Bachelor of Science Sample Program (120 cr.
required)
The Department of Physics recommends the following sample program leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science.
Freshman Year First Semester
CHEM-C105 Principles of Chemistry I
3 CHEM-C125 Experimental Chemistry I
2 MATH 16500 Analytic
Geometry and Calculus I 4 MATH 17100
Multidimensional Mathematics
3
SCI-I120 Windows on Science
1 ENG-W131 Reading,
Writing and Inquiry
3
Total 16
Second Semester
PHYS 15200 Mechanics 4 CHEM-C106 Principles of Chemistry II
3 CHEM-C126 Experimental Chemistry II
2 MATH 16600 Analytic
Geometry and Calculus II 4 2nd written communication course
3
Total 16
Sophomore Year Third Semester
PHYS 25100 Heat Electricity and Optics
5 MATH 26100 Multivariate Calculus
4 Computer Programming (approved elective)
3-4 Arts & Humanities/Social Sciences (choose from list)
3
Total 15-16
Fourth Semester
PHYS 30000 Intro. to Elem.
Math Physics
3 PHYS 34200 Modern
Physics
3 MATH 26600 Ordinary Differential Equations
3 COMM-R110 Fundamentals of Speech Communication
3 Arts & Humanities/Social Sciences (choose from list)
3
Total 15
Junior Year Fifth Semester
PHYS 31000 Intermediate Mechanics
4
MATH Course 3
Arts & Humanities/Social Sciences (choose from list)
3 Cultural Understanding (choose from list)
3
Total 13
Sixth Semester
PHYS 33000 Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism
3 PHYS 35300 Electronics Laboratory
2
MATH Course 3
Life and Physical Science (approved elective)
3
Elective 3
Total 14
Senior Year Seventh Semester PHYS 40000 Physical Optics
3 PHYS 40100 Physical
Optics Laboratory
2 PHYS 44200 Quantum Mechanics
3 Life and Physical Science (approved elective)
3
Elective 3
Total 14
Eighth Semester
PHYS 41800 Thermal &
Statistical Physics
3 PHYS 49000 Capstone Experience
1-3
Electives 10-13
CAND 99100 Candidate for Graduation
0
Total 17
Biophysics Option Sample Program (minimum 120 cr.
required) Freshman Year
First Semester
CHEM-C105 Principles of Chemistry I
3 CHEM-C125 Experimental Chemistry I
2 MATH 16500 Analytic
Geometry and Calculus I 4 ENG-W131 Reading,
Writing and Inquiry
3 Cultural Understanding (choose from list)
3 SCI-I120 Windows on
Science
1
Total 16
Second Semester PHYS-P201 General Physics I or PHYS 15200 Mechanics
4 or 5
CHEM-C106 Principles of Chemistry II
3 CHEM-C126 Experimental Chemistry II
2 MATH 16600 Analytic
Geometry and Calculus II 4 MATH 17100
Multidimensional Mathematics
3
Total 16 - 17
Sophomore Year Third Semester PHYS-P202 General Physics II or PHYS 25100 Heat, Elec. & Optics
5
CHEM-C341 Organic Chemistry I
3 CHEM-C343 Organic
Chemistry Laboratory I 2 MATH 26100 Multivariate Calculus
4 ENG-W270 Argumentative Writing
3
Total 17
Fourth Semester
BIOL-K101 Concepts of Biology I
5 CHEM-C342 Organic
Chemistry II
3 PHYS 34200 Modern
Physics
3 PHYS 35300 Electronics Laboratory
2 MATH 26600 Ordinary Differential Equations
3
Total 16
Junior Year Fifth Semester BIOL-K103 Concepts of Biology II
5 PHYS 31000 Intermediate Mechanics
4 COMM-R110 Fundamentals of Speech Communication
3 PSY-B110 Introduction to Psychology
3
Total 15
Sixth Semester BIOL-K483 Biological Chemistry
3 PHYS 33000 Interm.
Electricity & Magnetism 3 CHEM-C360 Elementary Physical Chemistry
3 SOC-R100 Introduction to Sociology
3
Total 12
Senior Year Seventh Semester PHYS 44200 Quantum Mechanics
3 PHYS 49000 Capstone Experience
3 PHYS 58500 Intro. to
Molecular Biophysics
3
Elective 3
Total 12
Eighth Semester Computer Programming (approved elective)
3 Arts and Humanities/Social Sciences (choose from list)
3
Electives 9-10
CAND 99100 Candidate for Graduation
0
Total 15-16
Bachelor of Science in Physics and Electrical Engineering Sample Program (133 cr. required) The Department of Physics recommends the following sample program for students pursuing the program.
