Starting this fall, the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Applied Physical Sciences will offer a Bachelor of Science in Applied Science degree that combines engineering and the liberal arts. The undergraduate degree is a first for the 10-year-old department, which offered a doctoral degree when it launched in 2013 and introduced a popular minor in applied science and engineering in 2020.
“As a general engineering program, the goal of the APS major is to prepare students to address the major challenges of our society,” said Dean Professor Theo Dingemans. “In addition to acquiring technical engineering skills, we recognize the importance of training students to become problem solvers with the skills and mindset to address complex, multidisciplinary problems. .”
The new major will initially offer courses in materials engineering and environmental engineering. Both courses combine the fundamentals of chemistry, biology, and physics with engineering principles, modeling, and computational analysis to give students a strong background in traditional engineering disciplines.
In materials engineering courses, students work with materials and technologies that are the building blocks of industry, design new products, and improve existing products. Targets include next-generation energy storage, polymer membranes for water supplies, green plastics, medical devices, and more. These upper-level courses are taught by applied physical science faculty.
In environmental engineering courses, students learn how to use scientific and engineering methods to protect people from pollution and other negative effects of environmental degradation. We also design solutions for sustainable resources, human health, and environmental restoration. This track is a unique collaboration between the College of Arts and Sciences and the Gillings School of Global Public Health’s Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering. Gillings faculty teach upper-level environmental engineering courses.
“We are excited to partner with APS in the launch of the Environmental Engineering Track. This course leverages 103 years of engineering fundamentals based in the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering,” said Gillings Interim Department. Chief Rebecca Fry said.
The Bachelor of Applied Science degree program was developed by considering the latest research and innovative practices in engineering education.
“The curriculum is based on four pillars that provide students with practical applications of technology concepts and tools while integrating engineering and entrepreneurship throughout their education,” said Dean of Undergraduate Studies and member of the APS faculty. Richard Goldberg said. . “Students will also address ethical considerations regarding the impact of technology on society and culture.”
The development of these pillars was enhanced by a series of grants from the Khan Family Foundation. APS is leading efforts to incorporate entrepreneurial learning into UNC’s offerings and other STEM classes.
“Students are encouraged to show curiosity about the world around them, make connections to integrate knowledge, and identify unexpected opportunities to create value,” Goldberg said. “These characteristics are important when starting a new company, but they are also important when dealing with real-world problems within an existing company.”
The new major builds on the minor and currently has more than 60 students enrolled. This major is open to students who plan to graduate after spring 2028. Students can apply to the program by completing a standard application requesting biographical information and an essay. Please visit our website for more information on the admission process.
“APS has been working with UNC students and faculty, as well as industry advisory boards, to develop exciting new programs that prepare students for success in engineering careers,” Dingemans said. I did. “Students who graduate with a new major will be well prepared for opportunities in industry and graduate programs.”
