Program Overview

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Program Details | Applied Physics Ph.D.

The Applied Physics Ph.D. program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in applied physics, preparing them for careers in research and development. The program requires a minimum of 81 credits beyond the bachelor's degree and includes coursework, seminars, and original research.

Program Overview

To be admitted to the program, students must demonstrate mastery of subject matter and make a scholarly contribution to the field through original research. The program consists of:

• Coursework: a minimum of 81 credits, including 69 credits of required courses
• Seminar: attendance at the Physics Departmental seminar is highly encouraged
• Dissertation: original research that contributes to the field of applied physics

Courses

The required courses for the program include:

• PH 585 Experimental Methods in Applied Physics (4 credits)
• PH 617, 618 Quantum Mechanics (8 credits)
• PH 624 Classical Mechanics (4 credits)
• PH 631, 632 / ECE 635, 636 Electromagnetic Fields and Interactions (8 credits)
• PH 607 Seminar (6 credits)
• PH 603 Dissertation (27 credits)
• Electives (12 credits): chosen from a single Specialty Core area

Specialty Core Electives

The program offers three Specialty Core areas:

• Atmospheric Sciences: courses include PH 571 Physical and Human Dimensions of Climate Change, PH 573 Alternative Energies, and PH 679 Advanced Atmospheric Physics
• Biophysics: courses include PH 590 Cellular and Molecular Biophysics, PH 619 Quantum Mechanics, and PH 633 Electromagnetic Fields & Interactions
• Nano and Materials Science: courses include PH 540, 541 Solid State Devices, PH 545, 546, 547 Micro-Electronic Device Fabrication, and PH 595 Materials Physics

Departmental Seminars

Students are expected to attend the Physics Departmental seminar, which is held on Monday afternoons. The seminar provides an opportunity for students to present their research and engage with faculty and peers.

Comprehensive Examination

The comprehensive examination covers the major fields of physics up to the 500-level and includes:

• Classical mechanics
• Quantum mechanics
• Electricity and magnetism
• Statistical and thermal physics
• Modern physics

Students must pass the examination within the first three years of entering the program.

Prospectus Examination

In addition to the comprehensive examination, students must submit a prospectus outlining a proposed research project. The prospectus must be approved by the student's dissertation committee.

Dissertation

The dissertation is an original research project that contributes to the field of applied physics. Students must defend their dissertation in a public presentation and private oral examination.

Time Limits

The program has strict time limits:

• Full-time students: a maximum of two years to complete comprehensive examinations, and three years to complete the dissertation after advancement to candidacy
• Part-time students: a maximum of two years to complete comprehensive examinations, and five years to complete the dissertation after advancement to candidacy

Students who switch from part-time to full-time or vice versa will be subject to the corresponding time limits.