Physics

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

B.S., M.S., Ph.D. Degrees; Minor

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

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 space physics, infrasonics, complex dynamics of nonlinear systems, ice physics and condensed matter physics.

The M.S. degree with computational physics concentration provides expertise in advanced computing environments, in the relevant mathematical foundations and in the specific physics discipline. It is directed toward students with undergraduate academic backgrounds in physics or other closely associated fields, such as engineering, that have the appropriate physics course work. This degree is relevant for students seeking careers in any areas that require expertise in computational modeling and simulation of physical systems.

The M.S. degree with space physics concentration focuses on the physics of upper atmospheres, ionospheres, magnetospheres and the interplanetary medium. It includes core physics courses and specialty courses in space physics, aeronomy, magnetospheric and auroral physics, and advanced plasma physics. The specialty courses support graduate research with faculty members at UAF’s Geophysical Institute, and include areas such as numerical simulations and time-series analysis. Additional courses such as radiative transfer and physics of fluids provide added breadth.

M.S. Degree

1. Complete the general university requirements.
2. Complete the master's degree requirements.
3. 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
4. Complete the thesis or non-thesis requirements:
   Thesis
   1. Complete the following:
      PHYS F699--Thesis--6-12 credits
   2. Complete 12 credits from the following:
      Approved PHYS F600-level courses
      Approved ATM F600-level courses
   3. Minimum credits required*--30 credits
   * At least 24 credits must be regular course work.
   Non-Thesis
   1. Complete the following:
      PHYS F698--Non-thesis Research/Project--3-6 credits
      Approved courses--18 credits
   2. Minimum credits required*--33 credits
   * At least 30 credits must be regular course work.

Computational Physics Concentration

1. Complete the general university requirements.
2. Complete the master's degree requirements.
3. Complete the following:
   PHYS F611--Mathematical Physics I--3 credits
   PHYS F612­-- Mathematical Physics II--3 credits
   PHYS F629--Methods of Numerical Simulation in Fluids and Plasma--3 credits
4. Complete at least 3 credits from the following:
   Approved MATH F600-level courses (excluding MATH/PHYS F611 and F612)--3 credits
   Approved CS F600-level courses--3 credits
5. Complete the thesis or non-thesis requirements:
   Thesis
   1. Complete the following:
      PHYS F699--Thesis--6-12 credits
   2. Complete approved PHYS F600-level courses--6 credits
   3. Minimum credits required--30 credits
   Non-Thesis
   1. Complete the following:
      PHYS F698--Non-thesis Research/Project--3-6 credits
      Approved PHYS F600-level courses--9 credits
   2. Minimum credits required*--33 credits
   * At least 30 credits must be regular course work.

Space Physics Concentration

1. Complete the general university requirements.
2. Complete the master's degree requirements.
3. Complete four of the following:
   PHYS F626--Fundamentals of Plasma Physics--3 credits
   PHYS F627­-- Advanced Plasma Physics--3 credits
   PHYS F629--Methods of Numerical Simulation in Fluids and Plasma--3 credits
   PHYS F672--Magnetospheric Physics--3 credits
   PHYS F673--Space Physics--3 credits
4. Complete the thesis or non-thesis requirements:
   Thesis
   1. Complete the following:
      PHYS F699--Thesis--6-12 credits
   2. Complete approved PHYS F600-level courses--12 credits
   3. Minimum credits required--30 credits
   Non-Thesis
   1. Complete the following:
      PHYS F698--Non-thesis Research/Project--3-6 credits
      Approved PHYS F600-level courses--18 credits
   2. Minimum credits required*--33 credits
   * At least 30 credits must be regular course work.

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.