Complete all courses and requirements listed below unless otherwise indicated.

Milestones

Coursework
Proficiency examinations (completed or exempted)
Annual review
Candidacy
Preliminary research seminar proposal with proposed dissertation committee
Preliminary research seminar talk
Dissertation defense

Core Course Requirements1

PHYS 5318Principles of Experimental Physics4
PHYS 7210Introduction to Research in Physics (Take this repeatable course twice)0
PHYS 7301Classical Mechanics/Math Methods4
PHYS 7302Electromagnetic Theory4
PHYS 7305Statistical Physics4
PHYS 7315Quantum Theory 14
PHYS 7316Quantum Theory 24
PHYS 7321Computational Physics4
PHYS 9984Advanced Research1-8

Electives

Introductory Electives
If preapproved to specialize in nanomedicine or network science, consult program director.
Complete 8 semester hours from the following:8
Nonequilibrium Physics
Elementary Particle Physics
Condensed Matter Physics
Quantum Field Theory 1
Physics of Biological Processes and Living Systems 1
Advanced Elective
Complete 4 semester hours from the following:4
Topics: Elementary Particle Physics and Cosmology
Topics: Condensed Matter Physics
Physics of Biological Processes and Living Systems 2

PhD Specialization Options

  • A specialization is required.2
  • Courses completed in fulfillment of a specialization may also fulfill the elective requirements above.
  • A specialization in nanomedicine or network science requires prior approval.
Biological Physics 3
PHYS 7731Physics of Biological Processes and Living Systems 14
PHYS 7741Physics of Biological Processes and Living Systems 24
Particle Physics 4
PHYS 7323Elementary Particle Physics4
PHYS 7733Topics: Elementary Particle Physics and Cosmology4
Condensed Matter Physics
PHYS 7324Condensed Matter Physics4
PHYS 7734Topics: Condensed Matter Physics4
Nanomedicine
NNMD 5270Foundations in Nanomedicine: Therapeutics3
NNMD 5370Nanomedicine Research Techniques4
Network Science
PHYS 5116Network Science 14
PHYS 7335Dynamical Processes in Complex Networks4

Dissertation 

Taken third year and beyond.
Dissertation Term 1
Dissertation Term 2
Complete the following (repeatable) course until graduation:
Dissertation Continuation

Program Credit/GPA Requirements

42 total semester hours required
Minimum 3.000 GPA required

1

Methods for Teaching in the Introductory Physics Laboratory 1 (PHYS 7220) and Methods for Teaching Introductory Physics Laboratory 2 (PHYS 7230) are required for students awarded a Teaching Assistantship.

2

Note that the specialization will not appear on the degree diploma or on the official transcript but can be listed as the field of study on CVs and grant proposals. The two courses under specialization include one of the electives previously listed above.

3

By approval of the graduate committee, biological physics students may substitute graduate courses in biology, physics, or chemistry from the following list instead of Physics of Biological Processes and Living Systems 2 (PHYS 7741):   

  • Biochemistry (BIOL 6300)
  • Molecular Cell Biology (BIOL 6301)
  • Molecular Modeling (CHEM 5638)
  • Additional appropriate courses may also be substituted by approval of the physics graduate committee.
4

Elementary Particle Physics (PHYS 7323) is required for a specialization in particle physics. The advanced elective may be Topics: Elementary Particle Physics and Cosmology (PHYS 7733).

Sample Plan of Study

Fall Term Entrance1

Year 1
FallHoursSpringHours
PHYS 72100PHYS 53184
PHYS 73014PHYS 72100
PHYS 73024PHYS 73054
PHYS 73154PHYS 73164
 12 12
Year 2
FallHoursSpringHours
PHYS 73214PHYS 99842-8
Electives8Advanced elective4
 12 6-12
Year 3
FallHoursSpringHours
PHYS 99900PHYS 99910
 0 0
Total Hours: 42-48
1

Program completed with successful submission and defense of dissertation.