http://www.whitworth.edu/physics
The purpose of the Whitworth University Department of Engineering & Physics is to provide our students with an academically rigorous education in physics and engineering. This education takes place in a context of committed Christian faith, intellectual challenge and holistic mentoring. Through a foundation in physics and engineering as well as professional communication and ethics, we prepare students for lives of meaningful work in which they will explore the laws of the natural world that God has made and will design solutions to meet the needs of humanity.
Engineering
Program Educational Objectives
The B.S. in engineering from Whitworth University is designed to prepare our graduates for professional practice or advanced studies by providing a broad education in engineering fundamentals in a liberal arts environment. The objectives of the program are that recent graduates will:
- Be active in engineering practice or apply their engineering background and problem-solving skills in fields outside engineering
- Increase their capacity to serve their profession, their community and the world by building on the foundational knowledge, skills and values gained at Whitworth
- Help meet the needs of humanity as professionals who exhibit high ethical and professional standards
- Communicate truthfully and effectively with various audiences on both technical and non-technical topics
- Serve their profession, the community and God’s creation
Student Outcomes
Upon graduation, Whitworth University engineering majors will be able to demonstrate:
- An ability to identify, formulate and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science and mathematics
- An ability to apply the engineering design process to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration for public health and safety, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental and economic factors
- An ability to communicate truthfully and effectively with a range of audiences
- An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental and societal contexts as informed by Christian and other applicable perspectives
- An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks and meet objectives
- An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies
- An ability to articulate how their values and beliefs are connected to their vocation
Student Outcomes
Upon graduation, Whitworth University physics majors will be able to demonstrate:
- Knowledge of physics
- The ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
- The ability to develop appropriate computational tools for the practice of physics
- An ability to articulate how their values and beliefs are connected to their vocation
- The ability to communicate truthfully and effectively
- The knowledge, experience and attitude to enhance their capabilities and adapt continuously to a changing world
- The knowledge and habits required to continue with successful advanced study in physics or related fields
- Significant experience conducting original research in basic or applied science
Important note:
Completion of PS 151 and PS 153 with at least a 2.7 GPA is required for enrollment in all courses numbered above 220 in the department. Students with a GPA between 2.3 and 2.7 in those two courses are eligible to file a petition with the chair of the Whitworth Department of Engineering & Physics for a provisional exemption to enroll in further courses.
EN Courses
| EN 105 Robotics for Beginners | 3 |
|
In this course we will explore robotics for the,beginner and where robotics connects to one's,worldview or faith. Learn how to make a robot,perform fundamental functions like moving,,turning, accelerating and navigate obstacles.,These functions will be combined in a final,project where teams will put to test their skills,in a fun competition. |
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| EN 121 Epic Fails in Engineering | 3 |
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This course will study notorious engineering,failures and the scientific, political, and,ethical considerations that are associated with,these disasters. Failure will be studied not only,for its negative consequences, but also from a,redemptive perspective. This class is intended,for non-science majors, and a high-school level,knowledge of algebra and geometry is expected. |
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| EN 130 Introduction to Engineering | 2 |
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This course introduces students to the way,different engineering disciplines contribute to,society, so they can begin to understand their,career options. The course also describes the,degree options available to Whitworth students,and their respective requirements. The course,includes an engaging design project and,orientation to the engineering tool shop. Spring,semester. Co-requisite MA-171. |
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| EN 171 Engineering Graphics & CAD | 3 |
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An introduction to modern concepts, standards, and,techniques for preparing technical drawings and,CAD models that provide effective communication,between design engineers, analysts, and,fabricators. Engineering graphics techniques,including spatial visualization, two- dimensional,sketching, multi-view orthographic projection,,pictorial drawing, solid modeling, and working,drawings will be accomplished using computer aided,design software. Fall and spring semesters. |
