University Catalog 2006-2007

University Catalog > College of Science > Physics and Astronomy

Physics and Astronomy

Phone: 703-993-1280
Web: physics.gmu.edu

Faculty

Professors:Becker, Blaisten-Barojas, Dworzecka (chair), Ehrlich, Ellsworth, Kafatos, Lieb, Mishin, Satija, Summers, Trefil (Robinson Professor)

Associate professors: Barreto, Ceperley, Evans, Gluckman, Satyapal, So, Wallin

Assistant professors: Opher, Rubin, Sauer, Weingartner

Term assistant professors: Geller, Oerter, Wyczalkowski

Term instructors: Ericson, Ewell, Goldman, Jazaeri

Course Work

The Physics and Astronomy Department offers all course work designated ASTR and PHYS in the “Course Descriptions” chapter of this catalog.

Undergraduate Programs

Astronomy, BS

The BS in astronomy prepares students for graduate school and careers in research or teaching positions; or employment in industry, business, or science education fields where analytical skills and scientific background are advantageous. Students who are considering a double major in the fields of mathematics, science, computer science, and engineering should talk to an undergraduate coordinator. Some course substitutions are allowed for such majors, but must be approved in writing in advance.

In addition to satisfying the university-wide general education requirements for the BS degree, students must complete a total of 39 credits in physics and astronomy and 17 credits in mathematics with a minimum GPA of 2.00. (Through the course -work below, astronomy majors satisfy the university-wide requirements in natural science and quantitative reasoning.)

In meeting the above requirement, students may choose an area of emphasis. Students who wish to complete an emphasis should plan a program of study in consultation with their advisors. Some areas require more than 9 credits as listed below.

Emphasis in Graduate School Preparation

This emphasis prepares students for graduate study in observational or theoretical astronomy. Student must take two courses from ASTR 530 or 535; and MATH 446. They should complete a senior project (ASTR 408) or internship (ASTR 409) in the specialty that they intend to pursue in graduate school.

Emphasis in Computational Astronomy

This emphasis prepares students planning for computation and information-related jobs in industry and government labs. Student must take 9 credits of the following: ASTR 401; PHYS 251 or 510; and MATH 446 or 447. In addition, they should complete a senior project (ASTR 408) or internship (ASTR 409).

Emphasis in Astrobiology

This emphasis prepares students for careers in research, teaching, or science journalism. Students must take BIOL 213, 305, and 506 (The Origin of Life), and complete a senior project (ASTR 408) or internship (ASTR 409).

Writing-Intensive Requirement

Mason requires all students to complete at least one course designated “writing intensive” in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in astronomy may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing ASTR 490.

Astronomy, BA

The BA in astronomy prepares students for a career in industry, business, science education, and science writing, where analytical skills and scientific background are necessary.

Students in the fields of mathematics, science, computer science, and engineering who are considering a double major should discuss it with the undergraduate coordinator. Some course substitutions are allowed for such majors, but they must be approved in writing in advance.

In addition to satisfying university-wide general education requirements for the BA degree, students must complete a minimum of 26 credits in physics and astronomy, and 6 credits in mathematics, with a minimum GPA of 2.00. (Through the course work below, astronomy majors satisfy university-wide requirements in natural science and quantitative reasoning.)

Note: Students who take the 10-credit physics sequence and one of the 8-credit math sequences can count the additional 6 credits beyond required minimum credits toward elective credit in the major.

Writing-Intensive Requirement

Mason requires all students to complete at least one course designated “writing intensive” in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in astronomy may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing ASTR 490.

Minor in Astronomy

The minor requires completion of a physics prerequisite and 15 credits in astronomy, with a minimum GPA of 2.00. The prerequisite consists of one of the two sequences: PHYS 243, 244, 245, 246; or PHYS 160, 161, 260, 261, 262, 263. Following the introductory physics sequence, students are required to take ASTR 111, 112, 113, 114; PHYS 416; and two astronomy courses chosen from ASTR 201, 228, 328, 428, and 530.

For policies governing all minors, see the Academic Policies chapter of this catalog.

Physics, BS

The BS in physics prepares students for graduate school, or for one of the many careers in business or industry in which physics graduates are employed. Students in the fields of mathematics, science, and engineering who are considering a double major in physics should discuss it with the undergraduate coordinator. Some course substitutions are allowed for such majors, but they should be discussed in advance.

In addition to satisfying the university-wide general education requirements for the BS degree, students must complete a total of 45 credits in the major and 20 in mathematics, with a minimum GPA of 2.00, distributed as follows. (Through the course work below, physics majors satisfy the university-wide requirements in natural science and quantitative reasoning.)

In meeting the requirement for 12 credits outside the core, students have the option of electing an emphasis. The courses required for each emphasis are listed below. Students who wish to complete an emphasis should plan a program of study in consultation with their advisor.

