Physics

College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Department of Physics
907-474-7339
www.uaf.edu/physics/

B.A., B.S., M.S., M.A.T., Ph.D. Degrees

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Minimum Requirements for Degrees: M.S.: 30 - 33 credits; M.A.T.: 36 credits; Ph.D.: 18 thesis credits

The science of physics is concerned with the nature of matter and energy in all physical systems, from elementary particles to the structure and origin of the universe. Physics, together with mathematics and chemistry, provides the foundation for work in all fields of the physical sciences and engineering, and contributes greatly to other disciplines such as the biosciences and medicine.

Advanced study at the graduate level is offered in various areas of physics and applied physics, including many of the research specialties found at the UAF's Geophysical Institute. Faculty and student research programs currently emphasize investigations of auroral, ionospheric, magnetospheric and space plasma physics, the physics and chemistry of the upper and middle atmosphere, radio-wave propagation and scattering, solar-terrestrial relations, condensed matter physics, complex dynamics of non-linear systems, ice physics and infrasonics.

The physics department is also responsible for the graduate degree programs in general science, computational physics and space physics. These programs are also described in this catalog.

Graduate Program -- M.S. Degree

1. Complete the general university requirements.
2. Complete the master's degree requirements.
3. Complete the thesis or non-thesis requirements:
   Thesis
   1. Complete the following:
      PHYS F699--Thesis--6 - 12 credits
   2. Complete four of the following:
      PHYS F611--Mathematical Physics I--3 credits
      PHYS F612--Mathematical Physics II--3 credits
      PHYS F621--Classical Mechanics--3 credits
      PHYS F622--Statistical Mechanics--3 credits
      PHYS F631--Electromagnetic Theory--3 credits
      PHYS F632--Electromagnetic Theory--3 credits
      PHYS F651--Quantum Mechanics--3 credits
      PHYS F652--Quantum Mechanics--3 credits
   3. Complete 12 credits from the following:
      Approved PHYS F600-level courses
      Approved ATM F600-level courses
   4. Minimum credits required--30 credits
   
   Non-Thesis
   1. Complete the following:
      PHYS F698--Research--3 - 6 credits
      Approved courses--18 credits
   2. Complete four of the following:
      PHYS F611--Mathematical Physics I--3 credits
      PHYS F612--Mathematical Physics II--3 credits
      PHYS F621--Classical Mechanics--3 credits
      PHYS F622--Statistical Mechanics--3 credits
      PHYS F631--Electromagnetic Theory--3 credits
      PHYS F632--Electromagnetic Theory--3 credits
      PHYS F651--Quantum Mechanics--3 credits
      PHYS F652--Quantum Mechanics--3 credits
   3. Minimum credits required*--33 credits

* At least 30 credits must be regular course work.

Graduate Program -- M.A.T. Degree

1. Complete the general university requirements.
2. Complete the M.A.T. degree requirements.
3. Contact the department head for specific degree requirements.
4. Minimum credits required--36 credits

Graduate Program -- Ph.D. Degree

1. Complete the general university requirements.
2. Complete the Ph.D. degree requirements.*
3. Complete and pass a written and oral comprehensive examination.
4. Minimum credits required--18 credits

* Complete in accordance with physics department's policies and procedures manual for graduate students.

See General Science.

See Physics, Computational.

See Physics, Space.