Academic Programs

The Bachelor of Science in Physics is for students who plan to become professional scientists. It qualifies students for graduate studies in physical sciences or research positions in government and industry. Students pursuing this degree should consult with faculty members on the different available specialties.

The Bachelor of Arts in Physics is primarily designed for students who desire a broader, less professionally specialized background in physics. The minor in physics is available for students who want to supplement their work in other fields with an introduction to physics. A secondary teaching minor in physics is available.

The Bachelor of Science in Medical Physics is based on a group of physics courses plus relevant biology, chemistry and mathematics courses. The degree, with the addition of select biology courses, offers an excellent College of Arts and Sciences 321 preparation for medical school. Students should consult an adviser in premedical studies regarding the selection of these courses.

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics, which is offered jointly with the School of Engineering and Computer Science, is for well-qualified students who seek a broad education in physics and mathematics along with basic preparation in engineering.

Other Programs:

• Integrated Science, BA/Teaching in Secondary Education, MAT, Combined BA/MAT

• Physics Minor
• Astronomy Minor
• Geology Minor

How to Apply: To apply for either the MS in Physics or Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences/Medical Physics program, please apply at the Graduate Admissions website.

Master of Science in Physics

Coordinator: Ilias Cholis

Description: The program leading to the Master of Science in physics degree consists of courses, research, seminar participation, and a final research report. Students receiving the degree will be prepared to work toward the Doctor of Philosophy in physics, to teach at the junior college level, or to work in industry.

The average candidate entering in the fall semester will usually require two academic years to complete the degree. A very well-prepared candidate should complete the required courses and research credits in three semesters. Each student's program will be adjusted to his/her interests and background.

Degree requirements: The Master of Science in physics degree is awarded upon satisfactory completion of 36 credits in an approved program of study.

Biomedical Sciences: Medical Physics, Doctor of Philosophy

Coordinator: Yang Xia

Description: The College of Arts and Sciences offers a Doctor of Philosophy in biomedical sciences degree with a specialization in medical physics that is centered in the Department of Physics.

Medical physicists are providing primary contributions to advances in biomedical diagnostic and therapeutic medicine. Laser surgery, ultrasonics, nuclear medicine, radiotherapy and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging are examples of medical modalities developed and implemented by medical physicists. The medical physics specialization of the biomedical sciences doctoral program is designed for students who plan careers in research in industrial, hospital and academic settings. The curriculum is designed to prepare the student to engage in research in areas of physics applied to medicine. Ph.D. candidates may elect to do their dissertation research either with one of a number of Oakland University faculty currently involved in biomedical research or with one of the scientists in area hospitals that collaborate closely with the university. Among these are Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit; and William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak. In addition to available Oakland University graduate assistantships, hospitals participating in this program may provide support for qualified students. Interested students should consult the program coordinator for details.

Degree Requirements: The Doctor of Philosophy in biomedical sciences: medical physics degree is awarded upon satisfactory completion of 80 credits in an approved program of study.

The basic requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in biomedical sciences: medical physics degree are completion of a unified program of formal coursework and independent research approved by the candidate's dissertation committee and the medical physics specialization committee.

Applied and Computational Physics, Doctor of Philosophy

Coordinator: David Garfinkle

Description: The College of Arts and Sciences offers a physical sciences doctoral program in Applied and Computational Physics, at the Department of Physics. With a concentration in materials experimental research and computer modeling, this program will prepare graduates for industry and academic careers in areas related to various experimental and theoretical aspects of one of the largest fields in physics: Materials science. More generally, the curriculum prepares the students to engage in research in condensed matter physics, with materials research currently being the most technologically important area. This program emphasizes both practical, engineering applications (applied physics track) and theoretical and fundamental physical concepts (computational physics track). Ph.D. candidates may elect to do their dissertation with one of a number of Oakland University faculty currently involved in applied and computational physics research. In addition to available Oakland University graduate assistantships, many of the faculty in the Department may provide individual support for qualified students. Interested students should consult the program coordinator for details.

Degree Requirements: The Doctor of Philosophy in Applied and Computational Physics is awarded upon satisfactory completion of a minimum of 80 credits in an approved program of study, successful completion of a qualifying examination, and successful completion of a dissertation.

A minimum of 80 credits beyond the bachelor's degree is required for the Ph.D. in Applied and Computational Physics program, including at least 30 credits of dissertation research. The total course requirement is 12 courses (46 credits) and a research seminar (2 credits), with a minimum of 8 core courses and 2 courses not directly related to the dissertation topic. There are 2 free electives.

The basic requirements for the Ph.D. in Applied and Computational Physics are completion of a program of formal course work and independent research approved by the candidate's dissertation committee and the Joint Committee on Applied and Computational Physics.

Chief Adviser: Eugene Surdutovich

Advisers in the various physics fields include:

• David Garfinkle (astrophysics)
• Eugene Surdutovich (medical physics, biophysics)
• Andrei Slavin (engineering physics, geophysics)
• Gopalan Srinivasan (materials physics)
• Ilias Cholis (secondary teacher education program)

Independent research projects are available in each area.

Physics B.A., sample schedule

Physics B.S., sample schedule

During the 2010-2011 academic year, 2,939 students were enrolled in physics courses, which marks a 10% increase from the previous year.

Society of Physics Students

The Society of Physics Students at Oakland University was re-established in May 2007 after being inactive for two years. Currently, it consists of approximately 20 members. Current officers: Dr. Alberto Rojo is the Faculty Adviser. The society's office is in 288 Hannah Hall of Science, and anyone is welcome when the door is open. Please feel free to walk in at any time. The society offers free tutoring and homework assistance in physics and physics-related mathematics. It hosts the Physics Meet and Greet every fall, where students can meet and enjoy lunch while being introduced to Physics Department faculty and learning about their research. The society holds regular meetings during the school week; the dates for those meetings can be found on the Facebook group page, SPS at Oakland University. The society also attempts to hold at least one fundraiser per semester (bake sale), so it can do extra events. Members regularly hang out in the office and love having new people stop by. The society hosted a Catapult Contest during the Fall 2008 and Winter 2011 semesters and hopes to make it an annual event.  We are also planning various other competitions and get-togethers that are open to everyone. We hope to see you around!