Graduate Studies

 

In

 

Physics, Astronomy, Engineering Physics

 

University of Oklahoma

 

June 2005

 

 

Note: this version is the direct conversion to HTML by MS Word and may not always look like the printed version

 

            University of Oklahoma

 

Department of Physics and Astronomy

 

               Faculty and Staff

 

      Chairman:  Ryan E. Doezema

 

                  FACULTY:

 

 

ASTRONOMY:

 

Ed Baron

David Branch

John Cowan

Richard Henry

Karen Leighly

William Romanishin

Yun Wang

PHYSICS:

 

Brad Abbott

 

Chung Kao

Mike Santos

Eric Abraham

Bruce Mason

Neil Shafer-Ray

Lloyd Bumm

Kimball Milton

James Shaffer

Ryan Doezema

Michael Morrison

Patrick Skubic

John Furneaux

Kieran Mullen

Michael Strauss

Phillip Gutierrez

Sheena Murphy

Deborah Watson

Matt Johnson

Greg Parker

 

Ron Kantowski

Stewart Ryan

 

 

 

 

 

ENGINEERING PHYSICS:

 

 

 

Associated Physics Faculty:

 

 

Brad Abbott                               Sheena Murphy

Eric Abraham                            Stewart Ryan

Lloyd Bumm                              Mike Santos - Chair

Ryan Doezema                          Neil Shafer-Ray

John Furneaux                           Jim Shaffer

Phillip Gutierrez             Patrick Skubic

Matt Johnson                             Michael Strauss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STAFF:

 

 

Assistant to the Department Chair            Danette Loyd

Graduate & Undergrad Programs Coor            Debbie Barnhill

Account & Budget Representative II            Marie Brooks

Computer Systems Manager            Andy Feldt

Librarian            Kathryn Caldwell

Lab Equipment Supervisor            Bill See

Instrument Shop            Joel Young, Supervisor

            Bob Littell

            Barry Bergeron

Electronics Technician            Adrienne Wade

Electrical Engineer            Rusty Boyd

Research Equipment Specialist            Tetsuya Mishima

            Sriram Sivasubramaniyan

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

                                                                                                                                         PAGE

 

 

FACULTY AND STAFF 2

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4

 

PREFACE.... 6

 

WEBSITE AND E-MAIL ADDRESSES         7

 

I.  APPLICATION AND ADMISSION....................... 8

            A.    All Applicants 8

            B.            Admission in Unclassified Status 9

            C.            Admission as a Special Student      9

            D.            International Applicants 10

 

II.  GENERAL INFORMATION FOR ALL GRADUATE STUDENTS            11

 

            A.            Advising        11

            B.            Graduate Credit  11

            C.            Grades and Grade Point Averages   11

            D.            Enrollment Limitations            11

            E.            Annual Review of Progress   12

            F.            Dismissal of Graduate Students    13

            G.            Transfer Credit    13

            H.            Departmental Colloquia   13

             I.            Teaching Practicum            14

            J.            Introduction to Research/Teaching Workshop  14

            K.            Job Postings and Career Services    14

 

III.  MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAMS            16

 

            A.            MS in Physics      16

            B.            MS in Physics with Emphasis in Astronomy 17

            C.            MS in Engineering Physics      17

            D.            Master's Thesis    18

            E.            Master of Natural Science Program    19

 

 

 

 

 

IV.  DOCTORAL PROGRAMS            20

 

            A.            Physics and Astronomy Course and Hour Requirements          20

            B.            Physics Qualifying Exam  21

            C.            Special Oral Qualifier     23

            D.            Advisory Conference            24

            E.            Doctoral Committee            25

            F.            Annual Evaluation of Doctoral Students    25

            G.            Specialist's Examination            26

            H.            Doctoral Dissertation            27

             I.            Final Examination            29

            J.            Doctoral Degrees in Engineering Physics      29

 

V.    FINANCIAL SUPPORT            30

 

            A.            Teaching and Research Assistantships          30

            B.            Financial Support Policy  32

            C.            Stipend Increases            34

            D.            Graduate College Fee Waiver Program    34

            E.            Student Health Plan            34

 

VI.   NIELSEN HALL  36

 

            A.            Building and Lab Access, Study Areas, Keys   36

            B.            Library Policy  36

            C.            General Safety Procedures            37

            D.            Student Shop      37

            E.            Computing    38

 

VII.   APPENDICES         39

 

            A - Quick guide to steps in the MS programs            40

 

            B - Quick guide to steps in the PhD programs   43

 

            C - "Optimal Path" for Courses for the PhD     44

 

            D - Schedule of Advanced Topics Courses in Physics      45

 

            E – English Proficiency Exams       46

 

PREFACE

 

            This “Red Book” has been designed by the Graduate Studies Committee to guide you through the various degree programs offered by the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Oklahoma.

            This is by no means a condensation of all University regulations.  Refer to the table of contents for guidance.  To obtain a complete listing of all current regulations for graduate students at the University, contact the Graduate College, Robertson Hall 100, 325-3811.

            Keep in mind that the rules and guidelines herein are subject to the discretion of the full faculty.

            We have tried to prepare this information in as palatable and clear a form as the nature of the materials permits.  If you have any questions or suggestions, we would appreciate the input!

Kimball Milton, Graduate Liaison - Physics

Mike Santos, Graduate Liaison - Engineering Physics

 

GRADUATE STUDIES COMMITTEE:

 

                   Kimball Milton, Chair

Eric Abraham    Phil Gutierrez

Kieran Mullen    Jim Shaffer    Yun Wang

 

GRADUATE RECRUITING COMMITTEE:

 

              Eric Abraham, Chair

          Lloyd Bumm    John Cowan

          Mike Strauss     Deborah Watson

 

WEBSITE AND E-MAIL ADDRESSES

 

Website                                           http://www.nhn.ou.edu

The Department of Physics and Astronomy maintains an up-to-date website featuring a departmental tour, information on departmental research, the colloquium schedule, application materials for an NSF sponsored summer undergraduate research program (REU), and a comprehensive look at the graduate studies program.

A quick look at the site’s index reveals additional online information such as course websites, copies of this handbook as well as the undergraduate handbook, personnel, facilities, etc.  We encourage you to visit our website anytime.

 

E-Mail Addresses

            You may find a need to contact members of our Graduate Studies Committee and/or our Graduate Recruiting Committee.  Individual e-mail addresses for committee members are listed below.  In addition, you may wish to contact the Graduate Studies Secretary for general questions about our program.

Graduate Studies Committee:

Dr. Kimball Milton, Chair (High Energy Physics)                                            

Dr. Eric Abraham (Atomic, Molecular & Chem Physics)                    

Dr. Phil Gutierrez (High Energy Physics)                                                        

Dr. Kieran Mullen (Solid State & Applied Physics)                                

Dr. James Shaffer (Atomic, Molecular & Chem Physics)                  

Dr. Yun Wang (Astrophysics)                                                                      

Graduate Recruiting Committee:

Dr. Eric Abraham, Chair (Atomic, Molecular & Chem Physics)           

Dr. Lloyd Bumm (Solid State Physics)                                                        

Dr. John Cowan (Astronomy)                                                              

Dr. Michael Strauss (High Energy Physics)                                         

Dr. Deborah Watson (Atomic, Molecular & Chem Physics)                 

 

Graduate & Undergraduate Programs Coordinator

Debbie Barnhill                                                                                              

I.  APPLICATION AND ADMISSION

 

A.  All Applicants:

            When you apply for admission to the Graduate College of the University of Oklahoma and indicate on your application an interest in the study of Physics, Astronomy, Astrophysics, or Engineering Physics, your application materials are sent directly to our department for an initial review by the Physics and Astronomy Graduate Recruiting Committee. Atlernatively, you may apply directly to the Departmental Graduate Recruiting Committee.  Admission to a graduate degree program in the Department of Physics and Astronomy is contingent on the approval of both this Committee and the Dean of the Graduate College.

            Complete application packets with instructions are available from the Graduate programs coordinator.  All applicants are required to take both the general and the physics portions of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

            If you have earned a bachelor's degree in physics or a related field at an accredited college or university and have an overall grade point average of 3.0 or better (4.0 scale) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate work, or a 3.0 for at least 12 hours of graduate-level coursework, the Graduate Recruiting Committee will consider you for admission to the graduate program.

            If your overall grade point average is between 2.75 and 3.0, the Graduate Recruiting Committee will closely review your application and recommendations.  Once your application has been evaluated, the Graduate Recruiting Committee may under exceptional circumstances recommend for conditional admission to the Graduate College.  For conditional admission, your application must be supported by a recommendation from the Department, together with documentation of our reasons predicting success in your graduate studies.  In addition to this documentation, the Department must state in writing what we expect from a student during his or her first year of enrollment.  Minimum requirements are a 3.0 average on all work attempted and, except in very unusual circumstances, completion of all work in which the student is enrolled.  The Graduate Dean will then consider – but not automatically approve – the application.  If a student is admitted in a conditional status but does not meet the conditions set by the department, he or she cannot enroll for a second year.

 

B.  Admission in Unclassified Status

            Any student who has earned a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent and has earned at least a 3.00 average over the last 60 hours of letter-graded undergraduate coursework or a 3.00 average over 12 hours of letter-graded graduate work may be admitted to the Graduate College in a unclassified status.  A student in this status is not a candidate for a degree, but may later apply to our graduate program.  Since a graduate student can earn no more than 12 graduate credit hours in the unclassified status, those students who initially enroll, as “unclassified” need to complete a Change of Major form during their first year of enrollment.  The Graduate Recruitment Committee sometimes recommends this classification to those students who may need to take refresher courses because they have been out of school for an extended period of time or to students who need supplemental courses prior to taking graduate level courses.