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| EN 173 Introduction to Embedded Systems | 3 |
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This course provides an introduction to embedded,systems, the computers that are inside the,devices you use each day and which allow those,devices to monitor and react to the outside,world. Learn about the hidden workings of the,systems designed by engineers to make modern cars,and phones smart. Some prior programming,experience recommended. January. |
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| EN 181 Manufacturing Processes | 3 |
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A comprehensive introduction to the processes used,in the manufacture of plastic and metal products.,This course focuses primarily on the practical,aspect of manufacturing, such as process steps and,machinery. The concepts discussed in class will be,augmented with multiple field trips to local,manufacturing facilities. Students will gain a,beginning experience which informs design and,tradeoffs in the choice of material, features, and,process selection. |
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| EN 211 Statics | 3 |
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Mathematical review, equilibrium of a particle,,free-body diagrams, equilibrium of a rigid body,,structural analysis, friction, center of gravity,,moments of inertia. Prerequisite: PS 151 and MA,171. Fall semester. |
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| EN 230 Electric Circuit Analysis | 3 |
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Introduction to fundamentals of electric circuit,analysis. Techniques include node-voltage,,mesh-current, phasor representation, and Laplace,transform. Transient and steady-state responses,of RLC circuits. Single-phase sinusoidal,steady-state and three-phase balanced systems.,Introduction to filters and operational,amplifiers. Circuit simulation with PSpice.,Prerequisite: PS 153. Co-requisite: MA 281.,Spring semester. |
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| EN 230L Electric Circuit Lab | 1 |
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Design, assembly, and testing of electrical,circuits with a focus on linear analog systems.,Introduction to the use of common laboratory,electronic equipment. Co-requisite: EN 230.,Spring semester. |
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| EN 254H CubeSat Research and Development | 1 |
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A practicum course for students involved in a,multi-year effort to design, build, test, launch,,and monitor a small satellite. |
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| EN 271 Computational Methods | 3 |
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Introduction to the investigation of physical,processes using computers. Survey of various,computational techniques to solve equations,commonly used in physics and engineering. This is,a hands-on course with an emphasis on solving,these equations for applications in physics.,Prerequisite: MA 273. January, even years. |
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| EN 287 Principles of Engineering Design | 2 |
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Introduction to methodologies, goals and,challenges in engineering design. Also covers,issues in communication, cost analysis, and,ethics in engineering design. Restricted to,students who have been admitted to the B.S. in,Engineering. Prerequisite: EN,130. Co-requisite: EN 171. Spring Semester, Even,Years. |
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| EN 300 Engineering Thermodynamics | 3 |
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This course will cover the interaction of matter,and energy, analyze energy transfer, and consider,the limitations of thermodynamic systems due to,energy and entropy. These considerations will be,applied to real-world applications such as,engines and heat pumps. Prerequisite: PS 153.,Spring semester, even years. |
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| EN 311 Mechanics of Materials | 3 |
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Basic concepts of solid mechanics & mechanical,behavior of materials, including stress-strain,relationships, stress transformation, beam,bending, elasticity, plasticity and fracture.,Quantitative analysis of materials-limiting,problems in engineering design. Prerequisite: EN,211. Spring semester, odd years. |
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| EN 320 Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer | 3 |
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This course presents the fundamentals of both,fluid mechanics and heat transfer from an,engineering perspective. The fluids portion,considers fluid statics, fluids in motion,,momentum and energy equations, boundary layers,,internal flows (e.g. pipes), and external flow,(drag and lift). The heat transfer portion,considers steady and transient conduction,,internal and external forced convection, natural,convection, radiation heat transfer, and heat,exchangers. All topics are presented in the,context of real world applications to create,engineering estimates of performance.,Prerequisite: EN 300. Fall semester, even years. |
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| EN 321L Thermal and Fluids Laboratory | 1 |
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Practical experience measuring thermodynamics,,fluid mechanics, and heat transfer phenomenon,with an emphasis on applications in engineering,and making engineering judgments based on data.,Restricted to students who have been admitted to,the B.S. in Engineering. Co-requisite: EN 320.,Fall semester, even years. |
