[TerraMex]

i know what you mean, here is not that different , depends also on the school and what they think "is right".
However, in the same school, "base courses" (chemistry, physics, maths) are all the same, and given at (usually) the same time to any eng. degree.
But, the exact same degree, in a different school can be taught, and usually is, and the courses rearranged in a different manner that compatability between "theorically equal" degrees becomes a problem; lack of an unifed base. Same issue when outsourcing engineers to other EU countries.
also much harder to change university or change engineering degree half way, because of that system, without loosing time, and redo courses, in the process.

the Bologna Principles (IMO), aren't really helping.

EDIT:--

Physics makes perfect sense in the first year because the majority of it is given in highschool, same as chemistry, math. It works on that, and expands.