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dgs_advice:classes_to_take

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dgs_advice:classes_to_take [2010/11/01 20:55] – **staging** kapustadgs_advice:classes_to_take [2025/03/21 13:22] (current) – [Typical 2nd-year electives] vinals
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-<imgref image1>====== Typical Classes to Take ======+====== Typical Classes to Take ======
  
 For short descriptions of classes, go to [[dgs_advice:graduate_classes|Physics Graduate Classes]] For short descriptions of classes, go to [[dgs_advice:graduate_classes|Physics Graduate Classes]]
  
-==== All Physics PhD students must take the following (unless you have taken similar classes before elsewhere) ====+==== All Physics PhD students must take the following classes (unless you have taken similar classes before elsewhere. Waiving this class requirement must be done in writing by the DGS) ====
 Phys 5001. Quantum Mechanics I.\\ Phys 5001. Quantum Mechanics I.\\
 Phys 5002. Quantum Mechanics II.\\ Phys 5002. Quantum Mechanics II.\\
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 **Seminars: **\\ **Seminars: **\\
- +Phys 5980. Graduate Research Seminar: 
-Phys 5980. Graduate Research Seminar: you must attend, even if not for credit, so that you get to know research activities in the department which will help you identify your research adviser.\\+  * __In the Fall:__ you must attend, even if not for credit, so that you get to know research activities in the department which will help you identify your research adviser. \\ 
 +  * __In the Spring:__ you must register for the course as this is where you will receive your NSF-mandated "Ethics in Research" training. If you do not register for this course during the spring, you must find another way to satisfy this requirement and inform the DGS and program administrator of your intent to do so. **If you do not have ethics training, you will not be allowed to be supported as a RA funded by an NSF grant.**\\
 Phys 5950. Colloquium (even if you don't take it for credit, you should attend).\\ Phys 5950. Colloquium (even if you don't take it for credit, you should attend).\\
  
 ==== Typical electives (Most students take some of these) ==== ==== Typical electives (Most students take some of these) ====
 +Phys 4041. Computational Methods in the Physical Sciences.\\
 Phys 4211. Introduction to Solid-State Physics.\\ Phys 4211. Introduction to Solid-State Physics.\\
 Phys 4511. Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics.\\ Phys 4511. Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics.\\
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 Phys 5022. Relativity, Cosmology, and the Universe.  (Ast 5022 is the same course)\\ Phys 5022. Relativity, Cosmology, and the Universe.  (Ast 5022 is the same course)\\
 Phys 5041. Mathematical Methods for Physics.\\ Phys 5041. Mathematical Methods for Physics.\\
-Phys 5042. Analytical and Numerical Methods of Physics II.\\+Phys 5701. Solid state physics for Engineers and Scientists.
 Phys 5081. Introduction to Biopolymer Physics.\\ Phys 5081. Introduction to Biopolymer Physics.\\
-Phys 5401. Physiological Physics. (may not be offered very often)\\ 
-Phys 5402. Radiological Physics. (may not be offered very often)\\ 
  
 ==== Typical 2nd-year electives ==== ==== Typical 2nd-year electives ====
-2 semesters of seminar in respective field 8100 (education), 8200 (cosmology/astrophysics), 8600 (space), 8700 (CM), 8800 (Nuclear) and 8900 (HEP)+2 semesters of seminar in the respective field: 8100 (education), 8200 (cosmology/astrophysics), 8300 (biophysics), 8600 (space), 8700 (CM), 8800 (Nuclear) and 8900 (HEP)
  
-For biophysics majors, take either the CM seminar, or seminars in related departments (see examples below).+For biophysics, there are relevant seminars in related departments (see examples below).
  
