Physics, M.S.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• demonstrate broad knowledge of physics at an undergraduate level, specialized knowledge in their topical area, and a deep theoretical understanding of their area of specialization.
• independently design experimental, theoretical, and computational techniques to investigate scientific hypotheses, including the evaluation of uncertainties and noise.
• present their work and train others effectively through written and oral communication.
• use scientific databases and critically analyze and extract information from scientific literature.
• explain the societal and general scientific significance of their work, identify key issues within their research area, and independently propose new research directions.
• achieve success in their professional careers, work effectively in various professional environments, both in teams and independently, provide project leadership, mentor junior colleagues, and communicate scientific results effectively to both the physics community and the public.

Contact Information

Thomas White, Graduate Program Director
Leifson Physics 101
(775) 682-6614
tgwhite@unr.edu

Admission Requirements

Admissions are made through the graduate school.   Please consult regulations of the Graduate School  for general admission requirements.  Admissions may be done online at http://www.unr.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/apply-now. The deadline for completed applications for the fall semester is March 1st.  The deadline for applications for the spring semester is November 1st; the department discourages applications for the spring semester under ordinary circumstances.

I. Program Requirements

Candidates for the master’s degree must satisfy all the general requirements of the Graduate School  .

Two plans of study are offered, Plan A (with thesis) and Plan B (without thesis).  The physics department recommends that students follow Plan A.

The program of study for Plan A should include:

• PHYS 701 - Mathematical Physics (3 units)
• PHYS 702 - Classical Mechanics (3 units)
• PHYS 711 - Electromagnetic Theory I (3 units)
• PHYS 721 - Quantum Theory I (3 units)
• PHYS 722 - Quantum Theory II (3 units)
• PHYS 790 - Seminar (1 unit)
• Approved Electives (8 units)
• PHYS 797 - Thesis (1 to 6 units)

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  The program of study is planned in consultation with a graduate advisor and is subject to approval by the student’s advisory/examining committee and the graduate dean. The thesis should demonstrate the student’s ability to carry out independent research. All master of science candidates must pass a final oral examination administered by the student’s advisory/examining committee.

  For Plan A students, the emphasis in the examination will be on the thesis.

  Subject to the approval of a student’s committee, a student may elect to follow the Plan B (without thesis) option. For the master’s program without thesis, 32 credits are required.  The 32 credits must include all the required classes of the Plan A option, and no more than six credits may be in special problems courses.

  Students also must pass a written comprehensive examination.

II. Total Units

Plan A total: (30 credits)
Plan B total: (32 credits)

Notes

Graduate students who hold half-time assistantships are not permitted to enroll for more than 10 credits in graduate courses per semester.

Undergraduate Prerequisites

1. A bachelor’s degree in physics or related discipline.

2. Completion of undergraduate courses in classical mechanics; electricity and magnetism; thermal and statistical physics; and quantum mechanics.

3.  An average grade of 3.0 or better in all physics courses, and an overall average of 3.0 or better in all undergraduate courses.

Applicants whose records indicate a deficiency in any of the requirements listed above may be admitted on a probationary basis and may be required to take undergraduate courses (which do not carry graduate credit) to address their deficiencies.