Dual Major in Physics and Computer Engineering
How Computer Engineering majors can look at the physics program:
Common to both options:
|
Physics requirements |
CMPE requirements |
|
Ph 211, 212, 213 General Physics (with Calculus) |
Ph 211,212,213 or 221, 222, 223 General Physics |
|
Ph 214, 215, 216 Lab for Ph 211, 212, 213 |
Ph 214, 215, 216 Lab |
|
Ph 311, 312 Introduction to Modern Physics |
Ph 317, 318 |
|
Ph 314, 315 Methods of Experimental Physics |
ECE 201, 202, 203, 301, 302 |
|
Ph 321 Current Electricity |
ECE 321 |
|
Ph 322 Computational Physics |
EAS101, ECE 371 |
|
Ph 424 Classical Mechanics I |
Ph 411 (?) |
|
Ph 464 Applied Optics (elective) |
Ph 464 |
|
Ph 431 Electricity and Magnetism (elective) |
Ph 431 or ECE 331 |
|
Mth 251, 252, 253, 254 Calculus |
Mth 251, 252, 253, 460 |
|
Mth 256 Applied Differential Equations |
Mth 256 Applied Differential Equations |
| Mth 343 Applied Linear Algebra | Mth 343 Applied Linear Algebra |
|
One year of general chemistry: Ch 221, 222, 223, 227, 228, 229 |
Substitute another year of science or technology (CMPE electives) |
|
Standard Option Physics Requirements |
Standard Option CMPE Requirements |
|
Ph 316 Methods of Experimental Physics I |
ECE 485 (?) |
|
Ph 425 Classical Mechanics II or Ph 432 Electricity and Magnetism |
Ph 432 or ECE 332 |
|
One year of approved courses in a related area of science or technology (biology, geology, additional chemistry, computer science, electrical engineering) |
Substitute another year of science or technology (CMPE electives) |
The question marks in the above list indicate a less than ideal fit between the physics and CMPE programs, but in some approximation these courses are acceptable. In fact, these courses are highly desirable for both the CMPE and the Physics major. From this analysis, the following can be deduced. Besides completing the BS in CMPE, CMPE majors need to take four additional courses in physics to qualify for a BS degree in physics (based on the Portland State University Bulletin '02/'03). Since one of these courses will help in completing your CMPE degree, the net impact is just three extra courses before you can graduate with two bachelor's degrees.
These include :
Ph 464: Applied Optics
Ph 411: Quantum Mechanics
Ph 431: Electricity and Magnetism or ECE 331
Ph 432: Electricity and Magnetism or ECE 332
Administrative detail: You can simply add physics as your second major in the online registration procedures. The additional work is minimal, if done over two years. This should increase your potential.
These courses are of great importance in high technology and will add considerable value to your computer engineering degree. The minimum acceptable grade, in both Applied Optics and Quantum Mechanics (Ph 464 and 411), is C. If one or more grades of C- are obtained, you will need to take one more course, one or more credits, 300-level or above, with grade C- or better.
If for some reason (class time conflicts and/or other reasons) you can not take one of these courses (Applied Optics and Quantum Mechanics or Ph 464 and 411), you can substitute any two courses in physics for the course that you missed. Thus, in this case, you will have to take five additional courses. Any course of two or more credits will do (300-level and above).