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| EN 330 Semiconductor Electronic Devices | 3 |
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Provides a foundation in the science of,semiconductor materials so the student is able to,understand the characteristics and behavior of,semiconductor electronic devices. Key devices,such as diodes, field-effect transistors, and,bipolar junction transistors are examined in,detail. Prerequisite: PS 251W and EN 230. Spring,semester. |
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| EN 330L Electronic Devices Lab | 1 |
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Experimental measurement of properties of,semiconductor materials, pn-junction diodes,,bipolar junction transistors, and field effect,transistors. Also includes an introduction to the,application of these devices. Restricted to,students who have been admitted to the B.S. in,Engineering. Co-requisite: EN,330. Spring semester. |
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| EN 335 Signals and Systems | 3 |
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An introduction to time and frequency domain,analysis of continuous-time and discrete-time,signals and linear systems. Topics include,Fourier series, Fourier transform, fast Fourier,transform, Laplace transform, z transform,,convolution, sampling, aliasing, communications,,modulation, and filters. Prerequisite: EN 230.,Fall semester, even years. |
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| EN 351 Dynamics | 3 |
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Fundamental principles and methods of Newtonian,mechanics including kinematics and kinetics of,motion and the conservation laws of mechanics.,Basic particle and rigid-body applications. Also,listed as PS 351. Prerequisites: PS 153 and MA,281. Fall semester, odd years. |
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| EN 356 Mathematical Methods I | 2 |
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Survey of various mathematical methods commonly,used in physics and engineering. Topics covered,will include linear algebra, vector calculus, and,complex analysis. The emphasis will be not just on,the mathematical theory, but also on the various,applications of these methods. Prerequisite: MA,273. Spring semester. |
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| EN 358 Mathematical Methods II | 2 |
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Survey of various mathematical methods commonly,used in physics and engineering. Topics covered,will include ordinary differential equations,,elliptic, parabolic, and hyperbolic partial,differential equations, and various analytical and,numerical solution techniques for them. The,emphasis will be not just on the mathematical,theory, but also on the various applications of,these methods. Prerequisite: MA 273 and MA 281.,Fall semester. |
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| EN 388 Internship Preparation | 1 |
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Students will receive guidance in seeking an,internship and will set objectives for that,experience. Reading and reflection will deepen,students' understanding of the role of work in,life and how that is shaped by faith and values.,Fall semester. |
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| EN 393 Internship Reflection | 1 |
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Students will assess an internship experience and,how it has shaped their thinking about their,career. Reading and reflection will further,deepen their understanding of the role of work in,life and important workplace issues. Fall,semester. |
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| EN 411 Materials Science and Engineering | 3 |
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This survey course introduces the atomic nature,of materials and how it can be manipulated and,intentionally designed. Materials processing is,connected with the resulting properties and,performance of engineering materials.,Prerequisite: PS 251W. Fall semester, odd years. |
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| EN 454H CubeSat Leadership | 1 |
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A practicum course for student leaders involved in,a multi-year effort to design, build, test,,launch, and monitor a small satellite. |
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| EN 484 Engineering Design Project I | 2 |
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This is the first course in a two-course capstone,design sequence. In this sequence students apply,engineering procedures and practices to a,comprehensive design project. Throughout both,courses the students work in teams to create,typical industry project documentation such as,written reports, CAD models and drawings,,engineering performance estimates, schedules and,status reports, and oral presentations. Emphasis,in the first course is on early project work such,as initial planning, alternative solution,generation, and initial design models and,analyses. Restricted to students who have been,admitted to the B.S. in Engineering. Prerequisite:,EN 287. Fall semester,,Even years. |
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| EN 487H Engineering Design Project II | 3 |