 

C.  Admission as a Special Student:

            A student who fails to meet the Graduate College admission requirements may be admitted as a Special Student.

            This category applies to any person eligible for admission to the University (as an undergraduate) who wishes to take courses but does not plan to pursue a degree, or who has a bachelor's degree but cannot be admitted to the Graduate College (e.g., because of a low overall grade point average or excessive undergraduate deficiencies).

            Work completed as a Special Student will not be counted toward a graduate degree unless the student was eligible for admission to the Graduate College at the time such work was taken, and then only if approved by the Department and the Graduate Dean.  However, if a Special Student later decides to apply (or reapply) for admission to the Graduate College, his or her record of performance as a Special Student  (e.g., in 3000-4000 level courses) will be taken into consideration in the admission decision.

D.  International Applicants:

            Prospective international students for whom English is a second language must also submit TOEFL scores (University minimum 213/Department 250) in order to be considered for admission.  Furthermore, international students for whom English is a second language, who serve as graduate teaching assistants, must demonstrate a certain level of proficiency in both oral and written English.  Proficiency in oral English is demonstrated by first scoring 45 or higher on a SPEAK TEST administered by the OU English Assessment Program (EAP) or a TSE examination administered by the Educational Testing Service.  Students who meet the scoring requirement are eligible to take a TEACH TEST to demonstrate their oral English skills.  A satisfactory oral presentation before a panel of judges selected from the University community will qualify the student for classroom duty (“PI” rating = Pass to Instruct – teach courses, lab sections, or discussion sections).  Passing the written examination at the Proficient level shows proficiency in written English.  More information on the testing procedures, dates of exams, etc. is available from the EAP office in the Graduate College.  See also Appendix E.

II.  GENERAL INFORMATION FOR ALL GRADUATE STUDENTS

 

A.  Advising:

            Initially, you will be advised by a faculty mentor/advisor selected by the Graduate Studies Committee.  Once you have determined an area of research you wish to pursue, you will select a member of faculty in the related field as your advisor.  Later, if you are a PhD candidate, the chair of your Doctoral Committee (i.e., your research director) becomes your advisor.  The Engineering Physics Graduate Liaison or his designee advises students in the Engineering Physics Program.

 

B.  Graduate Credit:

            You can receive graduate credit only for courses listed with a "G" before the course number in the current Graduate College catalog.  Whether a particular course is acceptable for credit toward the degree on which you are working is determined by the Department and/or your advisory committee, and by the Dean of the Graduate College.  No 3000 level courses from the Department of Physics and Astronomy will be accepted for degrees in Physics and Astronomy, and no undergraduate core courses will be accepted for degrees in Engineering Physics.

 

C.  Grades and Grade Point Averages:

            You retain your status as a graduate student as long as you fulfill the specific requirements of the department and maintain a 3.0 grade point average on all graduate coursework taken as well as on all course work attempted.  All grades obtained in graduate level courses, whether comprising a part of the degree program or not, will be used in calculating the GPA.  Exceptions are grades of S, U, I, X, P, and NP, for which no grade points are awarded.  Earning two or more hours of U will also place you on probation.

 

D. Enrollment Limitations:

            You must be a full-time graduate student to be eligible for financial support from sources under the control of the Department (or any faculty member in the Department).  Thus, if you are supported by the Department [either as a TA or an RA] and have not yet passed your Specialist’s Examination, you must enroll in a minimum of 9 hours per Fall/Spring semester.  Exceptions to this rule will be considered if the cumulative average number of hours over the course of your career as a graduate student does not fall below 18 per year (excluding summer session).  Students who have passed the Specialist’s Examination, and are therefore advanced to PhD candidacy, may enroll in six (6) credit hours per regular semester.  It is no longer necessary to enroll in the summer if you are holding an assistantship unless you are a PhD candidate (see below).

            If you are not supported by the Department, you normally will enroll in at least 4 hours per Fall/Spring semester. However, for full-time status you must be enrolled in 9 hours per Fall/Spring semester and 4 hours per summer session.

            Students who are not supported by the Department and are enrolled in research hours only (MS research 5980 and PhD research 6980) are required to maintain a continuous enrollment with a minimum of 2 hours of research each fall and spring until the thesis/dissertation defense is held.  Summer enrollment is not required unless the student plans to defend during the summer semester.

            No student can enroll in more than 16 hours per semester (9 per summer).  If you want to take more hours, you may request additional hours from your advisor and the Graduate Dean.  If you have a half-time (0.5 FTE) teaching or research assistantship, you may not take more than 12 hours per semester (6 per summer).

 

E.  Annual Review of Progress:

            The Graduate Studies Committee will interview you during each spring semester to ensure your steady progress toward graduation and to help you with any problems that may have arisen since your previous interview.  The committee will report their findings to you and the Graduate Dean.

            PhD students who have had their Advisory Conference (see page 24) will be interviewed by their Doctoral Committee, who will in turn report to the Graduate Studies Committee (see page 25)

 

F.  Dismissal of Graduate Students:

            Under some circumstances the Department may dismiss a student from his or her graduate program even though that student may have maintained a B average in his or her coursework.  Grounds for dismissal include (but are not limited to): failure to adhere to ethical codes of scholarship; failure to obtain a thesis/dissertation advisor; failure to assemble a complete and appropriate Advisory Committee; failure to make timely progress toward the degree; or failure to perform in coursework, Qualifying Exam, or research at an acceptable level for students in the Department.

 

G.  Transfer Credit:

            If you have transferred from another graduate school, you may transfer up to 25 percent of the total number of hours required for the MS (8 hours), provided the Graduate College accepts your previous coursework.  The number of transfer hours accepted from each doctoral candidate will be individually determined at the Advisory Conference.  The Advisory Committee will write a memo to the Dean of the Graduate College, who has the final authority for approving transfer credits.  The maximum allowed by the Graduate College is 44 hours.

 

H. Departmental Colloquia:

            The Department Colloquia are an important part of the education program, because they provide both students and faculty with the opportunity for contact with researchers in a variety of fields from other parts of the nation and the world.  This exposure is a necessary part of the education process, and students are expected to support the colloquium program and related activities with their attendance. 

 

 

I.  Teaching Practicum:

            All PhD students will be required to take an appointment as a Teaching Assistant with a minimum of 2 contact hours per semester for two semesters.  This appointment must involve contact with students, through a discussion section, a laboratory section or teaching a class in the summer; a grading assignment would not be acceptable.  As a TA, the student will be required to attend the University-sponsored TA instruction workshop, and like our other TA's will receive feedback on his or her teaching methods by having his or her class visited once a semester by the course instructor (see page 32).  This practicum is independent of financial support by the Department, either in the form of Graduate Assistantship, Research Assistantship, or Fellowship.  (The Advisory Committee, with the concurrence of the Graduate Studies Committee, can modify this requirement in exceptional circumstances.)

            This requirement ensures that our PhD graduates have experience in teaching, a valuable skill whether the student pursues an academic or industrial career.

 

J.  Introduction to Research/Teaching Workshop:

            All first-year graduate students to our program are required to participate in a one credit hour course entitled "Introduction to Research."  This fall semester workshop/seminar includes both exposure to the research being conducted in the department, and a teaching workshop to improve the skills of new TAs.

 

K.  Job Postings and Career Services

            The most current listings of academic (postdoc and faculty) positions exist on the web, with various listings specific to sub disciplines in physics.  These change rapidly, so consult your fellow students and faculty for advice. 

An active job referral network exists between graduates of our program and current students. 

The University provides an office of Career Services, housed in the Oklahoma Memorial Union.  Students are encouraged to visit the office anytime during their graduate studies.  Counselors are available for one-on-one career planning sessions.  Other services include maintenance of credential files, resume writing and interviewing workshops.  Potential employer files on hundreds of companies are available for review as well as teaching opportunities at educational institutions across the country.

III.  MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAMS

 

            The Department offers Master of Science degrees in Physics, Physics with Emphasis in Astronomy, and Engineering Physics.  The thesis program requires that you take and pass at least 30 hours of coursework and complete a thesis detailing results of a research investigation.  The non-thesis program requires that you complete at least 32 hours of coursework and pass the PhD Qualifying Examination.  In both of these cases, you must be enrolled as an MS student.  A student enrolled in a PhD program may apply for and receive an MS degree once he or she has passed the General Examination or the Qualifying Examination and has the requisite number of course hours.  Permission to take the Comprehensive Examination (Qualifying Exam) must be obtained from the Graduate College in advance.  Students should be sure to consult the Graduate College for general Graduate College requirements.  In particular, you should note that a maximum of 12 credit hours of 3000 and 4000 level courses might be counted toward a Master's Degree.  Details regarding the accumulation of hours and required courses follow.

 

A.  MS in Physics:

            There are two routes to the MS degree in Physics: the thesis option and the non-thesis option.  For the thesis program, you must complete at least 18 hours of Physics and Astronomy courses numbered 4000 or above.  These hours must include 2 to 4 hours of Physics 5980 (Research for Master's Thesis), but may not include courses 4153 and 4300.  You also have to complete at least 12 hours of other graduate coursework, which may include 4153 (Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics), and 4300 (two hours of Senior Lab) or their equivalent.

            There are actually two ways to obtain a non-thesis Master's Degree.  In both you must take 20 hours of physics and astronomy courses numbered 4000 or above.  The first is to pass the written Qualifying Exam (see section IV. B. – page 21).  After you have completed your MS coursework, but before you have passed the Qualifying Exam, you must apply to the Graduate College for permission to take the Comprehensive Examination for the MS degree.  After the Admission to Candidacy Form has been approved by the Graduate College, (note carefully the deadlines established by the Graduate College see appendix A) the Graduate Studies Chair (Graduate Liaison) must request through the Graduate College the form entitled Authority Report Form of the Comprehensive Examination/Thesis Defense.  The Department will then certify that you have passed the Comprehensive Exam once you have successfully completed the Qualifying Exam.

