2013–2014 The Bulletin - USS at Tufts - Tufts University

Physics and Astronomy >
foundation requirements of the School of Engineering.
Concentration requirement: four courses in
physics and astronomy at the intermediate or
advanced levels, which must include Physics 64;
four courses from the concentration requirements
of one of the engineering departments; four
approved elective courses in computer science,
engineering, mathematics, or science.
UNDERGRADUATE MINOR ProgrAM
The program requires the completion of five
courses, with a minimum grade of C-. Prematriculation
credits may not be applied towards the
requirements for the minor. Minimum grade policy
applies to students entering September 2013 or
later.
Physics Minor
Five courses in physics, which must include Physics
13. The other courses may be selected from among
Physics 11, 12 (or 1, 2), and courses in physics
numbered 15 or higher.
Astrophysics Minor
Five courses, at least three of which must be courses
in astronomy numbered 15 or higher. The remaining
courses may be selected from among Physics 11,
12 (or 1, 2), 13, and courses in physics or astronomy
numbered 15 or higher.
GRADUATE ProgrAM
The Department of Physics and Astronomy grants
two degrees: the doctor of philosophy and the
master of science. The department has established
qualifications to ensure that degree candidates have
a broad background in experimental and theoretical
physics. A faculty advisory committee is appointed
for each student to supervise the program of study
leading to the degree.
Master of Science
The master of science degree requires eight
graduate-level courses in physics or related fields,
the latter to be subject to approval by the advisory
committee. These courses must include Physics
131, 145, 146, 163, and 164, and must be completed
with a grade of B- or better. The student has the
option of writing and defending a master’s thesis,
which may count as the equivalent of up to three
courses.
Doctor of Philosophy
The doctoral candidate must demonstrate
proficiency in the basic fields of classical physics
(classical mechanics and classical electromagnetic
theory) and quantum physics (quantum mechanics
and statistical mechanics). Proficiency is demonstrated
by earning an average of A- or better in the
basic graduate courses (131, 145, 146, 153, 163,
and 164), or by passing special examinations in the
areas covered by these courses. Graduate courses
taken at other institutions may in some cases be
used to fulfill part of this requirement. The doctoral
candidate is also required to complete with a grade
of B- or better two courses, one each in any two of
five specialized fields: astronomy/astrophysics (121
or 122), condensed matter physics (173 or 174),
particle physics (183 or 184), general relativity and
cosmology (167 or 268), and advanced quantum
mechanics (263).
Generally, in the second year the candidate
chooses a field of specialization from the areas of
research within the department and selects a
research adviser. After completing the required
course work, the candidate takes an oral examination
in this specialized field. Satisfactory performance
on the oral examination qualifies the
candidate to undertake a program of independent
research under the guidance of the research adviser,
culminating in the preparation and defense of a
doctoral dissertation.
The current areas of research in the department
are astronomy and astrophysics, biophysics, chemical
physics, condensed-matter physics, cosmology and
general relativity, and high-energy physics.
Doctor of Philosophy, Chemical Physics Track
The curriculum requirements for the Chemical
Physics track meld those of Chemistry with those
of Physics. The curriculum has more emphasis on
chemical synthesis than the core program in Physics
and more electricity and magnetism than the core
program in Chemistry. These greater core requirements
are balanced with a greater flexibility in the
elective courses.
The core program consists of seven graduatelevel
classroom courses, at least three of which
must be Chemistry courses (Chem 133, 136, or
131 and at least one of 150, 151, 152, 161 and
162) and three must be Physics courses (163,
164, or 153). These are to be completed by the
239