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This is the second course in a two-course,capstone design sequence. In this sequence,students apply engineering procedures and,practices to a comprehensive design project.,Throughout both courses the students work in,teams to create typical industry project,documentation such as written reports, CAD models,and drawings, engineering performance estimates,,schedules and status reports, and oral,presentations. Emphasis in the second course is,on project completion. Typical work includes,completion of design detailing, performance,analyses, prototype construction, verification,testing, and final reporting. Restricted to,students who have been admitted to the B.S. in,Engineering. Prerequisite: EN,484. Spring Semester, Odd Years. |
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| EN 488 Engineering Analysis in Design Practicum | 3 |
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This course reinforces the use of engineering,analysis in an open-ended design project. Students,will use engineering analysis to estimate the,performance of alternative project design,concepts. These estimates will be used to compare,and down select competing alternatives relative to,design target specifications. The chosen design,alternative will be fully documented with,engineering drawings and appropriate analysis.,This work will be summarized in the final,engineering reports.,,The major emphasis in this course will be applying,prior coursework to an open-ended design project.,All project work will be completed in teams,utilizing the design process. |
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GL Courses
| GL 131 Understanding Earth | 4 |
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Structure of the earth and the forces of plate,tectonics that build and move continents.,Examination of the dynamic interactions between,the lithosphere (crust), atmosphere, and,hydrosphere. Laboratory included. Also listed as,ENS 131. |
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| GL 131L Lab: Understanding Earth | 0 |
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| GL 139 Environmental Geology | 3 |
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Interactions of the human species with land, sea,and air. Geologic hazards, earth resources,,oceanography, meteorology. Also listed as ENS,139. |
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| GL 141 Introduction to Oceanography | 3 |
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This course provides a broad introduction to the,oft times mysterious oceanographic realm. Topics,include: nature of the seafloor; seabed,resources; chemical and physical properties of,water; currents, waves and tides; coastlines;,primary production and other "life in the water". |
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NS Courses
| NS 101 Earth and Sky | 3 |
|
A broad study of earth science including geology,and astronomy, oceans, the atmosphere and,fundamental underlying physical concepts.,Includes,the nature and the origin of the solar system,,the,structure of the earth, and how earth processes,operate and affect human life; for example:,volcanoes, earthquakes, rivers, groundwater,,glaciers, ocean processes, atmosphere and,weather.,For elementary education students. Also listed as,ENS 101. Fall and spring semesters. |
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| NS 103 Climate Change: Past, Present & Future | 3 |
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Climate change is a global problem that requires,understanding, a sense of concern and then action,to be solved. Understanding will be accomplished,by learning about mechanisms that have produced,changes in global climate over the past millions,of years, what is presently occurring and what can,be accurately predicted for the future. Through,this understanding, students will develop a,stronger sense of caring for our planet and, from,caring, create openings for action. Climate is,energized by ocean temperatures. Ocean currents,,both surface and flowing deeply undersea, bring,this stored energy to interact with the atmosphere,throughout the globe. This energy produces air,temperature, rainfall and wind patterns. Radical,climate changes have occurred throughout,geological history. We will study why these,changes have occurred and learn that they have,taken place over thousands of years, allowing life,to adapt. We are presently experiencing similar,changes that are occurring over decades; and they,are projected to accelerate over the foreseeable,future. We will explore the agents of these,changes, what can be done to reduce the impact as,well as what we must do to adapt. |
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PS Courses
| PS 101 Physics of Weapons | 3 |
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A science course specifically designed for,non-majors, this course will examine the ties,between science and the technology of weapons.,Societal impacts of these weapons and Christian,responses will be examined. The primary focus of,the course will be on physics, and knowledge of,high-school algebra and geometry is expected. |
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| PS 123 Origins | 3 |
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Examination of the human quest to understand the,origins of the Universe. Emphasis given to the,historical development of scientific theories and,the spectrum of Christian perspectives on origins.,For non-science majors; algebra and geometry will,be used. Periodic offering. |
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| PS 125 Introduction to the Cosmos | 3 |