 **After you read sub-field specific information, make sure to check the last section about thesis credits, etc.** **After you read sub-field specific information, make sure to check the last section about thesis credits, etc.**
 === Condensed Matter === === Condensed Matter ===
 Phys 4211. Introduction to Solid-State Physics. (usually taken in the spring of the 1st year)\\ Phys 4211. Introduction to Solid-State Physics. (usually taken in the spring of the 1st year)\\
-Phys 8702. Statistical Mechanics and Transport Theory II.\\+Phys 8702. Statistical Mechanics and Transport Theory.\\
 Phys 8711. Solid-State Physics I.\\ Phys 8711. Solid-State Physics I.\\
 Phys 8712. Solid-State Physics II.\\ Phys 8712. Solid-State Physics II.\\
-Phys 8001. Advanced Quantum Mechanics.\\ 
  
 For theory students, the following may be suggested.\\ For theory students, the following may be suggested.\\
 Phys 8011. Quantum Field Theory I.\\ Phys 8011. Quantum Field Theory I.\\
 Phys 8012. Quantum Field Theory II.\\ Phys 8012. Quantum Field Theory II.\\
 +Phys 8014. Quantum many body systems.\\
  
 **Additional suggestions offered in other departments:** \\ **Additional suggestions offered in other departments:** \\
-  * Chem 5210 Materials Characterization. (4 cr; A-F only. Prereq–Grad student or #)\\ Modern tools/techniques for both bulk- and thin-film characterization. Topics may include ion-solid interactions, Rutherford back scattering, secondary ion mass spectrometry, solid-state NMR, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, small-angle x-ray/neutron scattering, transmission/scanning electron/probe microscopy, near-field scanning optical microscopy, porosimetry, adsorption techniques, and ellipsometry.\\ \\ + 
-  * EE 5163 Semiconductor Properties and Devices I. (3 cr. Prereq–3161, 3601 or #)\\ Principles and properties of semiconductor devices. Selected topics in semiconductor materials, statistics, and transport. Aspects of transport in p-n junctions, heterojunctions.\\ \\ +Chem 5210. Materials Characterization.\\ 
-  * EE 5621 Physical Optics. (3 cr. Prereq–3015 or #)\\ Physical optics principles, including Fourier analysis of optical systems and images, scalar diffraction theory, interferometry, and coherence theory. Applications discussed include diffractive optical elements, holography, astronomical imaging, optical information processing, and microoptics.\\ \\ +EE 5163. Semiconductor Properties and Devices I.\\ 
-  * EE 5653 Physical Principles of Magnetic Materials. (3 cr. Prereq–IT grad or #)\\ Physics of diamagnetism, paramagnetism, ferromagnetism, antiferromagnetism, ferrimagnetism; ferromagnetic phenomena; static and dynamic theory of micromagnetics, magneto-optics, and magnetization dynamics; magnetic material applications.\\ \\ +EE 5621. Physical Optics.\\ 
-  * EE 5655 Magnetic Recording. (3 cr. Prereq–IT grad or #)\\ Magnetic fundamentals, recording materials, idealized models of magnetic records/reproduction, analytic models of magnetic record heads, sinusoidal magnetic recording, digital magnetic recording, magnetic recording heads/media, digital recording systems.\\ \\ +EE 5653. Physical Principles of Magnetic Materials.\\ 
-  * EE 5657 Physical Principles of Thin Film Technology. (4 cr. Prereq–IT grad student or #)\\ Physical principles of deposition, characterization, and processing of thin film materials. Materials science, vacuum science, and technology. Physical vapor deposition techniques. Properties of thin films and metallurgical/protective coatings. Modification of surface films. Emerging thin film materials/applications. Lab. Demonstration experiments.\\ \\ +EE 5655. Magnetic Recording.\\ 
-  * MATS 8001 Structure and Symmetry of Materials. (3 cr; A-F only)\\ Comprehensive description of structure of materials, including metals, semiconductors, organic crystals, polymers, and liquid crystals. Atomic and molecular ordering, influence of intermolecular forces on symmetry and structure. Principles of scattering and use of X-ray, neutron, and electron diffraction.\\ \\ +EE 5657. Physical Principles of Thin Film Technology.\\ 
-  * MATS 8003 Electronic Properties. (3 cr; A-F only. Prereq–#)\\ Basic physical theory of bonding in metals, alloys, and semiconductors. Review of modern physics, statistical physics, and solid state physics. Structure of matter emphasizing electronic processes. Techniques for predicting and understanding electronic structure of solids. Transport theory, elementary theory of magnetism, and superconductivity.\\ \\ +MATS 8001. Structure and Symmetry of Materials.\\ 
-  * NPSE 8001 Introduction to Nanoparticle Science and Engineering. (3 cr; A-F only)\\ A broad, interdisciplinary overview of the emerging field of nanoparticle science and engineering. This introductory course, designed for students with diverse backgrounds in science and engineering, covers a wide spectrum of topics—from the synthesis of nanoparticles, to nanoparticle growth and transport, to characterization methods for nanoparticles, to novel nanoparticle-based materials and devices.\\ \\+MATS 8003. Electronic Properties.\\ 
 +NPSE 8001. Introduction to Nanoparticle Science and Engineering.\\
  
