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Department of Physics
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Learning
Objectives |
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The purpose of the
Physics graduate program
is to equip students with advanced
fundamentals, advanced training, and
expert-level knowledge of specific
areas of physics via coursework and
research activities, thus preparing
them for careers in government,
academia, or industry, as well as for
entry into a subsequent graduate
program, for teaching at all levels,
and for any careers utilizing
pure and applied scientific
research. Physics
graduate students become
proficient in scientific communication
by written and oral dissemination of
physics knowledge and research,
particularly in their own
area of specialization.
To accomplish these goals all the
programs begin with a required
curriculum of advanced coursework,
followed by a period of 1-4 years of
intensive research and self-education,
culminating in the MS thesis or PhD
dissertation.
The physics MS has two options: Plan A
produces a research thesis, Plan B
produces a report. The PhD is a
general physics PhD, with
specialization occurring in the usual
way via the research topic. The
detailed procedures and requirements
for each of the degrees can be found
here: Physics
MS Handbook, Physics
PhD Handbook.
The graduate programs
each lead to professional level
expertise and involve a student contributing
new knowledge to the field of
specialization via the
thesis or dissertation. This
creation of new knowledge by the
student is the principal outcome
of the graduate program. The
distinction between the MS and PhD
degrees is principally the level
of professional proficiency
obtained and the significance of
the new knowledge created.
The learning objectives for the program are
as follows.
Foundational Skills in Physics
Each student will achieve a mastery of
physics theory and phenomenology at a
level required for their chosen
profession. Students build foundations
and gain breadth by taking courses
both required and elective. Courses
that contribute to this outcome are to
be found in the Physics
MS Handbook, Physics
PhD Handbook.
The most important outcome here is
that students will be prepared to
acquire from the literature and/or
teach themselves physics as needed in
subsequent education and professional
activities.
Research Skills and Creation of New
Knowledge in Physics
Each student will pursue research in
the chosen field of specialization. In
so doing the student acquires
professional-level knowledge and
expertise in his/her chosen area of
specialization. The appropriate area
of research and the appropriate level
of accomplishment here is determined
in collaboration with a faculty mentor
who is an acknowledged expert in the
area of specialization. A
research supervisory committee,
chaired by the faculty mentor provides
additional support in setting goals
and assessing outcomes.
Communication and Professional
Preparation in Physics
Each student will become an expert in
scientific exposition. This is
accomplished via documentation and
dissemination of the results of
his/her research via a written
thesis/dissertation which is prepared
according to the professional
standards of his/her area of
specialization. The research results
are also presented orally in one or
more venues, particularly the thesis
or dissertation defenses.
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