1997-98 UAF Catalog

Degrees and Programs


Course Description Index


Space Physics

College of Science, Engineering and Mathematics
Department of Physics
(907) 474-7339

Degrees: M.S., Ph.D.

Minimum Requirements for Degrees: M.S.: 30 additional credits; Ph.D.: no fixed credits

Graduate Degree Requirements

Space Physics -- M.S. Degree

Thesis Option (30 credits):
Degree Requirements

  1. Complete UAF degree requirements.
  2. Write a research-based thesis and pass an oral defense of thesis.
  3. Course Requirements:
    Complete a minimum of 30 credits of approved courses, including PHYS 699, thesis. At least 24 credits, including thesis and/or research, must be at the 600 level.
    Basic courses in space physics (min. 12 credits) (12 credits)
    PHYS 626 -- Fundamentals of Plasma Physics
    PHYS 627 -- Advanced Plasma Physics
    PHYS 629 -- Methods of Numerical Simulation in Fluids and Plasma
    PHYS 672 -- Magnetospheric Physics
    PHYS 673 -- Space Physics
    Approved physics courses (min. 12 credits) (12 credits)
    Thesis (min. 6 credits)
    PHYS 699 -- Thesis 6-12

    Non-Thesis Option (33 Credits):
    Complete at least 33 credits, of which at least 30 credits must be regular coursework, with 24 of these (including the basic course requirements) at the 600 level. A minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 credits may be devoted to research (PHYS 698). The student must complete a research paper in a style which the advisory committee judges to be of publishable quality.
    Basic courses (see thesis option) (12 credits)
    Additional approved courses (18 credits)
    PHYS 698 -- Research 3-6

Space Physics -- Ph.D. Degree

Degree Requirements

  1. Complete UAF degree requirements.
  2. Pass a written and an oral comprehensive examination.
  3. Demonstrate competency in a foreign language or a research tool.
  4. Complete the required program as arranged by conference with the graduate advisory committee and in accordance with the Physics Department manual of Policies and Procedures for graduate students.