Emphasis in Graduate School Preparation

Although any of the options listed here provide the successful student with a fully adequate background to enter graduate school, this emphasis is for students whose career goals definitely include graduate work in physics. To complete this emphasis, students should take at least 9 credits from the following courses: PHYS 510, 512, 540; and ASTR 530. In addition, they complete a senior project (PHYS 408) or honors thesis (PHYS 405 and 406) in the specialty that they intend to pursue in graduate school.

Emphasis in Computational Physics

This emphasis is for students who wish to pursue a career that applies computers to the solution of physical problems and data analysis. To complete this emphasis, students should take at least 9 credits from the following courses: PHYS 510, ECE 442, and MATH 446 and 447. In addition, they complete a senior project (PHYS 408) or honors thesis (PHYS 405 and 406) on a problem that involves using a computer for the solution of a physical problem.

Emphasis in Astrophysics

This emphasis is for students who are planning to attend graduate school in astrophysics or pursue a career in industry. To complete this emphasis, students should select four courses from the following: PHYS 428; ASTR 328, 530, 532, 535; and MATH 446. In addition, students complete a senior project (PHYS 408) or honors thesis (PHYS 405 and 406) on an astrophysics problem.

Emphasis in Electronics

This emphasis is for students who wish to pursue a career in industry, applying a strong background in electronics to physical problems. To complete this emphasis, students should take at least 9 credits from the following courses: ECE 301, 333, 430, 431, and 433. In addition, they complete a senior project (PHYS 408) or honors thesis (PHYS 405 and 406) on an electronics problem.

Emphasis in Applied Solid State Physics

This emphasis is for students who wish to pursue a career in the semiconductor industry. To complete this emphasis, students should take the following courses: PHYS 512, and ECE 430 and ECE 431. In addition, students complete a senior project (PHYS 408 or 409) or honors thesis (PHYS 405 and 406) in applied solid state physics.

Writing-Intensive Requirement

The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated “writing intensive” in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in physics may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing PHYS 407.

Honors Program in Physics

Physics majors who have completed the prerequisites for PHYS 405 and 406 Honors Thesis in Physics, and who have maintained an overall GPA of at least 3.50 in physics courses and a GPA of 3.50 in all courses taken at Mason, may apply to the departmental honors program. To graduate with honors in physics, a student is required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 in physics courses, and successfully complete PHYS 405 and 406 with a GPA of at least 3.50 and a grade of at least A- in PHYS 406.

Minor in Physics

The minor requires 19 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.00, including PHYS 160, 161, 260, 261, 262, and 263; and any two courses from PHYS 303, 306, 307, 308, 402, 428, and 305 or 513.

For policies governing all minors, see the Academic Policies chapter of this catalog.

Physics for Majors

Students who intend to major in physics should take the physics introductory sequence (PHYS 160, 161, 260, 261 or 265, 262, 263). Students who decide to major in physics after completing PHYS 243 and 245 may do so but only with written permission of the Physics and Astronomy Department. Those students are required to take at least 4 additional credits in approved physics courses.

Physics for Nonmajors

PHYS 243, 244, 245, and 246 are recommended for biology, chemistry, geology, and premedical students, and for mathematics students who seek a BA degree. PHYS 101, 102, 103, and 104 are intended for nonscience majors. PHYS 160, 161, 260, 261 or 265, 262, and 263 constitute a calculus-based sequence in general physics to be taken by physics and engineering majors; and chemistry, computer science, and mathematics students who are pursuing a BS degree. Students may receive credit for only one of the following three sequences: PHYS 243, 244, 245, 246; PHYS 103, 104; or PHYS 160, 161, 260, 261, 262, 263.

Premedical, Predental, and Preveterinary Students

Students planning to enter medical, dental, or veterinary schools may meet the requirements of these professional schools by majoring in physics. Those students should consult with the premedical advisor for physics.

Teacher Licensure

Students who wish to become teachers should consult the CEHD chapter and attend an information session early in their undergraduate career. For more information, call 703-993-2892, e-mail gseadmit@gmu.edu, or go to gse.gmu.edu.

Physics, Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s Program

This program allows academically strong undergraduates with a commitment to research to obtain BS and MS degrees by successfully completing 144 credits within five academic years plus summers their last two years. Upon completion, students are exceptionally well prepared for entry into either a professional school, or a PhD program in physics or a related discipline. Well-prepared students are encouraged to apply to this program after they complete 90 credits. Admitted students take selected graduate courses during their senior year (when they have successfully completed prerequisites), and are able to use up to 6 graduate credits in partial satisfaction of requirements for the undergraduate degree. Upon completion of that degree and with satisfactory performance (3.00) in the graduate courses, students are given advanced standing in the master’s program and complete an additional 24 credits to receive the master’s degree. All other master’s degree requirements must be met. See the department for further details.