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This course provides a broad introduction to the,science of astronomy. The initial emphasis,consists of a brief overview of the universe and,of scientific inquiry, as well as historical,astronomy. Subsequent studies take an inside-out,approach beginning with residents of the solar,system and then progressing to stars, pulsars,,black holes, and galaxies. The course also,examines the factors that contribute to Earth's,ability to sustain life. The last topic to be,considered is cosmology, the science of the,origin and development of the universe.,Throughout the course we will contemplate the,tensions that arise when viewing our universe,through the lenses of divine action and natural,forces. |
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| PS 127 Introduction to Space Flight | 3 |
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A study of the scientific concepts behind the,development and practice of space flight. Other,topics include the history of space flight,,military applications, socio-political,implications, crew training, commercial spinoffs,of space exploration and the outlook for the,future. For non-science majors. Prerequisite: MA,107 or MA 108. Periodic Jan Term offering. |
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| PS 131 College Physics for Life Sciences | 3 |
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The first in a two-semester sequence of basic,physics designed to present concepts and,applications of the following: kinematics,,dynamics, gravitation, energy, momentum and heat.,High school-level algebra and trigonometry will be,used. ,There are three hours of lecture a week, and an,associated laboratory PS 131L. |
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| PS 131L College Physics for Life Sciences Labora,tory I | 1 |
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Laboratory accompanying PS 131 |
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| PS 133 College Physics for Life Sciences II | 3 |
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The second in a two-semester sequence of basic,physics designed to present concepts and,applications of the following: Electricity and,Magnetism, Optics,Sound and Waves, Quantum and,Nuclear physics. |
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| PS 133L College Physics for Life Sciences Lab II | 1 |
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Laboratory associated with PS 133 |
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| PS 141 Introduction to Astronomy | 4 |
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Nature and origin of the solar system, starlight,and star life, components and structure of a,galaxy, the expanding universe and cosmology.,Astronomical instruments are also discussed.,Includes laboratory. Spring semester. |
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| PS 151 General Physics I | 3 |
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Basic principles of mechanics. Corequisite: PS,151L & MA 171. Fall semester. |
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| PS 151L General Physics I Lab | 1 |
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Laboratory experiments in mechanics. Includes an,introduction to the propagation of uncertainty.,Prerequisite: PS 151 or concurrent enrollment.,Fall semester. |
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| PS 153 General Physics II | 3 |
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Basic principles of thermodynamics, electricity,and magnetism. Prerequisites: PS 151, also MA 172,or concurrent enrollment. Spring semester. |
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| PS 153L General Physics II Lab | 1 |
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Laboratory experiments in thermodynamics,,electricity and magnetism. Prerequisites: PS 151L,,also PS 153 or concurrent enrollment. Spring,semester. |
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| PS 154L Near Space Research Project | 1 |
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Laboratory course involving the design,,implementation, testing, and analysis of an,experiment in near space. Provides project-based,learning in thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and,electronics. |
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| PS 200 Physics Outreach | 1 |
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Promotion of physics and engineering education,through service-learning in the community. An,example of this outreach is working with local,middle school students to help design and,construct experiments to be flown to the upper,atmosphere with a high-altitude balloon. |
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| PS 251W Modern Physics | 4 |
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Continuation of PS 153. Basic principles of optics,special relativity, and modern physics. Includes,laboratory. Prerequisite: PS 153. Completion of,this three-semester sequence is the normal,pattern for entry into all upper-level physics,courses. Fall semester. |
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| PS 251L Lab: Modern Physics | 0 |
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| PS 351 Dynamics | 3 |
|
Fundamental principles and methods of Newtonian,mechanics including kinematics and kinetics of,motion and the conservation laws of mechanics.,Basic particle and rigid-body applications. Also,listed with EN 351. Prerequisites: PS 153 and MA,281. Fall semester, odd years. |
