316: quantum Mechanics (3 credit hours)
- PHYS 3214: Advanced Laboratory II (2 credit hours)
- PHYS 4321: intermediate Electromagnetic Theory I (3 credit hours)
- PHYS 4322: Intermediate electromagnetic theory II (3 credit hours)
- Elective Options (Choose One):
- PHYS 4421: Electrical Devices and Their Applications (4 credit hours)
- OR PHYS 3312: Modern Optics (3 credit hours) AND PHYS 3112: Modern Optics Laboratory (1 credit hour)
- Three Physics electives at the 3000-level or higher (9 credit hours)
Strategic Course Substitutions
To streamline the dual-degree path, the program allows specific course substitutions, leveraging the overlap between the mechanical engineering and Physics curricula. This approach acknowledges the interdisciplinary nature of modern science and engineering [[1]].
| Course Completed in Mechanical Engineering Degree | Course Substituted in B.S. in Physics |
|---|---|
| MATH 3321 engineering Math | MATH 2318 Linear Algebra |
| MATH 3321 Engineering Math | MATH 3331 Differential Equations |
| MECE 3360 Experimental Methods | PHYS 3110 Advanced Lab Analysis |
| MECE 3360 Experimental Methods | PHYS 3313 Advanced Laboratory |
| MECE 3336 Mechanics II | PHYS 3309 Intermediate Mechanics |
| MECE 4343 Thermal Design | PHYS 3327 Thermal Physics |
Students retain the option to take PHYS 3309, PHYS 3327, and/or PHYS 3313 & 3310 to fulfill some or all of their Physics electives requirements, providing flexibility in tailoring their education.
Waived Requirements
The program strategically waives certain requirements to optimize the dual-degree path. Specifically:
- The special requirement of 6 credit hours of Life and Physical Sciences courses.
- Any additional free elective credit hours for the B.S. in Physics.
- Requirements for the 1 credit hour introductory laboratory classes, PHYS 2125 and PHYS 2126.
Expert Guidance
For inquiries about the program, including how to get started and interest in applying to a Physics graduate program, contact Prof. Daniel Cherdack, Program Coordinator and student advisor, at ddcherdack@uh.edu.
Prof. Daniel Cherdack, Program Coordinator and student advisor
The Value of Dual Degrees
Dual-degree programs are gaining popularity as they allow students to earn two separate degrees in a shorter amount of time
[[2]]. Unlike double majoring,completing a dual-degree program results in two distinct diplomas,showcasing expertise in both mechanical engineering and physics. Popular combinations include business and computer science, public health and social work, and education and psychology [[2]]. This new offering expands the possibilities for ambitious students.
