نظرة عامة على البرنامج

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Applied and Computational Physics, Doctor of Philosophy

The College of Arts and Sciences offers a physical sciences doctoral program in Applied and Computational Physics, at the Department of Physics. With a concentration in materials experimental research and computer modeling, this program will prepare graduates for industry and academic careers in areas related to various experimental and theoretical aspects of one of the largest fields in physics: Materials science.

Program Description

The curriculum prepares the students to engage in research in condensed matter physics, with materials research currently being the most technologically important area. This program emphasizes both practical, engineering applications (applied physics track) and theoretical and fundamental physical concepts (computational physics track). Ph.D. candidates may elect to do their dissertation with one of a number of Oakland University faculty currently involved in applied and computational physics research.

Admission Terms and Application Deadlines

Before an applicants file can be reviewed for full program admission, all application documents must be received in Oakland University Graduate School by the semester deadlines listed below.

• February 15 (early) April 15 (regular) and July 15 (late) for fall semester
• October 1 (early) and November 15 (regular) for winter semester
• March 1 (regular) for summer semester

Application Requirements

To be considered for graduate admission, applicants must submit all Graduate Application Requirements and additional department requirements by the published application deadlines.

1. Graduate Application Requirements
2. Additional department application requirements

• Students will be considered for admission if they hold a baccalaureate degree in physics, computer science, or one of the mathematical sciences.
• Additional Recommendation for Graduate Admission form
• Requirements for recommendations: All three forms must be submitted directly by individuals who can evaluate the applicants potential for graduate-level scientific research.

Admission Review and Assessment

Admission to graduate school at Oakland University is selective. In making admission recommendations to Oakland University Graduate School, each department assesses the potential of applicants for success in the program by examining their undergraduate records, goal statement, letters of recommendation, prerequisite courses, and any other admission requirements established by the academic department.

Degree Requirements

The Doctor of Philosophy in Applied and Computational Physics is awarded upon satisfactory completion of a minimum of 80 credits in an approved program of study, successful completion of a qualifying examination, and successful completion of a dissertation. A minimum of 80 credits beyond the bachelors degree is required for the Ph.D. in Applied and Computational Physics program, including at least 30 credits of dissertation research.

Course Requirements (80 credits)

a. Core courses (32 credits)

• Required courses:
  • PHY 5220 - Statistical Thermodynamics (4 credits)
  • PHY 5520 - Theoretical Physics (4 credits)
  • PHY 5620 - Mechanics II (4 credits)
  • PHY 5740 - Introduction to Solid-State Physics (4 credits)
  • PHY 5830 - Classical Electrodynamics (4 credits)
  • PHY 6730 - Quantum Mechanics (4 credits)
  • SCI 5110 - Ethics and Practice of Science (2 credits)
  • PHY 6940 - Seminar (1 credit) Students will take two semesters (1 credit per semester)
• Choose one course from the following:
  • PHY 5420 - Advanced Electronics (4 credits)
  • PHY 5530 - Numerical Methods in Theoretical Physics (4 credits) (for the Computational Physics track)

b. Electives (18 credits)

Students will take 18 credits of elective courses: 8 credits from the following courses and 10 credits of free electives. Choose an appropriate track from the following:

1. Applied physics track

• PHY 5450 - Physics of NMR and MRI (4 credits)
• CHM 4700 - Industrial Chemistry (3 credits)
• CHM 5410 - Advanced Physical Chemistry (3 credits)
• CHM 5420 - Topics in Physical Chemistry (3 credits)
• ECE 5140 - Instrumentation and Measurements (4 credits)
• ECE 5300 - Electromagnetic Engineering (4 credits)

2. Computational physics track

• PHY 5350 - Modeling Complex Systems (4 credits)
• PHY 5300 - Bioelectric Phenomena (4 credits)
• PHY 5040 - Advanced Astrophysics I (4 credits)
• PHY 5650 - Physics of Continuous Media (4 credits)
• PHY 6740 - Advanced Quantum Mechanics (4 credits)
• APM 5333 - Numerical Methods (4 credits)
• APM 5334 - Applied Numerical Methods: Matrix Methods (4 credits)
• APM 6334 - Numerical Methods for Partial Differential Equations (4 credits)
• APM 6558 - Mathematical Modeling in Industry: Continuous Models (4 credits)
• STA 5225 - Stochastic Processes I (4 credits)
• ME 5510 - Intermediate Fluid Mechanics (4 credits)
• ME 7510 - Gas Dynamics (4 credits)

Dissertation (30 credits)

• PHY 8999 - Doctoral Research (1 to 12 credits) (per semester)
• Approval of research-oriented dissertation submitted for internal and external review.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is the term used to denote a students successful completion of coursework toward a certificate or degree. Federal regulations require the Office of Financial Aid to monitor Satisfactory Academic Progress for all financial aid recipients each semester.

Good Academic Standing

All graduate students are expected to remain in good academic standing throughout the entire course of their graduate program. To be in good academic standing, a graduate student must make satisfactory progress toward fulfilling degree requirements, including the completion of critical degree milestones as set forth by the academic program.

Related Program Information

Plan of Study

All accepted applicants, in consultation with their assigned faculty program adviser, must develop a plan of study that details specific courses the students will use to satisfy their degree requirements.

Qualifying Examination

Typically, within two years after admission into the program, the student must pass a comprehensive qualifying examination. The comprehensive examination will consist of a written examination followed by an oral examination.

Dissertation Committee

A dissertation committee consisting of at least three members (one of whom will serve as dissertation adviser) will be formed. The majority of the committee will consist of faculty members of the Department of Physics.

Research and Dissertation

An integral and major component of the program is the successful completion of original research either utilizing state-of-the-art experimental methods or taking theoretical and/or computational approach to study a problem of current interest.

Residence

All students are required to fulfill a residency requirement for this program. Although students may complete some of the program on a part-time basis, continuous full-time enrollment is highly preferred.

Continuous Enrollment

The continuous enrollment policy for doctoral students requires continuous registration of graduate students for at least 1 credit each semester in the academic year to maintain an active graduate student status.

Time to Degree

The maximum time limit for completing a Ph.D. degree is no more than ten years from the term of the first course enrollment in the doctoral program. The Time Limit for Completing a Ph.D. Degree policy requires a student to achieve candidacy within six years from the first course enrollment in the doctoral program.