            An alternative way to receive a non-thesis MS if you are in a PhD program is to pass the PhD General Examination, which we call the Specialist's Exam.  Once we have certified that a student has passed the PhD General Examination, that student is eligible to receive an MS by simply applying to the Graduate College.  Actually, passing the Qualifying Exam can do the same.  Advance permission for taking either exam must be obtained from the Graduate College.  Note that Physics 5980 (Research for Master's Thesis) is not acceptable credit for a non-thesis program.

 

B.  MS in Physics with Emphasis in Astronomy:

            A thesis is required for this degree.  You must complete at least 18 hours of Physics and Astronomy courses numbered 4000 and above.  These hours must include 2 to 4 hours of Physics 5980 (Research for Master's Thesis) and at least 6 hours of astronomy courses, but may not include courses Astr 4303 (Stellar Astrophysics) and/or Astr 4512 (Observatory Methods).

            You also have to complete at least 12 hours of other graduate coursework, which may include Astr 4303 and Astr 4512.

 

C. MS in Engineering Physics:

            In addition to meeting the general requirements of the Graduate College, we recommend that entering students in this program have a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics or an equivalent degree which comprises a minimum of 30 hours of Physics and 15 hours of Engineering courses.

            The Master of Science in Engineering Physics degree is offered as either a thesis program or a non-thesis program.  The non-thesis program requires satisfactory completion of 32 hours (excluding 5980) of graduate study comprised of a minimum of 12 hours of Physics and 12 hours of engineering courses.  You will have to take and pass the Physics PhD Qualifying Exam (see page 21).

            The thesis program requires the completion of 30 hours of graduate credit including a research thesis on some topic of applied science.  You must take 2 to 4 credit hours of 5980 (Research for Master's Thesis) as part of your program.  If your research director is from Engineering, a minimum of 12 hours of Physics and 9 hours of Engineering is required; if your research director is from Physics, a minimum of 9 hours of Physics and 12 hours of Engineering is required.

            The Engineering Physics Chair or a duly appointed representative must approve all programs of graduate study.  All students of either program must complete at least one 3-hour math course numbered 4000 or higher.  (Note that you cannot receive graduate credit for any course equivalent to one required in the undergraduate Engineering Physics program.)

 

D.  Master's Thesis (Applies to any of the above thesis programs):

            You are responsible for choosing a research area and obtaining a faculty member to direct your research.  The Department's Graduate Brochure and its web site contain descriptions of the research interests of the faculty and should be useful first sources of information.  In addition, we encourage you to talk with potential research advisors in several fields before selecting a research area.  To aid in the selection of a research advisor, the Department offers an "Introduction to Research" seminar required of all new students.

            When you have selected a research problem and obtained a faculty research director, you must inform the Graduate Studies Chair.  During the semester in which you first enroll in 5980 thesis research, you must fill out an Application for Approval of the Master’s Thesis Topic and Committee Membership form, which you obtain from the Graduate College.  All members of your committee and the Graduate Studies Chair (graduate liaison) must sign this form, which you will return to the Graduate College.

            Your thesis must detail tangible results from a personally conducted research investigation.  After a draft of the thesis has been prepared which meets with the approval of your research director, you must present reading copies to 2 other members of the faculty who have previously agreed to serve on your MS committee.  (Note that you cannot prepare the final form of the thesis and submit it to the Graduate College until all your committee members have read and approved a preliminary form.)  No later than the first Monday in March (for summer graduates), the first Monday in April (for fall graduates), or the first Monday in October (for spring graduates), you must file an Admission to Candidacy form at the Graduate College.  This Department does not require a final exam for the Master’s Degree; however, a thesis defense is required by the Graduate College (request the Authority Report Form of the Comprehensive Examination/Thesis Defense from the Graduate College’s Program Representative for MS degrees when a reading copy of the thesis is presented).

 

E.  Master of Natural Science Program:

            Physics is one of the eight fields that may be used to meet the requirements of the degree of Master of Natural Science.  This degree program is designed for students interested in teaching science in the secondary school systems.  There are no detailed Physics requirements.  See the Graduate College Catalog for details.

IV.  DOCTORAL PROGRAMS

 

            To earn a PhD, you must complete at least 90 hours of coursework, take and pass the Qualifying and Specialist's Exams, and complete and successfully defend the results of original research as a dissertation.

 

A.  Physics and Astronomy Course and Hour Requirements:

            The minimum of 90 hours or more of graduate credit must include the following core courses:

            5013 - Mathematical Methods in Physics            5403 - Quantum Mechanics II

            5153 - Classical Mechanics                             5573 - Electrodynamics I

            5163 - Statistical Mechanics                             5583 - Electrodynamics II    

            5393 - Quantum Mechanics I  

           

            In addition to the above 21 hours, you must complete 15 hours of other Physics and Astronomy courses, selected from the list below, which are relevant to the degree specialty, which you are pursuing (Physics or Astronomy).

            Physics PhD:                        Physics (Astronomy) PhD:

            5213 Nuclear and Particle Physics                        A4303 Stellar Astrophysics

            5243 Solid State Physics                        A4512 Observatory Methods

            5813 Atomic and Molecular Physics                        A5403 High-Energy Astrophysics

            6213 Advanced Particle Physics                        A5443 Galactic Astronomy

            6243 Advanced Solid State Physics               A5453 Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology

            6283 Advanced Atomic/Molecular Physics                    A5463 Stellar Atmospheres

            6333 General Relativity                       A5473 Stellar Interiors

            6433 Quantum Field Theory              A5513 Interstellar Medium

            6860 Advanced Topics in                       A5900 Seminar in Astrophysics

                     Mathematical Methods in Physics                        P5970 Seminar-Selected Topics in Astrophysics

 

            Other specialized courses may be offered from time to time. They may be counted as part of your 15 hours at the dissertation of of your advisory committee and the Graduate Studies Chair.

The remaining 54 credit hours may be a mixture of formal coursework, seminar courses, special studies (5990), and research for the doctor's dissertation (6980).  Other appropriate 4000, 5000, or 6000 level courses in mathematics, chemistry, or engineering may also be chosen with your committee’s approval.  Note:  no more than 16 hours of 4000 level credit may be applied to the PhD degree.  In addition to an overall GPA of 3.0, candidates for the PhD degree in Physics and Astronomy must receive a grade of B or better in the required core courses: 5013, 5153, 5163, 5393, 5403, 5573, and 5583.  No more than two grades of C or lower are permitted for doctoral students.

            Additional course requirements that are appropriate to your area of research specialization may be determined and required by your Advisory Committee (see page 24).  Note:  No 3000 level courses from the Department of Physics and Astronomy are acceptable for graduate credit.

            In Appendix C (p. 44), we show the "optimal" sequence of courses to be taken during the first two years.  Following this sequence will enable the well-prepared student to pass the Qualifying Exam after the first year of study.

            All PhD candidates should take note of the following Graduate College rule regarding enrollment in 6980 (Research for Doctoral Dissertation): Following your initial enrollment in 6980, which may be for as little as two hours, you must maintain continuous enrollment during each regular semester in at least two hours until the requirements for the degree are completed.

 

B.  Physics Qualifying Exam:

            The Qualifying Exam is a departmental requirement.  You do not need Graduate College approval to take this exam, unless it is being used as the Comprehensive Exam for an MS degree.

            The exam will be given twice each year, once during the week prior to the beginning of classes for the Fall semester, and again in January prior to Spring classes.  It is scheduled for 5 hours per day for four or three consecutive days.  Three of the exams will cover 1) classical and statistical mechanics, 2) electrodynamics, and 3) quantum mechanics (one subject per day).  Both physics and astrophysics students take these first three exam sections, which cover graduate and undergraduate material.  The fourth section of the exam depends upon whether the student is intending to concentrate in physics or astrophysics.  Physics students must take and receive a grade of B or better in each of the following courses:  Solid State Physics 4243/5243, Atomic and Molecular Physics 4813/5813, and Nuclear and Particle Physics 4213/5213.  If the student fails to obtain at least a B in any of these courses, he/she must repeat the course.  If a grade of B or better is not received in any course after the second attempt, the student will have failed the qualifier.  Alternatively, one can place out of any or all of these courses by electing to take the final exam in the course the first time it is offered after enrollment in the graduate program and receiving a grade of B or better.  While there is no penalty for failing the exam, the requirement can then only be satisfied by taking the class.  If a student elects not to take the final exam the first time it is offered, they lose the option to place out of the course.  Astrophysics students generally satisfy this section of the qualifier by taking and passing an exam given in August with the other Qualifying Exams covering general undergraduate astronomy at the upper level.

            All degree candidates must have attempted the first three parts of the Qualifying Exam by the end of their fourth semester with the astrophysics students attempting the astronomy qualifier as well.  A student not electing to take the Astronomy qualifier must have taken (at least once) or placed out of the three required courses (Phys 5243, 5213, and 5813) by the end of their sixth semester.  This rule applies both to candidates for the nonthesis MS and PhD degrees.  Failure by the student to take a section of the exam when he or she is otherwise qualified to do so counts as one unsuccessful attempt of that section (unless you have a petitioned exemption).  For example, once a student has passed graduate Quantum Mechanics I (5393), he/she is expected to take the Quantum Mechanics exam at the next opportunity.  A student, who fails one part of the Qualifying Exam twice, will have failed the entire exam.  Note that all students who do not already have Masters Degrees have the option of taking the exam (or a part of it) any time it is offered prior to their second semester (excluding summer session) as full-time graduate students.  This means that students entering the program in the Fall, for example, can take the Qualifiers on a free basis either in August or January of their first year.  If students who exercise this option pass the exam (or a part of it), they need not take it again.  If they do not pass the exam (or a part of it), this will not count as an attempt and their first "official" try will come after their first year as full-time graduate students.  Only one free attempt of any exam will be allowed.  Students who enter the graduate program at OU with a Masters Degree in physics from another institution must take the Qualifying Exam (or a part of it as determined by the Graduate Studies Committee and stated in a letter prior to the student’s arrival on campus) in August of the year they first arrive or January if they start in the Spring, (This will count as their first official attempt at passing the Qualifying Exam.)

