Â鶹ԭ´´

PhD in Physics

The Physics PhD program educates students to become scholars and researchers in physics. Our graduates are trained to teach and to carry out original research that is theoretical, experimental, computational, or a blend of these approaches. Research specialties include:

Biological physics

Computational physics

Experimental condensed matter physics

Theoretical condensed matter physics

Particle astrophysics and cosmology

Experimental particle physics

Theoretical particle physics

Photonics

Statistical physics

Our program prepares professional scientists for careers in academic, industrial, and government settings. To be admitted to the program, a student needs at least a bachelor's degree in physics or a closely related discipline.

Our program offers numerous interdisciplinary opportunities, particularly with the Chemistry, Computer Science, and Mathematics Departments in the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Engineering, and the Materials Science & Engineering Division. Major resources include the Scientific Instrument Facility, Electronics Design Facility, Hariri Institute for Computing and Computational Science & Engineering, and Photonics Center.

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate a thorough and advanced understanding of the core areas of physics, including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermal and statistical physics, and quantum mechanics, along with the mathematics necessary for quantitative and qualitative analyses in these areas.

Demonstrate the ability to acquire, analyze, and interpret quantitative data in the core areas of physics.

Demonstrate the ability to conduct theoretical, experimental, or computational research that makes original contributions to our understanding of the physical world.

Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate the results of research in both written and oral presentations.

Demonstrate the ability to use advanced computational methodologies in research and teaching.

Demonstrate the ability to conduct scholarly activities in a professional and ethical manner.

Course Requirements

A total of sixteen 4-unit courses (64 units) are required to fulfill the PhD requirements (with grades of B– or higher) and with an overall average of B or greater. Course requirements are as follows:

Eight lecture courses numbered between 500 and 899, including:

CAS PY 501 Mathematical Physics

CAS PY 511 Quantum Mechanics I

CAS PY 512 Quantum Mechanics II

CAS PY 521 Electromagnetic Theory I

CAS PY 541 Statistical Mechanics I

CAS PY 581 Advanced Laboratory (may be waived if a student submits evidence of having taken an equivalent course at their undergraduate institution. If PY 581 is waived, it must be replaced with another 4-unit lecture course.)

CAS PY 961 Scholarly Methods in Physics I (must be taken in first year)

The remaining courses must be chosen from an approved list of lecture courses found on the department website, including at least one distribution course from outside the student's research specialty (see PhD degree requirements on the department website for more details).

Up to eight non-lecture courses (numbered above 899) may be counted toward requirements, but no more than two directed study courses and two seminar courses may be counted.

Students are encouraged to audit courses after the completion of formal course requirements or en route to the PhD. Audit course requests must be approved by the student's advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS).

Language Requirement

There is no foreign language requirement for this degree.

Demonstration of Proficiency in Physics