Program: Physics PhD - University at Buffalo

Apr 08, 2025

WORKING 2025-2026 Graduate Catalog

Students choose physics at UB because it combines excellence with diversity. By acquiring a rigorous foundation of basic knowledge and skills, as well as hands-on research experience, our graduates are equipped with the necessary tools to embark in any career which values technical aptitude and analytical thinking, as well as the ability to adapt to changes. Most of our graduates are employed as university or college faculty, or in senior technical or managerial positions in industrial, commercial, or research institutions.

Required Courses (18 credits)

All PhD candidates must take and pass a minimum of 30 credit hours in formal graduate courses approved by the Department of Physics with an average grade equivalent to “B” or higher:

PHY 507LEC - Quantum Mechanics I Credits: 3
PHY 508LEC - Quantum Mechanics II Credits: 3
PHY 509LEC - Classical Dynamics Credits: 3
PHY 513LEC - Electrodynamics Credits: 3
PHY 519LEC - Statistical Physics I Credits: 3
PHY 551LAB - Graduate Physics Laboratory I Credits: 3
or
PHY 552LAB - Graduate Physics Laboratory II Credits: 3

Electives (minimum 12 credits)

The following two courses are required:
PHY 601TUT - Departmental Colloquium 1 Credits: 1 - 1st year. 1 credit per semester, required for two semesters.
PHY 602LEC - Departmental Colloquium Credits: 1 - 2nd year. 1 credit per semester, required for two semesters.
Research Ethics

Note:

PHY 503 and PHY 504 , as well as any undergraduate courses taken for graduate credits, are excluded. Students who must take remedial or undergraduate courses during the first two semesters will require more than two years to complete their course work.

Research/Dissertation (maximum 42 credits)

PHY 598TUT - Independent Study Credits: 1 - 3
PHY 599TUT - Supervised Teaching Credits: 1 - 3
PHY 600TUT - Graduate Research Credits: 1 - 12
PHY 602LEC - Departmental Colloquium Credits: 1

Total Credit Hours: 72

3.0 Degree GPA required

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

1) Comprehensive understanding of basic principles of physics in the core topic areas of classical mechanics, electrodynamics, statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, and experimental methods. This knowledge is to be acquired via core courses, extracurricular readings, and PhD research work.

2) Advanced knowledge in a specialty area such as condensed matter physics, biophysics, particle physics, or cosmology. This knowledge is to be acquired via elective and other advanced courses, independent studies, and research activities.

3) Broad knowledge of physics topics outside the specialty area, such as relativity, optics, and other new developments in physics. This knowledge is to be acquired via elective courses, colloquia and seminars, independent studies, research activities, and conference participation.

4) In-depth scientific research skills. The skill set includes, but not limited to, critical thinking, literature search, ability to formulate a problem, and problem solving (theoretical or experimental). These skills are to be acquired through courses, independent studies, interactions with other scientists, and research activities.

5) Teaching and communication (written and oral) skills. These skills are to be acquired through supervised teaching (laboratory and/or recitation), independent studies, graduate research, Comprehensive Exam, attending professional conferences, writing scientific reports, papers and proposals, writing dissertation, and defending the dissertation.

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).