Physics and Astronomy
Web: physics.gmu.edu FacultyProfessors: Blaisten-Barojas, Dworzecka (chair), Ehrlich, Ellsworth, Kafatos, Lieb, Satija, Summers, Trefil (Robinson Professor) Associate professors: Becker, Ceperley, Evans, Gluckman, Roberts, So, Wallin Assistant professors: Barreto, Sambruna, Satyapal, Sauer, Weingartner Term assistant professors: Oerter, Wyczalkowski Term instructor: Ewell, Geller, Jazaeri, Pezzano Course WorkThe Physics and Astronomy Department offers all course work designated ASTR and PHYS in the "Course Descriptions" chapter of this catalog. Undergraduate ProgramsAstronomy, BSThe 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, candidates must complete a total of 39 credits in physics and astronomy and 17 credits in mathematics with a minimum GPA of 2.000. (Through the coursework below, astronomy majors satisfy the university-wide requirements in natural science and quantitative reasoning.)
In meeting requirement number 4, 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 PreparationPrepares students for graduate study in observational or theoretical astronomy. Student must take two courses from: ASTR 530, 535, or 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 AstronomyPrepares students planning for computation/information related jobs in industry and government labs. Student must take nine credits of the following: ASTR 401, PHYS 251 or 510, MATH 446 or 447. In addition, they should complete a senior project (ASTR 408) or internship (ASTR 409). Emphasis in AstrobiologyPrepares students for careers in research, teaching, or science journalism. Students must take: BIOL 213, 305, 506 (The Origin of Life) and complete a senior project (ASTR 408) or internship (ASTR 409). Writing-Intensive RequirementThe 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 astronomy may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing ASTR 490. Astronomy, BAThe 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 the university-wide general education requirements for the BA degree, candidates must complete a total of 30 credits in physics and astronomy and 11 credits in mathematics, with a minimum GPA of 2.000. (Through the coursework below, astronomy majors satisfy the university-wide requirements in natural science and quantitative reasoning.)
Writing-Intensive RequirementThe 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 astronomy may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing ASTR 490. Minor in AstronomyA minor in astronomy requires the completion of a physics prerequisite and 15 credits in astronomy, with a minimum GPA of 2.000. The prerequisite consists of one of the two sequences: PHYS 243, 244, 245, 246; or PHYS 160, 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 "minors" under "The Undergraduate Academic Program" in the Academic Policies chapter of this catalog. Physics, BSThe 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, candidates must complete a total of 45 credits in the major and 20 in mathematics, with a minimum GPA of 2.000, distributed as follows. (Through the coursework 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 PreparationAlthough 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 should 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 PhysicsThis 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, 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 the use of the computer for the solution of a physical problem. Emphasis in AstrophysicsThis 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 should complete a senior project (PHYS 408) or honors thesis (PHYS 405 and 406) on an astrophysics problem. Emphasis in ElectronicsThis 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 PhysicsThis 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, ECE 430, and ECE 431. In addition, the student should complete a senior project (PHYS 408 or 409) or honors thesis (PHYS 405 and 406) in applied solid state physics. Writing-Intensive RequirementThe 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 PhysicsPhysics 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 3.500 in physics courses and a GPA of 3.500 in all courses taken at George 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 to successfully complete PHYS 405 and 406 with a GPA of at least 3.5 and a grade of at least A- in PHYS 406. Minor in PhysicsA minor in physics requires 18 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.000, including PHYS 160, 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 "minors" under "The Undergraduate Academic Program" in the Academic Policies chapter of this catalog. Physics for MajorsStudents who intend to major in physics should take the physics introductory sequence (PHYS 160, 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 NonmajorsPHYS 243, 244, 245, and 246 are recommended for biology, chemistry, geology, and premedical students and for mathematics students who seek a bachelor of arts degree. PHYS 101, 102, 103, and 104 are intended for nonscience majors. PHYS 160, 260, 261 or 265, 262, 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 bachelor of science degree. Students may receive credit for only one of the following three sequences: PHYS 243, 244, 245, 246; or PHYS 103, 104; or PHYS 160, 260, 261, 262, 263. Premedical, Predental, and Preveterinary StudentsStudents 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 LicensureStudents who wish to become teachers should consult the Graduate School of Education chapter and attend