Program Overview

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Introduction to the Graduate Program in Applied Physics

The graduate program in Applied Physics at Caltech is a highly multidisciplinary program designed to train students in a broad spectrum of physics and engineering fields at an advanced level. The program aims to cultivate abilities in graduates to apply their knowledge throughout their lives, making technological and scientific breakthroughs at the edge of current knowledge.

Aims and Scope of the Graduate Program

Applied physics is a broad field of study that lies at the intersection of physics and many other fields of science and engineering. The applied physics option at Caltech is accordingly a highly multidisciplinary program that is designed to train students in a broad spectrum of physics and engineering fields at an advanced level.

Preparation for the Graduate Program

Students admitted for graduate study can enter from a broad range of disciplines, but are expected to have a rigorous background in undergraduate mathematics, physics, and engineering. An outstanding four-year undergraduate program in mathematics and sciences may provide a suitable background as well. The qualifications of each applicant will be considered individually.

Description of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

To receive the doctoral degree in applied physics, students must demonstrate the ability to formulate and execute an original program of scientific study. As part of this, a doctoral candidate is expected to develop a deep understanding in a chosen field of specialization; to develop tools with which to assess problems outside one's field of specialization; to develop rigor and strength in the physical sciences for self-education beyond formal training; and to develop skills to become a productive member of the community of scholars.

Advising and Thesis Supervision

An interim adviser is appointed for each student upon admission to the graduate program in applied physics. Typically, this person is the applied physics option representative. In consultation with the interim adviser, the student will determine a course schedule and identify a faculty research adviser. This most often occurs within the first six months of graduate residence.

Requirements for Candidacy to the Ph.D. Degree

To be recommended for candidacy for the Ph.D. degree in applied physics, a student must demonstrate mastery in the following five areas of pure and applied physics:

• Classical Physics: Mechanics and Electromagnetism
• Quantum Mechanics
• Mathematical Methods
• Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics
• Biophysics, Optical Physics, Hydrodynamics, Plasma Physics, or Solid State Physics

Graduate Coursework towards Candidacy

In partial fulfillment of the "mastery" requirement, a student must successfully complete a minimum of 108 units of courses numbered 101 or above from the course schedule. In addition, 4 units of APh 110ab must also be completed. All courses must be passed with a grade of at least a C, except for courses offered only on a pass/fail basis.

Course Requirements

The following courses are required:

• Classical Mechanics and Electromagnetism: 18 units Ph 106 ab or Ph 106 bc Or, with option representative approval, units may be used from: Ph 101, APh/Ph/Ae/MS 153, APh/Ph/MS 152, APh 156 abc, or Ph 136 abc
• Quantum Mechanics: 18 units Ph 125 ab or Ph 125 bc or Ch 125 ab or Ch 125 bc Or, with option representative approval, units may be used from: Ph/APh 137 abc, Ph 205 abc, or Ph/CS 219 abc
• Mathematical Methods: 18-24 units ACM/IDS 101 ab or Ph 129 ab or Ph 129 abc. One quarter in the sequence may be substituted with APh/MS 141. Or, with option representative approval, units from other Mathematics or Applied Mathematics courses.
• Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics: 18 units APh/MS/ME 105 ab or APh/MS/ME 105 bc or Ph 127 ab Or, with option representative approval, units may be used from: Ae/ME 118, Ae/ME/APh 218, Ch/ChE164, Ch/ChE165, Ph 127 c, Ph 135, or Ph 223 ab
• Elective Classes: 36 units Select From: Ae/APh/CE/ME 101 abc, APh/EE 109, APh 114 abc, APh/EE 130/131/132, APh 156 abc, APh/Ph 138 ab, APh/Ph/MS 152, APh/Ph/Ae/MS 153, APh/EE 183, APh/EE 190 abc, APh/MS 256, BE/Bi/APh 161, EE/APh 120, EE/APh 123, EE/APh 149, EE/APh 158, EE/APh 180, MS/APh 122, Ph 106 c, Ph 125 c, Ph 127 c, Ph/APh 137 ab, Ph/APh 223 ab, or Ph/APh/EE/BE 118 ab. Or other courses with approval from option representative.

Candidacy Examination

To fulfill the requirements for candidacy, all students must pass an oral examination after completing their coursework. This examination must be taken before the beginning of the student's third year in residence.

Ph.D. Thesis Requirements

The candidate is to provide a draft copy of the completed thesis to the members of the examining committee at least two weeks before the final oral examination.

Ph.D. Final Examination

The candidate shall undergo a final broad oral examination (thesis defense) in the field, to include the subspecialty represented by the thesis and the significance of its findings to the field.

Registration Beyond the Sixth Year of Graduate Residence

The annual approval of the student's Thesis Advisory Committee is necessary for registration beyond the twenty-fourth academic term of graduate residence at Caltech.

Subject Minor

Graduate students majoring in other fields may elect a minor in applied physics. In addition to general Institute requirements, the student must complete, with a grade of C or higher, 81 units of courses in applied physics above the 100 level, excluding APh 200. The minor is also subject to the following conditions:

• Students cannot use courses required by their major option in fulfillment of this requirement.
• Students interested in a minor must receive prior approval from the option representative in applied physics, who will review and approve the proposed course of study.
• It is recommended that this course of study include advanced courses spanning different subfields of applied physics.