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This four-year degree program in the interdisciplinary physical sciences offers a strong foundation in related areas of engineering sciences, mathematics, and physics for professional work in the field of industrial research and technology. It also provides a foundation for graduate degree work in applied mathematics, engineering sciences, and physics.

The AMEP program is an excellent choice for the student with broad interests in mathematics, physics, and engineering. AMEP emphasizes an integrated mathematics and physics curriculum and strives to achieve an optimum balance of breadth and depth in the physical sciences within the confines of a four-year degree.

declaration REQUIREMENTS

Because admission into AMEP is internal to UW–Madison, a student must be admitted to UW–Madison or already be a UW–Madison student to join AMEP.

The general expectation for admission to the AMEP program is completion of the introductory calculus and physics sequences with appropriate success.  Specifically a student must have

Students who do not meet the above qualifications (transfer students, freshmen with advanced standings, etc.) may be admitted to the program on a probationary basis.  However, such students who do not eventually meet the above admission requirement or maintain a 2.0 GPA in quality of work program requirements in their first term at UW-Madison may be reassigned to a standard BA or BS degree.

Finally, students who have accrued 86 or more credits will be admitted to the AMEP program only if

  • the student has above a 2.0 in both the general and upper level quality of work requirement (see the full program requirements),
  • the student has fewer than 60 outstanding credits needed to complete then degree.

DECLARING APPLIED MATHEMATICS, ENGINEERING, AND PHYSICS UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAM (AMEP)

Any student who is interested in the AMEP program should meet with a program advisor as soon as possible.  The advisor will help the student negotiate pre-AMEP status and eventually assist in declaration for the program.  In general, this should be an AMEP MATH faculty advisor.  

Advising information can be found in the Advising and Careers tab.

University General Education Requirements

All undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set of common university general education requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. Various schools and colleges will have requirements in addition to the requirements listed below. Consult your advisor for assistance, as needed. For additional information, see the university Undergraduate General Education Requirements section of the Guide.

General Education
  • Breadth—Humanities/Literature/Arts: 6 credits
  • Breadth—Natural Science: 4 to 6 credits, consisting of one 4- or 5-credit course with a laboratory component; or two courses providing a total of 6 credits
  • Breadth—Social Studies: 3 credits
  • Communication Part A & Part B *
  • Ethnic Studies *
  • Quantitative Reasoning Part A & Part B *

* The mortarboard symbol appears before the title of any course that fulfills one of the Communication Part A or Part B, Ethnic Studies, or Quantitative Reasoning Part A or Part B requirements.

College of Letters & Science Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Science-Applied Mathematics, Engineering, and Physics (B.S.-AMEP)

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science—Applied Mathematics, Engineering, and Physics degree in the College of Letters & Science must complete all of the requirements below. The B.S.—AMEP is a special degree program; it is not considered a major. The B.S.—AMEP degree is not available to students who intend to earn a degree outside the College of Letters & Science.

Bachelor of Science - AMEP Degree Requirements

Mathematics Complete the University General Education Requirements for Quantitative Reasoning A (QR-A) and Quantitative Reasoning B (QR-B) coursework.
Foreign Language Complete the second unit of a foreign language.
Liberal Arts and Science Requirement Complete a minimum of 20 credits in Liberal Arts and Science (LAS) coursework outside the physical and mathematical sciences, including:
• at least of 12 credits of Humanities and/or Social Science, including at least 6 credits in Humanities and at least 3 credits of Social Science
• a maximum of 8 credits of Biological Science
• additional eligible coursework to reach 20 total credits.

Courses that carry the Physical Science breadth designation, or are listed (or cross-listed) in the MATH or COMP SCI subjects, are not eligible.
Total Credits Complete at least 125 credits.
UW—Madison Experience Complete both:
• 30 credits in residence, overall, and
• 30 credits in residence after the 90th credit.
Quality of Work • 2.000 in all coursework at UW–Madison

Requirements for the Program

A total of at least 125 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.000 is required for this degree plan.  Of these credits, at least 82 must be devoted to Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, and Chemistry requirements; 20 must be devoted to University General Education requirements; and the balance may be from electives.