            Students entering the program with a Masters Degree, or who have completed the basic graduate courses (Electrodynamics I, Quantum I, Mechanics, and Statistical Mechanics), who would by these rules be required to take all the Qualifiers on entrance or after their first year in the program, have the option of only taking two of the three written physics qualifiers on their first attempt.

            Several weeks before the exam, the Graduate Studies Committee will distribute a list of specific references to help you organize your study for the exam.  A committee of faculty members, the chair of which will usually be a member of the Graduate Studies Committee, constructs the exam.  The exam will be made up of questions submitted by the faculty, but it will be the committee's responsibility with input from the Graduate Studies Committee to see that broad coverage in each area is maintained.

            The faculty may, in exceptional circumstances, vote to pass a student on a particular qualifier exam “with deficiency.”  In this case, the student will be given a special oral exam, or such other requirement that the faculty sees fit to impose.

 

C.  Special Oral Qualifier:

            This is not a petitionable option for the student; rather the faculty votes (at the qualifier meeting) to determine which students are awarded qualifier passes, contingent upon passing the special oral qualifier.  A simple majority wins.  The faculty may vote to deny the oral exam option, in which case the student may still petition for a third attempt.

            Four oral examiners will give each exam.  One non-voting member shall be the advisor or advocate of the student.  The Graduate Studies Committee will select three other examiners appropriate to the subject matter.

            The oral exam should occur within two months, but not less than one month, after the written exam, unless the student agrees to an earlier date.

            The exam itself will be confined to the materials of the deficient subject and at the undergraduate and first year graduate level.  Questions at the level of difficulty of the written exam will be expected.  The format of the exam is the choice of the examiners; however, it is expected that the exam should take approximately one hour and no more than two.

            A majority of the examiners must vote in favor of the student in order for the student to pass.  If the student fails the oral exam, he or she may still petition for a third attempt, if one has not already been granted.

 

D.  Advisory Conference:

            As soon as you have passed the Qualifying Exam and selected your field of research, you should arrange with the Chair of the Graduate Studies Committee for the appointment of an Advisory Committee.  This must be done no later than the beginning of your fourth year of graduate work.  Before selection of an Advisory Committee, you need to discuss your prospective research with your research director.  Together you contact four other faculty members (including one from outside the Department) who must be a member of the graduate faculty and will serve on your Advisory Committee.  At least one of the departmental committee members should be from a different research group than that of the student’s advisor.

            The purpose of your Advisory Committee is to help you formulate an overall plan of work for your doctor's degree.  Your previous graduate record will be examined to determine the future courses you need to take.  The Committee's standard of judgment will be a well-balanced program suitable to your background, and will take into consideration both your educational and professional needs.

            The Report of Advisory Conference sets the specific personalized course requirements for your degree program.  This report (a form for which can be obtained from the Graduate College web site) must be signed by all members of your Advisory Committee and by the Chair of the Graduate Studies Committee, then submitted to the Graduate Dean for approval.  (If any changes in the Report of Advisory Conference or in the membership of the permanent Doctoral Committee become necessary, a Request for Change in Doctoral Advisory Conference Report form, approved by the original committee holding the Advisory Conference, must be filed with and approved by the Graduate Dean.)  Any requests for transfer credit for courses taken prior to entrance at OU should be made at the time of the Advisory conference in the form of a petition to the Dean of the Graduate College.

 

E.  Doctoral Committee:

            In most cases, the Advisory Committee later becomes the Doctoral Committee.  Your Doctoral Committee will supervise the preparation of your dissertation and conduct the final oral defense of your dissertation.  Members of your Doctoral Committee will also help and encourage you throughout your career as a doctoral candidate.

 

F.  Annual Evaluation of Doctoral Students:

            The Doctoral Committee shall evaluate annually every Ph.D. student who has passed the Qualifying Examination and has had his or her advisory conference.

  The Committee shall conduct this evaluation as an informal interview of the Candidate.  This annual interview will be in lieu of the interview by the Graduate Studies Committee.  The results of the evaluation shall be transmitted to the Graduate Studies Committee, and will form the basis of the yearly summary evaluation letter given to the student and placed in the student’s file by the Chair of the Graduate Studies Committee.  (The result of the evaluation will be transmitted to the Graduate Dean.)

 

G.  Specialist's Examination:

            The Specialist’s Examination constitutes the General Examination for the Ph.D. degree required by the Graduate College.  That examination consists of two parts, a written and an oral exam.  In the Department of Physics and Astronomy, the written portion consists of a critical review of the subject to be discussed in the oral portion of the Specialist’s Exam.  The Specialist's Exam tests your competence in an area of special interest to you (other than your dissertation research topic), as well as your general background in physics.  The Specialist's Exam must be completed no later than the fall semester of the student's fourth year.  A student may not schedule the Specialist Exam until all three physics Qualifier exams have been passed and one of the two following requirements has been satisfied:  a) passing the Astronomy qualifier or b) receiving a grade of B or better in Solid State Physics 4243/5243, Atomic and Molecular Physics 4813/5813, and Nuclear and Particle Physics 4213/5213.

            When you are ready to take your Specialist's Exam, obtain an application for taking the General Examination at the Graduate College web site.  This form should be signed by your Advisory Committee and returned to the Graduate College at least 2 weeks before the exam is scheduled.  The Graduate Dean will normally approve the request if it is in order and if you have an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher.  The Dean will then appoint a committee to conduct the examination (usually it will be your Advisory Committee) and notify you and the committee chair of his approval.  If he wishes, the Dean may send a representative of the Graduate College to attend the examination.  You must notify all members of the committee of the time and place of this exam.  At least one week before the oral examination, you must supply the committee with a 10 page critical review of the subject to be discussed, complete with references to the literature.  The committee will read this review before the oral, and must give written approval for the oral examination to proceed.  Approval of the review will constitute passing the written portion of the General Examination.

            For the Specialist's Exam, you should present a discussion of your chosen topic.  This part of the presentation should be limited to 50 minutes.  Following your presentation, the committee will question you (orally) on topics and principles used in or related to the previous discussion.  In addition, you may be questioned by your committee on some general principles of physics.

            All members of the committee should be present at the Specialist's Exam.  When the exam is completed, the Committee Chair submits a report to the Graduate College.  The report will contain a statement of the results of both the written and oral parts of the General Exam.  If you have passed, the Graduate Dean will admit you to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree.

            A minimum of four signatures must be on the report.  The Dean of the Graduate College, who will then make the final decision, will review any report with dissenting votes.  If you fail this exam, you may repeat it once (during the next semester) at the discretion of your committee.

 

H.  Doctoral Dissertation:

            Your dissertation shall be a complete discussion, including background material, of a substantial, original piece of research that you have conducted.  The work described in the dissertation should constitute a significant contribution to knowledge, and in the view of the doctoral committee, should be publishable in a refereed journal in the field.

            Finding a research advisor and a research topic is the responsibility of the student.  It is to be stressed that completing and defending the results of an original research project is considered the most important part of the Ph.D. program.  The student can expect this research project to take from 2 to 4 years of intensive work after completion of formal coursework.

            After you have passed the General Exam, most of your time will be devoted to research and writing the dissertation.  Aided by your research director, you should promptly select a dissertation topic.  At this point, you start taking 6980 (Research for Doctor's Dissertation).  The first time you take 6980, you may enroll for as little as 2 hours.  You must enroll in 6980 during each subsequent semester (including summer) for at least 2 hours until you receive your degree.  You need not enroll in the summer if you are not working on your dissertation or using university facilities.

            As you near the end, you will need to keep in mind the date for presenting a reading copy of the dissertation to the Graduate College, given in the Graduate College website.  At that time, you need to give the Graduate Dean a complete printed reading copy of your dissertation, which has received the preliminary approval of your research director.  You must also supply an abstract of not more than 450 words.  Be sure to obtain a copy of the instructions available from the Graduate College web site.  This reading copy must be accompanied by a Request for Authority form signed by your research advisor and the graduate liaison (i.e. chair of the Graduate Studies Committee).

            The Graduate Dean will then direct the other members of your Doctoral Committee to read the dissertation.  At least five faculty members must read the dissertation (they may accept or reject it).  If they accept it, they may request minor changes or corrections be made.

            Following the successful public defense of your dissertation, you must give three copies of your dissertation to the Dean of Libraries (Acquisitions) at Bizzell Library.  All University of Oklahoma doctoral dissertations are reproduced on microfilm by University Microfilms, Ann Arbor, Michigan.  One positive copy of the microfilm is deposited with the Library of Congress.  The abstract of the dissertation is printed in the Journal of Dissertation Abstracts.

           

Note:  There is a caveat to the Graduate College rules for submission of the dissertation.  These rules are only to assure that you will be listed as receiving your degree in the particular semester.  In fact, you may complete your dissertation and take your final orals anytime, and you will be certified as having completed the degree.  If you miss the Graduate College deadlines, you will be listed as formally receiving the degree the following semester, but you need not be enrolled or in residence during that semester.