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| PS 353 Advanced Dynamics | 4 |
|
Continuation of PS 351. Numerical techniques in,dynamics, velocity-dependent forces, oscillations,(linear, nonlinear, and coupled), motion in a,noninertial reference frame, and alternative,formulations of mechanics (Lagrangian and,Hamiltonian). Requires concurrent registration in,laboratory (PS 353L). Prerequisite: PS 351. Spring,semester, even years. |
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| PS 353L Advanced Dynamics Lab | 0 |
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| PS 361 Nuclear Physics | 4 |
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Nuclear structure, radioactivity, nuclear reaction,interactions of nuclear radiations with matter.,Includes Lab. Prerequisites: PS 251W. Periodic. |
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| PS 361L Lab: Nuclear Physics | 0 |
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| PS 363 Thermal Physics | 4 |
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Statistical mechanics, kinetic theory, laws of,thermodynamics and states of matter. Implications,for engines and other applications in many areas,of science. Includes laboratory. Prerequisites: PS,251W and MA 281. Spring semester, every third,year. |
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| PS 363L Lab: Thermal Physics | 0 |
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| PS 371 Optics | 4 |
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Nature of light, geometrical and physical optics,,interference, quantum optics, optical,instruments.,Includes laboratory. Prerequisites: PS 251W and,MA,281. Spring semester, even years. |
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| PS 388 Internship Preparation | 1 |
|
Students will receive guidance in seeking an,internship and will set objectives for that,experience. Reading and reflection will deepen,students' understanding of the role of work in,life and how that is shaped by faith and values.,Fall semester. |
|
| PS 393 Internship Reflection | 1 |
|
Students will assess an internship experience and,how it has shaped their thinking about their,career. Reading and reflection will further,deepen their understanding of the role of work in,life and important workplace issues. Fall,semester. |
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| PS 451 Electricity and Magnetism I | 3 |
|
Electric and magnetic fields, boundary value,problems, steady and alternating currents,,electrical instruments, and measurement,techniques. Prerequisites: PS 153, MA 273, and MA,281. Fall semester, even years. |
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| PS 453 Electricity and Magnetism II | 4 |
|
Continuation of PS 451. Maxwell's equations,,electromagnetic waves, advanced topics in,electrical and magnetic phenomena. Requires,concurrent registration in laboratory (PS 453L).,Prerequisite: PS 451. Spring semester, odd years. |
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| PS 453L Lab: Electricity and Magnetism II | 0 |
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| PS 455 Quantum Mechanics | 4 |
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Principles of quantum mechanics, including,Schroedinger's equation applied to the rigid,rotor, the hydrogen atom and the harmonic,oscillator. Includes laboratory. Prerequisites: PS,251W and MA 281. Spring semester, every third,year. |
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| PS 455L Lab: Quantum Mechanics | 0 |
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| PS 471 Research in Physics | 1-4 |
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Supervised research projects in areas such as,electronics, optics, nuclear physics, computer,applications, atmospheric physics. Prerequisite:,permission of professor. Jan Term. |
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| PS 473 Experimental Physics | 1-4 |
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Supervised research projects in areas such as,electronics, optics, nuclear physics, computer,applications, atmospheric physics. Prerequisite:,permission of professor. |
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Requirements for a Physics Major, B.A. (46) |
|---|
| PS 151 | General Physics I | 3 |
| PS 151L | General Physics I Lab | 1 |
| PS 153 | General Physics II | 3 |
| 1 |
| General Physics II Lab | |
| Near Space Research Project | |
| PS 251W | Modern Physics | 4 |
| MA 171 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MA 172 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MA 273 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MA 281 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| CH 161 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CH 161L | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| 15 |
| Dynamics | |
| Advanced Dynamics | |
| Nuclear Physics | |
| Thermal Physics | |
| Optics | |
| Electricity and Magnetism I | |
| Electricity and Magnetism II | |
| Quantum Mechanics | |
| Computational Methods | |
| Mathematical Methods I | |
| Mathematical Methods II | |
| |
| Elementary Probability and Statistics | |
| Science in Secondary School | |
| Epic Fails in Engineering | |
Requirements for an Applied Physics Major, B.A. (56-58) |
|---|
| EN 130 | Introduction to Engineering | 2 |
| PS 151 | General Physics I | 3 |
| PS 151L | General Physics I Lab | 1 |
| PS 153 | General Physics II | 3 |
| 1 |
| General Physics II Lab | |
| Near Space Research Project | |
| PS 251W | Modern Physics | 4 |