FOUNDATION: Mathematics13-19
Single Variable Calculus. Completed with credit for both othe following courses:
Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1
Calculus and Analytic Geometry 2
Multivariable calculus. Completed with credit for one of the following two options:
Calculus--Functions of Several Variables
Topics in Multi-Variable Calculus and Linear Algebra
and Topics in Multi-Variable Calculus and Differential Equations 1
FOUNDATION: Physics11-14
First Introductory course
A Modern Introduction to Physics
General Physics
General Physics
Dynamics
Dynamics
Second Introductory course
A Modern Introduction to Physics
General Physics
General Physics
Third Introductory course
A Modern Introduction to Physics
Introduction to Modern Physics
Modern Physics for Engineers
Introduction to Solid State Electronics
CHEMISTRY. Completed with credit for one of the following options.5-9
Advanced General Chemistry
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry II
Chemical Principles I
MATHEMATICS. Completed with at least six courses for 18 credits.18
Core: Linear Algebra
Linear Algebra and Differential Equations 2
Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra
Linear Algebra
Topics in Multi-Variable Calculus and Linear Algebra
Core: Differential Equations
Linear Algebra and Differential Equations 2
Techniques in Ordinary Differential Equations
Topics in Multi-Variable Calculus and Differential Equations
Core: Applied Analysis. Complete both courses.
Applied Mathematical Analysis
Applied Mathematical Analysis
MATH electives. 3
Completed with at least three courses for nine credits. Select from:
Applied Dynamical Systems, Chaos and Modeling
The Theory of Single Variable Calculus
Introduction to the Theory of Probability
Introduction to Probability and Mathematical Statistics I
Applied Linear Algebra
Numerical Linear Algebra
Numerical Analysis
Ordinary Differential Equations
Analysis I
Analysis II
Probability Theory
Differential Geometry
Analysis of Partial Differential Equations
Complex Analysis
Introduction to Fourier Analysis
Introduction to Stochastic Processes
PHYSICS. Completed with at least 5 courses for 15 credits.15
Core Physics. Complete both:
Mechanics
Electromagnetic Fields
Physics electives: 4
Remaining courses/credits from any PHYSICS course numbered 307 and above.
ENGINEERING
21 credits in Engineering courses with the following conditions: 521
Courses must be numbered 300 or above.
Courses must be distinct from any used to fulfill math and physics requirements above.
LABORATORY EXPERIENCE. Minimum of three credits selected from the options below. 60-3
The following course applies as three credits of lab:
Aerodynamics Lab
The following courses apply as two credits of lab each:
Intermediate Laboratory-Mechanics and Modern Physics
Electric Circuits and Electronics
Optics
Advanced Laboratory
Electronic Aids to Measurement
Applied Optics
The following courses apply as one credit of lab each:
Circuits Laboratory I
Mechanics of Materials Lab
Computational Experience. 60-3
Select one:
Introduction to Numerical Methods
Intermediate Problem Solving for Engineers
Numerical Linear Algebra
Numerical Analysis
Bachelor of Science General Education Requirements20
Electives to Reach 125 Credits6-23
Total Credits125

Residence and Quality of Work

  • Minimum 2.000 GPA in AMEP program courses.7
  • Minimum 2.000 GPA and 15 upper-level AMEP program credits, taken in residence.7,8
  • 15 credits in AMEP program courses, taken on the UW–Madison campus.7

Honors in the Major

Honors in the Major is not available in Applied Mathematics, Engineering, and Physics.

Footnotes

1

MATH 375 may also be used to fulfill the Linear Algebra requirement below.  MATH 376 may be used to fulfill the Diferential Equations requirement below.

2

 MATH 320 fulfills both the Linear Algebra and Differential Equations requirement.  AMEP students are encouraged to consider the honors version of the course which is taught by AMEP faculty.

3

A default plan may include MATH 415, MATH/​STAT  431, and MATH/​COMP SCI  514.

4

A default plan might inlcude courses slected from PHYSICS 307PHYSICS 321PHYSICS 325PHYSICS 415PHYSICS 448, and PHYSICS 449.

5

Work with an AMEP Engineering advisor to construct a progressive and cohesive sequence of courses.  We recommend you begin enrolling in engineering courses at or near the completion of your MATH and PHYSICS core requirements.

6

Course used to fulfill this requirement need not be distinct from courses used to fulfill Mathematics, Physics, and Engineering requirements in AMEP.

7

This includes only those courses which may be used to fulfill Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Chemistry, Laboratory, and Computational requirements described in the tables above.

8

A course numbered 300 or above is considered upper level in the program.

