Prepare yourself to explore future science and technology with our interdisciplinary
graduate certificate program. These certificates allow students to learn beyond their graduate research. Current
graduate students can also earn these credentials simultaneously with their degrees.
Advanced Computational Physics
Numerical programming and computer simulations are ubiquitous through all subjects
in physics. Thus, computational physics has grown to be an appealing field for those
who wish to acquire advanced and modern skills to solve interdisciplinary problems.
The graduate certificate in Advanced Computational Physics develops a foundation in programming, UNIX computing environment, system libraries,
and computer graphics, to enable you to start exploring more advanced computational
topics. You will learn basic and advanced numerical algorithms, develop and implement
numerical methods and computer simulations using these new skills, and explore the
application of advanced computation to scientific problems in your research area.
Big Data Statistics in Astrophysics
Astronomy and astrophysics data are undergoing dramatic growth in size and complexity
as detectors, telescopes, and computers become ever more powerful. Modern telescopes
produce terabytes of data per observation, and over the next decade the data volume
is expected to enter the petabyte domain.
The graduate certificate Big Data Statistics in Astrophysics will help you to develop a foundation of statistical analysis, data mining, and machine
learning; understand how to implement algorithms; how to use databases to manage the
data; and how to learn from the data with machine learning tools. You will develop
and implement new machine learning methods for problems in astrophysics. Based on
these skills, you can explore applications of statistical techniques and machine learning
tools to analyze and interpret astrophysical data.
Frontiers in Materials Physics
Experimental materials physics is an indispensable field for advanced electronic,
photonic, energy devices, and future quantum computation and communication. This growing
area is expected to meet many academic and industrial needs.
The graduate certificate in Frontiers in Materials Physics aims to help you develop foundational knowledge and techniques in the areas of: low-dimensional
materials, quantum and topological materials, energy materials, and atmospheric particles
and nanomaterials. You may also explore applications for spectroscopy, photovoltaics,
optoelectronic devices, and environmental optics.
Frontiers in Optics and Photonics
Optical and photonic physics are emerging fields for telecommunication, optical
computing, biophotonics, quantum sensing/communication and computing. This growing
field is expected to meet many academic and industrial needs.
The graduate certificate in Frontiers in Optics and Photonics will develop your foundation in integrated photonics, nano optics, computational
electromagnetics, quantum optics, and optical wave propagation in complex media. Based
on these skills, you can explore applications in telecommunications, biophotonics,
quantum computing, sensing and imaging.
Certificate Requirements
Each certificate is comprised of at least one required course, with the remainder
of the 9 credits selected from a list of elective courses. The program advisor will
help you select courses that fit your interests and skills.
Advanced Computational Physics - Required
PH 4390 - Computational Methods in Physics
An overview of numerical and computer methods to analyze and visualize physics problems in mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics. Utility and potential pitfalls of these methods, basic concepts of programming, UNIX computing environment, system libraries and computer graphics are included.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall
- Pre-Requisite(s): (PH 2021 or PH 2020) and PH 3410
PH 5395 - Computer Simulation in Physics
Role of computer simulation in physics with emphasis on methodologies, data and error analysis, approximations, and potential pitfalls. Methodologies may include Monte Carlo simulation, molecular dynamics, and first-principles calculations for materials, astrophysics simulation, and biophysics simulations.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring, in odd years
Advanced Computational Physics - Electives
CS 5841 - Machine Learning
This course will explore the foundational techniques of machine learning. Topics are pulled from the areas of unsupervised and supervised learning. Specific methods covered include naive Bayes, decision trees, support vector machine (SVMs), ensemble, and clustering methods.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring
- Restrictions:
Permission of instructor required;
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
- Pre-Requisite(s): CS 4821
EE 5841 - Machine Learning
This course will explore the foundational techniques of machine learning. Topics are pulled from the areas of unsupervised and supervised learning. Specific methods covered include naive Bayes, decision trees, support vector machine (SVMs), ensemble, and clustering methods.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring
