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Written Qualifying Exams
Written Qualifying Exams
All students have three attempts to pass the five written qualifying exams:
Quantum Mechanics (QM)
Statistical Mechanics (SM)
Classical Mechanics (CM)
Math Methods (MM)
Electricity & Magnetism (E&M)
You only need to pass each exam once. Once you pass an exam in any of the five areas you do not need to take the exam in that area again.
The first attempt is Fall quarter first year before classes start.
The second attempt is Fall quarter second year.
The third attempt is Winter quarter second year.
Boot Camp
Boot Camp
Boot Camp is a series of practice study sessions run by continuing students to help prepare you for the Written Qualifying Exams. New students are encouraged to attend these study sessions the week prior to the exams for 1:1 help!
Coursework
Coursework
PHYS 210 Classical Mechanics and Thermal Physics
PHYS 212 Electromagnetism I
PHYS 214 Electromagnetism II
PHYS 215 Introduction to Non-Relativistic Quantum Mechanics
PHYS 216 Advanced Topics in Non-Relativistic Quantum Mechanics
PHYS 219 Statistical Physics
Elective - can be outside Physics
Elective - can be outside Physics
First-year students are also required to take these two courses:
First- and second-year students take the following course every quarter:
PHYS 292 Seminar
Example Program
Example Program
Year 1
Year 1
Summer
Independent Research
Apply for Residency
Year 2
Year 2
Winter
Written Quals (3rd try)
Elective
Independent Research
Summer
Independent Research
Year 3
Year 3
Fall
Independent Research
Spring
Independent Research
Oral Qualifying Exams
Nominate Dissertation Reading Committee
Advance to Candidacy
Summer
Independent Research
Year 4
Year 4
Fall
Dissertation Research
Spring
Dissertation Research
Summer
Dissertation Research
Year 5
Year 5
Fall
Dissertation Research
Spring
Apply for PhD
Dissertation Defense
Sign Title Page
Upload to ProQuest
Submit to Registrar
Summer
Revel in being a Doctor
How to Advance to Candidacy
How to Advance to Candidacy
1️⃣ Pass all Written Qualifying Exams
2️⃣ Pass all Coursework
3️⃣ Plan for your Oral Qualifying Exam
Submit your Committee Nominations of Doctoral Qualifying Exam to Graduate Coordinator (physgradadvising@ucsc.edu) the quarter before your intended exam;
Schedule a date, time, and room for your Oral Qualifying Exam and notify the Graduate Coordinator
Notify the Graduate Coordinator if you would like the exam to be public or private
4️⃣ Pass the Oral Qualifying Exam
5️⃣ Committee Chair sends the Report on Qualifying Examinations to Graduate Coordinator (physgradadvising@ucsc.edu)
6️⃣ Submit your Nominations for Dissertation Reading Committee to Graduate Coordinator (physgradadvising@ucsc.edu)
7️⃣ Pay the Advancement to Candidacy fee posted to my.ucsc.edu
ATC status goes into effect the following quarter.
(e.g. If you pass your Oral Quals and satisfy all requirements in Summer, you will have ATC status in Fall)
Getting Your PhD
Getting Your PhD
1️⃣ Apply for the PhD within the first 2 weeks of the quarter you intend to deliver your defense;
2️⃣ Schedule your defense;
Format your paper according to Graduate Division's guidelines
Upload your Dissertation to ProQuest with Title Page unsigned
Resources
Resources
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