| MA 171 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MA 172 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MA 273 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MA 281 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| CH 161 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CH 161L | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| CS 171 | Computer Science I | 3 |
| 3 |
| Engineering Graphics & CAD | |
| Computer Science II | |
| General Chemistry II | |
| 3 |
| Statics | |
| Electric Circuit Analysis | |
| Computational Methods | |
| Introduction to Embedded Systems | |
| 4-6 |
| Mathematical Methods I | |
| Mathematical Methods II | |
| Linear Algebra | |
| Mathematical Statistics I | |
| 10 |
Requirements for a Physics Major, B.S. (69) |
|---|
| PS 151 | General Physics I | 3 |
| PS 151L | General Physics I Lab | 1 |
| PS 153 | General Physics II | 3 |
| 1 |
| General Physics II Lab | |
| Near Space Research Project | |
| PS 251W | Modern Physics | 4 |
| PS 351 | Dynamics | 3 |
| PS 353 | Advanced Dynamics | 4 |
| PS 363 | Thermal Physics | 4 |
| PS 451 | Electricity and Magnetism I | 3 |
| PS 453 | Electricity and Magnetism II | 4 |
| PS 455 | Quantum Mechanics | 4 |
| PS 388 | Internship Preparation | 1 |
| PS 393 | Internship Reflection | 1 |
| 4 |
| Nuclear Physics | |
| Optics | |
| 3 |
| Computer Science I | |
| Introduction to Embedded Systems | |
| Computational Methods | |
| MA 171 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MA 172 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MA 273 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MA 281 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| EN 356 | Mathematical Methods I | 2 |
| EN 358 | Mathematical Methods II | 2 |
| CH 161 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CH 161L | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| CH 181 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| |
| Elementary Probability and Statistics | |
| Science in Secondary School | |
| Epic Fails in Engineering | |
Requirements for a Biophysics Major, B.S. (66-70) |
|---|
| PS 151 | General Physics I | 3 |
| PS 151L | General Physics I Lab | 1 |
| PS 153 | General Physics II | 3 |
| 1 |
| General Physics II Lab | |
| Near Space Research Project | |
| PS 251W | Modern Physics | 4 |
| PS 363 | Thermal Physics | 4 |
| MA 171 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MA 172 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MA 273 | Calculus III | 4 |
| CH 161 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CH 161L | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| CH 181 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| CH 181L | General Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
| CH 271 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CH 271L | Organic Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| BI 140 | General Biology I: Genes, Cells and Evolution | 4 |
| BI 143 | General Biology II: Ecology and Evolution | 4 |
| MA 281 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| 3 |
| General Biochemistry | |
| Biochemistry I | |
| |
| 12-16 |
| Introduction to Genomics | |
| Genetics | |
| Statistical Applications for Biology | |
| Molecular Genetics | |
| Neurophysiology | |
| Cell Physiology | |
| Organic Chemistry II | |
| Biochemistry II | |
| Electric Circuit Analysis | |
| Computational Methods | |
| Dynamics | |
| Nuclear Physics | |
| Optics | |
| Electricity and Magnetism I | |
| Quantum Mechanics | |
Requirements for an Engineering Major, B.S. (88) |
|---|
| MA 171 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MA 172 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MA 273 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MA 281 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| CH 161 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CS 171 | Computer Science I | 3 |
| PS 151 | General Physics I | 3 |
| PS 151L | General Physics I Lab | 1 |
| PS 153 | General Physics II | 3 |
| PS 153L | General Physics II Lab | 1 |
| or PS 154L | Near Space Research Project |
| PS 251W | Modern Physics | 4 |
| EN 130 | Introduction to Engineering | 2 |
| EN 171 | Engineering Graphics & CAD | 3 |
| EN 211 | Statics | 3 |
| EN 230 | Electric Circuit Analysis | 3 |
| EN 230L | Electric Circuit Lab | 1 |
| EN 287 | Principles of Engineering Design | 2 |
| EN 300 | Engineering Thermodynamics | 3 |
| EN 320 | Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer | 3 |
| EN 321L | Thermal and Fluids Laboratory | 1 |
| EN 330 | Semiconductor Electronic Devices | 3 |
| EN 330L | Electronic Devices Lab | 1 |
| EN 335 | Signals and Systems | 3 |
| EN 351 | Dynamics | 3 |
| EN 356 | Mathematical Methods I | 2 |
| EN 358 | Mathematical Methods II | 2 |
| EN 388 | Internship Preparation | 1 |
| EN 393 | Internship Reflection | 1 |
| EN 484 | Engineering Design Project I | 2 |
| EN 487H | Engineering Design Project II | 3 |
| 3 |
| Introduction to Embedded Systems | |
| Manufacturing Processes | |
| Computational Methods | |
| 3 |
| Mechanics of Materials | |
| Digital Logic Design | |
| 3 |
| Materials Science and Engineering | |
| Electricity and Magnetism I | |
| 4 |
| Advanced Dynamics | |
| Nuclear Physics | |
| Optics | |
| Electricity and Magnetism II | |
| Quantum Mechanics | |
Important Notes for the B.S. in Engineering Program
Due to their resource-intensive nature, five courses in the department are restricted to students who have been admitted to the B.S. in Engineering. The restricted enrollment courses are: EN 287, EN 321L, EN 330L, EN 484 and EN 487H.
