Students without the experience of a senior advanced laboratory course could take Physics 507. The remaining 500 and 600 level courses in the student's area of interest should also be taken as early as possible. Students interested in space physics or astrophysics should take courses in astrophysics which are at least equivalent to the requirements for a minor in Astronomy. Each course must be repeated until a grade of at least a B is earned. Equivalent course work taken elsewhere may be used to satisfy this requirement if approved by the Departmental Prelim Committee.
Students can also demonstrate proficiency by passing an exam.
All graduate students should attend the weekly colloquium, Physics 900. Students are expected to regularly attend at least one of the weekly research seminars numbered above 900. It must be taken no later than the end of the fifth semester in residence. If the Preliminary Examination is failed the first time, it may be repeated once and it must be passed before the end of the sixth semester. Before or soon after the Qualifying Examination the student should identify an area of research and choose a major professor who will act as chair of the student's Preliminary Examination committee.