Physics, Applied Physics Option, M.S.

The Option in Applied Physics provides a master’s degree program that emphasizes concepts and techniques particularly appropriate for applied physics. It is intended for students having a background in physics, engineering, or a related ﬁeld.

Requirements

Take all of the following:

PHYS 510 - Graduate Mechanics (3 units)
PHYS 522 - Statistical Physics (3 units)
PHYS 540A - Graduate Electrodynamics (3 units)
PHYS 550A - Quantum Mechanics I (3 units)
PHYS 560A - Mathematical Methods of Physics (3 units)
PHYS 595 - Colloquium (1 unit)

Take two courses of the following:

PHYS 545 - Advanced Experimental Methods in Material Science (3 units)
PHYS 546 - Advanced Experimental Methods in Physical and Electronic Properties (3 units)
PHYS 547 - Advanced Experimental Methods in Nanoscale Physics (3 units)
PHYS 548 - Advanced Experimental Methods in Soft Condensed Matter Physics (3 units)
PHYS 576 - Modern Optics with Laboratory (3 units)
PHYS 580 - Computer Interfacing in Experimental Physics (3 units)

Completion of the following:

Take 2 additional units of graduate-level PHYS course;

A written thesis or project approved by the student’s thesis committee consisting of a thesis or project chair (a Physics/Astronomy faculty member) and at least two more members, one of which must be a member of the Department. An oral presentation of the research is also required.

Note: Students must be advanced to candidacy before enrolling in PHYS 698 .

Take 6 units of the following:

PHYS 698 - Thesis or Project (1-6 units)

Advancement to Candidacy

Students must fulﬁll the University requirements for advancement to candidacy.
A student must have a “B” average or better in six units of physics applicable toward the master’s degree, of which at least three units are at the graduate level.
Recognizing that effective organization and verbal communication of physics are a necessary part of a successful graduate program, the Department of Physics and Astronomy normally requires that a graduate student serve at least one semester as a teaching associate or a graduate assistant as part of the M.S. program. Exceptions may be granted by the Graduate Advisor.
Approval of the degree program by the graduate advisor, the Department Chair and Associate Dean in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

Single Subject Teaching Credential in Physics

For information, refer to the undergraduate section in this department.