Program Overview

Physics, PhD

The Department of Physics and Astronomy in the College of Arts and Sciences offers courses of study and research that normally lead to the Ph.D. degree. The M.A degree is awarded either as a terminal degree, or to students on the way to the Ph.D. degree. The Master of Science in Scientific Instrumentation (MSI) program is provided for those interested in instrumentation for physical research. The Master of Science in Quantum Information Science and Technology (MSQIST) prepares students to work in this rapidly growing area. A Master of Arts in Teaching program, from the School of Professional Development, is available for students seeking to teach physics in high schools. An Advanced Graduate Certificate in Accelerator Science is offered, which can be taken concurrently with a PhD or Masters degree.

Admission Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in physics or a closely related field from an accredited institution. In the case of the M.Sc. in Quantum Information Science and Technology the degree must be in science and engineering, but need not be in physics or a closely related field.
• A minimum grade average of B in all undergraduate coursework, and B or better in the sciences and mathematics.
• Acceptance by the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Graduate School.

Degree Requirements

Completion of the following core courses with a grade of B or better:

• PHY 501 - Classical Mechanics 3 credits
• PHY 505 - Classical Electrodynamics 3 credits
• PHY 511 - Quantum Mechanics I 3 credits
• PHY 512 - Quantum Mechanics II 3 credits
• PHY 540 - Statistical Mechanics 3 credits

Completion of required courses:

• PHY 598 - Graduate Seminar I 0-1 credits
• PHY 599 - Graduate Seminar II 0-1 credits
• PHY 515 - Methods of Experimental Research I 3 credits
• Three advanced courses, in three different areas of physics.

Additional Requirements:

• Passing of the written comprehensive examination.
• Passing an oral examination on a broad range of topics relevant to the student’s intended area of thesis research.
• Acceptance of graduate student by an advisor for thesis work.
• Teaching experience at least equivalent to that obtained in a one-year appointment as a teaching assistant, usually carried out in the first year.
• Advancement to candidacy for the Ph.D.
• Research, dissertation, and passing the dissertation examination.
• At least one year of residence.

Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree in Physics with Concentration in Astronomy

• The requirements are the same except for B3.
• Astronomy core courses:
  • PHY 521 - Stars 3 credits
  • PHY 522 - Interstellar Medium 3 credits
  • PHY 523 - Galaxies 3 credits
  • PHY 524 - Cosmology 3 credits

Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree in Physics with Concentration in Physical Biology

• PHY 558 - Physical Biology 3 credits
• PHY 559 - Biological Dynamics and Networks 3 credits
• PHY 561 - Biology for Physical Scientists 1-3 credits
• PHY 600 - Practicum in Teaching 0-3 credits Two semesters
• PHY 584 - Rotation in Physical Biology 1-3 credits Two semesters
• PHY 665 - Journal Club in Computational Biology 0-1 credits Two semesters
• Four Physics core course:
  • PHY 505 - Classical Electrodynamics 3 credits
  • PHY 511 - Quantum Mechanics I 3 credits
  • PHY 540 - Statistical Mechanics 3 credits
  • PHY 501 - Classical Mechanics 3 credits
  • OR
  • PHY 512 - Quantum Mechanics II 3 credits
• Two Life Science courses form an approved list.
  • CHE 541 - Biomolecular Structure and Analysis 3 credits
  • MCB 503 - Molecular Genetics 3 credits
  • MCB 520 - Graduate Biochemistry I 3 credits
  • MCB 656 - Cell Biology 3-4 credits
• Additional Requirements:
  • Passing of the Comprehensive Exam.
  • An oral exam on a topic in Physical Biology.
  • Acceptance of the graduate student by an advisor working on the topic of Physical Biology.
  • Advancement to candidacy for the Ph.D.
  • Research, dissertation, and passing the dissertation examination.
  • At least one year of residence.