Graduate Catalog: 2012-2013 - Alabama A&M University

PHYSICSProgram DirectorAnup Sharma256/372-8102Master of ScienceGraduate FacultyProfessorsMohan D. Aggarwal (Chair of Physics)Mostafa DokhanianMatthew E. EdwardsBommareddi Rami ReddyBarry Johnson (Adjunct)Ravi B. Lal (Emeritus)Paul Ruffin (Adjunct)Anup SharmaArjun Tan (Emeritus)Jai-Ching WangAssociate ProfessorsTianxi ZhangAshok BatraAssistant ProfessorsAshok BatraVernessa M. EdwardsPadmaja GuggillaMarius P. SchamschulaABOUT THE PROGRAMAlabama Agricultural & Mechanical University’sPhysics Department provides students with a richeducational environment in which to study physicsand discover high technology research in optics,materials science, and space science programs. Theprogram is ranked among the top ten nationally in theawarding of graduate degrees to African-Americans.ADMISSION REQUIREMENTSAdmission Requirements for the Master ofScience (M.S.) Program in Physics/ AppliedPhysicsFor admission to the Master of Science program inapplied physics, applicants must:(a.) Have a bachelor's degree from a regionallyaccredited university with a major inphysics, chemistry, physical science,astronomy or engineering;(b.) Have an overall GPA of 3.00 (based on a4.00 system);(c.) A Graduate Record Examination (GRE)score of at least 600 in the quantitativesection of the general area is required;(d.) Students from non-English speakingcountries are required to have a minimumscore of 61 (internet-based test) on the Testfor English as a Foreign Language(TOEFL). PROGRAM REQUIREMENTSProgram Requirements with the Thesis Options:Master of Science with Space ScienceconcentrationStudent must complete at least 24 semester hours ofcourse work with a minimum of 12 hours in thearea of Space Science concentration plus 6 semesterhours of Master's Thesis hours. The student mustwrite a thesis on an approved topic under thesupervision of a thesis advisor, and satisfactorilydefend the thesis before an advisory committeeappointed by the department and approved by theDean of the School of Graduate Studies.Required ProgramSem.HoursPHY 500 Analytical Mechanics 3PHY 505 Electromagnetic Theory I 3PHY 521 Quantum Mechanics I 3PHY 610 Introduction to Solar-3Terrestrial PhysicsPHY 699 Master's Thesis (In two or6more semesters)Approved Concentration (Electives) 12Total 30 Students with bachelor's degrees in optical, materials, or spacesciences will be eligible for admission into the graduate programwith optics/lasers and materials science and space scienceconcentrations (Students with a degree in an area other thanphysics may be required to take prerequisite undergraduatephysics courses). Must select 9 hours from approved Space Science electives and3 credit hours from approved General Physics, Optics, orMaterial Science Electives.72