Engineering Physics Course
Our Engineering Physics course covers wave optics (interference, diffraction and polarisation), lasers and fibre optics, quantum mechanics, crystal structure and solid-state physics, semiconductors, electromagnetic theory and an introduction to nanomaterials. Lessons are live and one-to-one with a verified subject expert, who explains each concept with worked examples, solves problems from your own module and helps you prepare for exams and coursework. Suitable for first-year engineering students, following university syllabi in the UK, US, Australia and India (including AKTU, VTU and Anna University style courses).
Reviewed by K. Sharma, Master's in Physics, Maharishi Dayanand UniversityLast updated
$14 – $34
per hour
Free demo class · pay only if you continue
What you will learn
Learning outcomes
- Understand fundamental laws of physics
- Apply mechanics to engineering problems
- Analyze waves and oscillations
- Understand optics and laser principles
- Apply concepts of electricity and magnetism
- Explain basic quantum physics
- Understand semiconductor physics
- Relate physics principles to engineering applications
Prerequisites
- Basic mathematics
- Basic algebra
- Basic trigonometry
- High-school physics
Tags
Course structure
Syllabus(5 modules)
- Frames of reference
- Galilean transformation
- Michelson-Morley experiment
- Postulates of special relativity
- Lorentz transformation
- Mass-energy relation
What is Engineering Physics?
In short: this course gives one-to-one online tutoring in engineering physics. A verified tutor explains quantum mechanics basics, optics, lasers and fibre optics, semiconductors and materials, with numerical problems worked step by step.
Engineering Physics is the first-year physics module for engineering students, covering the modern and applied physics behind electronics, communications and materials. It includes special relativity, electromagnetic field theory, quantum mechanics, wave optics, and the physics of optical fibres and lasers.
This online course teaches Engineering Physics one to one with a verified tutor who has studied or taught it at university level, at your pace and aligned with your own module.
Related subject: Engineering physics help.
What does the Engineering Physics course cover?
| Topic | Key content |
|---|---|
| Relativistic mechanics | Frames of reference, Galilean transformation, Michelson–Morley experiment, postulates of special relativity, Lorentz transformation, length contraction, time dilation, mass–energy relation |
| Electromagnetic field theory | Continuity equation, displacement current, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves, Poynting vector |
| Quantum mechanics | Black-body radiation, Planck's law, wave–particle duality, matter waves, Schrödinger equation, particle in a box |
| Wave optics | Interference in thin films, Newton's rings, Fraunhofer diffraction, diffraction grating, polarisation |
| Fibre optics and lasers | Acceptance angle, numerical aperture, types of fibre, attenuation and dispersion; spontaneous and stimulated emission, ruby and He-Ne lasers, applications |
How do you solve a particle-in-a-box problem?
For a particle in a one-dimensional infinite well of width L:
- Write the time-independent Schrödinger equation inside the box, where V = 0.
- Apply boundary conditions ψ(0) = ψ(L) = 0.
- The solutions are ψₙ(x) = √(2/L) sin(nπx/L).
- Energy levels are Eₙ = n²h² ÷ (8mL²), with n = 1, 2, 3…
- Normalise the wave function and interpret |ψ|² as probability density.
How do you find the numerical aperture of an optical fibre?
- Note the refractive indices of the core n₁ and cladding n₂.
- Numerical aperture NA = √(n₁² − n₂²).
- The acceptance angle θ₀ satisfies sin θ₀ = NA (in air).
- The fractional index change Δ = (n₁ − n₂) ÷ n₁, so NA ≈ n₁√(2Δ).
- Use the normalised frequency V = (2πa ÷ λ) × NA to decide whether the fibre is single-mode (V < 2.405).
What does a worked optical fibre question look like?
Here is a typical question: a fibre has core index 1.50 and cladding index 1.48. Find its numerical aperture.
| Step | Working |
|---|---|
| Formula | NA = √(n₁² − n₂²) |
| Substitute | √(1.50² − 1.48²) = √(2.25 − 2.1904) |
| Calculate | √0.0596 ≈ 0.244 |
Where do students lose marks in Engineering Physics?
Students most often lose marks in Engineering Physics through the habits below. Each is easy to fix with practice and feedback on your own work.
| Mark-loser | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Unit conversions missed | Convert to SI units first |
| Formula misremembered | Derive or check formulas from principles |
| Significant figures | Match the data given |
| Concepts without equations | Link each explanation to the governing equation |
| Graphs unlabelled | Label axes with units |
How is it assessed, and how can a tutor help?
Engineering physics modules are usually assessed by written exams with derivations and numericals, plus laboratory experiments such as Newton's rings and diffraction gratings.