 === HEP and Cosmology === === HEP and Cosmology ===
-PHYS 4511. Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics. (usually taken in the spring of the 1st year)\\+Phys 4511. Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics. (usually taken in the spring of the 1st year)\\
 Phys 8901. Elementary Particle Physics I.\\ Phys 8901. Elementary Particle Physics I.\\
 Phys 8902. Elementary Particle Physics II.\\ Phys 8902. Elementary Particle Physics II.\\
-Phys 8001. Advanced Quantum Mechanics.\\ 
 Phys 8011. Quantum Field Theory I.\\ Phys 8011. Quantum Field Theory I.\\
  
 **Less frequently taken:**\\ **Less frequently taken:**\\
  
-Phys 8501. General Relativity and Cosmology I. (offered every other year)\\ +Phys 8501. General Relativity and Cosmology I.\\ 
-Phys 8502. General Relativity and Cosmology II. (offered every other year)\\+Phys 8502. General Relativity and Cosmology II.\\
 Phys 8611. Cosmic Ray and Space Physics.\\ Phys 8611. Cosmic Ray and Space Physics.\\
  
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 Phys 8911. Introduction to Supersymmetry.\\ Phys 8911. Introduction to Supersymmetry.\\
 Phys 8702. Statistical Mechanics and Transport Theory II.\\ Phys 8702. Statistical Mechanics and Transport Theory II.\\
-Phys 8950. Advanced Topics in Elementary Particle Physics. (not offered every year)\\+Phys 8950. Advanced Topics in Elementary Particle Physics.\\
  
 === Biophysics === === Biophysics ===
  
-Phys 8311. Biological Physics of Single Molecules\\ +BIOC 6021. Biochemistry \\ 
-Phys 8312. Biological Physics of Macroscopic Systems\\+BIOL 4004. Cell biology \\
  
 **Additional suggestions offered in other departments:** \\ **Additional suggestions offered in other departments:** \\
  
 +BMEN 8511. Systems and Synthetic Biology. (No prerequisites but BIOC 6021 and BIOL 4004 or similar strongly recommended) \\
 +GCD 8920. Quantitative Fluorescence Microscopy (S/N grading) \\
 BIOC 4521. Introduction to Physical Biochemistry.\\ BIOC 4521. Introduction to Physical Biochemistry.\\
 BIOC 5527. Introduction to Modern Structural Biology.\\ BIOC 5527. Introduction to Modern Structural Biology.\\
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 BMEN 5501. Cellular and Molecular Biology for Biomedical Engineers. \\ BMEN 5501. Cellular and Molecular Biology for Biomedical Engineers. \\
 CHEM 5021. Computational Chemistry. \\ CHEM 5021. Computational Chemistry. \\
-CSCI 5481-Computational Techniques for Genomics. \\+CSCI 5481 Computational Techniques for Genomics. \\
 EE 5629. Optical System Design. \\ EE 5629. Optical System Design. \\
 MATH 4428. Mathematical Modeling. \\  MATH 4428. Mathematical Modeling. \\ 
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 **Seminar alternatives:**\\ **Seminar alternatives:**\\
  
