Physics

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Engineering, Dual Degree Program

Faculty

Demian Cho, chair and associate professor.
B.S., University of Texas – Austin; M.S., University of Texas – Dallas; Ph.D., University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. Appointed 2021.

Introduction

The dual-degree program in engineering (DDPE) gives the student the best of two worlds—liberal arts and engineering. Today’s engineers must be well-grounded in basic science and mathematics, have a broad range of knowledge as well as the skills to acquire new information, and think critically and communicate effectively. Engineering is a dynamic profession that is constantly striving to stay on the frontier of technological development. To adapt to this need for change, engineers must be able to educate themselves and learn new techniques to stay abreast of their field. They must also demonstrate exemplary professionalism and the ability to work in interdisciplinary and collaborative environments, be alert to the implications of their work, and be concerned about the effects of science and technology upon the larger world. Mindful of these goals, the dual-degree program in engineering at Albion College prepares students well for success in this dynamic and challenging profession.

Under the dual-degree program, a student spends three or more years at Albion and receives a strong background in the basic sciences and mathematics that underlie all engineering while gaining this knowledge in the context of the liberal arts tradition. Upon admission and transfer to an approved engineering school (listed below), the student then completes his/her engineering education. This engineering coursework typically takes an additional two to two and a half years, depending on the number of advanced courses the student has taken at Albion and on the engineering discipline. After successful completion of eight units at the engineering school that have been approved for transfer back to Albion by the Engineering Advisory Committee (EAC), the student is then eligible to receive a B.A. degree from Albion. The student also receives a B.S. degree in engineering from the transfer institution upon successful completion of the relevant program’s graduation requirements.

Students must be admitted to the dual-degree program in engineering. Go to the dual-degree program in engineering website for application information. Additional program information is available from the director.

Requirements for Dual-Degree Program in Engineering

Students in the dual-degree program in engineering have a strong background in mathematics and science, very good academic performance, and a desire to pursue the engineering profession. To be eligible for program admission, students must declare the dual-degree engineering major in either mathematics or physics, write a personal essay, complete a personal interview with the program director, and have at least a 2.5 overall GPA, as well as at least a 2.5 GPA in completed courses in the science division. Although these program admission requirements should normally be completed by the end of a student’s first year at Albion, late admission requests are considered by the Engineering Advisory Committee as needed.

Please see the section of the catalog for the dual-degree program in engineering for detailed requirements.

Career Opportunities

The dual-degree program in engineering provides students with foundational skills in science, mathematics, and computer science, as well as substantial experience in applying these skills to solving contemporary problems. Application examples include the design and realization of water purification systems, automotive/aerospace/marine vehicles, computer circuits/hardware, supply chain networks, and power grids, to name only a few. As such, DDPE graduates have substantial professional opportunities in both the public and private sectors, ranging from design engineer to project manager to entrepreneur. Graduates are also well equipped to pursue graduate degrees in engineering, dentistry, medicine, or law.

Degree Programs

After successfully completing three years of approved study at Albion College, DDPE students are required to gain admission to an engineering degree program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). As the admission requirements of these programs vary substantially, students are required to have their transfer school approved by the EAC. Students who transfer to engineering schools that have not been approved by the EAC will not receive an Albion degree.

Though applications to any engineering school are permitted, students at Albion College have consistently been admitted to

• Columbia University (NY) Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science
• University of Michigan (MI) College of Engineering

Columbia University requires all students to earn a minimum 3.3 GPA in all required courses and overall coursework prior to transfer, and to satisfy other academic requirements as specified by Columbia. The University of Michigan requires all students to earn a minimum 3.0 GPA in science courses and overall coursework prior to transfer, with higher GPA requirements for more competitive engineering majors such as mechanical, chemical, or electrical engineering. Although meeting these minimum GPA requirements is generally sufficient for admission to Columbia University and the University of Michigan, it is not a guarantee. Students are strongly recommended to earn GPAs above these minimum admission requirements and to work closely with Albion College Physics faculty to ensure enrollment in their engineering school of choice.

Physics

Faculty

Nicolle E. B. Zellner, professor.
B.S., University of Wisconsin; M.S., Ph.D., Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Appointed 2005.

Demian Cho, chair and associate professor.
B.S., University of Texas – Austin; M.S., University of Texas – Dallas; Ph.D., University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. Appointed 2021.