 

I.  Final Examination:

            The Final Oral Exam for the doctor's degree is a defense of your dissertation and is open to the public.  You may apply for this exam as soon as you have a copy of the dissertation showing preliminary approval of your research advisor and receipts showing that all fees have been paid.  At least four members of the Doctoral Committee must be present to conduct the exam.  Within 72 hours after the exam, the chair of the committee will report the decision of the committee to the Graduate Dean.  The defense must take place by the last day of classes in order to receive the degree that semester.

 

J.  Doctoral Degrees in Engineering Physics:

            To earn a Ph.D. in the Engineering Physics Program (Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering and Applied Science) you must satisfy the general requirements of the Graduate College and the College of Engineering, in addition to the xourse requirement for a physics Ph.D.  Other course requirements specific to your degree program are determined by your Advisory Committee, which is assigned at the time you enter the program.  It is therefore important that the Chair of Engineering Physics (or a designated alternate) advise you before entering the program in order that an Advisory Committee is assigned and your program of coursework determined.

            All students wishing to work for a Ph.D. in the Engineering Physics program must pass the Physics Qualifying Examination.  See page 21, for rules governing this exam.

V.  FINANCIAL SUPPORT

 

A.  Teaching and Research Assistantships:

            Most full-time graduate students in the Department receive some form of financial support if they desire it – either as a teaching assistant (TA) or research assistant (RA).  One Lin Fellowship (appointed as a TA) is also awarded to the top graduate school applicant in physics and astronomy each fall.  Other Graduate Fellowships may also be available.  If you were admitted without support and do well in your first semester of coursework, you should see the Chair of the Graduate Studies Committee about the possible availability of an assistantship during a subsequent semester.

            For Fall 2005, beginning stipends are approximately $1,447 per month for an U.S. citizen with English as their native language.  International students and others whose native language is not English receive $1332 month until they pass the University’s English language requirements.  The Lin Fellowship recipient receives a stipend of approximately $1,847 per month plus $500 per semester fellowship for Spring and Fall semesters.

            TA's are usually awarded for 10 months (i.e., Fall and Spring semesters) on the basis of your academic progress, as evaluated by the Graduate Studies Committee, and your performance and promise as a teacher.  The average teaching assistantship requires 10-12 hours of work per week.

            No graduate student will be appointed to teaching duties in excess of 0.50 FTE (half time) during a regular semester except where there is a clear and unusual need.  Proposals for such exceptions should be discussed in advance with the Graduate Dean and (perhaps) the Provost.

            Students holding teaching assistantships are expected to take their duties seriously and perform them conscientiously.  For all TAs new to teaching at OU, there is a four-day University sponsored All-Teaching Assistant Training Program offered each August.  All new graduate students (including those who entered during the previous spring or summer semesters) receiving departmental support in Physics, Astronomy, and Engineering Physics are required to attend the first day’s general orientation to the University of Oklahoma.  Unless they attend the departmental teaching workshop (see below), students must attend a variety of sessions in the following days to help prepare TAs for teaching and other student-contact duties.  Skill areas include lecturing, leading discussions, and handling classroom problems.

            Generally, our department also offers a fall Teaching Workshop (see page 14) for all students during their first year in our program.  Materials covered in the department workshop are comparable to those offered in the optional sessions of the All-TA Training Program, but are more relevant to our specific program.  Successful completion of this workshop exempts students from attending all but the first day of the University all-TA workshop.

            In addition, for TAs whose native language is not English, there is a five-day workshop held each August, before the beginning of the fall semester.  All international TAs new to teaching at OU, including those who have worked as TAs at other American universities, are required to take this workshop.  One of the aims of the workshop is to examine cultural differences; the workshop will assist you in dealing effectively with such differences.  In addition, the workshop will help you to cultivate your English speaking skills and interpersonal relationship skills.  In order to be eligible for classroom teaching, international TAs must pass both written and oral examinations in English.  Times and dates for these exams may be obtained from the Graduate Program Coordinator or the English Assessment Program (EAP) office located in Robertson Hall, room 201.  We expect international students holding TAs to pass both written and oral exams before the beginning of their second year.  See Appendix E for more detail.

            Note carefully that to retain your TA you must meet the requirements of the Graduate College regarding minimum enrollment and grade point average (3.0 minimum).  However, your assistantship can be withdrawn if you fail to make satisfactory progress towards your degree or perform unsatisfactorily as a teacher.  (Generally, if the Graduate Studies Committee decides to consider withdrawing your TA, you will be notified one semester in advance that you are in jeopardy.)  If your TA duties require contact with students, your teaching skills will be evaluated each semester by the professor in charge of the course.  This evaluation will be made available to you to help you improve your teaching skills.

            It is to be stressed that the continued awarding of financial support in the form of TAs or RAs is dependent on progress toward the degree.  These assistantships are not just jobs where you are paid for services rendered, but are primarily intended to aid you in your pursuit of an advanced degree.  Satisfactory performance as a TA or RA is a necessary, but far from sufficient, condition for retention.

            Usually a few summer TAs are available.  If you want to apply for one of these, be sure to tell the chair of the Graduate Studies Committee before the end of fall semester.

            You should switch from a TA to an RA if circumstances permit.  For example, your research director may pay you for your work on research if he or she has an externally funded grant to support his or her work.  Stipends for RAs are expected to be somewhat higher than for TA’s.

            Graduate assistantship stipends are divided up into 5 payments per semester (except summer sessions).  If you are to be appointed for the academic year beginning in the fall, you will be appointed effective August 1.  Your first check will be available in the University's Bursar's Office on the last working day of August, and it will be for one-tenth of your total annual stipend (less taxes, etc.).  You are not required to work beginning August 1, but you should be here well before the beginning of classes (TA workshops and Qualifying Exams are held 1-3 weeks before classes begin).  If your assistantship is for the whole academic year, then you will receive 10 checks, each for one-tenth of your total stipend, and your last check for that stipend will be issued on the last working day of May.  Summer appointments are separate.  If you are on an assistantship, you can have your paychecks automatically deposited into your bank account.  See the Bursar's Office about this convenience.

 

B.  Financial Support Policy

            Academic merit will be the primary, but not sole, criterion used by the Department of Physics and Astronomy in determining whether a graduate student in Physics, Astronomy, or Engineering Physics is eligible to receive financial support from department funds in the form of teaching assistantships and research assistantships.  (Academic merit includes academic progress, performance, and ability as demonstrated in coursework, the qualifying exam, the specialist's exam, teaching ability, and research.)

            Candidates for a PhD degree demonstrating satisfactory academic merit will be eligible for financial support from department funds during the first three full semesters (fall and/or spring semesters) of graduate work.  Candidates for a master's degree will be considered for financial support from department funds, but at a lower level of priority than PhD students.  This does not exclude a student seeking a terminal master's degree from receiving financial support from the department.  This only states that PhD students will be considered first for this form of support.  Masters students who do receive support will be eligible to receive such support during their first two full semesters if they demonstrate satisfactory academic merit.

            After this initial period of support (i.e., two semesters of MS candidates and three semesters for PhD candidates) the student demonstrating satisfactory academic merit may receive additional financial support from department funds in the form of assistantships if his or her research advisor is a faculty member or adjunct faculty member of the Department of Physics and Astronomy.  After the initial period of financial support, a student whose research advisor is not a faculty member or adjunct faculty member in the department is expected to be supported by funds provided by the research advisor, and thus is not eligible to receive financial support from department funds.  Master's degree candidates following the non-thesis option, however, may be supported by department funds past their second semester of graduate study at the discretion of the Graduate Studies Committee.

            This financial support policy will apply to all teaching and research assistantships funded by the Department of Physics and Astronomy.  Fellowships, research assistantships funded by external grants, and assistantships administered by the Engineering Physics Program, may be awarded using other criteria.

 

C.  Stipend Increases

            As an incentive to progress through the program, the Department offers steps in stipends for TAs when the following milestones are achieved:

1)     For international students, when they become qualified to teach students as determined by the EAP office (GTA-Instructing or at least pass the TEACH test at the Instructing level).

2)     For PhD students, when all four parts of the Qualifying Examination are passed.

3)     For PhD students, when the Specialist’s Examination is passed and they are advanced to candidacy.

 

D.  Graduate College Tuition Waiver Program

            All full-time graduate students in academic good standing - who are not residents of Oklahoma - who receive a half time (0.50 FTE) departmental appointment either as a TA or RA and are working toward a degree program in Physics, Astronomy or Engineering Physics, are eligible for a 9 hour non-resident tuition waiver from the Graduate College.

            All full-time graduate students in academic good standing - U.S. citizens as well as international students - who receive a half time (0.50 FTE) departmental appointment either as a TA or RA and are working toward a degree program in Physics, Astronomy or Engineering Physics, are eligible for seven (7) credit hours of in-state tuition waivers during the fall and spring semesters from the Graduate College, effective Fall 2004.  (In addition to tuition are fees, which cannot be waived by state law, and therefore must be paid by the student.)

 

E.  Student Health Plan

            The University of Oklahoma offers a Student Health Plan to all graduate students enrolled in six or more credit hours each semester or enrolled in thesis/dissertation hours.  Students appointed ½ time or more as a graduate teaching or research assistant may sign up for health coverage of $50,000 at no charge.  This is a benefit of employment.  A $1,000,000 plan is also available by paying an additional cost above the subsidy amount.  Detailed information on the plan is available from the Norman Campus Goddard Health Center, 620 Elm Avenue.

VI. NIELSEN HALL

 

A.  Building and Lab Access, Study Areas, Keys:

            New graduate students who would like a desk in Nielsen Hall for personal study should see the Assistant to the Department Chair in the main office.  If you are a TA, a desk will be assigned to you.  See the Assistant to the Department Chair for this assignment.