an information session during their sophomore year. Information Sessions for teacher licensure are offered every month. For more information, call 703-993-2892, e-mail gseadmit@gmu.edu, or consult the web site at gse.gmu.edu. Graduate ProgramsApplied and Engineering Physics, MSThe MS in Applied and Engineering Physics 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. Persons 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 RequirementsThose holding a baccalaureate degree in physics or a related field from an accredited institution and who earned a GPA of 2.750 (out of 4.000) in their last 60 credits are invited to apply for admission. If the baccalaureate degree is in a field other than physics, the applicant should have taken several courses beyond the introductory physics courses, such as junior-level classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, or electronics. An applicant 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. Two letters of recommendation must be submitted, preferably from former professors. The general Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and the GRE subject test in physics are recommended for applicants who received their baccalaureate degrees within the last five years. A less recent bachelor's degree recipient may present a statement of his/her work experience in lieu of the GRE. Degree RequirementsCandidates for the degree must successfully complete 30 credits as follows:
In addition to the requirements stated above, a student 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 a student complete 15 credits of approved courses. The students in the master's degree program can earn a graduate certificate in Computational Techniques and Applications from the School of Computational Sciences by choosing an approved sequence of courses. Physics, Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's ProgramThe five-year Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree program allows academically strong undergraduates with a commitment to research to obtain a B.S and a MS degree within five academic years (plus summers their last two years). The program leads to a research-based MS degree following satisfactory completion of 144 credits. Upon completion of this program, a student will be exceptionally well prepared for entry into either a professional school or a PhD program in physics or a related discipline. Qualified students can enter this program after completion of 90 credits and can enroll in graduate courses when they have successfully completed the prerequisites. Offering this flexibility makes it possible for students to complete some of their graduate classes during their junior and senior years. Consult the department for details on the program. Computational Sciences and Informatics, PhDThe doctoral program in computational sciences and informatics includes concentrations in computational physics and in space sciences and computational astrophysics. See the "School of Computational Sciences" chapter for degree and admission requirements. Physical Sciences, PhDThe interdisciplinary doctoral program in Physical Sciences is offered jointly by the Department of Physics and Astronomy, the Department of Chemistry, and the School of Computational Sciences. This degree focuses on the preparation of scientists trained to perform research as members of interdisciplinary science teams, primarily involving the fields of astronomy, chemistry, and physics. The main emphasis of this program 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 the 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, and astronomy). However, the program curriculum has been designed to provide enough flexibility to accommodate both students seeking a fully interdisciplinary program as well as ones with interests that are more closely aligned with one of the traditional physical sciences disciplines. Applicants to the doctoral program in physical sciences should have a bachelor's degree in physics, astronomy, chemistry, mathematics, or engineering, including a course in ordinary differential equations. Admission to the program requires a minimum GPA of 3.000 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, but not limited to, the following examples:
Degree RequirementsThe total curriculum consists of 72 credit hours, representing 48 credit hours of course work and 24 credit hours of dissertation research. For students entering the doctoral program with previous graduate work, the 48 hours of course work may be reduced by a maximum of 30 credits. Of the 48 hours of course work, 9 hours will consist of core courses to be taken by all students in the program, and at least 15 hours will be selected as part of a student's "contract" with a three-member faculty committee (explained below). The program consists of:
The 9 hours 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 one credit and must be repeated three times. The core courses are:
A three-member pre-dissertation committee will be formed by the student as soon as possible after admission, but not later than after completion of the 9-hour 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 credit hours. Once the student has selected a dissertation advisor and finalized the composition of the dissertation committee, he or she takes the candidacy examination, which will have written and oral components. Upon passage of the candidacy examination and approval of the dissertation proposal by the committee, the student is advanced to doctoral candidacy. |
