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

English speaking countries are required to have aminimum score of 61 (internet-based test) on theTest for English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).Program Requirements for the Doctor ofPhilosophyPersons seeking the Ph.D. in physics must completea total of at least 48 semester hours of creditincluding 15 semester hours in the area of generalphysics. In addition to this requirement studentsmust pass the departmental qualifying examination(A person who has been admitted on the basis of amaster's degree may take the qualifyingexamination after the first semester in the program).Students also must pass the candidacyexamination. Candidacy examinations must bepassed at least nine months before the expectedgraduation date (Students are not considered Ph.D.candidates until they pass the departmentalcandidacy examination). Student also must preparean acceptable dissertation with a minimum of 12semester hours. No student is allowed to registerfor more than six hours of dissertation credits in anygiven semester. There is no foreign languagerequirement for the degree.Ph.D. candidates must make an oral presentation onthe dissertation and must defend the findings beforea committee of examiners as stated earlier. Thepresentation of the dissertation must be completedat least six weeks before the intended graduationdate.Program Requirements for Doctor of Philosophyin Applied Physics with Space ScienceconcentrationRequired ProgramSem.HoursPHY 500 Analytical Mechanics 3PHY 503 Methods of Mathematical3PhysicsPHY 505 Electromagnetic Theory I 3PHY 518 Thermodynamics and3Statistical MechanicsPHY 521 Quantum Mechanics I 3PHY 610 Introduction to Solar-3Terrestrial PhysicsApproved Gen Physics, Optics, 18 The departmental qualifying exam must be taken after thecompletion of 18 credit hours but not before the completion of the24 th credit hour. Students who fail to take the exam during thespecified window are not allowed to continue in the program.Material Science, orapproved Computer ScienceElectivesApproved Space Science Electives 12PHY 799 Dissertation (In two or more 12semesters)Total 60Program Requirements for Doctor of Philosophyin Applied Physics with Optics concentrationRequired ProgramSem.HoursPHY 500 Analytical Mechanics 3PHY 503 Methods of Mathematical3PhysicsPHY 505 Electromagnetic Theory I 3PHY 518 Thermodynamics and3Statistical MechanicsPHY 521 Quantum Mechanics I 3PHY 649 Geometrical Optics 3PHY 651 Spectroscopy 4PHY 657 Physical Optics and4InterferometryPHY 671 Laser Physics I 4Approved Gen Physics, Optics, Material 18Science, or approvedComputer Science ElectivesPHY 799 Dissertation (In two or more 12semesters)Total 60Program Requirements for Doctor ofPhilosophy in Applied Physics withMaterials Science concentrationRequired ProgramSem.HoursPHY 500 Analytical Mechanics 3PHY 503 Methods of Mathematical3PhysicsPHY 505 Electromagnetic Theory I 3PHY 518 Thermodynamics and3Statistical MechanicsPHY 521 Quantum Mechanics I 3PHY 632 Elements of Materials3SciencePHY 634 Crystal Physics and Crystal 3GrowthPHY 635 Magnetic and Optical 375