Engineering (Dual Degree)
Pamela O'Brien, Ph.D., Dean, School of Arts, Sciences and Business
Brian Christy, Ph.D., Program Coordinator
Degrees offered
Campuses
The School of Arts, Sciences, and Business has established a dual-degree program enabling qualified students in the traditional undergraduate program to earn both a Bachelor of Arts degree from Notre Dame and a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from one of the following schools:
- G.W.C. Whiting School of Engineering at The Johns Hopkins University
- McKelvey School of Engineering at Washinton University of St. Louis
- Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science at Columbia University
Summary
This integrated dual-degree program will enable the student to broaden their knowledge of the liberal arts and sciences and to develop their professional experience in a selected field of engineering.
Graduates of the Program have positions with organizations such as NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center, Lockheed Martin, U.S. Naval Research Laboratories, CSX Corporation, Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Baltimore Gas and Electric Corp., U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center, Thornton Tomasetti, and the Peace Corps.
Students in the Program will be admitted initially by Notre Dame where they will complete General Education Requirements and advanced work in a Major for the Bachelor of Arts degree, such as Chemistry, Computer Information Systems, Mathematics or Physics. Each student will then apply to Johns Hopkins, Washington University of St. Louis or Columbia University; admission is competitive and is not guaranteed. If admitted, the student will spend an additional two years completing the requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree in one of the following disciplines:
- Biomedical Engineering encompasses the application of engineering principles to medical and biological problems (available at Columbia University and Washinton University of St. Louis).
- Chemical Engineering relies upon the laws of chemistry, physics and mathematics to change the constitution of substances via chemical processes. Chemical engineers develop processes, design equipment, operate plants and guide applications, and work in the chemical, petroleum, metallurgy, plastics and pharmaceutical industries (The Johns Hopkins University, Washington University of St. Louis, or Columbia University).
- Civil Engineering reflects the breadth of the engineering disciplines in the planning and designing of the nation's buildings, bridges, transportation systems and environmental programs (The Johns Hopkins University, or Columbia University).
- Electrical and Computer Engineering includes the fields of communications, control systems, electronics and digital systems (The Johns Hopkins University, Washington University of St. Louis, or Columbia University).
- Materials Science and Engineering is concerned with the characterization and manipulation of structure, properties, performance, processing and production of all materials (The Johns Hopkins University or Columbia University).
- Mechanical Engineering deals with the concerns of energy through useful mechanical devices (The Johns Hopkins University, Washington University of St. Louis, or Columbia University).
When the Bachelor of Science degree is awarded from the engineering school, the Bachelor of Arts degree from Notre Dame also will be granted.
Students with an interest in disciplines not represented in the above-itemized list or are interested in pursing the Field of Engineering at another institution should contact the Program Coordinator to determine the most appropriate instructional path to meet your educational interests.
Students with advanced standing, AP, CLEP, or articulated transfer credits are encouraged to contact the Program Coordinator to determine the most appropriate instructional path to meet your educational interests. Advanced or highly motivated students often complete NDMU requirements in less than 4 years. See below for a sample Program of Study.
Students who wish to pursue a dual degree will make preliminary application during their first year of study at Notre Dame. Because of its proximity to Notre Dame's campus, a student may complete select courses at Hopkins during her sophomore and junior years.
Transfer students planning to pursue the dual degree in Engineering should clearly indicate their desired participation on the Application.
Questions regarding eligibility for the Program should be directed to the Program Coordinator.
Programs of Study
Dual-Degree Programs in Physics and Civil, Computer, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering
Dual-degree programs available in Physics and one of the following fields of engineering: Civil, Computer, Electrical, or Mechanical.
A student enrolled in this Program generally follows the Major requirements for Physics at Notre Dame through the junior year.
Required Courses
PHY-101 and 102 General Physics I, II (8)
PHY-201 Modern Physics (3)
PHY-316L Classical Mechanics (3)
MAT-211, 212, 213 Calculus I, II, III (11)
MAT-214 Calculus of Vector Fields (1)
MAT-243 Linear Algebra (3)
MAT-315 Differential Equations (3)
CST-171 Programming Concepts (3) or CST-295 C++ Programming (3)
CHM-110, 111 General Chemistry I, II (8)
PHY-314 Quantum Physics I (3)
PHY-315 Electricity and Magnetism I (3)
ECO-212 Principles of Microeconomics (3)
PHY 463 Investigations in Physics (1-4)
Credit is earned for PHY 463 by completing one of the following:
- Internship
- Teaching Apprenticeship
- Research Experience
At least two other courses in either Physics (300+ level), Mathematics (300+ level), Computer Information Systems (200+ level), or Engineering chosen (200+ level) in consultation with the program advisor (7 credit total)
Students interested in specific engineering fields should consult with the coordinator for additional course suggestions specific to their engineering field.
