Engineering Physics (300 credits)

Job opportunities and the future

Engineering physicists have the opportunity to work as developers and research managers in many different areas that have technical and scientific links. A common initial form of employment for graduates is working with different forms of mathematics-based calculations. Examples of workplaces are small research-intensive, cutting edge companies, highly technical industrial companies and colleges and research laboratories. Technical physicists are sought after in many areas due to their broad competence as technical problem solvers. Many alternate during their lifetime between widely different professional roles and areas of activity, and also between different countries.

The programme

Engineering Physics provides both a broad and in-depth course of study including a sound knowledge base in mathematics and physics. Studies are fairly strictly controlled during the first terms and most of the elements are compulsory. In the later years, students have more scope to select subjects. The programme is oriented towards all areas of engineering and natural sciences, but the emphasis is on mathematics and physics and their applications.

Year 1

In Year 1 the programme is mainly focused on basic mathematics, physics and mechanics. In Mathematics the linear equation system, vectors and matrices are dealt with and also differential and integral calculation. Then the use of mathematics in other subjects such as physics and mechanics is examined. The introductory course in Thermodynamics deals with thinking in simple models and provides students with practice in solving simple, but realistic, problems. The course in Classic Physics comprises wave physics and electrical circuit engineering and also lab sessions and a project involving documentary research. In this course much emphasis is placed on students thinking in terms of scientific models. Computers are essential to all engineering activities. After a short introduction to the university’s computer resources, students do a course in Computer Science and Computing Programming. Also in Year 1 there is a basic course in Mechanics, where statistical and dynamic phenomena are covered. Students who are interested in more advanced courses in Mathematics are able to choose this alternative in Years 1 and 2.

Year 2

In the courses in Year 2, students add to the knowledge gained in Year 1 and introduce new areas of engineering and natural science. Mathematics is important in almost all courses in the Engineering Physics programme. In Year 2, differential equations, mathematical transformation methods and complex analysis are covered. The course in physics mathematical methods takes up vectors and tensors, and also mathematical applications of physical issues. Numerical calculation methods are dealt with on a separate course. This provides a very important complement to the other Mathematics courses. Modern Physics is the name of a course that gives a broad overview of how nature can be described at a microscopic level. Among other things, atomic physics, nuclear physics, the theory of relativity and introductory quantum mechanics are dealt with. Also included are lab sessions and project work. The course on Probability Theory and Statistics provides a basis for the processing of problems in addition to the purely technical e.g. within Economics and Urban Planning. The course in Solid Mechanics shows how mathematics is used in practical problems within engineering science, including lab sessions.

Year 3

Students complete the compulsory elements in the programme in Year 3. The mathematical treatment of engineering and natural scientific problems is further reinforced. Theoretical Electrical Engineering is founded on sound mathematical theories and basic physics as applied to technical issues. Statistical Physics provides a stricter description of items in physics that are covered in Years 1 and 2. Solid State Physics constitutes the largest sub-area of physics, and provides the basis for understanding for example, microelectronic material. Automatic Control (engineering) provides the mathematical theory for control of complex processes. In Year 3 students also take a course in Object-oriented Program Construction. In the spring, a Bachelor of Science degree project is to be carried out. This is a course with a project element and modules on written and spoken communication, ethics and innovation. There is a certain amount of time to add an elective course too.

On all KTH engineering degree programmes it is possible for students to take out a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree of 180 credits after three years. Students may also choose to continue studies to the Master of Science in Engineering degree of 300 credits, or to go on to study for a one or two-year Master degree.

Year 4-5

The Master programme selected is studied in Years 4 and 5.

There are five specialisations in this Master programme: Biomedical Physics, Nano Physics, Optical Physics, Subatomic & Astro Physics and Theoretical Physics. There is a wide range of courses on offer so students are able to choose either the theoretical or the experimental aspects of an area of physics, or choose a suitable combination of both theoretical and experimental courses. The purpose of the programme is for students to learn independent thinking and problem solving, useful knowledge both in industry and in academic research. Through their choice of courses and close contacts with an academic research environment, this programme is suitable for students aiming to continue their studies in order to gain a Licentiate or a Doctorate.

The Master programme in Mathematics furthers knowledge of mathematical concepts and methods that are fundamental to many technical and scientific subjects. The programme is suitable both for students who wish to continue studying Mathematics as a science and for those who wish to possess the tools to be able to tackle problems in applied sciences in a creative manner. The programme includes the specialisations Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics and Financial Mathematics, Computing Mathematics, Optimisation Theory and Systems Theory and also Discrete Mathematics and Theoretical Computer Science. The Master programme in Mathematics leads to a very attractive degree which can be followed by anything from research studies in Mathematics and related subjects to development projects in business/industry or the world of finance.

Engineering Mechanics is a broad engineering science which is used in the design of many different industrial products. The subject comprises solid mechanics, fluid mechanics and sound and vibration theory due to the fact that requirements concerning different products become increasingly complex and challenging so engineers who can solve problems across the entire technical mechanics area are very valuable. The aim of the programme is to provide practice in model creation, analysis using modern numerical and experimental methods and synthesis/es in order to solve real problems in the broad area of Engineering Mechanics.

This programme is focused on physics in advanced nuclear reactor systems, both current systems and those of the future. Based in physics, students formulate possible solutions to complicated problems e.g. the issue of nuclear waste. The main goal of this orientation is to provide skilled engineers and physicists for the nuclear power industry, and also for institutes, research departments and authorities within the broad area of nuclear energy engineering.

In addition to the above it is also possible to choose one of the following Master programmes:

• Computational and Systems Biology
• Technical Calculations
• Electrophysics
• Nanotechnology
• Photonics
• Aeronautical and Space Engineering
• Marine Systems
• Vehicle Engineering

Master programmes and the Erasmus Mundus

Degree project

The programme is concluded with a degree project of 15 credits (equivalent of approximately 10 weeks of study). Normally students carry out their degree projects in pairs. The aim is for students to use and demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have acquired during their studies. This requires the students to be able to use good engineering practices and also to be able to report on their work in a professional manner. Students are themselves responsible for identifying suitable degree projects. The aim is that they carry out this project within business/industry or in the public sector. Students are afforded the opportunity to make valuable contacts and build up a network to use in their future professional careers. The degree project is generally experienced as fun as well as stimulating and brings many challenges and high level quality requirements from both the School and the employer. A good degree project provides the preconditions for success as an engineer.