PHYSPHD - Physics

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Credit requirements:
36 in Physics (or cross-listed) graduate-level courses, including Indpendent-research studies. 
9 in the Minor Field (which also may be Physics)
18 Dissertation Credits
At least 50% of the course work in major and minor need to be regularly (A, B…) graded.

Core coursework:
Yes, the six core courses listed below are required for all students regardless of research direction.

PHYS 511 Analytical Mechanics (3 units)
PHYS 515A/B Electromagnetic Theory (3 units each)
PHYS 570A/B Quantum Mechanics (3 units each)
PHYS 528 Statistical Mechanics (3 units)

These core courses must be completed by the end of the third semester in the program with a cumulative core-class GPA of at least 3.1. These courses may not be repeated. The material studied in the above courses represents what we expect every student to master in order to continue on to a Ph.D. degree.

Credit requirements:

18 units required.

1 – 18 can be PHYS 599 (Independent Study) or students can select up to 6 elective courses, such as:

PHYS 531 Molecular Biophysics (3 units)

PHYS 534 Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics (3 units)

PHYS 541 Introduction to Mathematical Physics (3 units)

PHYS 558 Plasma Physics with Astrophysical and Solar System Applications (3 units)

PHYS 560A Condensed Matter Physics (3 units)

PHYS 560B Condensed Matter Physics (3 units)

PHYS 568 Classical and Quantum Relativity (3 units)

PHYS 569  Introduction to General Relativity (3 units)

Comprehensive Exam:
The Written and Oral Comprehensive Exam consists of a research proposal that needs to be completed and defended in a single semester, no later than the 5th semester in the Ph.D. program. The main purpose of this exam is to test the student’s ability to identify and analyze a complex physical problem that may or may not be directly related to their future dissertation research.  For more details see the graduate student handbook.

Thesis defense:
Upon the completion of the dissertation, the candidate must submit to a Final Oral Defense Examination.

Other requirements:
Starting no later than the fourth semester, each graduate student must have a substantive affiliation with a Ph.D. advisor or research group and be making demonstrable progress towards the completion of the Ph.D. degree.  Once students have passed their Comprehensive Exam,  they are required to meet yearly with their Ph.D/oral exam committee and give a short (~20 minutes) seminar to report on progress made. 

If Physics is chosen as the Minor, the Minor requirement is fulfilled by 9 credits consisting of at least 3 graduate-level courses from varying Physics sub-fields to provide extra breadth to the curriculum. Exceptions are possible in consultancy with the Director of Graduate Studies to ensure maximum flexibility. 

Please refer to the Graduate Student Handbook for students who are pursuing this program of study.