University Degree Requirements

Total Degree To receive a bachelor's degree from UW–Madison, students must earn a minimum of 120 degree credits. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 degree credits. Students should consult with their college or department advisor for information on specific credit requirements.
Residency Degree candidates are required to earn a minimum of 30 credits in residence at UW–Madison. "In residence" means on the UW–Madison campus with an undergraduate degree classification. “In residence” credit also includes UW–Madison courses offered in distance or online formats and credits earned in UW–Madison Study Abroad/Study Away programs.
Quality of Work Undergraduate students must maintain the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, or academic program to remain in good academic standing. Students whose academic performance drops below these minimum thresholds will be placed on academic probation.
  1. State, explain and apply principal theorems and techniques of applied mathematics, including (but not limited to) the subject areas of vector and complex calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations.
  2. State, explain and apply theory and methods of classical and modern physics such as mechanics (classical, statistical, quantum), electricity, magnetism, thermodynamics, radiation and atomic physics.
  3. Develop strategies to synthesize applied mathematics and physical sciences to address engineering problems, with emphasis on problems of current interest.
  4. Design and conduct experiments to explore hypotheses regarding science and/or technology and/or engineering problems, and will use mathematics to help interpret experimental results.
  5. Work in multidisciplinary groups of mathematicians, physical scientists, and engineers to formulate and solve STEM problems, which includes the creation and evaluation of models for natural phenomena.
  6. Through written and oral presentations, students will communicate technical/scientific ideas and results to experts and non-experts.

Sample Four-Year Plan

This Sample Four-Year Plan is a tool to assist students and their advisor(s). Students should use it—along with their DARS report, the Degree Planner, and Course Search & Enroll tools—to make their own four-year plan based on their placement scores, credit for transferred courses and approved examinations, and individual interests. As students become involved in athletics, honors, research, student organizations, study abroad, volunteer experiences, and/or work, they might adjust the order of their courses to accommodate these experiences. Students will likely revise their own four-year plan several times during college.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM 1095Communication A3
PHYSICS 2475MATH 3203
MATH 2344PHYSICS 2485
Foreign Language 14Foreign Language 24
 18 15
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 3213INTER-LS 2101
PHYSICS 2494PHYSICS 3113
Humanities Breadth3MATH 3223
Core Math Elective 13Core Math Elective 23
Ethnic Studies/Social Science Breadth3Humanities Breadth3
 Biological/Social Science or Humanities3
 16 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PHYSICS 3223Core Physics 24
Core Math Elective 33Core Physics 34
Physics Elective 14Computational Experience3
Lab Experience2-4Engineering 13
Humanities/Social Science Breadth3 
 16 14
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Communication B3Engineering courses9
Engineering Courses12Humanities Breadth3
 Electives3
 15 15
Total Credits 125

For information about advising for the special Letters & Science degree program, students should refer to AMEP Advising.

RECOMMENDED/SUGGESTED ADVANCED COURSES

A number of intermediate and advanced courses in the Mathematics and Physics Departments are recommended by AMEP advisors for use as electives beyond the core math and physics curricula. Other courses may be approved by AMEP faculty advisors.

Mathematics
Applied Dynamical Systems, Chaos and Modeling
Introduction to the Theory of Probability
Numerical Linear Algebra (computing elective)
Numerical Analysis (computing elective)
Differential Geometry
Introduction to Stochastic Processes
Physics
Electromagnetic Fields
Optics
Advanced Laboratory
Thermal Physics
Atomic and Quantum Physics
and Atomic and Quantum Physics
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
Solid State Physics
Chemical and Biological Engineering (CBE)
Process Synthesis
Introduction to Chemical Process Modeling
Computer Engineering (ECE)
Digital System Fundamentals
Machine Organization and Programming
Engineering Mechanics and Astronautics (EMA) or Mechanical Engineering (ME)
Mechanics of Materials
Mechanics of Materials
Mechanics of Materials Lab
Advanced Mechanics of Materials I
Fracture Mechanics
Electrical Engineering
Introductory Experience in Electrical Engineering
Circuit Analysis
Circuits Laboratory I
Thermodynamics, Fluids, and Heat Transfer (ME, CBE)
Thermodynamics
Fluid Dynamics
Elementary Heat Transfer
Chemical Process Thermodynamics
Introductory Transport Phenomena
Chemical Kinetics and Reactor Design
Aerodynamics and Astrodynamics (EMA)
Aerodynamics
Aerodynamics Lab
Flight Dynamics and Control
Advanced Dynamics
Astrodynamics
Materials Science and Engineering
Introduction to Materials Science
Plasma Physics and Engineering (ECE/NEEP/PHYS cross-listed)
Introduction to Plasmas
Plasma Confinement and Heating
Industrial Engineering
Engineering Economic Analysis
Operations Research-Deterministic Modeling

L&S career resources

Every L&S major opens a world of possibilities.  SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps students turn the academic skills learned in their major, certificates, and other coursework into fulfilling lives after graduation, whether that means jobs, public service, graduate school or other career pursuits.

In addition to providing basic support like resume reviews and interview practice, SuccessWorks offers ways to explore interests and build career skills from their very first semester/term at UW all the way through graduation and beyond.

Students can explore careers in one-on-one advising, try out different career paths, complete internships, prepare for the job search and/or graduate school applications, and connect with supportive alumni and even employers in the fields that inspire them.