Tutors explain concepts, work through practice problems with you and give feedback on your approach. Graded work you submit must be your own, as set out in our academic integrity policy. For deadline-driven guidance, see assignment help.
How the lessons work
Lessons are live and one to one on video with screen sharing and a shared whiteboard. You can follow a full course or book sessions on the topics you find hardest before exams. See also Engineering Mathematics I, Engineering Biomedical Physics and our Modern Physics subject page.
Engineering physics for BTech 1st year: who this course is for, prerequisites and study plan
Engineering physics for BTech 1st year usually covers relativity, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, wave optics, fibre optics and lasers, and this course teaches these units with a 1-to-1 tutor using derivations and numericals from your own university papers.
This course suits first-year BTech and BE students in any branch, and students clearing a backlog in the physics paper. It is not the separate four-year engineering physics degree, although degree students also find the fundamentals useful.
Prerequisites: school physics, algebra, trigonometry and basic calculus.
Course length: 40 one-hour lessons across 5 modules.
| Stage | Modules | What you can do afterwards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Relativistic mechanics | Apply the Lorentz transformation, time dilation and length contraction |
| 2 | Electromagnetic field theory | Use Maxwell's equations and displacement current |
| 3 | Quantum mechanics | Solve the Schrödinger equation for a particle in a box |
| 4 | Wave optics, fibre optics and lasers | Solve Newton's rings and numerical aperture questions |
Where it leads: pair it with our Engineering Mathematics 1 course in your first year, or Biomedical Physics if you specialise.
Engineering Physics Course: frequently asked questions
Is engineering physics a good branch?
Engineering physics as a four-year degree is a good branch for students who enjoy both physics and engineering, and it leads to research, semiconductors, photonics, energy and technology roles. It is more theoretical than most branches and many graduates continue to postgraduate study. It differs from the first-year engineering physics paper taught on this page.
What is the Lorentz transformation?
Equations relating space and time coordinates between frames moving at constant velocity in special relativity.
What is displacement current?
Maxwell's term added to Ampère's law so it is consistent with the continuity equation.
What is the Schrödinger equation?
The fundamental equation of quantum mechanics describing how a wave function evolves.
What are Newton's rings?
Interference rings formed between a lens and a flat glass plate, used to measure wavelength or radius of curvature.
What is numerical aperture?
A measure of an optical fibre's light-gathering ability.
Is engineering physics hard?
The first-year engineering physics paper is moderately hard because it combines long derivations with numerical problems and new topics such as quantum mechanics and relativity. Most marks come from a limited set of standard derivations and question types. Regular practice with past papers makes it manageable, and your tutor focuses on those question types.
Can you help me prepare for my exam?
Yes. Tutors practise derivations and numericals.
How much does an Engineering Physics tutor cost?
The price depends on the tutor and session length. You see the hourly rate before booking, with no subscription.
Can a tutor do my assignment for me?
No. Tutors explain, guide and give feedback so you can complete your own work, in line with our academic integrity policy.
What is total internal reflection?
When light in a denser medium hits the boundary at more than the critical angle and reflects completely.
What is a particle in a box?
A quantum model where energy levels are Eₙ = n²h² ÷ (8mL²).
What is the difference between conductors, semiconductors and insulators?
The size of the band gap between the valence and conduction bands.
How does a laser work?
By stimulated emission in a medium with population inversion, amplified in an optical cavity.
What is the de Broglie wavelength?
λ = h ÷ p, the wavelength associated with a moving particle.
What is Young's modulus?
Stress divided by strain, a measure of stiffness.
Can you help with lab reports?
Yes. Tutors help with data analysis, uncertainties and discussion; see our lab report help.
What topics are in engineering physics?
The syllabus varies by university, but first-year engineering physics usually covers wave optics with interference, diffraction and polarisation, lasers and fibre optics, quantum mechanics basics, semiconductors and solid-state physics, electromagnetism and sometimes ultrasonics or acoustics. Always check your own syllabus. Your tutor practises derivations and numericals topic by topic.
Do you offer lessons in my time zone?
Yes. Lessons are online, so you can book times that suit your time zone.
Which book is best for engineering physics?
Widely used books in India include A Textbook of Engineering Physics by Avadhanulu and Kshirsagar, and Engineering Physics by Malik and Singh. Your university may recommend a different title or its own notes. Your tutor follows the book your university sets and adds past-paper derivations and numericals for every unit.
How do I study engineering physics for BTech 1st year?
List the standard derivations in each unit, such as Newton's rings, time dilation and particle in a box, and practise writing them from memory. Then solve numericals from your university's past papers, because question types repeat. Your tutor checks your derivations and shows which units carry the most marks in your exam.
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