- Restrictions:
Permission of instructor required;
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
UN 5390 - Scientific Computing
Set in a Linux environment, students will learn to design computational workflows, translate problems into programs, understand sources of errors, and debug, profile and parallelize the code. Successful completion of FOSS101 and earning its Digital Badge are required prior to registration
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall
- Restrictions:
Permission of instructor required;
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
CS 5821 - Computational Intelligence - Theory and Application
This course covers the four main paradigms of Computational Intelligence, viz., fuzzy systems, artificial neural networks, evolutionary computing, and swarm intelligence, and their integration to develop hybrid systems. Applications of Computational Intelligence include classification, regression, clustering, controls, robotics, etc.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
On Demand
- Restrictions:
Permission of instructor required;
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
EE 5821 - Computational Intelligence - Theory and application
This course covers the four main paradigms of Computational Intelligence, viz., fuzzy systems, artificial neural networks, evolutionary computing, and swarm intelligence, and their integration to develop hybrid systems. Applications of Computational Intelligence include classification, regression, clustering, controls, robotics, etc.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
On Demand
- Restrictions:
Permission of instructor required;
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
MA 5761 - Computational Statistics
Introduction to computationally intensive statistical methods. Topics include resampling methods, Monte Carlo simulation methods, smoothing technique to estimate functions, and methods to explore data structure. This course will use the statistical software R.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 4770(C) or (MA 4700 and MA 5701)
PH 5396 - Statistics, Data Mining and Machine Learning in Astronomy
The course focuses on modern problem solving in Astronomy and Astrophysics through statistical inference, machine learning algorithms and data mining techniques. Students will be presented with data sets and research problems in astrophysics and will learn how to formulate solutions.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring, in even years
- Pre-Requisite(s): PH 4390
Big Data Statistics in Astrophysics - Required
PH 5396 - Statistics, Data Mining and Machine Learning in Astronomy
The course focuses on modern problem solving in Astronomy and Astrophysics through statistical inference, machine learning algorithms and data mining techniques. Students will be presented with data sets and research problems in astrophysics and will learn how to formulate solutions.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring, in even years
- Pre-Requisite(s): PH 4390
Big Data Statistics in Astrophysics - Electives (4000 level - Maximum 3 credits)
PH 4610 - Stellar Astrophysics
Topics include an overview of observational astrophysics, stellar atmospheres, stellar structure, atomic properties of matter, radiation and energy transport in stellar interiors, and stellar evolution to and from the main sequence. Course offered every third year beginning 2008-09.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring, in even years
- Pre-Requisite(s): PH 1600 and PH 2400 and (MA 3520 or MA 3521 or MA 3530 or MA 3560)
PH 4620 - Galactic Astrophysics
Topics include the composition and dynamics of our galaxy, dynamics of stellar encounters, spiral density wave theory, clusters of galaxies, theoretical cosmology, physics of the early universe, and observational cosmology. Course offered every third year beginning 2009-10.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring, in odd years
- Pre-Requisite(s): PH 1600 and PH 2400 and (MA 3520 or MA 3521 or MA 3530 or MA 3560)
PH 4630 - Particle Astrophysics
Introduction to the twin fields of elementary particle physics and high energy astrophysics. Topics include an overview of particles and interactions, the expanding universe, conservation laws, dark matter and dark energy, large scale structure, and cosmic particles. Course offered every third year beginning 2007-08.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring, in odd years
- Pre-Requisite(s): PH 2400 and (MA 3520 or MA 3521 or MA 3530 or MA 3560)
Big Data Statistics in Astrophysics - Electives (5000 level)
MA 5761 - Computational Statistics
Introduction to computationally intensive statistical methods. Topics include resampling methods, Monte Carlo simulation methods, smoothing technique to estimate functions, and methods to explore data structure. This course will use the statistical software R.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 4770(C) or (MA 4700 and MA 5701)
PH 5395 - Computer Simulation in Physics
