M.S. in Physics

The Department of Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy prepares students to contribute to new concepts and technologies through innovative teaching methods that combine student-faculty interactions, computer-based education, and “hands-on” experience in modern laboratories. Program Outcome Students who successfully complete this program will be able to: Demonstrate academic mastery of a modern sub-topic in physics, such as astrophysics, particle physics, condensed matter, or computational physics. Demonstrate the ability to identify and address state-of-the-art problems in physics or applied physics. Demonstrate the ability to communicate the concepts and conclusions from state-of-the-art developments in physics, applied physics, or astronomy. Demonstrate an ability to communicate technical material effectively using both oral and written presentation at the mastery level. Demonstrate ability to evaluate the validity and utility of experimental information using logical, mathematical, and statistical tools at the mastery level. Demonstrate an ability to perform scientific calculations and data analysis using computational and mathematical tools at the mastery level. Demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge of electromagnetic theory using vector calculus to analyze and model real situations at the mastery level. Demonstrate an ability to apply mechanics and kinematics including the analysis using differential equations and the Lagrangian formulation to address new problems in science and technology at the mastery level. Demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge of basic phenomenology and concepts of quantum, atomic, nuclear, and particle physics along with ability to solve and analyze solutions to the Schrodinger equation to address new problems in science and technology at the mastery level. Demonstrate an ability to apply and synthesize concepts from core mechanics, electromagnetics, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics courses in the in-depth study of a specialized field related to Physics such as Condensed Matter Physics, Optical Physics and Photonics, Particle Physics, Astrophysics, Biophysics, Astronomy, or Engineering at the mastery level.