This is a program focused on astronomical and astrophysical study and research. The course requirements are matched to excel in these disciplines. Students with a B.S. in Physics, Mathematics, Engineering or other Physical Sciences are encouraged to apply to the program. The goal of the concentration in Astronomy and Astrophysics (A&A) is to provide students with a broad interdisciplinary education in the astronomical sciences that emphasizes modern computational and data analysis skills. The program accepts students for both the M.S. and the Ph.D. studies.
Master of Science in Physics with Concentration in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Requirements for the M.S.
The curriculum includes traditional astronomical courses; computational and data analysis courses; a research and writing course to develop skills related to astronomical research and communication. The students are required to exhibit mastery of key concepts and demonstrate a clear understanding of astrophysical concepts.
Core five courses of the concentration:
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Quantum Mechanics
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Electromagnetic Theory
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Radiative Processes in Astrophysics
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Astrophysics Fundamentals
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Physics and Astronomy Communication Skills
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Select six courses from the following list of 17 electives with at least two courses from PHYSICS 240A to PHYSICS 241E:
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Classical Mechanics
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Statistical Physics
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Quantum Mechanics
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Machine Learning and Statistics
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Elementary Particle Physics
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Advanced Elementary Particle Physics
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PHYSICS 235A
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Quantum Field Theory
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PHYSICS 235B
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Advanced Quantum Field Theory
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PHYSICS 239A
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Introduction to Plasma Physics
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PHYSICS 240A
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Galactic Astrophysics
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PHYSICS 240B
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Cosmology
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PHYSICS 241A
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Planetary Systems
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PHYSICS 241B
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Stellar Astrophysics
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PHYSICS 241C
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Extragalactic Astrophysics
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PHYSICS 241D
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Early Universe
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PHYSICS 241E
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Astrophysics of the Interstellar Medium
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PHYSICS 255
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General Relativity
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And
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Option A. Research project and written thesis (three quarters)
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Experimental Research
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or PHYSICS 296
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Theoretical Research
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Option B. Comprehensive examination in the astronomy and astrophysics concentration
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Students interested in astro-particle physics, theoretical cosmology, and early universe physics are advised to take P215B Quantum Mechanics as the first elective during the Winter quarter of first year of study. More advanced electives can be chosen in consultation with the Program Director and/or research advisor.
Students interested in observational astronomy and experimental cosmology are advised to take the astronomy series beginning with either P240A or P241C. More advanced electives can be chosen in consultation with the Program Director and/or research advisor.
Doctor of Philosophy in Physics with Concentration in Astronomy and Astrophysics
The principal requirements for the Ph.D. are a minimum of six quarters of residence, passage of a written and an oral examination, and successful completion and defense of a dissertation reporting results of original research. In addition, the Ph.D. candidate must complete certain graduate course requirements. There is no foreign language requirement.
Students who do not have a prior Master’s degree (or other equivalent degree) in Physics or Astronomy from UCI or another institution must take a minimum of 11 quarter courses. The required courses include five core courses and six electives as follows:
Core five courses of the concentration:
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PHYSICS 215A
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Quantum Mechanics
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PHYSICS 213A
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Electromagnetic Theory
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PHYSICS 240C
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Radiative Processes in Astrophysics
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PHYSICS 242
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Astrophysics Fundamentals
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PHYSICS 250
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Physics and Astronomy Communication Skills
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Select six courses from the following list of 17 electives with at least two courses from PHYSICS 240A to PHYSICS 241E:
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PHYSICS 211
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Classical Mechanics
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PHYSICS 214A
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Statistical Physics
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PHYSICS 215B
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Quantum Mechanics
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PHYSICS 223
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Machine Learning and Statistics
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PHYSICS 234A
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Elementary Particle Physics
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PHYSICS 234B
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Advanced Elementary Particle Physics
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PHYSICS 235A
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Quantum Field Theory
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PHYSICS 235B
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Advanced Quantum Field Theory
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PHYSICS 239A
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Introduction to Plasma Physics
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PHYSICS 240A
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Galactic Astrophysics
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PHYSICS 240B
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Cosmology
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PHYSICS 241A
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Planetary Systems
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PHYSICS 241B
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Stellar Astrophysics
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PHYSICS 241C
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Extragalactic Astrophysics
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PHYSICS 241D
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Early Universe
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PHYSICS 241E
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Astrophysics of the Interstellar Medium
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PHYSICS 255
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General Relativity
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All courses must be passed with a grade B or better.
Students interested in astroparticle physics, theoretical cosmology, and early universe physics are advised to take P215B Quantum Mechanics as the first elective during the Winter quarter of first year of study. More advanced electives can be chosen with consultation with the Program Director and research advisor.
Students interested in observational astronomy and experimental cosmology are advised to take the astronomy series beginning with either P240A or P241C. More advanced electives can be chosen with consultation with the Program Director and research advisor.
Progress toward the Ph.D. is assessed by a comprehensive examination usually take during the second year of studies. The comprehensive examination covers broad knowledge in astronomy and astrophysics, based on a written project of a topic in astronomy and astrophysics chosen by the Program Director in consultation with the Departmental Committee on Astrophysics Qualifying Exam, and an oral examination of the written document by a committee.
Participants in the Ph.D. program also take an examination for formal advancement to candidacy. It is typically taken within one year of successful completion of the comprehensive examination. To satisfy normative progress toward the degree, it must be taken by the end of the student’s third year. The examination is an oral report on research accomplished and plans for completion of the Ph.D. dissertation.
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