Dual-Degree Program in Chemistry and in Chemical or Materials Science and Engineering
A student enrolled in this Program follows the Major requirements for the Chemistry degree at Notre Dame through the junior year. Consult the department coordinator for Chemistry Program of Study requirements. Students should indicate their interest to the Department Coordinator and declare a Major in Chemistry. Depending on a student's interest and background, a dual degree in physics can also be considered. Students should discuss with the Program Advisor for more information.
Please take note of cycling of advanced courses and consult the engineering institution for additional requirements.
Required Courses
CHM-210, 211 Organic Chemistry I and II (8)
CHM-301, 302 Physical Chemistry I and II (8)
CHM-303 Analytical Chemistry (4)
PHY-101, 102 General Physics I and II (8)
PHY-201 Modern Physics (3)
MAT-211, 212 Calculus I and II (8)
MAT-315 Differential Equations (3)
ECO-212 Principles of Microeconomics (3)
Dual-Degree Program in Chemistry and in Biomedical Engineering
A student enrolled in this Program follows a modified version of the Major requirements for Chemistry at Notre Dame. Students should indicate their interest to the Department Coordinator and declare a Major in Chemistry. Depending on a student's interest and background a dual degree in Physics can also be considered. Students should discuss this option with the program advisor for more information.
Please take note of cycling of advanced courses and consult the engineering institution for additional requirements.
Required Courses
BIO-111 Fundamentals of Biology
BIO-201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I or BIO-230 Unity and Diversity
CHM-110, 111 General Chemistry I and II (8)
CHM-210, 211 Organic Chemistry I and II (8)
CHM-301, 302 Physical Chemistry I and II (8)
PHY-101, 102 General Physics I and II (8)
PHY-201 Modern Physics (3)
MAT-211, 212 and 213 Calculus I, II and III (11)
MAT-243 Linear Algebra (3)
MAT-315 Differential Equations (3)
CST-171 Programming Concepts (3) or CST-295 C++ Programming (3)
ECO-212 Principles of Microeconomics (3)
Five-Year Plan
Below is a sample Program of Study for the dual-degree Physics/Engineering Major. Students should select courses with the assistance of a faculty advisor.
See course descriptions for a list of required courses and description of course and program options.
Fall | Spring | ||
---|---|---|---|
First year | |||
PHY-101 General Physics I + Lab | 4 | PHY-102 General Physics II + Lab | 4 |
MAT-211 Calculus I + Lab | 4 | MAT-212 Calculus II + Lab | 4 |
General Education/Program Elective | 3 | MAT-243 Linear Algebra | 3 |
ENG-101 College Writing | 3 | CST 171 Programming Concepts | 3 |
NDMU-100 Perspectives in Education | 4 | General Education/Program Elective | 3 |
[18 credits] | [17 credits] | ||
Second year | |||
PHY-201 Modern Physics | 3 | PH 316L Classical Mechanics* | 3 |
General Education/Program Elective | 3 | MAT-315 Differential Equations or elective |
3 |
MAT-213 Calculus III | 3 | MAT-214 Calculus of Vector Fields | 1 |
CHM-110 General Chemistry I | 4 | General Education | 9 |
ECO-212 Principles of Microeconomics | 3 | [18 credits] | |
[17 credits] | |||
Third year | |||
PH 314 Quantum Mechanics I* | 3 | Program Elective* | 3 |
PH 315 Electricity and Magnetism | 3 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
General Education/Program Electives | 12 | General Education/Program Elective | 9 |
[18 credits] | Inv in Physics | 1 - 3 | |
[17 - 19 credits] | |||
Fourth and Fifth Year: Engineering School | |||
Courses to be determined by program and school chosen | |||
NOTES:
Students interested in specific engineering fields should consult with their Program Coordinator for course suggestions when choosing Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science or Engineering courses.
*Courses with a designation of "L" are taught at Loyola. Notre Dame students take the courses through the Cooperative Program. For more information, contact the Program Coordinator.
Compressed semester courses (Winterim, Fall 1, Fall 2, Spring 1, Spring 2, and Maymester) should be reserved for General Education Requirements. Upper Division Courses should be taken during a standard 16-week term.
See individual Program sections for course descriptions.
