Engineering physics or engineering science refers to the study of combined disciplines of physics, mathematics and engineering, particularly computer, nuclear, electrical, electronic, materials or mechanical engineering. By focusing on the scientific method as a rigorous basis, it looks for ways to apply, design and develop new engineering solutions. Engineering physics or engineering sciences are respected academic degrees awarded in many countries. It can be taught at the undergraduate level and is often designed as an honors program at some colleges due to the rigorous nature of the academic curriculum covering a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines.
Unlike traditional engineering disciplines, science / physics engineering is not necessarily confined to a particular branch of science, engineering or physics. In contrast, engineering / physics science is intended to provide a deeper basis in applied physics for a selected specialty, such as optics, quantum physics, materials science, applied mechanics, electronics, nanotechnology, microfabrication, microelectronics, photonics, nuclear engineering, biophysics, control theory, aerodynamics, energy, solid state physics, etc. It is the discipline dedicated to creating and optimizing engineering solutions through a better understanding and integrated application of mathematical, scientific, statistical and engineering principles. The discipline is also designed for cross-functional functionality and opens the gap between theoretical science and practical engineering with emphasis on research and development, design and analysis.
It is notable that in many languages the term for "engineering physics" would be translated directly into English as "technical physics". In some countries, both what would be translated as "physics of engineering" and what would be translated as "technical physics" are disciplines that lead to academic degrees, while the former specializes in nuclear research and the latter approaches physical. In some institutions, an engineering (or applied) physicist is a discipline or specialization within the field of engineering science or applied science.
In many universities, engineering science programs may be offered at the levels of B.Tech, B.Sc., M.Sc. and Ph.D. Typically, core core and advanced courses in math, physics, chemistry and biology form the basis of the curriculum, while typical elective areas may include fluid dynamics, quantum physics, economics, plasma physics, relativity, solids mechanics, quantitative finance, information technology and engineering, dynamic systems, bioengineering, environmental engineering, computer engineering, mathematical and statistical engineering, solid state devices, materials science, electromagnetism, nanoscience, nanotechnology, energy and optics. While typical undergraduate engineering programs generally focus on the application of established methods to the design and analysis of engineering solutions, the undergraduate program in engineering sciences focuses on the creation and use of more advanced experimental or computational techniques where standard approaches are inadequate engineering solutions to contemporary problems in the physical and life sciences by applying fundamental principles).