Doctor of Philosophy in Physics
Curriculum
Written qualifying examination
Comprehensive examination
Dissertation and oral defense
The requirements for the degree consist of a program of 72 credit hours approved by the faculty adviser, passing the Ph.D. qualifying and comprehensive examinations, and the completion of a research thesis supervised by a faculty member and approved by a thesis committee. Students should consult the Transfer Credit section of this catalog for rules on how many credit hours may be transferred from another institution.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | (27) | |
| PHYS 501 | Methods of Theoretical Physics I | 3 |
| PHYS 505 | Electromagnetic Theory | 3 |
| PHYS 508 | Analytical Dynamics | 3 |
| PHYS 509 | Quantum Theory I 1 | 3 |
| PHYS 510 | Quantum Theory II | 3 |
| PHYS 515 | Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
| Select a minimum of three courses from the following: | 9 | |
| Methods of Theoretical Physics II | 3 | |
| General Relativity | 3 | |
| Bio-Nanotechnology | 3 | |
| Solid State Physics I | 3 | |
| Solid State Physics II | 3 | |
| Physical Methods of Characterization | 3 | |
| Particle Physics I | 3 | |
| Particle Physics II | 3 | |
| Quantum Field Theory | 3 | |
| Radiation Biophysics | 3 | |
| Introduction to Synchrotron Radiation | 3 | |
| Radiation Physics | 3 | |
| Colloquium Requirement | (0-4) | |
| Four semesters of colloquium coursework is required. | 0-4 | |
| Physics Colloquium (may be taken multiple times) | 1 | |
| Physics Colloquium (may be taken multiple times) | 0 | |
| Elective Courses | (2-21) | |
| Select 2-21 credit hours 2 | 2-21 | |
| Ph.D. Research | (24-36) | |
| PHYS 691 | Research and Thesis Ph.D. | 24-36 |
Minimum degree credits required: 72
- 1
The six-credit hour course sequence PHYS 405 and PHYS 406 may be substituted for PHYS 509 with adviser and departmental approval.
- 2
The remaining course requirements may be satisfied by additional graduate or advanced undergraduate electives.
Students are encouraged to participate in faculty research programs and seminars early in their graduate careers. Thesis work may follow from these activities. All research for the dissertation must be carried out under the direct supervision of a faculty research adviser.
