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Example Programs

Note that these are just examples!  You will work with your advisor to build your own program.

Fall semester 1: 

  • Physics 562 Advanced E&M
  • One or Two 500 or 600-level topical courses (531 Electronics, 551 Biophysics, 568 General Relativity, 533 Data Analysis, 537 Quantum Computation, 651 Topics in Laboratory Techniques), or
  • One Topical course (above) and Physics 696 Research Independent Study ​ 
  • 1 credit professional development seminar and/or free workshops sponsored by the Office of Professional Development

Spring semester 2: ​

  • Physics 564 Intro to Advanced Quantum Mechanics​
  • One or two 500 or 600-level topical courses (553 Optics, 556 Nuclei and Elementary Particles, 558 Solid State Physics, 569 Advanced General Relativity, 651 Topics in Laboratory Techniques)
  • Physics 696 Research Independent Study ​
  • professional development seminar and/or free workshops sponsored by the Office of Professional Development

Fall semester 3:

  • Physics 601 Mechanics​
  • Physics 605 Math Methods​
  • Department Seminar​ (860N, Nuclear/Particle or 860S, Condensed Matter and 691A, Colloquium)​
  • Physics 796 Research Independent Study​​

Spring semester 4, if needed to complete 30 credits:​

  • Physics 614 Quantum Mechanics I​
  • Physics 606 E&M​
  • Department Seminar​ (860N, Nuclear/Particle or 860S, Condensed Matter and 691A, Colloquium)​
  • Continued mentoring and professional development through mentors/advisors and the Office of Professional Development​
  • Physics 796 Research Independent Study

Example Program for students ready for PhD level coursework.

Fall 1 semester 1:

  • Physics 601 Mechanics​
  • Physics 605 Math Methods​
  • One 500 or 600-level topical courses (531 Electronics, 551 Biophysics, 568 General Relativity, 533 Data Analysis, 537 Quantum Computation, 651 Topics in Laboratory Techniques), or
  • Physics 696 Research Independent Study ​ 
  • Department Seminar​ (860N, Nuclear/Particle or 860S, Condensed Matter and 691A, Colloquium)​

Spring semester 2:

  • Physics 614 Quantum Mechanics I​
  • Physics 606 E&M​
  • Physics 696 Research Independent Study ​
  • Department Seminar​ (860N, Nuclear/Particle or 860S, Condensed Matter and 691A, Colloquium)​
  • Professional development seminar and/or free workshops sponsored by the Office of Professional Development

Fall Semester 3:

  • Physics 602 Statistical Mechanics
  • Physics 615 Quantum Mechanics II
  • Optional: One Topical Course (531 Electronics, 537 Quantum Computation, 651 Topics in Laboratory Techniques 714 Nuclei and Elementary Particles, 821 General Relativity)
  • Department Seminar​ (860N, Nuclear/Particle or 860S, Condensed Matter and 691A, Colloquium)​
  • Physics 796 Research Independent Study ​

Spring Semester 4, if needed to reach 30 credits:

  • Up to two topical Courses (553 Optics, 551 Biological Physics, 715 Solid State, 714 Nuclei & Elementary Particles, 811 Quantum Field Theory I, 817 Advanced Statistical Physics, 822 Advanced Topics in General Relativity, 850 Soft Condensed Matter)
  • Physics 796 Research Independent Study ​
  • Department Seminar​ (860N, Nuclear/Particle or 860S, Condensed Matter and 691A, Colloquium)​