Overview
Boston University's Department of Physics Gives Students a Background in Experimental and Theoretical Physics
Boston University is a public research university with an interdisciplinary focus, giving students a broad perspective that reaches across numerous fields of study. Researchers in BU's physics program regularly use knowledge from multiple disciplines in their efforts to solve complex physics problems, working with other Boston University schools such as the School of Engineering and the Center for Photonics Research.
This multifaceted approach to learning at BU provides students with a broad appreciation of the many sides of complex issues, while still offering more intensive instructions in various areas of concentration to give students a more profound understanding of their chosen physics specialization.
BU's Physics Department teaches physics with a curriculum that combines a broad foundational base of core physics classes for graduate students, as well as more in-depth courses in various specializations as they progress toward their degree. Students take an interdisciplinary approach to the advancement of knowledge through research, learning while providing a valuable service to the university and society at large.
The Department of Physics is especially strong in experimental and theoretical condensed matter physics, elementary particle physics, and biological physics. The 38 faculty members--along with 18 faculty from affiliated departments and nearly 30 visiting researchers--help instruct and guide the research of the roughly 120 graduate students pursuing physics degrees at BU.
The department provides full tuition scholarships and student medical insurance for almost all graduate students.
Graduate Students May Pursue a Ph.D. or a Master of Arts Degree in Physics, with Thesis and Dissertation
The Physics Department at Boston University is a center for scholarship and the advancement of knowledge through research. Physics research at BU is focused on advancing fundamental scientific explorations, while still being broad enough to explore more practical applications of related technologies.
The Department of Physics offers numerous programs leading to a Ph.D. in physics. Graduate students who are candidates for a Ph.D. take a core curriculum of foundational physics classes, and then choose a research specialization from the wide range of specialties, including: experimental particle physics, particle astrophysics, theoretical particle physics and cosmology, molecular biophysics, experimental biophysics, experimental condensed matter physics, theoretical quantum condensed matter physics, statistical physics, polymer physics, and computational physics.
Students take a series of five theoretical physics courses, as well as a course in advanced laboratory work. After choosing a specialization, students must take two courses from outside that specialization in order to gain a broader perspective on physics research. Directed research within the chosen area of specialization will comprise a large part of the physics experience. After a written comprehensive exam and an oral qualifying examination, students must take a graduate seminar and propose a thesis topic. A final thesis dissertation and defense is required for the Ph.D. degree.
An optional Master of Arts degree is also available through the Department of Physics. Master of Arts candidates must take a core curriculum in quantum mechanics, electrodynamics, mathematical physics, statistical physics, and thermodynamics, as well as studying in an advanced laboratory.
M.A. students may choose to pursue their degree with the option of either a thesis or an examination as the culminating piece of the program. Students choosing the written comprehensive exam must complete it within two years; students choosing to write a master's thesis must complete it within three years.
Boston University Physics Students Enjoy Special Interdisciplinary Research Programs in Photonics, Engineering, and More
Physics graduate students at Boston University have a number of special interdisciplinary options, particularly in cooperation with the School of Engineering and the Center for Photonics Research. Students wishing to study electrical and computer engineering, biomedical engineering, quantum optics, or hard and soft materials research will find many unique opportunities.
From the Scientific Instrumentation Facility machine shops and the supercomputer clusters of the Center for Computational Science on campus, to experiments in conjunction with internationally recognized labs such as Fermilab and CERN, the physics students at BU have unmatched access to special research opportunities.
Boston Is an Ideal City for Scholarship, as Well as the Balance Offered by Cultural and Recreational Activities
The Department of Physics is centrally located on the main Charles River Campus, in the heart of Boston. Boston serves as home to dozens of college campuses, making the city an ideal place for academic research. Courses may sometimes be taken at neighboring schools, and numerous physics seminars and colloquia are offered in the Boston Area.
Boston is also a major metropolitan center of scholarly, scientific, and technological activity, in addition to having many cultural and recreational advantages from water sports, seasonal activities, fine dining, concerts, and the other cultural riches of a storied region.
