PhD in Physics

Every PhD in Physics recipient is expected to acquire:

• Comprehensive understanding of core physics principles in the subjects of classical mechanics; electrodynamics; statistical mechanics; and quantum mechanics; and in-depth knowledge in the area of doctoral research
• Broad knowledge of contemporary physics developments
• Independent research skills in formulating and solving original physics problems
• Strong oral and written communication skills

Students must earn a minimum of 30 credit hours in formal graduate courses approved by the Department of Physics. Courses in PHY 598, PHY 599, and all PHY 600 level courses do not count toward this requirement. Students must maintain an overall GPA minimum of 3.0 (equivalent to a grade of "B") for all courses leading to the degree.

All PhD candidates must take and pass the following graduate courses with an average grade equivalent to "B" or higher:

• Classical Dynamics (PHY 509)
• Electrodynamics (PHY 513)
• Quantum Mechanics I and II (PHY 507, 508)
• Statistical Mechanics (PHY 519)
• Graduate Lab (PHY 551 or 552)

Of the remaining 12 required credits, student may take only graduate level courses. The following two courses are required:

• Colloquium (PHY 601 1st year and PHY 602 2nd year)
• Research Ethics

PHY 503 and 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.  

Within 24 months (four semesters) of enrollment as a full-time graduate student, every student in the PhD track is required to pass the Comprehensive Examination. Students are permitted a maximum of two attempts.

The Comprehensive Examination consists of a written reseach proposal, a research presentation and an oral examination on research and course preparation (Sample questions on High Energy Physics, Condensed Matter Physics) . For further details please see the Graduate Physics Handbook.

Students must choose their Major Professor and PhD committee members by filling out the Thesis Advisor Form no later than 24 months after enrollment in the graduate program. The Major Professor (or one of the co-Major Professors) must be a regular faculty member in the Department of Physics. The Major Professor must also be a member of the Graduate School Faculty who holds the rank of Assistant Professor or higher. Failure to choose an advisor may result in losing Departmental financial support.

The PhD Committee should consist of two or more faculty members (in addition to the Major Professor) chosen by the student with approval from the Graduate Studies Committee. All committee members should demonstrate active engagement in research during the last five years. When possible, at least one committee member should work in a field or research similar or relevant to the student's thesis topic. Faculty from other UB departments may also serve on the committee. The same criteria regarding research apply for the selection of committee members outside the Department of Physics.