Engineering

Math, Computer Studies, and Physics Department

Brian Christy, Ph.D., Program Coordinator, Mathematics, Physics and Computer Studies Department
Alfred T. D'Agostino, Ph.D., Coordinator, Chemistry Department

Degrees offered

Dual-Degree

Campuses

Main Campus

The School of Arts and Sciences has established a dual-degree program enabling qualified Women's College students to earn both a bachelor of arts degree from Notre Dame and a bachelor of science degree from either the G.W.C. Whiting School of Engineering at The Johns Hopkins University, or the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science at Columbia University.A transfer program to the University of Maryland College of Engineering at College Park is also available that results in two bachelor degrees.

This integrated dual-degree program will enable the student to broaden her knowledge of the liberal arts and sciences and to develop her 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 and the Peace Corps.

Students in the program will be admitted initially by Notre Dame, where they typically will spend three years fulfilling general education requirements and completing advanced work in a major for the bachelor of arts degree, such as chemistry, computer science, mathematics or physics. Each student will then apply to Johns Hopkins, the University of Maryland, 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:

Aerospace engineering is concerned with the physical understanding, analysis and design of aerospace vehicles operating within and above the atmosphere (University of Maryland).
Biomedical engineering encompasses the application of engineering principles to medical and biological problems (only available at Columbia University).
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, University of Maryland 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, University of Maryland or Columbia University).
Electrical and Computer engineering includes the fields of communications, control systems, electronics and digital systems (The Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland 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, University of Maryland or Columbia University).
Mechanical engineering deals with the concerns of energy through useful mechanical devices (The Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland 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. It is possible to receive a bachelor of arts degree from Notre Dame in four years if a student is able to complete the chosen Notre Dame major and the student attends the School of Engineering at University of Maryland, College Park. Please see the program coordinator for details on this option.

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 take some courses at Hopkins during her sophomore and junior years.

Transfer students planning to pursue the dual degree in engineering should clearly indicate that on the application form. Questions about eligibility for the program should be directed to the program coordinator.

Programs of Study

Dual-Degree Programs in Physics and Aerospace, Civil, Computer, Electrical and Mechanical or Nuclear Engineering

Dual-degree programs available in physics and one of the following fields of engineering: aerospace, civil, computer, electrical and mechanical or nuclear.

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-411L Quantum Physics I (3)
PHY-427L Electricity and Magnetism II (3)
ECO-212 Principles of Microeconomics (3)

Physics majors are expected to complete at least one of the following:
Internship
Teaching Apprenticeship
Research Experience

At least two other courses in either physics, mathematics, computer science or engineering at the 300 level or higher (6)

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 major program requirements. Students should indicate their interest to the department coordinator and declare a major in chemistry.

Please take note of cycling of advanced courses and consult the engineering institution for additional requirements.

Required Courses

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.

Please take note of cycling of advanced courses and consult the engineering institution for additional requirements.

Required Courses

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

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	4	PHY-102 General Physics II	4
MAT-211 Calculus I	4	MAT-212 Calculus II	4
General Education/Elective	3	CST-171 Programming Concepts or MAT-243 Linear Algebra	3
ENG-101 College Writing	3	Foreign Language	3
IDS-100 Perspectives in Education	3	General Education	3
[17 credits]		[17 credits]
Second year
PHY-201 Modern Physics	3	PH 316L Classical Mechanics*	3
General Education/Elective	3	MAT-315 Differential Equations or elective	3
MAT-213 Calculus III	3	CHM-111 General Chemistry II	4
CHM-110 General Chemistry I	4	CST-171 Programming Concepts or MAT-243 Linear Algebra	3
ECO-212 Principles of Microeconomics	3	MAT-214 Calculus of Vector Fields	1
Physical Education	1	General Ed	3
[17 credits]		[17 credits]
Third year
PH 415L Quantum Mechanics I	*3	PHY/MAT/CSC/EGR 300/400 level	3
PH 417L Electricity and Magnetism	*3	PHY/MAT/CSC/EGR 300/400 level	3
PHY/MAT/CSC/EGR 300/400 level	3	General Education/Electives	9
General Education/Electives	6	[15 credits]
[15 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 program coordinator for course suggestions when choosing physics, mathematics, computer science or engineering courses at the 300/400-level.

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.

Winterim sessions should be reserved for general education courses or possibly an internship.

See individual program sections for course descriptions.

Courses

CHM-110 General Chemistry I

Focuses on fundamental chemical concepts and principles with emphasis on inorganic compounds. Guided inquiry methods are used to explore 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 strongly recommended. Satisfies the general education requirement in natural science. [4 credits]

CHM-111 General Chemistry II

Focuses on fundamental chemical concepts and principles with emphasis on inorganic compounds. Guided inquiry methods are used to explore 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 strongly recommended. 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 a common small business language such as Microsoft Visual Basic. Emphasizes programming structures such as decisions, repetitions, sub procedures, functions, and arrays using structured program design with object-oriented concepts. Students learn to write a variety of program types to meet various business needs. Satisfies the technological competency requirement. [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]

ECO-212 Introduction to Microeconomics

Examines the manner in which prices are determined and limited resources are allocated efficiently through mastery of basic supply and demand. Considers the behavior of producers and consumers under various competitive conditions. Assesses the role of government in responding to market failures. Fulfills general education requirement in social science. [3 credits]

ENG-101 College Writing

Provides students with an understanding that clear thinking is fundamental to clear writing. It also demonstrates every stage of the composing process: generating and organizing ideas, prewriting and drafting, critiquing, revising, final editing and proofreading. In addition, students work to accomplish clarity, unity, coherence and emphasis in sentences, in paragraphs, and in the overall structure of an essay. They develop techniques of style and tone toward more fluent and appealing prose and strive to sharpen their analytical, critical and editing skills by interacting with other students about their own writing and about the writing of professionals. Students learn to use standard English and develop a sensitivity to sentence structure and diction and to appreciate effectively written prose and recognize characteristics that make such prose effective. To fulfill the general education requirement in composition a minimum grade of C is required. [3 credits]

MAT-211 Calculus I

Introduces functions, limits, continuity, differential calculus of polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions, as well as basic integration techniques. Applications are considered throughout the course with an emphasis on the life sciences. Weekly laboratory is an integral part of the course. Graphing calculators used to explore topics covered. Fulfills the general education requirement in mathematics Prerequisite: strong high school algebra background or successful completion of MAT-107. [4 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. Applications are considered throughout the course. Mathematica is used to explore topics covered. Prerequisite: Calculus II or placement into MAT-213. [3 credits]

MAT-214 Calculus of Vector Fields

Analyzes 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' Theorem and the Divergence Theorem. Mathematica is used to explore topics covered. Prerequisite: Calculus III. [1 credit]

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

Studies 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, dynamics of motion, Newton's laws, rotational mechanics and conservation of energy and momentum. Development of the concepts of vector algebra and calculus are provided as needed. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory weekly. Fulfills general education requirement in natural science. [4 credits]

PHY-102 General Physics II

Continues studies of the fundamental physical laws of nature and their use in understanding natural phenomena. Topics include classical wave motion, acoustics, optics, electricity and magnetism. Development of the concepts of vector algebra and calculus are provided as needed. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory weekly. [4 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]