Physics - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Program Overview
Overview
The University of Colorado Boulder offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in Physics, providing graduate study and research opportunities in various subfields of physics.
Requirements
Prerequisites
Entering graduate students must have a thorough undergraduate preparation in physics, equivalent to an undergraduate physics major at a recognized college or university. This preparation includes courses in general physics, analytical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, atomic physics, and mathematics through differential equations and complex variables.
Qualifying Examination
The Graduate Record Examination aptitude tests and advanced test in physics are normally used in place of a qualifying examination, and this examination is normally taken before the time of entry into the Graduate School.
Course Requirements
To earn a PhD, candidates must complete 30 credit hours of graduate courses and 30 hours of dissertation credit. At least 27 of the 30 credit hours of coursework must be physics courses at the 5000 level or above; exceptions may be granted with the discretion of the associate chair of graduate studies. All courses, required or otherwise, must be passed with a grade of B- or better, and a course may be repeated only once.
Comprehensive Examination
The comprehensive examination is divided into three parts:
- Part I consists of passing any five of the following six courses with a B- or better:
- PHYS 5210: Theoretical Mechanics (3 credit hours)
- PHYS 7230: Statistical Mechanics (3 credit hours)
- PHYS 5250 & PHYS 5260: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics 1 and Introduction to Quantum Mechanics 2 (6 credit hours)
- PHYS 7310 & PHYS 7320: Electromagnetic Theory 1 and Electromagnetic Theory 2 (6 credit hours)
- Part II is a three-section examination that includes a formal research review paper and a formal presentation, followed by a question-and-answer oral session.
- Part III consists of a thesis prospectus presented to the thesis committee.
Part II of the comprehensive examination must be taken after successful completion of Part I, but no later than the student's sixth enrolled regular semester. Part III must be completed prior to the completion of the student's fourth year. Parts II and III of the comprehensive examination may be taken a second time, no more than one semester after the first attempt.
Language Requirement
The department has no requirement in foreign languages.
Learning Outcomes
By the completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Conduct research in various subfields of physics, including atomic and molecular physics, biophysics, chemical physics, condensed matter physics, elementary particle physics, geophysics, laser and optical physics, nuclear physics, physics education research, plasma and space physics, quantum information science, and renewable energy.
- Apply theoretical and experimental knowledge to solve complex problems in physics.
- Communicate research findings effectively through written and oral presentations.
- Demonstrate expertise in their chosen area of specialization within physics.
- Contribute to the advancement of knowledge in physics through original research.