            Also, see the Assistant to the Department Chair for whatever keys you may need.  You will need keys, which permit evening or weekend access to the building, to your study area and/or lab, in addition to the computer lab and student shop.  If your research requires the use of a departmentally controlled room after hours, you may obtain keys with the permission of your research advisor and the Chair of the Department.  A $5.00 deposit will be charged for each key checked out and is refundable when the key is returned.

 

B.  Library Policy:

            All borrowers must present appropriate ID in order to charge materials.  Library loan periods for graduate students are Books= 60 days/2 renewals; Bound Periodicals= 3 days.  Unbound periodicals do not circulate.  Renewals may be done in person, over the telephone, by e-mail, or by internet.  Bound periodicals may not be renewed.  Items that are on HOLD for another patron may not be renewed.

            Fines for overdue or lost books/bound periodicals are Books= 10¢/day.  There is a 5-day grace period for overdue books during which no charges accrue.  However, on the sixth day the charge will be 60¢.  Books that have been placed on HOLD/RECALL accrue an additional 25¢/day, no grace period; Bound Periodicals = 25¢/day, no grace period.

            The maximum fine for overdue materials is $10.00/item and $25.00/reserve item.  Reserve materials are fined at 60¢/hour.  Accounts with charges exceeding $5.00 will be blocked until fines have been paid.  If an item is lost, the patron will be charged the replacement cost of the items plus a $10.00 handling fee.

            If faculty for class assignments needs an item, it will be placed on RUSH RECALL.  This item must be returned immediately upon receiving notice.  However, anyone may place a HOLD on an item.  The Library will notify you when an item you requested has been returned and is ready for you to checkout.

            Interlibrary loan services are available so that research materials not found in the University Libraries may be borrowed from other libraries.  It generally takes 2 weeks to obtain material through interlibrary loan.  Please contact the librarian for help with this.

            Graduate students may apply for a library access, when they have selected a research advisor.  Permission must be obtained from your research advisor and the chair of the Graduate Studies Committee in order to obtain a key card.  The key will cost $20.00 per year.  Please contact the Assistant to the Department Chair.  The librarian will be available to review policies for after-hours use of the library with you.

            The library uses an on-line catalog for locating items within the collection.  In addition, the library makes several databases available for patrons to use in their research.  Documentation for these sources is available in the library.  The librarian will be happy to help you with these services.

 

C.  General Safety Procedures:

            While you are carrying out your research, you will be responsible for using equipment and conducting experiments safely.  You should talk with your research advisor and fellow students about the innumerable hazards associated with the use of high voltages, radioactive materials, lasers, high pressures, inflammable and cryogenic liquids, etc.  Fire extinguishers are located on every floor as well as fire alarms.  Familiarize yourself with their locations!  All users of computers, electronics, and other research resources are responsible for care and maintenance of the equipment.

 

D.  Student Shop:

            If you want to use the student shop, you must apply for permission from the Experimental Facilities Committee (EFC), chaired by Dr. Mike Santos.  To be eligible for a key to the student shop, you must obtain written permission from the EFC before the key will be issued.

E.  Computing:

            The department possesses a rapidly growing network of workstations, mostly Suns, but including IBM RISC stations with over 50 machines and 1.6 T bytes of disk space.  Many PC’s are on the network as well.  We also have a scalable parallel processing supercomputer, an IBM SP2.  The Nielsen Hall Network is part of the campus network, and accounts may be obtained on other University computers.  The university possesses the OSCER supercomputing center, the high-energy groups rapidly expanding grid-computing network is part of this center.  Access to the world is available via Internet.  Your research advisor and the Computer Systems Manager (CSM) can assist you in meeting your computing needs.

            The University sets up e-mail accounts when a student is initially admitted.  The department uses e-mail on a regular basis to contact graduate students, individually and as a group, about upcoming programs, job opportunities, etc.  New graduate students should contact the CSM as soon as possible to set up an e-mail alias or account so that messages can be received via the department’s internal group aliases.

            The department now possesses a graduate student computer laboratory consisting of 10 Sun Ultra 5 Workstations, which is available to all graduate students.

 

 

We hope your time with us is educational and fruitful.  Good Luck!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

APPENDICES

 

APPENDIX A

 

Quick guide to steps in MS programs in Physics, Astronomy, and Engineering Physics

 

I.  Physics

     A.  Non-thesis Track

            1) Enroll in Physics MS program.

            2) Complete 32 hours of graduate coursework with GPA of 3.0 or better (page 16).

            3) Complete the Authority Report Form of the Comprehensive Examination/

               Thesis Defense from the Graduate College and obtain appropriate signatures

               (Page 17).

            4) Pass Physics PhD Qualifying Exam (page 21).

5) No later than the first Monday in March (for summer graduates), the first Monday in April (for fall graduates), or the first Monday in October (for spring graduates), you must complete an Admission to Candidacy form, including the Program of Graduate Work, from Graduate College.

 

     B.  Thesis Track

            1) Enroll in Physics MS program.

2) Complete 30 hours of graduate coursework with GPA of 3.0 or better (page 16).  Must enroll in 2-4 credit hours of Research for Master's Thesis (Physics 5980) - included in 30 hours.

3) Arrange for a research advisor and choose two other faculty for your MS committee.

4) No later than the first Monday in March (for summer graduates), the first Monday in April (for fall graduates), or the first Monday in October (for spring graduates), you must complete an Admission to Candidacy form, including the Program of Graduate Work, from Graduate College.

 

            5) Complete research project and write thesis.

            6) Obtain approval of thesis by your committee.

7) Two weeks before your thesis defense, complete the Authority Report Form of the Comprehensive Examination/Thesis Defense obtained from the Graduate College.  Your thesis defense must take place no later than the Friday of the last week of classes each semester and all requirements for the degree (i.e., incompletes, etc.) must be completed by the last day of classes.

8) Pass thesis defense.

 

II. Physics with Emphasis in Astronomy

     1) Enroll in Physics MS program.

2) Complete 30 hours of coursework with GPA of 3.0 or better (page 17).  Must enroll in 2-4 credit hours of Research for Master's Thesis (Physics 5980) - included in 30 hours.

3) Arrange for a research advisor and choose two other faculty for your MS committee.

4) No later than the first Monday in March (for summer graduates), the first Monday in April (for fall graduates), or the first Monday in October (for spring graduates), you must complete an Admission to Candidacy form, including the Program of Graduate Work, from Graduate College.

     5) Complete research project and write thesis.

     6) Obtain approval of thesis by your committee.

     7) Two weeks before your thesis defense, complete the Authority Report Form of the Comprehensive Examination/Thesis Defense obtained from the Graduate College.  Your thesis defense must take place no later than the Friday of the last week of classes each semester and all requirements for the degree (i.e., incompletes, etc.) must be completed by the last day of classes.

     8) Pass thesis defense.  (No non-thesis option is available).

 

III. Engineering Physics

     A. Non-thesis Track

          Basically, the same as Physics except for course requirements (page 17).

     B. Thesis Track

          Basically same as Physics except for course requirements (page 17).

APPENDIX B

 

Quick guide to steps in PhD programs in Physics, Astronomy, and Engineering Physics

 

I.  Physics and Astronomy

     1) Complete 36 hours of graduate coursework in Physics and Astronomy including all the specified core courses (page 20).

     2) Complete 54 additional course and research hours (page 20).

     3) Maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 with B's or better in the specified core courses.

     4) Pass the Physics PhD Qualifying Exam (page 21).

     5) Select research advisor & four other members for an Advisory Committee (page 24).

     6) Have an advisory conference at which the Report of the Advisory Conference is completed; submit the report to the Graduate College (page 24).

     7) Pass the Specialist’s Examination (PhD General Examination) (page 26).

     8) Complete research for PhD dissertation and write dissertation, with approval by advisor (page 27).

     9) Review Information for Candidate for the Doctoral Degree packet from Graduate College.

     10) Submit reading copies of dissertation to Graduate College and Advisory Committee members.

     11) Apply at Graduate College for permission to take final oral examination so that the Request for Authority (Final Examination form) can be issued to your doctoral committee chair (page 28).

     12) Pass the final oral defense of the dissertation (page 29).

 

II.  Engineering Physics

     Basically the same as Physics & Astronomy except for course requirements (page 29).

APPENDIX C

 

"OPTIMAL PATH" FOR COURSES FOR THE PHD

 

            For the student's information, we present the following "optimal path."  This is intended as a guide to completing the 36 hours of course requirements for the PhD in the first four semesters.  This path presents the optimal sequence of coursework in order to be fully prepared to pass the written qualifying exam as early in the student's career as possible (Modern Physics refers tp the three slash listed courses 5213, 5243, and 5813).

            While some students may lack the preparation to actually follow this path, we hope that students will use it as a guide to the faculty's expectations.