Freshman Year First Semester SCI-I120 Windows on Science or ENGR 19500 Introduction to the Engineering Profession
1
CHEM-C105 Principles of Chemistry I
3 CHEM-C125 Experimental Chemistry I
2 MATH 16500 Analytic
Geometry and Calculus I 4 MATH 17100
Multidimensional Mathematics
3
ENG-W131 Reading, Writing and Inquiry
3
Total 16
Second Semester
PHYS 15200 Mechanics 4 CHEM-C106 Principles of Chemistry II
3 CHEM-C126 Experimental Chemistry II
2 MATH 16600 Analytic
Geometry and Calculus II 4 Arts and Humanities/Social Sciences (choose from list)
3
Total 16
Sophomore Year Third Semester PHYS 25100 Heat Electricity and Optics
5 MATH 26100 Multivariate Calculus
4 CSCI 23000 Computing I 4 ECE 20100 Linear Circuit Analysis I
3 ECE 207 Electronic
Measurement Techniques 1 ENGR 297 Computer Tools for Engineering
1
Total 18
Fourth Semester PHYS 34200 Modern Physics
3 MATH 26600 Ordinary Differential Equations
3 ECE 20200 Circuit Analysis II
3
ECE 20800 Electronic Design and Devices lab
1 ECE 27000 Digital Logic with lab
4 ECE 25500 Introduction to Electronic Analysis and Design
3
Total 17
Junior Year Fifth Semester
PHYS 31000 Intermediate Mechanics
4 MATH 35100 Elementary Linear Algebra or MATH 51100 Linear Algebra with Applications
3
ECE 30100 Signals and Systems
3 ECE 36200 Microprocessor Systems and Interfacing
4 Arts and Humanities/Social Sciences (choose from list)
3
Total 17
Sixth Semester
PHYS 33000 Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism
3 PHYS 35300 Electronics Laboratory
2 ECE 30200 Probabilistic Methods in Electrical Engineering
3
ECE 38200 Feedback Systems Analysis
3 TCM 32000 Written
Communication in Science and Industry
3
Arts and Humanities/Social Sciences (choose from list)
3
Total 17
Senior Year Seventh Semester PHYS 40000 Physical Optics
3 PHYS 40100 Physical
Optics Laboratory
2 PHYS 44200 Quantum Mechanics
3 ECE 40000 Senior Seminar 1 ECE 44000 Introduction to Comm. Systems Analysis
4
ECE Elective 3
Total 16
Eighth Semester
PHYS 41800 Thermal and Statistical Physics
3
ECE 40100 Ethics 1
ECE 49200 Senior Design 3
ECE Elective 3
COMM-R110 Fundamentals of Speech Communication
3 Cultural Understanding (choose from list)
3 CAND 99100 Candidate for Graduation
0
Total 16
Bachelor of Science and Master of Science (BPMME) Sample Program (136 cr. required)
The Department of Physics recommends the following sample program for students pursuing the BPMME program.
Freshman Year First Semester
CHEM-C105 Principles of Chemistry I
3 CHEM-C125 Experimental Chemistry I
2 MATH 16500 Analytic
Geometry and Calculus I 4 MATH 17100
Multidimensional Mathematics
3
SCI-I120 Windows on Science
1 ENG-W131 Reading,
Writing and Inquiry
3
Total 16
Second Semester
PHYS 15200 Mechanics 4 CHEM-C106 Principles of Chemistry II
3 CHEM-C126 Experimental Chemistry II
2 MATH 16600 Analytic
Geometry and Calculus II 4 2nd written communication course
3
Total 16
Sophomore Year Third Semester PHYS 25100 Heat Electricity and Optics
5 MATH 26100 Multivariate Calculus
4 Computer Programming Course (approved elective)
4 Arts and Humanities/Social Sciences (choose from list)
3
Total 16
Fourth Semester
PHYS 33000 Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism
3 PHYS 34200 Modern
Physics
3 PHYS 35300 Electronics Laboratory
2 MATH 26600 Ordinary Differential Equations
3 COMM R110 Fundamentals of Speech Communication
3 Arts and Humanities/Social Sciences (choose from list)
3
Total 17
Junior Year Fifth Semester
PHYS 31000 Intermediate Mechanics
4 ME 27200 Mechanics of Materials
4 ME 33000 Modeling and Analysis of Dynamic Systems
3
Life and Physical Sciences (approved elective)
5
Total 16
Sixth Semester
PHYS 41800 Thermal and Statistical Physics
3 ME 46200 Engineering Design
4
MATH Course 3
Life and Physical Sciences (approved elective)
3 Arts and Humanities/Social Sciences (choose from list)
3
Total 16
Senior Year Seventh Semester ME 500-level ME primary area course
3 Elective: 400 or 500 level Engineering or Physics
3 MATH 53700 Applied
Mathematics for Sci. & Eng I 3 Cultural Understanding (choose from list)
3
Total 12
Eighth Semester ME 500-level ME primary area course
3 Elective: 400 or 500 level Engineering or Physics
3 MATH 53800 Applied
Mathematics for Sci. & Eng II
3
Total 9
Fifth Year Ninth Semester
PHYS 55000 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
3 ME 500-level ME primary area course
3 ME 500-level ME primary area course
3
Total 9
Tenth Semester
ME 69800 (thesis option) or ME 500-level ME primary/
related area course
3
ME 69800 (thesis option) or ME 500-level ME primary/
related area course
3
Science Elective: Graduate PHYS or MATH course
3 CAND 99100 Candidate for Graduation (with B.S. in Physics)
0
CAND 99100 Candidate for Graduation (with an M.S. in ME)
0
Total 9
Science Electives (5th and 6th semesters) may be replaced by engineering courses with departmental approval.
