All students must meet the Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree.
Overview
The department’s research focuses in two major areas: Condensed Matter Physics and Biological Physics.
Theoretical and Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
- Solving cutting-edge problems in dynamical quantum systems, 2D materials (i.e. graphene), and spintronics.
- Materials physics & surface science for energy applications, next-generation computing, and photonics
Biological Physics
- Development of theoretical and computational methods to study biological processes across different spatial scales.
- Structure and dynamics of biological macromolecules, design principles of molecular motors, and protein-drug interactions.
- Soft matter studies on biological tissues, tumors, and bio-inspired materials.
Specific Requirements
Minimum Degree Requirements
75 credits, of which 15 graded coursework credits must be taken after matriculation and 9 of which must be at 6000- or 7000-level, and including:
| Requirement Description | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Core Graduate Courses | ||
| PHYS 5125 | Mathematical Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 5200 | Advanced Dynamics | 3 |
| PHYS 5300 | Electromagnetic Theory | 3 |
| PHYS 5500 | Quantum Mechanics II | 3 |
| PHYS 5400 | Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
| All of these courses must be completed with a grade B or better within the first 2 years of graduate study. | ||
| To accommodate the needs of the specific subfields in physics such as astrophysics, biological physics, condensed- matter physics and materials physics, 3 elective courses (9 credits) have to be chosen to fulfill the breadth requirement with a grade of B or higher. Elective courses must be completed within the first 3 years of the program, as the fourth year (and beyond if needed) should be dedicated to progress towards the Ph.D. dissertation. | ||
| A minimum of 20 credits of Doctoral Dissertation Reserach (PHYS 7491) | 20 | |
| A minimum of 3 credits of Teaching College Physics (PHYS 6000) | 3 | |
Comprehensive Examination
At the start of their second semester at UVM, students are expected to sit for the written part of the Comprehensive Exam which covers classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, electricity and magnetism, as well as thermal physics and mathematical physics.
Students are given 2 opportunities to pass the comprehensive exam. In addition to the written portion, there is also an oral portion that consists of a Ph.D. dissertation proposal given after the start of a dissertation research project.
Requirements for Advancement to Candidacy for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy
Successful completion of all required courses and the comprehensive exam.