 

PhD (Physics)

 

Semester 1                           Semester 2                                                                             

 

P5013 Math Methods I                        P5163 Statistical Mechanics

P5573 Electrodynamics I                        P5583 Electrodynamics II

P5153 Classical Mechanics                        P5393 Quantum Mechanics I

P5970 Intro to Physics Research (1 hr)

                                                                                                                                                                       

Semester 3                           Semester 4                                                                                         

 

P5403 Quantum Mechanics II                        P6000 Level course in research specialty

P5000 Modern Physics                        P5000 Modern Physics

P5000 or P6000 Course in Research Specialty                        Free Elective or Modern Physics

                                                                                                                                                                       

 

PhD (Astronomy)

Semester 1                        Semester 2                                                                                                      

 

P5013 Math Methods I                        P5163 Statistical Mechanics

P5153 Classical Mechanics                        P5393 Quantum Mechanics I

A5473 Stellar Interiors                        A5463 Stellar Atmospheres

P5970 Intro to Physics Research (1 hr)

                                                                                                                                                                       

Semester 3                        Semester 4                                                                                                      

 

P5403 Quantum Mechanics II                        P5583 Electrodynamics II

P5573 Electrodynamics I                        A5000 Level Astronomy course

A5000 Level Astronomy course                        Free Elective

APPENDIX D

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF ADVANCED TOPICS COURSES IN PHYSICS

 

 

 

 

Fall   (even years)                        Spring   (odd years)                                                                                      

 

P4213/5213  Nuclear and Particle Physics                        P4243/5243  Solid State Physics

P6283           Advanced Atomic                        P4813/5813  Atomic and Molecular Physics

                               and Molecular Physics                        P6213           Advanced Particle Physics

                       

 

 

 

Fall   (odd years)                        Spring   (even years)                                                                                      

 

P4213/5213  Nuclear and Particle Physics                        P4243/5243  Solid State Physics

P6243           Advanced Solid State Physics                        P4813/5813  Atomic and Molecular Physics

                        P6433           Quantum Field Theory

                       

 

It is intended to repeat this sequence of courses on a two-year cycle.  The schedule may shift due to faculty commitment and student interest.

 

            As interest and resources permit, the Graduate Studies Committee will consider additions to this list of advanced courses, such as General Relativity, Phys 6333, and advanced quantum field theory.

            One-hour seminars in each of the research areas are offered every semester.

 

APPENDIX E

 

English Proficiency Exams

 

Oral Exam

            This is a qualifying exam for the Teach Test.  If you have previously taken the TSE and scored 45 or better, you need not take this exam.  You may sign up and take the Teach Test.  If you have not taken the TSE or if you have failed to score 45 or better, you must take the Speak Test at OU.  Once you score 45 or better, you will be eligible to take the Teach Test.

 

Teach Test

            This test is scheduled before a panel of judges.  You are asked to present a short talk on a predetermined subject.  The University measures your success/failure at three levels:

1) INSTRUCTING – indicates you may teach a lab course as the main instructor, having full interaction with students, and may teach discussion sections.

2) SUPPORTING – indicates you may have contact with students as help session leader.

3) NO PASS – indicates you may grade for courses but may not hold office hours or have direct contact with students.

 

Written Exam

            This test has you write a short paper and then a reviewer grades your writing, based on sentence structure, punctuation, and grammar.

 

Coursework

            If you fail to pass the written exam, we recommend you take two semesters of Principles of English Composition – Engl 1113 and Engl 1213.  Should you score a “B” or better in each course, the written test is no longer required.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX F

 

The University of Oklahoma                              Department of Physics and Astronomy

 

RECENT MS RECEIPIENTS:  EMPLOYMENT DATA:  May 1992 – Summer 2004

 

 

Adler, Eric

1990 – 1992, MS

Unknown

  Thesis (Fischbeck)

Engr Physics

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

 

 

 

Ben-Bemehemie, Michel

2002, MS

Unknown

 

Physics

 

 

 

 

Boffi, Francesca*

1992 – 1994, MS

Staff Scientist

  Thesis (Branch)

Astrophysics

Space Science Telescope Institute

 

 

Baltimore, Maryland

 

 

Completed PhD 1998 at Bologna University in Italy

 

 

 

Boydstun, Olen

1997, MS

Research Assistant

  General Exam

Physics

Fort Sill Military Post

 

 

Lawton, Oklahoma

 

 

Concurrently enrolled in PhD program – OU

 

 

 

Brown, Fred

1998, MS

PhD Candidate

  General Exam

Physics

OU Department of Physics and Astronomy

 

 

Norman, Oklahoma

 

 

 

Buell, James

1993, MS

Visiting Professor

  General Exam

Astrophysics

Black Hills State University

 

 

Spearfish, South Dakota

 

 

Completed PhD 1997

 

 

 

Carzoli, John

1995, MS

Physics Instructor

  General Exam

Physics

Beloit College

 

 

Beloit, Wisconsin

 

 

Concurrently enrolled in PhD program – OU

 

 

 

Cash, Alan

1987 – 1992, MS

Unknown

  Thesis (Whitmore)

Physics

 

 

 

 

Copeland, Kyle

1991 – 1995, MS

Computer Analyst

  Thesis (Keil)

Physics

FAA

 

 

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

 

 

 

Downard, Terry

1992 – 1998, MS

Senior Engineer

  Thesis (Mason)

Engr Physics

Boeing Aerospace Operations

 

 

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

 

 

 

Eack, Ken

1994, MS

Post Doc

  General Exam

Physics

Los Alamos National Laboratories

 

 

Los Alamos, New Mexico

 

 

Completed PhD 1997

 

 

 

Ericson, Tommy

1994, MS

Satellite Tracker

  General Exam

Physics

NASA

 

 

Greenbelt, Maryland

Fisher, Adam

1994, MS

Systems Analyst

  General Exam

Astrophysics

Fort Sill Military Post

 

 

Lawton, Oklahoma

 

 

Concurrently enrolled in PhD program – OU

 

 

 

Ge, Qingdong

1994, MS

Unknown

  General Exam

Physics

Awarded MS in Electrical Engineering (OU), 1996

 

 

 

Goldammer, Kory

1998, MS

Semiconductor Device Design Engineer

  General Exam

Engr Physics

Technologies, Inc.

 

 

Dallas, Texas

 

 

Completed PhD 1998

 

 

 

Grigsby, Brian

1990 – 1992, MS

Manager – Hardware Development

  Thesis (Fischbeck)

Engr Physics

Vtel

 

 

Austin, Texas

 

 

 

Howard, Joseph

1994, MS

Instructor – Salisbury State University

  General Exam

Astrophysics

Salisbury, Maryland

 

 

Completed PhD 1998

 

 

 

Kwaitkowski, Tim

1993, MS

Manager – ECAS

  General Exam

Physics

University of Oklahoma

 

 

Norman, Oklahoma

 

 

Completed PhD 1998

 

 

 

Lasseter, Dawson

1989 - 1992

Chief Engineer for Air Quality Division

  Thesis (Henry)

Astrophysics

Dept of Environmental Quality – State of Oklahoma

 

 

Evening Physics & Astronomy Instructor

 

 

Oklahoma City Community College

 

 

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

 

 

 

Levengood, Steve

1991 – 1993, MS

Physics and Mathematics Instructor

  Thesis (Meo)

Engr Physics

ITT Corporation

 

 

Bothell, Washington

 

 

 

Lindstrom, Shane

1996 – 1998, MS  abd

Senior Engineer

  Thesis (Johnson)

Engr Physics

Boeing Aerospace Operations

 

 

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

 

 

 

Long, Ping

1994, MS

Unknown

  General Exam

Physics

Awarded MS in Computer Sciences (OU), 1995

 

 

 

Longstreet, Amber*

2000, MS

Failure Analysis Engineer

   (Raman, Ind. Engr)

Engineering Physics

National Semiconductor Corp.

 

 

 

Luo, Wei

1998, MS

 

  General Exam

Physics

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mason, Whitney*

1996, MS

Contractor

  General Exam

Physics

Night Vision Lab (Military)

 

 

Mt. Vernon, Virginia

 

 

Completed PhD 1996

 

 

 

McCartney, Scott

1996, MS

Software Engineer

  General Exam

Astrophysics

Sterling Software

 

 

Bellevue, Nebraska

 

 

Concurrently enrolled in PhD program – OU

 

 

 

Morris, Heidi*

1996, MS

Research Assistant

  General Exam

Atmospheric and

Los Alamos National Laboratories

 

  Weather Physics

Los Alamos, New Mexico

 

 

Concurrently enrolled in PhD program – OU

 

 

 

Mu, Guangwei

1998, MS

Graduate Assistant and PhD Candidate

  General Exam

Physics

OU Department of Electrical Engineering

 

 

Norman, Oklahoma

 

 

 

Nugent, Pete

1994, MS

Staff Scientist

  General Exam

Astrophysics

Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory

 

 

Berkeley, California

 

 

Completed PhD 1997

 

 

 

Pallas, Dimitrios

1993, MS

PhD Candidate

  General Exam

Physics

National Technical University of Athens

 

 

Athens, Greece

 

 

 

Price, Matthew

2000, MS

 

   (Strauss)

High Energy

 

 

 

 

Qin, Yuxin (Sharon)*

1994, MS

Unknown

  General Exam

Physics

Awarded MS in Accounting (OU), 1997

 

 

 

Reeves-Shull, Christina*

1990 – 1995

Systems Analyst

  Thesis (Henry)

Astrophysics

Lucent Technologies

 

 

Plano, Texas

 

 

 

Ryan, Phil

1990 – 1992, MS

Senior Space Systems Analyst

  Thesis (Mason)

Engr Physics

Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC)

 

 

Denver, Colorado

 

 

 

Smith, Jason Brooks*

1994 – 1996, MS

Engineer

  Thesis (Furneaux)

Engr Physics

Texas Instruments

 

 

McKinney, Texas

 

 

 

Stockdale, Christopher

1995, MS

Graduate Assistant and PhD Candidate

  General Exam

Astrophysics

OU Department of Physics and Astronomy

 

 

Norman, Oklahoma

 

 

 

Su, Shaowen

1992, MS

Unknown

  General Exam

Physics

Awarded MS in Computer Sciences (UT-Austin), 1994

 

 

 

Su, Jianhua

1994, MS

Unknown

  General Exam

Physics

 

 

 

 

Synder, Jim

1994, MS

Electronic Data Interchange Analyst

  General Exam

Physics

Nokia Mobile Phones Oy

 

 

Espoo, Finland

 

 

Awarded MBA (Portland State U, Oregon), 1996

 

 

 

Taylor, Brian

1992 – 1994, MS

Instrument Technician

  Thesis (Romanishin)

Astrophysics

Lowell Observatory

 

 

Flagstaff, Arizona

 

 

 

Thurston, Tad

1995, MS

Weather Decision Technologies, Inc.

