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Columbia Campus    
2018-2019 Graduate Studies Bulletin 
    
 
  Mar 28, 2024
 
2018-2019 Graduate Studies Bulletin [Archived Catalog]

Physics and Astronomy


Milind Purohit, Chair



Overview

The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers strong traditional curricula at the graduate level with additional courses in research. Comprehensive experimental research programs are available in high-energy physics, nuclear/intermediate energy physics, condensed matter physics/nanoscience, and astrophysics. There are broad efforts in theoretical research with programs in the foundations of quantum theory, nuclear and particle physics, statistical/condensed matter physics, cosmology and astrophysics, and computational physics.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers the degrees of Master of Science, Professional Science Master (area of emphasis: modeling for corporate applications*), and Doctor of Philosophy. In cooperation with the College of Education, the department also offers the Master of Arts in Teaching in Sciences (Physics Option) and the Interdisciplinary Master of Arts in Sciences (Physics Option).

*The Professional Science Master program is not currently accepting applicants into the modeling for corporate applications emphasis.

Admission

Adequate preparation for graduate study ordinarily presupposes a bachelor’s degree in physics or an allied field. Prior to admission to this department, entering graduate students are expected to have passed with a grade of C or better the following courses or their equivalent: modern physics, mechanics, electromagnetic theory, kinetic theory and statistical mechanics, nuclear physics, and solid state physics. Mathematics through advanced calculus, including ordinary and particle differential equations and vector analysis, should also have been completed in the undergraduate program. Students with deficiencies in these courses must make them up during their initial two years of graduate studies.

Requests for further information should be addressed to: Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208 (e-mail jdbrown@physc.sc.edu).

Programs and Courses

Programs

Courses

    AstronomyPhysics