These basic courses are one term of classical mechanics and modern physical laboratory methods and two terms each of quantum mechanics, electromagnetic theory, and statistical mechanics. More specialized courses in advanced nuclear physics, quantum mechanics, condensed-matter and statistical physics, astrophysics, astronomical physics, particle physics, relativity, and other subjects are offered. Graduate students normally take a written examination, based on undergraduate physics, during the spring term of the first year and a written comprehensive examination, based on graduate physics, at the end of the second year. Students can then select a thesis adviser, choose a thesis topic, and apply for admission to candidacy for the Ph.D. Preparation and defense of a satisfactory dissertation complete the requirements. Most students with a baccalaureate degree should find it possible to attain the Ph.D. within five years.
Students have a wide variety of programs from which to choose a thesis topic.
Under the department program in applied physics, students can arrange to do their thesis research in other departments of the University in, for example, biophysics, geophysics, radiation physics, material science, surface science, laser physics, or magnetic resonance imaging. The department's facilities include the physics library, an electronics shop, a glassblowing shop, a professionally staffed machine shop, and extensive departmental and University computer resources. Financial Aid Financial aid is normally provided through teaching assistantships during the first year and through research assistantships thereafter. The department has recently established several fellowships for entering graduate students. They are awarded on a competitive basis, with all qualified applicants automatically entered into a pool.