Role of computer simulation in physics with emphasis on methodologies, data and error analysis, approximations, and potential pitfalls. Methodologies may include Monte Carlo simulation, molecular dynamics, and first-principles calculations for materials, astrophysics simulation, and biophysics simulations.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring, in odd years
CS 5841 - Machine Learning
This course will explore the foundational techniques of machine learning. Topics are pulled from the areas of unsupervised and supervised learning. Specific methods covered include naive Bayes, decision trees, support vector machine (SVMs), ensemble, and clustering methods.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring
- Restrictions:
Permission of instructor required;
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
- Pre-Requisite(s): CS 4821
EE 5841 - Machine Learning
This course will explore the foundational techniques of machine learning. Topics are pulled from the areas of unsupervised and supervised learning. Specific methods covered include naive Bayes, decision trees, support vector machine (SVMs), ensemble, and clustering methods.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring
- Restrictions:
Permission of instructor required;
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
CS 5821 - Computational Intelligence - Theory and Application
This course covers the four main paradigms of Computational Intelligence, viz., fuzzy systems, artificial neural networks, evolutionary computing, and swarm intelligence, and their integration to develop hybrid systems. Applications of Computational Intelligence include classification, regression, clustering, controls, robotics, etc.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
On Demand
- Restrictions:
Permission of instructor required;
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
EE 5821 - Computational Intelligence - Theory and application
This course covers the four main paradigms of Computational Intelligence, viz., fuzzy systems, artificial neural networks, evolutionary computing, and swarm intelligence, and their integration to develop hybrid systems. Applications of Computational Intelligence include classification, regression, clustering, controls, robotics, etc.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
On Demand
- Restrictions:
Permission of instructor required;
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Frontiers in Materials Physics - Required - Choose one of the following:
PH 4510 - Introduction to Solid State Physics
Crystal structures, X-ray diffraction, phonons, free electron theory of metals, rudiments of band theory, an overview of semiconductors, and other topics in solid-state physics.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall
- Pre-Requisite(s): (PH 2300 or PH 1360) and PH 2400 and (CH 1150 and CH 1151) and (MA 3520 or MA 3521 or MA 3530 or MA 3560)
PH 5530 - Selected Topics in Nanoscale Science and Technology
Presentation and discussion of selected topics in nanoscale science and engineering. Topics include growth, properties, applications, and societal implication of nanoscale materials. Evaluation: attendance and assignment.
- Credits:
2.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
On Demand
- Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
PH 5520 - Materials Physics
Materials classification and structures; phase diagrams; lattice imperfections; quasiparticles; boundaries and interfaces; mechanical, electronic, optical, magnetic and superconducting properties of materials.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring, in odd years
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Frontiers in Materials Physics - Electives
Only three credits at the 4000 level may count toward the certificate requirements.
PH 5510 - Theory of Solids
Free electron theory, Bloch's theorem, electronic band structure theory, Fermi surfaces, electron transport in metals and semiconductors. Lattice vibrations and phonons, other topics as time permits.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring, in even years
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
- Pre-Requisite(s): PH 5320 and PH 5410
PH 5520 - Materials Physics
Materials classification and structures; phase diagrams; lattice imperfections; quasiparticles; boundaries and interfaces; mechanical, electronic, optical, magnetic and superconducting properties of materials.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring, in odd years
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
PH 4510 - Introduction to Solid State Physics
Crystal structures, X-ray diffraction, phonons, free electron theory of metals, rudiments of band theory, an overview of semiconductors, and other topics in solid-state physics.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall
- Pre-Requisite(s): (PH 2300 or PH 1360) and PH 2400 and (CH 1150 and CH 1151) and (MA 3520 or MA 3521 or MA 3530 or MA 3560)
PH 5530 - Selected Topics in Nanoscale Science and Technology
Presentation and discussion of selected topics in nanoscale science and engineering. Topics include growth, properties, applications, and societal implication of nanoscale materials. Evaluation: attendance and assignment.