Moataz Khalifa, assistant professor.
B.S., The American University in Cairo; M.S., Ph.D., Virginia Tech. Appointed 2022.

Daniel De Young, visiting assistant professor.
B.S., Knox College; M.S., Ph.D., University of Florida. Appointed 2023.

Introduction

Physics involves the determination of the basic laws that allow one to predict natural behavior; indeed, physics originates from the Greek word for nature. These basic laws form the foundation for all the natural sciences. The department offers a program for physics majors, physics majors who seek an emphasis in astronomy, physics minors, pre-engineering students, students who require a physics cognate, and non-science students. The faculty have backgrounds in astrophysics, computational neuroscience, nanomaterials, gravitational and high-energy physics, electronics and robotics, and astronomy and planetary science. Students have the opportunity to participate in faculty research projects in autonomous vehicles, robotics, computational neuroscience, quantum computing, gravitational and high-energy physics, origins of the solar system, and extraterrestrial sample analysis. Facilities include an autonomous vehicle and robotics lab, a high-performance computer lab, a 14-inch Celestron telescope with a CCD camera, and a historically significant Alvan Clark telescope.

The department sponsors the dual-degree program in engineering.

Physics Department Website

Career Opportunities

Majors in physics are prepared to do graduate work in physics and related areas, which can lead to careers in teaching and research or research in industrial or government laboratories. Physics majors are also well equipped to pursue additional studies in engineering and typically are strong candidates for medical school, dental school, and law school. Employment opportunities are also available in industry, government, and secondary school teaching.

Special Features

Opportunities are available for off-campus study during the school year. The curriculum in physics can be adjusted to accommodate participation in other off-campus study programs as well. Summer research opportunities with faculty members are also available. An active Society of Physics Students chapter sponsors seminars, field trips, tutoring, and social events from a clubroom, and the Astronomy Club members have regular access to the campus telescopes. A prize established by Nobel Laureate E.T.S. Walton is given annually to the outstanding senior physics major, and the Physics Faculty and Alumni Scholarship has been given to an entering student.

Student Learning Outcomes

Physics

Students will be able to: 

1. articulate concepts in core areas of physics, such as mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics;

2. solve physics problems using qualitative and quantitative reasoning and appropriate mathematical techniques;

3. conduct experiments that address questions in physics; 

4. interpret qualitative and quantitative experimental data to answer physics questions; and

5. communicate effectively in both oral and written scientific contexts. 

Physics, Astronomy Emphasis

Students will be able to: 

1. articulate concepts in core areas of astronomy, such as the formation and evolution of planets, stars, and galaxies; and the origin and fate of the universe;

2. solve astronomy-focused physics problems using qualitative and quantitative reasoning and appropriate mathematical techniques; 

3. identify celestial objects and patterns in the night sky;

4. analyze and interpret observational data in terms of astronomical models; and

5. communicate effectively in both oral and written scientific contexts.

Engineering, Dual Degree Program

Students will be able to 

1. articulate concepts in core areas of physics, such as mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics;

2. solve physics problems using qualitative and quantitative reasoning and appropriate mathematical techniques;

3. conduct experiments that address questions in physics, especially those concerning electronics; 

4. interpret qualitative and quantitative experimental data to answer questions; and

5. communicate effectively in both oral and written scientific contexts. 

Physics Minor

Students will be able to 

1. articulate concepts in core areas of physics, such as mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics; 

2. solve physics problems using qualitative and quantitative reasoning and sophisticated mathematical techniques; and

3. communicate effectively in both oral and written scientific contexts. 

Physics Minor (with Science Major with Education Concentration)

Students will be able to 

1. articulate fundamental concepts in core areas of physics, such as mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics;

2. conduct experiments that address questions in physics;

3. interpret qualitative and quantitative data to answer physics questions;

4. communicate effectively in both oral and written scientific contexts, especially tothe  high school student population; and

5. complete requirements for eligibility for certification.

Departmental Policy on Advanced Placement Credit

Students desiring course credit for AP Physics should contact the department or the Registrar’s Office for information.

Majors and Minors

The physics major and the physics major with astronomy emphasis are designed for students who plan to pursue graduate studies in physics, astrophysics, astronomy, or a related area; students who enter the workforce; or students who wish to have physics as a second major.

Programs

• Engineering, Dual Degree Program
• Physics, Astronomy Emphasis, B.A.
• Physics, B.A.

• Physics Minor

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