Physics M.S.
Contact Information
Dr. Andre G. Petukhov
Department of Physics
Electrical Engineering/Physics Building, Room 223
(605) 394-2364
andre.petukhov@sdsmt.edu
Overview
The mission of the Physics graduate program is to provide students with quality graduate instruction and research experience suitable in many physics-related careers. Required coursework in Physics along with elective courses selected from other disciplines such as Mathematics, Computer Science, Chemistry and Engineering support a number of carreer options in industry, education and applied research. Areas of research concentration include astrophysics, condensed matter, materials science, nuclear and elementary particle physics and theoretical physics.
Physics is the most fundamental science that explores the underlying principles of the natural world. It is at the heart of everything, from the stars in the sky to the modern diagnostic methods in medicine, and electronics in an iPod. It is a highly rewarding discipline to study at school, university and beyond. If you are trying to ask yourself a question like "Why is the sky blue on a clear day?" "How do satellites stay in orbit?" "How does the sun generate heat?" then physics is for you. Physics is at the heart of many fundamental problems posed by science today from the search for the origin of the universe to the search for a clean renewable energy source for the future.
Degree Curriculum
A dynamic physics program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the field of physics. Students can choose to pursue either a thesis or non-thesis degree. Both options require 32 total credit hours, of which 19 credit hours are required courses. Thesis students take 6 credit hours of electives and complete 7 credit hours of thesis work. Non-thesis degree students complete 11 credit hours of elective courses and complete two credit hours for a research or design paper.
Research Areas
Research is an integral aspect of the departmental activities with faculty members involved in projects across the globe. Graduate students are encouraged to participate in one of the ongoing research projects at the department. The following research areas are available to students, along with many others:
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Theory of electronic materials and devices
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Electronic transport in nanostructures
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Cryogenic fluid management
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Analysis of debris fragmentation
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Properties of carbon nanofiber materials
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Phase transitions in ferroelectric materials
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Nuclear magnetic resonance studeis
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Experimental cosmic ray physics
Faculty Research Interests
Xinhua Bai: Astroparticle Physics, with Focus on High-Energy Cosmic Ray Physics; Muon and Neutrino Measurement and Dark Matter Search
Robert Corey: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Studies of Microscopic Structure; Electronic Properties; Atomic Motions in Solids
Michael Foygel: Theory of Electronic Materials and Devices; Electronic Structure and Transport Properties of Solids; Semiconductor Spintronics; Magnetic Nanostructures and Heterostructures; Quantum Computing
Vladimir Sobolev: Ferroelectrics; Magnets; Magnetoelectrics; Magnetic Semiconductors; Magnetic Relaxation; Phase Transitions; Crystal Growth
