Master of Science
Overview
The two-year Master of Science program offers advanced study and training in three disciplines: Optics, Nanotechnology, and Biotechnology. These programs provide valuable training and research and design project experience. The programs also prepare students for PhD programs in Physics, Applied Physics, or Engineering. Each combines a common core of fundamental mathematics and physics and an interdisciplinary curriculum that addresses the frontiers of their respective technology fields, with a research or design project focused on applying physics to scientific and technological problems. The curriculum is tailored to fit the needs of individual students, and the project offers an opportunity for independent research under the supervision of leading scientists and engineers.
Program description
The program includes a set of common core courses in mathematics and physics, individually tailored lab components and electives, and a thesis project. Students with interests other than Optics, Nanotechnology, or Biotechnology can pursue a master of science degree in applied physics without a specific concentration.
The math sequence of AEP4210 and AEP4220 provides a rigorous and quantitative math background for a broad range of engineering and physics disciplines. The physics courses cover both electricity and magnetism and quantum mechanics at an intermediate level (AEP3550/3610). Depending on the research focus of the degree candidate, a more advanced level of either EM (AEP3560) or QM (AEP3620) is provided. These core courses are offered in the first year, and form the basis of the MS program in Applied Physics.
Hands on experience is essential for an advanced degree in engineering and applied sciences. This requirement is fulfilled by laboratory courses in the first year and an individual thesis project supervised by a faculty member in the second year. The lab courses are tailored to match the degree area: optics labs (AEP3300) for concentration in optics, labs in biochemistry and molecular biology (BIOMG4400) for concentration in biotechnology, and labs in solid state physics and nanotechnologies (AEP6620 or MSE5490) for concentration in nanotechnologies. These lab courses provide training of laboratory skills in the respective areas, and prepare the degree candidates for the year-long thesis project. The individual project is decided on by the degree candidate and his/her faculty adviser, and requires full-time commitment of the student in the second year of the program. A written thesis and an oral presentation (e.g., group seminar) are required at the end of the project.
In addition to the required common core, the lab course, and the thesis project, the students are encouraged to take 2 to 3 electives in their respective fields of study. These electives are designed to provide in-depth coverage of specific technical fields, further enhancing the knowledge gained from the individual thesis project.
A seminar course, AEP 7530, is taught by the faculty members of the Applied Physics graduate field. The purpose of this course is to significantly broaden the knowledge of the student, and increase the interaction between the students and leading researchers in their fields. This seminar course is offered every spring semester, and is required for all MS students.
Admission requirement
We seek students with a solid background in engineering, physics, chemistry or biology, with strong quantitative skills. To take full advantage of the program, incoming students should have the equivalent of an undergraduate major in engineering, physics, chemistry or biology, physics through elementary electricity and magnetism, math through partial differential equations, or elementary chemistry.
Students lacking in this background may be conditionally admitted to the program. In this case, they will take the background courses needed in their first and/or second semesters and then start the program. The duration of the program will be increased by the time required to attain the needed background.
Exceptionally strong students will be allowed to place out of the common core courses. In general, proof of having taken equivalent or higher level courses will be required for placing out any of the core courses. The duration of the degree program can be adjusted accordingly to accommodate the schedule change.
Master of Science Application
Contact Information
Director of Master of Science Program, Professor Manfred Lindau
Academic Programs Administrator, Cynthia Reynolds, 607 255-0638
