Physics Ph.D. (Ithaca)

Field of Study

Physics

Program Description

The graduate physics program is designed to give students an adequate background in the concepts and techniques of theoretical and experimental physics in preparation for careers at the most advanced level in research or teaching.

Research and Study Opportunities

Theoretical physics -- Condensed Matter. Subjects for study include:

• mesoscopic systems and random matrix theory
• collective properties of Bose and Fermi condensates
• density functional theory (electronic and liquid) with applications to surface growth and interfaces, defects in solids, matter under extreme conditions, and nanophysics
• statistical mechanics and critical phenomena applied to crackling noise, dynamical systems, biological systems, and quasicrystals
• inverse problems in protein crystallography
• strongly interacting electron physics of magnetism, superconductors, and disordered systems

Theoretical physics -- Particle and Astrophysics. Physics of extra dimensions and supersymmetry, mechanisms for electroweak symmetry breaking, collider phenomenology; lattice gauge theories; particle astrophysics and cosmology; string theory and its application to cosmology, brane world; field theories; astrophysics; black holes; and general relativity

Experimental particle physics. Our research uses the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN, which is the first collider to explore the TeV energy scale, where the Standard Model of particle physics must break down unless new phenomena appear. Cornell is a member of CMS, one of two detector collaborations for elementary particle physics at the LHC. Research topics include:

• mechanisms for electroweak symmetry breaking, including the Higgs mechanism and alternatives
• scenarios for physics beyond the Standard Model such as supersymmetry, extra dimensions and new strong interactions
• top quark physics
• dark matter

Accelerator Physics. The electron-positron collider CESR at Cornell University is used as a test-bed for accelerator physics and for X-ray science. Having this large accelerator on campus provides a unique opportunity for students interested in many aspects of accelerator physics.

Experimental condensed matter physics. Subjects of study include:

• nanostructures and quantum transport
• superfluid, solid, and supersolid helium
• atomic-resolution STM and tunneling spectroscopy
• photoemission spectroscopy
• high-temperature superconductivity
• nanomagnetics
• new forms of scanning-probe microscopy
• nanomechanical systems and limits of quantum mechanics

Concentrations by Subject

• experimental physics
• physics
• theoretical physics

Tuition

Tuition rates are available on the Graduate School's Tuition Rates page.

Application Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadlines

• Fall: December 15
• No spring admission

Requirements Summary

Most entering students have completed an undergraduate program in physics, including such courses as:

• analytical mechanics
• electricity and magnetism
• optics and wave motion
• electronics
• atomic physics Some advanced undergraduate laboratory work in physics is also expected. Knowledge of linear algebra, differential equations, and vector calculus is essential. Additional study in mathematics is desirable.
• All Graduate School Requirements, including the English Language Proficiency Requirement for all applicants
• The Graduate Field of Physics requires a minimum TOEFL speaking score of 23
• International students offered admission as teaching assistants will also be expected to meet the oral proficiency outlines from ACTFL at the Intermediate High level
• Checklist of materials
• Three recommendations
• The general GRE and the physics GRE will not be considered for applicants with interests in experimental physics, physics education research, or astrophysics theory
• The physics GRE is required for applicants with interests in research in either theoretical elementary particle physics or theoretical condensed matter physics

Learning Outcomes

As part of your education, we want to ensure that first and foremost, you know how to “think like a physicist”. This implies that you can synthesize knowledge from different areas, make educated guesses, and take your hard-earned course-based knowledge to the next level, where you will apply it and knowledge that you acquire independently or with your mentors and peers to solve problems of interest.

Physicists must also learn how to communicate using written, spoken, and presentation skills. You will acquire these skills as part of our coursework. For example, Physics 6510, our Advanced Laboratory course, has formal materials on how to carry out “Back of the envelope calculations” and a requirement to write lab reports in standard journal format as well as make a presentation to faculty and peers in a timed format.

Additionally, it is essential that Physicists are aware of ethical issues pertaining to the conduct and dissemination of research, in collaborative research endeavors as well as instances that may arise concerned with the teaching arena. Opportunities to participate in training concerned with ethical issues will be provided and must be completed by all students in their first year.

Proficiencies

A candidate for a Ph.D. in Physics is expected to demonstrate mastery of knowledge in the field of Physics, and to synthesize and create knowledge by making an original and substantial contribution to the Field of Physics in a timely fashion.

Proficiencies that are required to be demonstrated by the candidate:

• Show your ability to think independently and creatively
• Identify new research opportunities in the field
• The ability to acquire and communicate advanced research skills
• Bring together existing knowledge, identify, and seek out resources, information; apply these to evaluate and apply your own research findings as well as those of others
• Master and/or innovate research methodologies, and techniques
• Master communication skills for oral and written information exchange
• A commitment to advancing scholarship
• Maintain familiarity with advances in the field
• Engage and communicate findings via professional publications, participation in professional societies, research seminars, and other modes of communication
• Support learning—through teaching, collaborative inquiry, mentoring, or demonstration
• Demonstrate professional skills
• Advance ethical standards in the field
• Listen, give, and receive feedback effectively.