Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Physics

The Physics Doctoral (PhD) program provides students with opportunities to perform independent research in some of the most current and dynamic areas of physics. In the first year, students develop a solid and broad base of physics knowledge through the core curriculum, departmental colloquia, and training. Upper-level courses and departmental seminar series subsequently provide more specialized exposure. Armed with the core knowledge, doctoral students join a research group working in an area of particular interest. This research is performed in very close collaboration with one or more faculty whose interests span a wide range of physics fields. Degree Requirements: ScM (en route to PhD): Eight courses from the core group (PHYS2010, 2030, 2040, 2050, 2060, 2140: techniques in experimental physics, classical theoretical physics, quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics) and other 2000-level courses. Up to two research courses. Courses from outside the department might be substituted with permission of the DGS. PhD: All core courses, four advanced courses, qualifying examination, preliminary examination, faculty-supervised research, dissertation, and oral defense.