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Applied Physics (M.S., Ph.D.)

The Physics Department at CSM offers a full program of instruction and research leading to the MS and PhD in applied physics. In Fall 2003, the Physics Department opened an ultra-fast optical science laboratory featuring two of the most powerful ultra-fast lasers in the world.

Graduate students are given a solid background in the fundamentals of classical and modern physics at an advanced level. The atmosphere in the Department is one of intellectual challenge and stimulation. The physics faculty members at CSM have been attracted from the top universities and research institutions; their reputations, internationally as well as nationally, are based on contributions to physics research and education.

Research

Applied Optics, Nuclear Physics, and Condensed Matter Physics are major focus areas for the Physics Research Program. A wide range of research projects is being actively pursued within each area and there is a great deal of collaboration between these groups. Current fields of research include:

  • Applied Optics: Lasers, ultrafast optics and x-ray generation, spectroscopy,
    near-field and multi-photon microscopy, non-linear optics
  • Nuclear: Low energy reactions, nuclear astrophysics, nuclear theory, fusion plasma diagnostics
  • Electronic Materials: Photovoltaics, nanostructures and quantum dots, thin film semiconductors, transparent conductors, amorphous materials, magnetic materials
  • Solid State: X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, electron microscopy, self assembled systems, condensed matter theory
  • Surface and Interfaces: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Auger spectroscopy, scanning probe microscopes
  • Theory: nuclear, condensed matter, atomic, molecular and optical theory. Nonlinear dynamics, quantum and wave chaos.
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    26 Ph.D. students
    5 Master’s students
    6.5% minority
    22.6% female
    12.9% international

The optical science
laboratory in the
Physics Department houses
two of the most powerful ultrafast lasers in the world.













Physics faculty are also active in several interdisciplinary research centers.

Degree Programs

The Physics Department offers both the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Applied Physics. The program of study is selected by the student, in consultation with an advisor, according to the student's career needs and interests. Core courses are required of all candidates for graduate degrees; however, there is considerable room for flexibility, especially at the PhD level.

Master of Science

The Master of Science (MS) degree requires a minimum of 20 semester hours of course work in an approved program plus 16 semester hours of research credit, with a satisfactory thesis. Fifteen semester hours of coursework plus thesis must be taken in residence. There is no comprehensive examination for the MS degree.

The curriculum for the MS in Applied Physics is as follows:

Core Courses:

  • PHGN 511 – Mathematical Physics I
  • PHGN 520 – Quantum Mechanics I

One additional course from:

  • PHGN 505 – Classical Mechanics I
  • PHGN 507 – Electromagnetic Theory I
  • PHGN 521 – Quantum Mechanics II
  • PHGN 530 – Statistical Mechanics

Electives – 9 hours
Graduate Seminar – 2 hours
Master's Thesis

Combined BS/MS

Mines undergraduates pursuing a B.S. in Engineering Physics are eligible for the Combined BS/MS in Applied Physics. Specialization tracks are available in condensed matter, applied optics, and applied nuclear physics. Many of the undergraduate electives are specified for students pursuing the combined program. For this reason, students are expected to express interest to the Physics Department during the first semester of their sophomore year. A 3.0 grade point average must be maintained to guarantee admission into the graduate portion of the program. Once formally admitted, students follow the same M.S. degree requirements as listed above. Thesis work should begin during the senior year as part of the Senior Design experience.

Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree must complete 34 semester hours of course work plus 38 semester hours of research credit, with a satisfactory thesis. Twelve semester hours of coursework will be in an approved minor area. Minor programs focus in areas offered by other CSM Departments or may include the following specialty programs:

  • Optical Science and Engineering
  • Photovoltaics and Electronic Materials
  • Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics

The curriculum for the PhD in Applied Physics is as follows:

Core Courses:

  • PHGN 505 – Classical Mechanics I
  • PHGN 507 – Electromagnetic Theory I
  • PHGN 520 – Quantum Mechanics I
  • PHGN 521 – Quantum Mechanics II
  • PHGN 530 – Statistical Mechanics

Electives – 4 hours
Minor Program – 12 credits
Doctoral Thesis

Admissions/Entrance Requirements

The graduate program in Applied Physics is open to graduates from four-year programs at accredited colleges or universities. Admission is competitive, based on an evaluation of undergraduate performance, standardized test scores, and references. The undergraduate course of study of each applicant is evaluated according to the requirements of the Physics Department.

Fall Admission Yes
   Financial support priority deadline Jan. 15
   U.S. citizen application deadline July 1
   International application deadline April 1
Spring Admission Yes
   U.S. citizen application deadline Nov. 1
   International application deadline Sept. 1
GRE required Yes
   Subject Test required Yes*
   Average accepted Verbal 529
   Average accepted Quantitative 749
   Average accepted Analytical Writing 3.9

*Students planning to apply for financial support through the Physics Department must submit Physics subject test scores.

Financial Assistance

Full financial support is available for virtually all CSM physics graduate students. Beginning graduate students are normally supported on teaching assistantships. For students who have successfully completed one or more years of graduate study at CSM, a substantial number of graduate research assistantships are available on sponsored research projects. These provide academic-year stipends in addition to possible summer employment. Both teaching and research assistantships provide full tuition fellowships.

Most funding decisions are made before April for fall admission, therefore students are encouraged to apply early. International students wishing to be considered for financial assistance should receive a 600 or better on the TOEFL. The GRE subject test in Physics is also required of any student applying for financial support.

Contact

Dr. Tim Ohno, Graduate Program Chair
Department of Physics
Colorado School of Mines
Golden, CO 80401
Phone: 303-273-3847
FAX: 303-273-3919