Physics and Astronomy
- Faculty
- Course Work
- Undergraduate Programs
- Graduate Programs
Phone: 703-993-1280
Web: www.physics.gmu.edu
Faculty
Professors: Aharonov, Becker*, Blaisten-Barojas*, Dworzecka, Ehrlich (chair), Ellsworth, Kafatos, Lieb, Mishin, Satija, Summers, Trefil (Robinson Professor)
Associate professors: Barreto, Ceperley, Rubin, Sauer, Satyapal, So, Wallin*
Assistant professors: Opher, Rosenberg, Tollaksen*, Weigel*, Weingartner, Zhang*
Term associate professor: Oerter
Term assistant professors: Geller,Goldman, Iacoletti, Wyczalkowski
Term instructors: Ericson, Ewell, Jazaeri
Professor Emeritus: Mielczarek
* These guest faculty hold appointments in other departments.
Research faculty: Meier, Poland
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 education fields where analytical skills and a scientific background are advantageous. Students who are considering a double major in the fields of mathematics, science, computer science, and engineering should talk to the undergraduate coordinator. Note that at least 18 credits used to fulfill an astronomy BS cannot be used to fulfill another major or minor. Some course substitutions are allowed for double majors, but these 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. Also, by taking ASTR 402, they satisfy the university's writing-intensive requirement.
- Seven required core astronomy courses (21 credits): ASTR 103 or 113, 328, 402, 403, 404, 428, and 490
- Eight required physics courses (18 credits): PHYS 160, 161, 260, 261, 262, 263, 305, and 308
- Five required math courses (17 credits): MATH 113, 114, 213, 214, and 313 or 314
- 9 credits from the following (at least 6 credits must be in upper-level courses): ASTR 228, 401, 408, 409, 530, 535; CS 112; MATH 203, 446, 447; PHYS 121, 122, 123, 124, 251, 303, 307, 510, and 575, or any preapproved BIOL, CHEM, MATH, or PHYS courses
In meeting the above requirements, 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 emphases listed below require more than 9 credits in the last category above.
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. Students 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).
Sample Schedule for Astronomy BS
(excluding general education courses)
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. This degree is not suitable for students intending to pursue a graduate degree in astronomy.
Students in the fields of mathematics, science, computer science, and engineering who are considering a double major should discuss this option 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. ASTR 402 also satisfies the university's writing-intensive requirement.
- Eight required core astronomy courses (20 credits):
- ASTR 111, 112, 113, 114, 301, 302, 402, and 490
- One of the following physics sequences:
- PHYS 243, 245 (6 credits)
- PHYS 160, 161, 260, 261, 262 (11 credits)
- One of the following mathematics sequences:
- MATH 106, 108 (6 credits)
- MATH 113, 114 (8 credits)
- MATH 115, 116 (8 credits)
Electives (15 credits, at least 3 credits in upper-level courses) drawn from the following list (or with permission of the department and course instructor) from advanced ASTR, PHYS, or MATH courses: ASTR 390, 403, 408; PHYS 121, 122, 123, 124; CS 112; BIOL 103, 104, 213; CHEM 101, 102, 103, 104, 155, 156, 201, 202, 211; GEOL 101, 102
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.
Minor in Astronomy
The minor requires completion of a physics prerequisite and 15 credits in astronomy, with a minimum GPA of 2.00. The physics prerequisite consists of one of the two sequences: PHYS 243, 244, 245, 246, or PHYS 160, 161, 260, 261, 262, 263. After the introductory physics sequence, students are required to take ASTR 111, 112, 113, and 114, and two astronomy courses chosen from ASTR 301, 302, 328, 402, 403, 404, 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 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 this option with the undergraduate coordinator. Note that at least 18 credits used to fulfill a physics BS cannot be used to fulfill another major or minor. Some course substitutions are allowed for double majors, but these 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, and the intensive writing requirement by taking PHYS 407.
- Nine required core physics courses (22 credits): PHYS 160, 161, 260, 261, 262, 263, 305, 308, and 407 (Students double majoring in engineering and physics may substitute ECE 305 for PHYS 305.)
- 12 credits from PHYS 251, 303, 306, 307, 402, 405 or 406, 408 or 409, 416; and ASTR 328 or 428
- 12 credits from PHYS 121, 122, 123, 124; CS 112; or any approved upper-level physics, astronomy, chemistry, electrical engineering, or mathematics courses
- Six required math and statistics courses (20 credits): MATH 113, 114, 203, 213, 214, and 313 or 413; or STAT 344
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 on 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, and 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, 404, 530, 532, 535; and MATH 446. In addition, students should 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 should 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 should complete a senior project (PHYS 408 or 409) or honors thesis (PHYS 405 and 406) in applied solid state physics.
