Department of Physics

Main Departmental Office
Physics Building, Room 110

Mailing address:
1155 Union Circle #311427
Denton, TX 76203-5017
940-565-2626

David Schultz, Chair
Chris Littler, Associate Chair

Students in the Department of Physics have the opportunity to obtain training with state-of-the-art equipment in new and modern research laboratories in areas of interest to the scientific and industrial communities, particularly those involved in microelectronics, semiconductors, applications of accelerators, lasers and modern computational methods. Opportunities are available to develop highly marketable skills in modern basic and applied physics as well as close interactions with regional industries.

Research

The Department of Physics is committed to carrying out state-of-the-art research across a number of areas of physics and closely related areas of science and technology. Many opportunities also exist for undergraduate research participation, for example, through senior thesis projects. With these strong student involvements, the department’s research activities support and complement student education and professional preparation.

Research in the department is concentrated in seven principal areas:

Atomic, molecular and optical physics
Astrophysics
Complex systems and non-linear phenomena
Ion beam analysis and modification of materials
Optical materials, photonics and biophotonics
Materials modeling
Solid state physics
Plasma science

Supporting these seven principal areas are a number of facilities and theoretical and observational programs:

Astrophysics research using ground and space-based telescopes
Atomic, molecular and optical theory
Atomic scattering physics laboratory
Complex systems science
Condensed matter theory
Ion beam modification and analysis laboratory
Materials modeling
Nano-Plasmonics and Nano-Optics Laboratory
Nanoscale materials synthesis and characterization laboratory
Plasma science
Precision atomic physics measurements laboratory
Remote access and public astronomical observatories (LINKS)
Scanning tunneling microscopy laboratory
Semiconductor materials and devices characterization laboratory
Optical nano/micro-fabrication
Ultrafast spectroscopy and nanophotonics laboratory

Degree programs

The Department of Physics offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science and the Doctor of Philosophy, both with a major in physics

Admission requirements

Application to the master’s or doctoral programs in physics is made in two separate parts:

The prospective student must complete all of the general application requirements for the UNT Toulouse Graduate School. These requirements are described in this catalog and on the Toulouse Graduate School web site. To satisfy the requirements for a standardized admission test, the prospective student must take the general Graduate Record Examination (GRE); of principal interest are the results from the quantitative and analytical portions of the examination.
The prospective student must also complete the Department of Physics Graduate Application and submit it along with a current curriculum vitae and three letters of reference to the attention of the graduate advisor, UNT Department of Physics. The application and reference forms are available from the UNT Department of Physics web site. The letters of recommendation must be from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic and/or professional abilities. One letter may be from a current or past employer (if such experience exists), and at least one letter must be from the last academic institution attended.

In addition to the above, the program may consider the applicant’s related work experience, research and publication record, presentations at professional meetings, leadership roles, teaching excellence, awards, potential to enhance the intellectual diversity of the department and program, potential to enhance the diversity of the university, and other factors that might provide evidence of potential success in completion of a graduate degree in the Department of Physics.

Programs

Master’s Degree

Physics, MS

Doctorate

Physics, PhD

Courses

Physics

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