Core Graduate Courses
The normal course sequence is: (Each course carries 3 credit units unless otherwise noted.)
Sequence A
Sequence B
The Classical Mechanics course could be delayed to the second year in special circumstances.
Electives
- Students must complete at least 6 units of graduate physics elective courses. (Mini-courses carry one unit). These courses can be delayed from the times indicated in the tables above if the DGS or the student's advisor approves.
- Specific research groups may have written policies of courses students should take if they intend to work in their group.
A single course may be used to satisfy both of the above conditions.
Placements & Exams
- During the orientation period, incoming students will be expected to take Assessment Exams unless the requirement is waived by the DGS. Incoming students with a solid undergraduate background usually will take the core graduate courses immediately.
- Students may also petition the DGS if they feel they have the appropriate background to be exempt from any core graduate courses.
- Each student is expected to take the Preliminary Examination as early as possible after choosing to work with a faculty Advisor towards a PhD, and no later than the end of the sixth semester.
Annuals
- Each student is required to submit an Annual Report to the DGS after the first year. The report is due each year on March 31.
- Each student is required to present a scientific Research Talk at least once per year after the first year. The title and abstract of the talk should appear in the Annual Report.