Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics - Digital Systems and VLSI

Engineering is an application of scientific principles to solve real-world problems. Engineering physicists are engaged more deeply on the scientific end than most.

With UIC’s engineering physics major, you will develop a command of physics that will make you especially competitive in roles that require an understanding of science and theory, such as research and development positions.

Engineering physics majors take nine physics courses. After completing General Physics I (which focuses on mechanics) and General Physics II (which is about electricity and magnetism), EP majors delve the scientific method, quantum theory, waves, thermal physics, quantum and theoretical mechanics, experimental physics, and other topics.

The area of digital systems and VLSI focuses on the design, analysis, layout, and fabricationimplementation of a wide gamut of components and systems. These include, but are not limited to, the most basic component of a transistor, logicdigital gates, circuits of various complexities (including arithmetic and digital signal processing circuits), and complex systems (including processors, systems-on-chips, and embedded systems with billions of transistors). In this area, various metrics need to be either optimized (e.g., minimum power consumption) or have their specifications met (e.g., a clock frequency of 2 GHz) in the circuits or systems being designed. These metrics include speed, power consumption, chip area or cost, chip yield (the percentage of fabricated chips found to be good – meeting all specs and performing correctly), and temperature profile. Algorithms that automate the implementation and analysis aspects of the design process to meet the aforementioned requirements are a major part of this area. Almost all aspects of modern technology are either direct products of this area or have critical underpinnings in this area.

Successful graduation of year 12 and completion of college preparatory curriculum. Minimum GPA - 3.0 Minimum English Language Score - IELTS 6.5 No sub-score below 6.0 Cambridge English - B2 First No sub-score below 165. TOEFL - 80 No sub-score below 16. IB - AAP 2 Terms - 4 English Language and Literature EAP 3 Terms - 4 English Language and Literature ID 2 Terms - 5 English Language and Literature