-BIOC 8184-Grad Sem\\ +BIOC 8184 Grad Seminar.\\ 
-BMEN 8601 BMEn Seminar\\+BMEN 8601 BMEN Seminar.\\
 BPHY 5138 Research Seminar\\ BPHY 5138 Research Seminar\\
-PHYS 8300-Biological and Medical Physics Seminar\\+PHYS 8300 Biological and Medical Physics Seminar.\\
  
 === Space === === Space ===
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 === Nuclear (theory)=== === Nuclear (theory)===
 Phys 4511. Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics. (usually taken in the spring of the 1st year)\\ Phys 4511. Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics. (usually taken in the spring of the 1st year)\\
-Phys 8001. Advanced Quantum Mechanics.\\ 
 Phys 8011. Quantum Field Theory I.\\ Phys 8011. Quantum Field Theory I.\\
 Phys 8012. Quantum Field Theory II.\\ Phys 8012. Quantum Field Theory II.\\
 Phys 8013. Advanced Topics in Quantum Field Theory.\\ Phys 8013. Advanced Topics in Quantum Field Theory.\\
-Phys 8801. Nuclear Physics I. (it has not been offered for awhile)\\ +Phys 8801. Nuclear Physics I.\\ 
-Phys 8802. Nuclear Physics II. (it has not been offered for awhile)\\ +Phys 8802. Nuclear Physics II.\\ 
-Phys 8850. Advanced Topics in Nuclear Physics. (every few years)\\ +Phys 8850. Advanced Topics in Nuclear Physics.\\ 
-Phys 8901. Elementary Particle Physics I. (alternative to 8801)\\ +Phys 8901. Elementary Particle Physics I. (alternative or in addition to 8801)\\ 
-Phys 8902. Elementary Particle Physics II. (alternative to 8802)\\+Phys 8902. Elementary Particle Physics II. (alternative or in addition to 8802)\\
 Phys 8702. Statistical Mechanics and Transport Theory II.\\ Phys 8702. Statistical Mechanics and Transport Theory II.\\
-Phys 8501. General Relativity and Cosmology I. (offered every other year)\\ +Phys 8501. General Relativity and Cosmology I.\\ 
-Phys 8502. General Relativity and Cosmology II. (offered every other year)\\+Phys 8502. General Relativity and Cosmology II.\\
  
 **Less frequently taken:**\\ **Less frequently taken:**\\
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 Phys 8911. Introduction to Supersymmetry.\\ Phys 8911. Introduction to Supersymmetry.\\
 Phys 8611. Cosmic Ray and Space Physics.\\ Phys 8611. Cosmic Ray and Space Physics.\\
-Phys 8950. Advanced Topics in Elementary Particle Physics. (not offered every year)\\+Phys 8950. Advanced Topics in Elementary Particle Physics.\\
  