Emphasis in Medical Physics
Physics majors generally have an excellent acceptance record in applying to medical, dental, or veterinary schools. Although there is no formal set of courses within physics that is uniquely suitable, students should meet with a physics advisor and a health sciences advisor for information about the university's Medical Sciences Advisory Committee. For more information, call 703-993-1050.
Because schools in the health sciences vary both in their philosophies and specific requirements, it is wise for students to become aware of such information well in advance of applying for admission. Although specific requirements vary, most programs do require applicants to complete at least one year of biology. Other requirements generally include organic chemistry (CHEM 313, 314, 315, and 318 or 320).
Sample Schedule for Physics BS
(excluding general education courses)
Honors Program in Physics
Physics majors 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 when they complete the first semester of their junior year. 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.
Research Opportunities
The department offers many opportunities for undergraduate students to get involved with research. Students should consult with faculty working on research of interest to them, based on their examination of the Physics Department web site.
Minor in Physics
The minor requires 18 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.
Alternative Introductory Sequence
Normally, students who intend to major in physics should take the physics introductory sequence (PHYS 160, 161, 260, 261, 262, and 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 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 also by 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.
Teacher Licensure
Students who wish to become teachers should consult the College of Education and Human Development chapter and attend an information session early in their undergraduate career. For more information, call 703-993-2078, e-mail gacline2@gmu.edu, or go to gse.gmu.edu.
Physics, Bachelor's and 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. On completion, students are exceptionally well prepared for entry into 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. On 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 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, 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 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 a limited number of research assistantships.
Admission Requirements
Individuals 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 past 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:
- 6 credits of required core courses: PHYS 685 or 513, PHYS 684
- 12 credits in an emphasis
For the applied physics emphasis, any four of the following courses: PHYS 510, 512, 533, 540, 575, 612, 613, 620, 676, 701, 705, 711, 785, 728, 784, and 736; ASTR 530, 761, 764, 765, and 766
For the engineering physics emphasis, PHYS 510 and 533, and any 6 credits in electrical engineering (ECE)
- 12 credits of electives chosen from courses in physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, information technology, and computational sciences and informatics. No more than 6 credits may be chosen from areas outside ASTR, CSI, ECE, and PHYS. Elective credits can include a project (PHYS 798) or thesis (PHYS 799).
- Students may choose to do either ECE/PHYS 798 Research Project (3 credits) or ECE/PHYS 799 Master's Thesis (6 credits) but not both. The research project may be conducted at a student's place of employment with the concurrence of a faculty advisor. The thesis is a more substantial piece of work performed under the supervision of a major professor and requires students to make an oral defense. ECE/PHYS 798 may be taken only once. No more than 6 credits of PHYS 799 may be applied to the degree.
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.
Physical Sciences, PhD
This interdisciplinary doctoral program is offered by the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The degree focuses on preparing scientists to perform research either in the separate disciplines listed above or 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 compose the degree (physics, chemistry, biophysical sciences, and astronomy). Yet, the program curriculum has been designed to provide enough flexibility to accommodate students seeking a fully interdisciplinary program and those students with interests more closely aligned with one of the traditional physical sciences disciplines. Students who are seeking a program with a heavy emphasis on computational methods may alternatively consider the doctoral program in computational sciences. This program 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.
Admission Requirements
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. Applicants with insufficient undergraduate records may be accepted provisionally.
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
- 9 credits of core courses (see below)
- Minimum of 15 credits of contract course work
- Up to 24 credits of approved electives
- 24 credits of dissertation research
The 9 credits composing 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
- PSCI 701 Frontiers of Physical Sciences (3:3:0)
- PSCI 702 Research Methods (3:3:0)
- PSCI 703 Seminar in Physical Sciences (1:1:0)
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 exams. After students select a dissertation advisor and finalize the composition of the dissertation committee, they take the candidacy exams, which have written and oral components. On passing the candidacy exams and approval of the dissertation proposal by the committee, the student is advanced to doctoral candidacy.
Students are encouraged to undertake research under close faculty supervision in a number of potential areas, including the following examples:
- Analysis of complex dynamical systems
- Studies of the role of greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere
- Modeling astrochemical processes in star-forming regions
- Searches for extrasolar planets
- Modeling the production of high-energy gamma rays from cosmic sources
- Analysis and prediction of space weather
- Quantum computation: theory and applications
- Solid state physics, including applications to materials science
- Interaction of organic molecules with solid surfaces