  General Exam

Astrophysics

Norman, OK 

 

 

Completed PhD 1998

 

 

 

Vaughan, Thomas

1993, MS

Ball Aerospace in Denver

  General Exam

Astrophysics

 

 

 

 

Wang, Hong (Henry)

1992, MS

Unknown

  General Exam

Physics

Awarded MS in Computer Sciences (OU), 1994

 

 

 

Wilkin, Scott

1990 – 1995, MS

Product Engineer

  Thesis (Mason)

Engr Physics

National Semiconductor Corporation

 

 

Arlington, Texas

 

      * = female                                                  abd = all but thesis defense                              effective 11/1/04  cd

 

APPENDIX G

 

 

The University of Oklahoma         Department of Physics and Astronomy

 

 

RECENT PHD RECIPIENTS:  EMPLOYMENT DATA:  May 1992 – Summer 2003

 

 

Bahran, Moustafa

1988 – 1992, PhD

Professor, Faculty of Science

  (Kalbfleisch)

HEP – experimental

Science Advisor to President of Yemen

 

 

University of Sana'a, Yemen

 

 

 

Bateman, Monte

1988 – 1992, PhD

Research Scientist

  (Rust)

Atmospheric and

NASA - Marshall Space Flight Center

 

  Weather Physics

Huntsville, Alabama

 

 

 

Boydstun, Olen

1996 – 1999, PhD 

Research Assistant

  (Morrison)

AMC – theory

Fort Sill Military Post

 

 

Lawton, Oklahoma

 

 

 

Bu, Lihe

1987 – 1994, PhD

Program Analyst

  (Doezema)

SSAP – exp & theory

Loral Federal Systems

 

 

Washington, D.C.

 

 

 

Brown, Fred

2002, PhD

Unknown

 

Engineering Physics

 

 

 

 

Buell, James

1991 – 1997, PhD

Visiting Professor

  (Henry)

Astrophysics

Black Hills State University

 

 

Spearfish, South Dakota

 

 

 

Burris, Debra*

1996 – 1998, PhD

Professor

  (Cowan)

Astrophysics

Oklahoma City Community College

 

 

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

 

 

 

Carzoli, John

2000, PhD

Physics Instructor

  (Watson)

AM

Beloit College

 

 

Beloit, Wisconsin

 

 

 

Dharmasena, Kushlani*

1993–1997, PhD

Housewife

  (O’Halloran)

AMC – experimental

Milpitas, California

 

 

 

Eack, Kenneth

1995 – 1997, PhD

Assistant Professor

  (Beasley)

Atmospheric and

New Mexico

 

  Weather Physics

 

 

 

 

Eck, Christopher

1994 – 1998, PhD

Space Systems Engineer

  (Cowan)

Astrophysics

Raytheon Systems Company

 

 

Aurora, Colorado

 

 

 

Elza, Brian

1986 – 1991, PhD

Senior Scientist – Hughes STX Corp.

  (Morrison)

AMC – theory

Goddard Space Flight Center

 

 

Lanham, Maryland

 

 

 

Fisher, Adam

2000, PhD 

Systems Analyst

  (Branch)

Astrophysics

Ft. Sill Military Post

 

 

Lawton, Oklahoma

 

 

 

Friedman, Jeff

1985 – 1992, PhD

Professor

  (T. Miller)

Astrophysics

Universidad de Puerto Rico

 

 

Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

 

 

 

Fu, Xu (Steve)

1989 – 1995, PhD

Program Analyst

  (Skubic)

HEP – experimental

Loral Federal Systems

 

 

Beltsville, Maryland

Goel, Niti

1997-2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goldammer, Kory

1996 – 1998, PhD

Semiconductor Device Design Engineer

  (Santos)

SSAP

Testchip

 

 

Dallas, Texas

 

 

 

Hatano, Kazuhia

2000, PhD

Post Doctoral Fellow

  (Branch)

AP

Research Center for the Early Universe

 

 

University of Tokyo

 

 

 

Hembree, Chuck

1991 – 1994, PhD

Engineer

  (Mason)

SSAP – theory

Sandia National Lab

 

 

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Hicks, Jim

1997 – 2004, PhD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Howard, Joseph

1990 – 1998, PhD

Instructor

  (Henry)

Astrophysics

Salisbury State University

 

 

Salisbury, Maryland

 

 

 

Isaacs, William

1989 – 1996, PhD

Post Doc

  (Morrison)

AMC – theory

Lawrence Livermore Laboratory-Physics

 

 

Berkeley, California

 

 

 

Khodaparast, Giti*

2000, PhD

Electrical Engineering Post-doc

   (Doezema)

SSAP

Rice University

 

 

Houston, Texas

 

 

 

Khodr, Majed

1992 – 1994, PhD

Engineer – Manufacturing

  (Sluss)

Engineering Physics

Halliburton Energy Services

 

 

Ft. Worth, Texas

 

 

 

Kuehler, John

1990 – 1995, PhD

Senior Programmer/Analyst

  (Gutierrez)

HEP – experimental

Baer Sterns Investment Brokerage

 

 

New York, New York

 

 

 

Kwaitkowski, Tim

1992 – 1998, PhD

Manager – ECAS

  (Mason)

Condensed Matter – theory

University of Oklahoma

 

 

Norman, Oklahoma

 

 

 

Lambrecht, Mark

1990 – 1993, PhD

Post Doctoral Fellow

  (Kalbfleisch)

HEP – experimental

Southern Methodist University (Dallas, TX)

 

 

Cornell Univ/Wilson Lab - Ithaca, New York

 

 

 

Lentz, Eric

2000, PhD

Post-doc

   (Baron)

AP

University of Georgia

 

 

Athens, Georgia

 

 

 

Liu, Xifan

1990 – 1992, PhD

Physics Instructor

  (Miller)

Engineering Physics and

Oklahoma School of Science & Math

 

  AMC – experimental

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

 

 

 

Luo, Wei

1996 – 2002, PhD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lymberopoulos, Marios

1990 – 1994, PhD

English Translator and Physics instructor

  (Milton)

HEP – theory

Athens, Greece

 

 

 

Mansell, Edward

2000, PhD

Post Doctoral Fellowship

   (Ryan)

Meteorology

National Severe Storms Lab

 

 

Norman, Oklahoma

 

 

 

Mason, Whitney*

1994 – 1996, PhD

Contractor

  (Furneaux)

SSAP – experimental

Night Vision Lab (Military)

 

 

Mt. Vernon, Virginia

 

 

 

McCartney, Scott

1999, PhD 

Programmer/Analyst

  (Herczeg)

Astrophysics

Sterling Software

 

 

Bellevue, Nebraska

McKenna, Fred

1994-2004

 

 

 

 

McKinney, Brett

1996-2003, PhD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Milingo, Jacqueline

2000

Gettysburg College

   (Henry)

Astrophysics

Gettysburg, PA

 

 

 

Miller, Dean

1988 – 1994, PhD

Test Engineer

  (Milton)

HEP – theory

Qualcomm Incorporated

 

 

Boulder, Colorado

 

 

 

Miller, Doug

1989 – 1994, PhD

Scientist

  (Branch)

Astrophysics

University of Arizona-LPL

 

 

Tucson, Arizona

 

 

 

Mitchell, Robert

2001, PhD

Assistant Professor St. Ambrose University

   (Baron)

Astrophysics

Davenport, IA

 

 

 

Morris, Heidi*

1997 – 1999 PhD  abd

Research Assistant

  (Jacobson)

Atmospheric and

Los Alamos National Laboratories

 

  Weather Physics

Los Alamos, New Mexico

 

 

 

Nugent, Pete

1993 – 1997, PhD

Staff Scientist

  (Baron)

Astrophysics

LPL / Berkeley

 

 

Berkeley, California

 

 

 

Pantoja, Carmen*

1990 – 1995, PhD

Professor

  (Cowan)

Astrophysics

Universidad de Puerto Rico

 

 

Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

Richardson, Dean

1980 – 2004, PhD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Richichi, Stephen

2000, PhD

Post Doctoral Fellowship

   (Skubic)

High Energy

Cornell University

 

 

 

Roberts, Doug

1989 – 1992, PhD

Post Doc – Department of Astronomy

  (Cowan)

Astrophysics

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

 

 

Urbana, Illinois

 

 

 

Rodriguez, Adolfo

1994 – 1995, PhD

Research Scientist

  (Milton/Rogiers)

Fluid Mechanics

Intevep, SA

 

 

Caracas, Venezuela

 

 

 

Smith, Eric H.

1996 – 1999, PhD

Defense related optics systems

  (Gutierrez)

HEP – experimental

Lockheed Martin

 

 

California

 

 

 

Steinbrueck, Georg

1999, PhD

Post Doctoral Fellowship

   (Gutierrez)

High Energy

Columbia University

 

 

working on D-Zero experiment at Fermilab

 

 

 

Stockdale, Chris

2001, PhD

Post-doc Naval Research Lab

   (Cowan)

Astrophysics

Washington, DC

 

 

 

Thomas, Rollin

1997 - 2003

 

 

 

 

Thurston, Tad

1998, PhD

Weather Decision Technologies, Inc.

   (Henry)

 

Norman, Oklahoma

 

 

 

Vaughn, Thomas

2000, PhD

Bal