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

For the most current information on our admissions process, please visit our department website at https://www.unr.edu/physics/graduate/graduate-admissions. All applications should be submitted through the Graduate School at https://www.unr.edu/grad/graduate-programs.

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).  

  Students on both plans take the following set of core classes:

• 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 732 - Statistical Mechanics (3 units)
• PHYS 790 - Seminar (1 unit)

• For students on Plan A they must additionally take:

• PHYS 797 - Thesis (1 to 6 units) (6 units required)
• Approved Electives (6 units) (maximum of six units in PHYS 792 )

• For students on Plan B they must additionally take:

• PHYS 712 - Electromag Theory II (3 units)
• PHYS 795 - Comprehensive Examination (1 unit)
• Approved Electives (9 units)

• 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.

  For students on Plan A, the thesis should demonstrate the student’s ability to carry out independent research. The candidates must pass a final oral examination administered by the student’s advisory/examining committee.

II. Total Units

Plan A total: (31 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.