  
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   * Phys 8777 Thesis credits for Plan A MS students.   * Phys 8777 Thesis credits for Plan A MS students.
   * Phys 8500 Plan B project for Plan B MS students   * Phys 8500 Plan B project for Plan B MS students
-  * Phys 8666 You are doing research with your PhD adviser, but have not pass the preliminary oral and as a result, are not allowed to take 8888.  You should not have to take this for more than one semester - you should take the oral soon if you are in this situation.  Also, when you consider taking this, most likely, you should be taking 8994 or 5994 (independent research) instead.+  * Phys 8666 You are doing research with your PhD adviser, but have not passed the preliminary oral and as a result, are not allowed to take 8888.  You should not have to take this for more than one semester - you should take the oral soon if you are in this situation.  Also, when you consider taking this, most likely, you should be taking 8994 or 5994 (independent research) instead.
 === If you are interested in a teaching career === === If you are interested in a teaching career ===
-  * GRAD 8101-Teaching in Higher Education. \\ This course is designed to help you become a stronger, more reflective college teacher. Co-teachers along with course participants will model a variety of active learning strategies (e.g. cooperative learning, collaborative learning, problem-posing, case study, interactive lecture, discussion, critical thinking, role-playing) and will facilitate discussions addressing educational theory and practice.  For [[http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/teachlearn/pff/courses/8101.html|more details]] +  * GRAD 8101-Teaching in Higher Education. \\ This course is designed to help you become a stronger, more reflective college teacher. Co-teachers along with course participants will model a variety of active learning strategies (e.g. cooperative learning, collaborative learning, problem-posing, case study, interactive lecture, discussion, critical thinking, role-playing) and will facilitate discussions addressing educational theory and practice.  For [[http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/teachlearn/graduate/pff/courses/grad8101/index.html|more details]] 
-  * GRAD 8102-Practicum for Future Faculty.\\ This course is designed to give participants opportunities to apply the theories and methods learned in GRAD 8101, "Teaching in Higher Education" (or in a PFF-approved departmental pedagogy course), and to further enhance understandings of the faculty role in higher education.  For [[http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/teachlearn/pff/courses/8102.html|more details]]+  * GRAD 8200-Practicum for Future Faculty.\\ This course is designed to give participants opportunities to apply the theories and methods learned in GRAD 8101, "Teaching in Higher Education" (or in a PFF-approved departmental pedagogy course), and to further enhance understandings of the faculty role in higher education.  For [[http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/teachlearn/graduate/pff/courses/8200prac/index.html|more details]]
 === If you don't need any more classes - you have taken all credits needed for the degree === === If you don't need any more classes - you have taken all credits needed for the degree ===
-  * GRAD 999\\ A course to register if you just need to maintain "active" status.  Cannot be used if you have an RA or TA appointment.  Cannot be useful to maintain legal visa status.  See for [[http://www.grad.umn.edu/current_students/registration/grad_999.html|more details]] about Grad 999.  It says, "Do not register for Grad 999 if you must be registered to hold an assistantship, maintain legal visa status, defer loans, receive financial aid, or for any reason other than to meet the Graduate School's registration requirement."+  * GRAD 999\\ A course to register if you just need to maintain "active" status.  Cannot be used if you have an RA or TA appointment.  Cannot be useful to maintain legal visa status.  See for [[http://onestop.umn.edu/special_for/SpecialRegistrationCategoriesforGraduateProfessionalStudents.html#grad999|more details]] about Grad 999.  It says, "Do not register for Grad 999 if you must be registered to hold an assistantship, maintain legal visa status, defer loans, receive financial aid, or for any reason other than to meet the Graduate School's registration requirement."
   * Phys 8333, 8444\\ To maintain an "active" student status for an MS (8333) or ABD PhD (8444) student.  Does allow assistantship, and good for valid student visa.   * Phys 8333, 8444\\ To maintain an "active" student status for an MS (8333) or ABD PhD (8444) student.  Does allow assistantship, and good for valid student visa.
  
 If you want to look at the official course catalog, please click [[http://www.catalogs.umn.edu/|here]].  Specifically, Graduate School course catalog is found [[http://www.catalogs.umn.edu/grad/index.html|here]].  The undergraduate course catalog is found [[http://www.catalogs.umn.edu/ug/index.html|here]]. If you want to look at the official course catalog, please click [[http://www.catalogs.umn.edu/|here]].  Specifically, Graduate School course catalog is found [[http://www.catalogs.umn.edu/grad/index.html|here]].  The undergraduate course catalog is found [[http://www.catalogs.umn.edu/ug/index.html|here]].
   Note that some 5-level classes are only listed in the Undergraduate course catalog.   Note that some 5-level classes are only listed in the Undergraduate course catalog.
- 
dgs_advice/classes_to_take.1288662928.txt.gz · Last modified: 2010/11/01 20:55 by kapusta

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