Consult the Department of Mechanical Engineering Master’s Program Handbook (2013-2014) for ME primary and related courses.
Graduate Programs
Graduate Program
The Department of Physics offers graduate programs leading to Purdue University Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. For master’s degree students, both thesis and nonthesis options are available.
Admission Requirements
Students who seek enrollment in the physics graduate program should have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and have a background in the usual undergraduate courses in physics, mathematics, and other sciences. An average grade point average of 3.0 (B) or higher in physics courses is expected. Graduates from related fields of study in pure and applied science or engineering may be accepted on a probationary basis until they have completed any necessary undergraduate courses in physics. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is normally expected of all applicants. The GRE physics test is recommended, but not required.
Transfer Credit
The Department of Physics will normally accept, from approved institutions, a maximum of 6 transfer hours of graduate credit that are in excess of undergraduate degree requirements.
Application for Admission
Application materials and information can be obtained online at www.physics.iupui.edu or by writing to the chairperson of the graduate committee, IUPUI Department of Physics, Science Building, LD 154, 402 N. Blackford Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-3273; phone (317) 274-6900. While the application is being processed, it is possible to enter IUPUI as a temporary graduate student. Generally, only 12 hours of credit earned under this classification may be counted toward an advanced degree.
Financial Assistance
Most physics graduate students receive financial support.
Types of support available include teaching and research assistantships, fellowships, and tuition remission.
Master of Science
The general requirements include admission to regular graduate status, completion of the English requirement, a passing score on the Physics Qualifying Examination, satisfactory completion of an approved plan of study, and 30 hours of graduate credit as outlined below.
The English requirement for candidates whose native language is English is satisfied by having no undergraduate grades below B in English composition or by scoring 600 or higher on the Verbal Aptitude Section of the Graduate Record Examination. Students who do not satisfy the English requirement by either of the above methods may take a written examination administered by the Department of English to demonstrate their proficiency. Students whose native language is not English must pass the TOEFL examination with a grade of 550 or higher and take a diagnostic test when they arrive at IUPUI. The score on this test will determine what English courses are required.
The Physics Qualifying Examination is administered throughout the Purdue graduate system and must be taken, at the latest, after completing the introductory graduate courses. Two attempts are permitted to obtain a passing grade.
The student’s plan of study is worked out in cooperation with the student’s graduate advisor and committee. It must be submitted and accepted by the graduate school no later than the semester before the one in which the student plans to graduate. The English requirement must be satisfied before the plan of study may be filed.
The master’s degree requires the satisfactory completion of 30 credit hours of course work at the 500 and 600 level. Twenty-four (24) credit hours must be in physics and biophysics, including one laboratory course. In the thesis option, 6 of the physics credit hours will be earned by enrolling in PHYS 69800 Research M.S. Thesis. This option requires a written thesis. In the nonthesis option, 6 of the physics credit hours will typically be earned through enrollment in PHYS 59000 Reading and Research. This option requires a written report. Six (6) credit hours must be in mathematics, which may be replaced in part by PHYS 60000 Methods of Theoretical Physics. The grade requirements are A or B in 500-level courses; A, B, or C in
600-level courses; A, B, or C in mathematics courses; and a minimum grade point average of 2.8.
Doctor of Philosophy
Qualified students may be authorized to pursue the Ph.D.
degree at IUPUI in areas where a program has been arranged with Purdue, West Lafayette. Students are usually expected to complete an M.S. degree before pursuing the Ph.D. degree. Interested students should contact the Department of Physics for further details.
Research Interests and Facilities
The department’s major research strengths and facilities are in the area of biological physics and magnetic resonance, in experimental and theoretical laser physics and quantum optics, and in experimental materials physics. The physics faculty directs use of four magnetic resonance spectrometers in two locations. In addition, the school has a high-performance absorption spectrometer equipped to examine cryogenic samples, as well as other instrumentation for biophysical research.
Current experimental research includes EPR and NMR investigations of cells, enzymes, proteins, and model membranes. Theoretical work involves calculations and computer simulations of magnetic resonance lineshapes, studies of the biophysics of photosynthesis, and theoretical condensed matter physics. The optics labs are equipped with argon ion, titanium sapphire, diode, and helium-neon lasers, in addition to state-of- the-art equipment, including digital oscilloscopes and spectrum analyzers, which allow students and faculty to probe fundamental issues in laser noise and the quantum nature of light. The materials lab includes an advanced magnetron sputter deposition system, and systems for the measurement of magnetic and electronic properties of thin film materials. All students have access to the IUPUI computing facilities, which include dedicated Unix machines, as well as the minicomputers in the department. Several ongoing projects involve collaborations with the IU School of Medicine, Methodist Hospital of Indiana, and other departments in the School of Science.