Standard Admission Process
Students wishing to be admitted to the B.S. in Engineering program will normally apply during their sophomore year. Applicants must have completed the engineering foundation courses:
- All of the following: PS 151, PS 151L, PS 153, PS 153L (or PS 154L), PS 251W, MA 171, MA 172 and MA 273
- At least three of the following: EN 130, EN 171, EN 211, CH 161 and CS 171
An application consists of the following:
- Applicant information form (available online),
- A one- to two-page essay describing the applicant's reasons for pursuing a major in engineering, and
- A one- to two-page essay describing the applicant's growth academically and professionally while at Whitworth.
Applications must be submitted via email to the department program assistant by the first Friday in the spring semester. Applicants will be informed whether or not they have been admitted to the B.S. in Engineering program by the second Friday in March.
Applicants denied admission to the B.S. in Engineering may submit an appeal, due two weeks after the end of the spring semester. Students will receive a response to the appeal by the end of June.
Transfer Student Policies
An entering transfer student may apply for admission to the B.S. in Engineering prior to his/her first semester at Whitworth. Transfer applicants must have completed the equivalents of Whitworth's engineering foundation courses (see above). The application has the same format as that for other students with the exception of the second essay. This essay should describe academic and professional growth since the student started taking college-level courses. The application materials must be received no later than four weeks prior to the first class day of the student's first semester at Whitworth. The application will be reviewed within three weeks of being received. Alternatively, transfer students may apply for admission to the program through the standard process in the spring semester.
Because our graduates represent the quality of our program to the outside, it is important that those earning the B.S. in Engineering truly reflect that education. We therefore require transfer students to complete at least 48 credits at Whitworth in order to earn the B.S. in Engineering.
Dual Degree Pre-Engineering Transfer Program
Pre-engineering advisor: Richard Stevens
Whitworth’s pre-engineering program is designed to give students the broad foundation of a liberal arts education, as well as technical training to be successful in a variety of engineering disciplines. Arrangements have been made with several top engineering schools to allow pre-engineering students to complete their first two or three years of coursework at Whitworth and the remainder of the five-year program at a partner engineering school. Partnership arrangements exist with Washington University (St. Louis), Washington State University and Columbia University. Students report that the broad knowledge base and the critical-thinking, teamwork and communication skills acquired at Whitworth have enabled them to thrive in both engineering school and the professional environment. Recent graduates are working at successful engineering firms around the country. The following courses are required to qualify for our partner engineering schools, with additional courses available to prepare for specific engineering fields.
Requirements for a Physics Minor (21-24) |
|---|
| PS 151 | General Physics I | 3 |
| PS 151L | General Physics I Lab | 1 |
| PS 153 | General Physics II | 3 |
| 1 |
| General Physics II Lab | |
| Near Space Research Project | |
| PS 251W | Modern Physics | 4 |
| 9-12 |
| |
| Elementary Probability and Statistics (3) | |
| Calculus III (4) | |
| Science in Secondary School (2) | |
| Differential Equations (3) | |
| Epic Fails in Engineering | |
| |
Requirements for a Science Endorsement for Majors in Biology, Chemistry or Physics
The science endorsement requires a major in biology, chemistry or physics plus additional courses. For a list of these additional courses, please see the biology or chemistry sections of the catalog.
Dean of Arts & Sciences
JOHN PELL
Chair
KAMESH SANKARAN
Professors
KAMESH SANKARANRICHARD STEVENS
Associate professors
JOHN LARKINMARKUS ONG
Assistant professor
PHILIP MEASOR