Graduate
Ph.D. Requirements
Doctor of Philosophy, Astrophysics
- Completion of all the requirements for the Master of
Science, Astrophysics
- Demonstrated proficiency in five core fields:
- Astronomy
- Classical mechanics
- Classical electromagnetism
- Statistical mechanics
- Quantum mechanics
Students can demonstrate proficiency through:- passing the relevant course(s) with final grades or average final grades of A- (3.67) or
better as described below:
- An average combined final grade of A- or better in AST 121 - Galactic Astronomy and AST 122 - Extragalactic Astronomy meets the proficiency requirements for astronomy.
- A final grade of A- or better in PHY 131 - Advanced Classical Mechanics meets the proficiency requirement for classical mechanics.
- A final grade of A- or better in PHY 145 - Classical Electromagnetic Theory I meets the proficiency requirement for classical electromagnetism.
- A final grade of A- or better in PHY 153 - Statistical Mechanics meets the proficiency requirement for statistical mechanics.
- A final grade of A- or better in PHY 163 - Quantum Theory I meets the proficiency requirement for quantum mechanics.
- An average combined final grade of A- or better in PHY 131 - Classical Mechanics and PHY 145 - Classical electromagnetic Theory I meets the proficiency requirements for both classical mechanics and classical electromagnetism.
- An average combined final grade of A- or better in PHY 153 - Statistical Mechanics and PHY 163 - Quantum Theory I meets the proficiency requirements for both statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics.
- Passing a written qualifying exam in the subject(s).
Assessment for proficiency in the core courses for first year students (policy)
- Oral qualifying examination
By the end of the third year, the student must complete an oral qualifying examination in his/her chosen specialized field.
Read more about the oral qualifying examination >
- Independent research
After satisfactory performance on the oral qualifying exam, the candidate undertakes a program of independent research under the guidance of their research advisor, culminating in the preparation and defense of a doctoral dissertation. Students must register for one credit of PHY 0297 - Graduate Research and one credit of PHY 0298 - Graduate Research in their final two semesters of the program.