Physics/Engineering Program

The Department of Physics and Astronomy administers a cooperative program in engineering. Two options are available: an informal Two-Two Plan and a formal Three-Two Dual Degree Plan. Students interested in the Dual Degree Plan must consult with the chair of the department before registration.

 

In the Two-Two Plan, a student spends the first two years at Drake pursuing a program of basic studies, which parallels the standard preparation for engineering study. Successful completion of the basic studies program qualifies a student for admission as a third-year student at most of the engineering colleges in the United States.

 

In the Three-Two Dual Degree Program, a student completes three years at Drake pursuing a program that combines preparation for engineering study with the basic requirements for a degree from Drake University. Although most students will major in physics, any major compatible with the student’s intended field of study in engineering is possible, e.g. a chemistry major for study in chemical engineering, a computer science major for study in computer engineering.   Successful completion of this program qualifies a student for admission to the Seaver Institute of Technology at Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, for a two-year professional engineering program. The first year of professional study applies toward completion of the Drake degree. Upon successful completion of the program, the student is awarded both a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree from Drake University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in an area of engineering from Washington University

 

Students are eligible for financial aid at both institutions.

 

The curriculum for the first two years is typically: 

 

First Year                                                                                            Credit hours

MATHEMATICS 50, 70 — Analytic Geometry and Calculus I, II        8

PHYSICS 1 — Introductory Physics I                                                 4

PHYSICS 5 – Introductory Topics in Physics                                       4

COMPUTER SCIENCE 65 — Introduction to Computer Science I     3

ELECTIVES — Social Science or Humanities                                   15

TOTAL                                                                                              34

 

Second Year

MATHEMATICS 80 — Linear Algebra                                             3

MATHEMATICS 100 — Analytic Geometry and Calculus III             4

PHYSICS 2 — Introductory Physics II                                               4

PHYSICS 50 — Modern Physics                                                       4

PHYSICS 59 — Advanced Laboratory I                                            2

PHYSICS 61 — Error Theory                                                             1

PHYSICS 191 — Physics Seminar I                                                   1

CHEMISTRY 1, 2 — General Chemistry I, II with labs                       8

ELECTIVES — Social Science or Humanities                                     6

TOTAL                                                                                              32

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