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Ph.D. Physics
Are you inspired by the works and discoveries of Albert Einstein? Ever wondered if Stephen Hawking’s multiverse theories are true? Can human teleportation happen outside science fiction? With the possibility of teleportation in the subatomic world of quantum mechanics. If these questions interest you, then Ph.D. Physics is the right choice.
"Physics is the branch of science that deals with the structure of matter and how the fundamental constituents of the Universe interact. It studies objects ranging from the microscopic particles using quantum mechanics to the entire Universe using general relativity".
The field of physics is diverse. Research in Physics divides into two main areas;
Theoretical analysis, which is concerned with developing ideas, using computer simulations, and mathematical modeling techniques to make predictions and explain behaviors.
Applied or experimental research involves designing controlled experiments to test how well theories stand up to results. Applied physicists take new phenomena and explore their uses.
Research in applied physics has led to the use of electricity and magnetism for lighting and propulsion. The development of biomedical technology and the semiconductor industry that has provided us with modern electronics’ conveniences are also owed to advancements in applied physics.
Pre-requisites for Ph.D. Physics
Pre-requisites for admission in a Ph.D. physics program are a Master’s level university degree in physics with some of the standard university courses in Thermodynamics, Quantum mechanics, Physics of Materials, Nanotechnologies, etc.
Candidates would also need letters of recommendation, GRE scores, a detailed resume. Some programs might also ask for publications or conference participation records.
Time Required for Ph.D. Physics
Typically, a Ph.D. in Physics degree program requires four to five years of study, two to three more years of research, and laboratory work for their dissertation.
Fee Required for Ph.D. Physics
For U.K. students, the tuition fee for a Ph.D. varies between £3,000 to £6,000 per academic year. However, for international students that now include the E.U., the program cost is £19,596.
The cost of PhDs in the USA can vary between $28,000 to $40,000 per year, but many students can get funding for much, or all, of their studies as most Ph.D. programs, are fully funded with tuition stipend support. In the U.S., Tuition support includes health insurance.
Course Structure and Content
The curriculum comprises coursework, assessments, and examinations. Students must submit original research work in the form of a thesis/dissertation.
Coursework for the Ph.D. in Physics includes advanced training in core physics and topics of current research.
Potential areas of specialization
Potential areas of specialization include but are not limited to:
Astrophysics
Currently, Astronomy and Astrophysics are one of the most rapidly growing domains of study. High-performance computational systems allow the simulations of complex systems such as the collision of galaxies and the analysis of large amounts of data.
All of this results in the refinement and development of better theoretical models of various objects and phenomena. Area of developments ranges from the solar system to stars and plasmas in the Milky Way, to the study of complex objects such as neutron stars, supernova explosions, galaxies, and their supermassive black holes, and large scale structures in the Universe.
Condensed Matter
Condensed Matter Physics focuses on the predominantly experimental investigation of structural, transport, and magnetic properties of various solid objects involving human-made structures and nanosystems attractive for studying fundamental physical phenomena and those with high application potential.
String Theory
String theory is a broad and varied subject that attempts to address several deep questions of fundamental physics. Studies of string theory have also yielded several results on black holes’ nature and the gravitational interaction.
It has contributed several advances to mathematical physics, which applies to various problems in black hole physics, early universe cosmology, nuclear physics, condensed matter physics, etc.
Atomic and Laser Physics
Research in atomic and laser physics involves some of the most rapidly developing areas of physical science and ranges from the fundamental physics of quantum systems to the interdisciplinary application of lasers.
The atomic and laser physics department at the University of Oxford researches the interaction of light and matter over an enormous range of conditions, from high-energy plasmas created by the most powerful lasers in the world to the coherent manipulation of single quantum particles for implementing quantum information processing, to the creation of exotic states of quantum matter such as Bose-Einstein condensation.
Oceanic and Planetary Physics
How does the Earth’s climate evolve? How do we connect measurements made from space and the ground to the future climate direction? What can we learn from observations of other planets to tell us more about the Earth and the evolution of the Solar System?
These are the types of research problems associated with this specialization. Research focuses on studying physical processes in the atmospheres, surfaces, and oceans of the Earth and other planets, using experimental, computational, and theoretical techniques.
Nanosciences / Nanotechnologies
Research in applied Micro- and Nanosystems educates scientists with a broad knowledge of micro and nanosystem technologies.
Nanosystems are an increasingly important part of our everyday life. They are the reason for all sorts of ‘smart systems,’ such as sensors integrated into mobile phones, medical diagnosis equipment, instruments for monitoring the environment and industrial processes, etc.
Career Opportunities for Ph.D Physics
Securing a Ph.D. in Physics equips individuals with the experience and the education necessary to work within a wide range of jobs. It gives them the degree essential to remain competitive within the workforce. Also, it allows them to conduct research and educate others at the highest level.
Physicists with a Ph.D. can work with professionals from other fields and develop new scientific theories and create models to explain better things occurring within the world.
Many physics graduates work within research roles across many different industries – including education, automotive and aerospace industries, defense, the public sector, healthcare, energy, materials, technology, computing, and I.T.
Ph.D. candidates take laboratory training seminars and work alongside seasoned faculty within a laboratory setting, learning the skills and the tools necessary to conduct their research effectively and how they can go about solving current real-world issues related to physics.