Graduate Programs

Applied and Engineering Physics, MS

This degree contains both elements of traditional physics programs, and the application of physics to a diversity of critical societal problems. The program is divided into two emphases. The applied physics emphasis is intended for those who wish to apply the techniques and subject areas of physics to multifaceted problems encountered in the workplace, particularly in physics, engineering, computational science, and other related areas. The engineering physics emphasis, jointly administered with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, allows students to select a larger number of courses from electrical engineering.

All courses are offered during late afternoon or evening hours to allow students with full-time employment to attend easily. Students employed at area high-technology organizations may take up to 6 credits (out of 30) for work done on the job under the guidance of a faculty member. This employment-related research may be conducted either under an optional 3-credit research project, or an optional 6-credit master’s thesis. Master’s students who are not employed full time may apply for financial aid, or for a limited number of research assistantships.

Admission Requirements

Those holding a baccalaureate degree in physics or a related field from an accredited institution and who earned a GPA of 2.75 (out of 4.00) in their last 60 credits are invited to apply for admission. If the baccalaureate degree is in a field other than physics, applicants should have taken several courses beyond the introductory physics courses, such as junior-level classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, or electronics. Applicants may be required to make up one or two deficiencies, based on a graduate physics advisor’s assessment, and still be permitted to enroll in the program. Three letters of recommendation must be submitted, preferably from former professors. The general GRE and the GRE subject test in physics are recommended for applicants who received their baccalaureate degrees within the last five years. Those with less recent bachelor’s degrees may present a statement of their work experience in lieu of the GRE.

Degree Requirements

Candidates for the degree must successfully complete 30 credits as follows:

In addition to the requirements stated above, students may also select an emphasis in astrophysics, atmospheric physics, biological applications of physics, computational physics, condensed matter, instrumentation (engineering physics), or nonlinear dynamics. An emphasis requires that students complete 15 credits of approved courses. Students in the master’s degree program can earn a graduate certificate in computational techniques and applications from the Department of Computational and Data Sciences by choosing an approved sequence of courses.

Computational Sciences and Informatics, PhD

The doctoral program in computational sciences and infor-matics includes concentrations in computational physics, and in space sciences and computational astrophysics. See the Department of Computational and Data Sciences chapter for degree and admission requirements.

Physical Sciences, PhD

This interdisciplinary doctoral program is offered jointly by the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Department of Chemistry, and Department of Computational and Data Sciences. The degree focuses on preparing scientists to perform research as members of interdisciplinary science teams, primarily involving astronomy, biophysical sciences, chemistry, and physics. The main emphasis is on theoretical, experimental, or laboratory research. The program is not intended to produce graduates who are scientific generalists because modern research in the physical sciences is highly specialized. But the areas of specialization often cut across traditional disciplines, as in the research fields mentioned above.

The degree is built on a foundation of several interdisciplinary courses that expose students to fundamental research problems in modern science, and provide them with an introduction to each of the general physical areas that comprise the degree (physics, chemistry, biophysical sciences, and astronomy). However, the program curriculum has been designed to provide enough flexibility to accommodate students seeking a fully interdisciplinary program as well as those with interests more closely aligned with one of the traditional physical sciences disciplines.

Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in physics, astronomy, chemistry, mathematics, or engineering, including a course in ordinary differential equations. Admission requires a minimum GPA of 3.00 in undergraduate work, and acceptable scores on the GRE-GEN exam. Applicants with insufficient undergraduate records may be accepted provisionally.

Students are encouraged to undertake research under close faculty supervision in a number of potential areas, including the following examples:

Degree Requirements

The total curriculum consists of 72 credits, representing 48 credits of course work and 24 credits of dissertation research. For students entering the doctoral program with a previous graduate degree or graduate work, the 48 credits may be reduced by a maximum of 30 credits. Of the 48, 9 credits are core courses to be taken by all students in the program, and at least 15 are selected as part of a student’s “contract” with a three-member faculty committee (explained below). The program consists of:

The 9 credits comprising the core consist of three courses that are intended to expose all students to current research methods and current developments across a broad spectrum of areas in the physical sciences. PSCI 703 (see below) is only 1 credit and must be repeated three times. The core courses are:

A three-member predissertation committee will be formed by the student as soon as possible after admission, but not later than after completing the 9-credit core. The committee will work with the student to define the “contract” core courses applicable to the specific student, which will be a minimum 15 credits and constitute the subject matter for the qualifying exam. After students select a dissertation advisor and finalize the composition of the dissertation committee, they take the candidacy exam, which has written and oral components. Upon passage of the candidacy exam and approval of the dissertation proposal by the committee, the student is advanced to doctoral candidacy.