Coursework

Graduate level courses at UNH are numbered in the 800's and 900's; most of a graduate student's courses will be chosen from 900-level courses. 

In addition to the required lab course (PHYS 805) and Introduction to Research and Teaching (PHYS 806), Ph.D. students are allowed to count only up to two of the 800 level physics courses toward their degree. Other Physics 800 level courses may be taken to give full time status, but will not count toward degree requirements. Master's students may count an unlimited number of 800 level courses. Students may also take relevant courses in other departments (e.g. Math or Chemistry); Students who would like to do so shall file a petition to have such a course count for their physics degree; this should include a justification.

Students who feel rusty or unprepared for any of the basic courses should consider taking the upper level undergraduate equivalent before proceeding to graduate work. Students should consult the professor for the course or the Graduate Advisor if they have questions about prerequisites for the graduate courses. The expected undergraduate preparation for graduate work in physics includes two semesters of quantum mechanics, two semesters of electricity and magnetism, one semester of classical mechanics, and one semester of mathematical methods of physics, all at the junior or senior level.

A grade of B- or better is required for all courses taken at the graduate level. If a student receives a lower grade in a course, the course must be retaken in order for it to count toward a degree. Students who receive three grades of C+ or lower are no longer eligible to continue in the graduate program.

Students who have done graduate work at other schools should see the Graduate Advisor about waiving some courses that are required for the Ph.D. program. A catalog description of the course, course syllabus, and name of text used helps in determining if a waiver is appropriate.

In addition to courses, it is expected that all graduate students regularly attend the Physics Colloquia which are usually held Friday afternoons at 3:10pm.

Core Curriculum

Ph.D. Required Classes

The following 8 core courses are required for all Ph.D. students.

All Ph. D. students should also take two semesters of the Introduction to Physics Research & Teaching Seminar (806) during their first year in the program.

M.S. Required Classes

The following 5 core courses are required for all M.S..students.

All M.S. students should also take two semesters of the "Introduction to Physics Research & Teaching" Seminar (PHYS 806) during their first year in the program.

Electives

The 800-level graduate physics electives are Optics (PHYS 808), Introduction to Modern Astrophysics (PHYS 810), Introduction to Space Plasma Physics (PHYS 812), Introduction to Solid State Physics (PHYS 818), Nuclear Physics (PHYS 820), Advanced Scientific Computing (854), (offered through the Math Department), and Cosmology & General Relativity (PHYS 864).

The 900-level graduate physics electives are Plasma Physics (PHYS 951), Magnetohydrodynamics of the Heliosphere (PHYS 953), Heliospheric and Galactic Physics (PHYS 954), Magnetospheres (PHYS 987) and High Energy Astrophysics (PHYS 988),Advanced Quantum Mechanics I and II (PHYS 961/962), Advanced Solid State Physics (PHYS 965). Students may also take 800 or 900 level courses in other departments with approval (see the graduate advisor). Depending on the needs in the research programs and availability of faculty, other special topics may be offered under PHYS 995.

Students should consult their thesis advisor about which electives are necessary for their thesis work. Some electives may also be taken to give a student a broader physics background.

Ph.D. Space Science Track

A basic training in plasma physics is needed for Ph.D. research in Space Science. Therefore, the following classes shall be taken as three of the electives:

and one of

Other electives

Suggestions for other electives for Space Science students are: