2024-2025

Engineering (Dual Degree)

Math, Computer Studies, and Physics Department

Pamela O'Brien, Ph.D., Dean, School of Arts, Sciences and Business
Brian Christy, Ph.D., Program Coordinator

Degrees offered

Dual-Degree

Campuses

Main Campus

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

       BIO-111 Fundamentals of Biology(4)
       BIO-201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I or BIO-230 unity and Diversity(4)
       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)
       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

Introduces object-oriented programming including objects, classes, inheritance and polymorphism. Includes high-level structures such as pointers and arrays as well as data structures with stacks and queues. Prerequisite: CST-171 or MAT-211. Satisfies the technological competency requirement. [3 credits]

MAT-212 Calculus II

Studies trigonometric functions, integration by parts and tables, improper integrals, functions of two variables, partial derivatives, double integrals, differential equations, geometric and power series, basic convergence tests, Taylor polynomials and series, and Fourier polynomials and series. Applications are considered throughout the course with an emphasis on the life sciences. Weekly laboratory is an integral part of the course. Graphing calculator is used to explore topics covered. Prerequisite: Calculus I or placement into MAT-212. [4 credits]

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

Studies systems of linear equations and their respective solution set. Material covered has use in such fields as physical and biological science, business, economics, computing and cryptography. Topics include matrices, vector spaces, linear transformations, determinants, eigenspaces and approximation techniques. Prerequisite: MAT-110 or MAT-211. [3 credits]

MAT-315 Differential Equations

Introduces the solution, applications and theory of ordinary differential equations. Topics include: solutions of differential equations, initial value problems, boundary value problems, Laplace transforms and series solutions. Prerequisite: MAT-212. [3 credits]

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

Provides a survey of the field for students with interests in the health sciences. Topics include mechanics of motion, energy, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, atomic and nuclear structure, and radioactivity. Fulfills general education requirement in natural science. CAUS only. [3 credits]

PHY-114 Environmental Science for Educators

Interdisciplinary study of the interactions among the physical, chemical, biological, political and social forces which impact the environment. Provides students with scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies necessary to comprehend the relationships abundant within the natural world in order to identify problems, evaluate risks and examine solutions for resolving issues facing the global environment. Topics include the major biomes in the world, populations, biodiversity, water, air and land uses, energy resources, and waste management. [3 credits]

PHY-132 Environmental Science

Explores the global environment, focusing on current threats to the planet's well-being and presenting options for the future. Introduces the basic principles of ecology. Designed for non-science students. Laboratory and lecture integrated. Fulfills general education requirement in natural science. CAUS only. [3 credits]

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

Traces the development of ideas and theories that have shaped physics in the last 100 years. Topics include relativity, quantum theory, atomic and nuclear structure, particle physics and cosmology. Course can be used to fulfill minor in physics. Prerequisites: PHY-102 and MAT-212. [3 credits]

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

Develops the ideas of Electricity and Magnetism utilizing vector calculus formalism. Solves Maxwell's equations for a variety of different charge and current sources. Prerequisites: PHY-201 and MAT-212. [ 3 credits ]

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 ]

PHY-463 Investigation in Physics

Provides guided study of special topics of interest to the student under the direction of he instructor or supervised experiences in teaching physics topics. Students cannot tae both PHY-463 and IDS-496 for supervised experiences i teaching physics. Credit based on activity time. [ 1-4 credits ]