Courses
CHM-111 General Chemistry II
Focuses on fundamental chemical concepts and principles with emphasis on inorganic compounds. Explores descriptive and quantitative aspects of chemistry, including atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, states of matter, solutions, basic thermodynamics, electrochemistry, equilibrium, acids and bases, and kinetics. Laboratory is coordinated with lecture and emphasizes basic techniques such as titration, spectroscopy, and quantitative and qualitative analysis, along with inorganic synthesis and calculator-based experiments. Three lectures, one discussion period and one laboratory each week. High school algebra required. Prerequisites: CHM-110 with a minimum grade of C or permission of Chair. Permission of the instructor is required to enroll in CHM-111 if the prerequisite CHM-110 was not fulfilled at Notre Dame. [ 4 credits ]
CST-171 Programming Concepts
Introduces computer programming using the Python programming language. Emphasizes logical approaches for algorithmic solutions to solve realistic applications. Explores programming structures such as decisions, repetitions, sub procedures, functions, and arrays using program design with object-oriented concepts. Introduces a variety of program types to meet various business needs. Fulfills the general education requirement of thinking critically and analytically. [ 3 credits]
CST-295 C++ Object-Oriented Programming
MAT-212 Calculus II
MAT-213 Calculus III
Covers visualization of functions of two variables, contour graphs, vector geometry, partial derivatives, gradient vector, directional derivatives, constrained optimization, double integral in rectangular and polar coordinates, triple integrals in rectangular, cylindrical and spherical coordinates, analysis of parametric
curves and surfaces, vector fields, line integrals and their applications, the Fundamental Theorem of Line Integrals, Green's Theorem, flux integrals, divergence and curl, Stokes' Theorum and the Divergence Theorem. Applications are considered throughout the course. A computer algebra system is used to explore topics covered. Prerequisite: Calculus II or placement into MAT-213. [4 credits]
MAT-243 Linear Algebra
MAT-315 Differential Equations
PHY-101 General Physics I
Examines the fundamental physical laws of nature and their use in understanding natural phenomena. Course provides a knowledge base for study in all areas of science and mathematics. Topics include kinematics, conservation of energy and momentum, dynamics of motion, Newton's laws, rotational mechanics, and waves. Special topics such as the universal law of gravity and fluids will be covered depending on time and student interest. Development of the concepts of vector algebra and calculus are provided as needed. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory weekly. Course must be taken with PHY-101L. Pre-requisites: MAT-107 or MAT-110 or MAT-211. Students intending to continue with PHY-102 should take MAT-211. [4 credits]
PHY-101L Lab: General Physics I
This lab is a co-requisite for PHY 101.
PHY-102 General Physics II
Examines the fundamental physical laws of nature and their use in understanding natural phenomena. Continues the development from PHY-101 to topics
including: Thermodynaics, electricity and magnetism, circuits, optics, and the wave nature of light. Special topics such as the universal law of gravitation and A/C circuits will be overed depending on time and student interest. Development of the concepts of vector algebra and calculus are provided as needed. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory weekly. Course must be taken with PHY-102L. Prerequisite: MAT-211 or permission of instructor. [4 credits]
PHY-102L Lab: General Physics II
This lab is a co-requisite for PHY 102.
PHY-111 College Physics
PHY-114 Environmental Science for Educators
PHY-132 Environmental Science
PHY-155 Introduction to Astronomy
Examines the history and current understanding of the universe beyond the Earth. Surveys the night sky, the history of astronomical models, and current models for the lifecycle of stars, galaxies, and the universe as a whole. Physical laws that describe motion, gravity, and light will be explained. Special attention will be paid to the methods that scientists use to develop their models and evidence discovered to support them. The course will utilize the planetarium when
possible. Fulfills the general education requirement in natural science and the general education requirement in Scientific reasoning. Three one hour lectures and one three hour laboratory weekly. [4 credits].
PHY-155L Lab: Introduction to Astronomy
This lab is a co-requisite for PSY-155.
[ 0 credits ]
PHY-201 Modern Physics
PHY-314 Quantum Mechanics
Develops the ideas of Quantum Mechanics using Schrodinger's Equation as applied to several interesting situatins, both 1D and 3D, as well as the mathematical formalisms utilized to derive the results. Applications involve atomic physics and other topics contingent upon time and interest. Prerequisites: PHY-201 and MAT-212. [ 3 credits ]
PHY-315 Electricity and Magnetism
PHY-330 Introduction to Modern Astrophysics
Studies the discipline of astrophysics through a survey of topics including an introduction to general relativity, an introduction to modern telescopes, and applications such as stellar astrophysics, black holes, galaxies, and/or cosmology. Prerequisites: MAT-212, PHY-201 and traditional undergraduate students only and Loyola University students through the Baltimore Student Exchange Program. [ 3 credits ]
PHY-411 Topics in Physics
Examines a special topic in physics at a level appropriate for an upper-level physics elective. Examples may include particle physics, experimental methods in astrophysics, or relativity. Some topics may include a lab section. Credit hours will be based on the level of engagement planned for the topic. Prerequisite: PHY-102. Corequisite: PHY-201. [ 1-4 credits ]