- Credits:
2.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
On Demand
- Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
PH 5151 - Quantum Field Theory for Photonics and Materials
This course will review the basics of quantum mechanics and second quantization, and cover quantum field theoretical methods, including Wick's theorem and Feynman diagram techniques, for absolute zero and non-zero temperatures (Matsubara frequencies) and their application in photonics, properties of materials and condensed matter physics.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring, in even years
- Pre-Requisite(s): PH 3410 and PH 3411(C)
MSE 5151 - Quantum Field Theory for Photonics and Materials
This course will review the basics of quantum mechanics and second quantization, and cover quantum field theoretical methods, including Wick's theorem and Feynman diagram techniques, for absolute zero and non-zero temperatures (Matsubara frequencies) and their application in photonics, properties of materials and condensed matter physics.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring, in even years
EE 5430 - Electronic Materials
A study of the physical principles of electronic materials, their applications in solid-state devices, and future trends in their development.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
EE 5490 - Solar Photovoltaic Science and Engineering
Solar photovoltaic materials, the device physics of photovoltaic cells and practical applications of solar electric systems engineering.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
On Demand
- Restrictions:
Permission of instructor required;
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
EE 5471 - Microfabrication Laboratory
A hands-on laboratory experience in which the students fabricate devices with micro-and nano- scale dimensions. Lecture component covers safety training, background on microfabrication processes and systems, and facility tours to observe additional systems.
- Credits:
2.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-3)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring
- Restrictions:
Permission of instructor required;
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
EE 5460 - Solid State Devices
A study of the physical principles and evolution of solid-state devices, such as transistors: from conventional to novel types utilizing hetero-junctions and quantum effects; light emitting devices, semiconductor lasers; and displays of various types.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring
- Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
MSE 5130 - Crystallography & Diffraction
Crystallographic concepts and diffraction analyses in materials science.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
MSE 5550 - Transmission Electron Microscopy
Practical aspects of materials characterization by transmission electron microscopy.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
- Semesters Offered:
On Demand
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
PH 4292 - Light and Photonic Materials
Material properties controlling light wave propagation in optical crystals and optical waveguides. Photonic crystals and photonic devices based on electrical, magnetic, and strain effects.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall
- Pre-Requisite(s): PH 2200(C)
MSE 4292 - Light and Photonic Materials
Material properties controlling light wave propagation in optical crystals and optical wave guides. Photonic crystals and photonic devices based on electrical, magnetic, and strain effects.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science and Engrg;
Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Junior, Senior
- Pre-Requisite(s): PH 2200 or EE 2190 or EE 3140
MSE 4530 - Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray Microanalysis
Topics include electron beam and image formation, beam- specimen interactions, and x-ray microanalysis. Course content is relevant to students of the physical sciences, engineering, and related disciplines. Includes a laboratory experience that provides hands-on practical training sufficient to enable independent use of the SEM.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring
- Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
Frontiers in Optics and Photonics - Required
PH 4292 - Light and Photonic Materials
Material properties controlling light wave propagation in optical crystals and optical waveguides. Photonic crystals and photonic devices based on electrical, magnetic, and strain effects.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall
- Pre-Requisite(s): PH 2200(C)
MSE 4292 - Light and Photonic Materials
Material properties controlling light wave propagation in optical crystals and optical wave guides. Photonic crystals and photonic devices based on electrical, magnetic, and strain effects.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science and Engrg;
Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Junior, Senior
- Pre-Requisite(s): PH 2200 or EE 2190 or EE 3140
Frontiers in Optics and Photonics - Electives
PH 5210 - Electrodynamics I
Electrostatics and magnetostatics, boundary value problems, multipoles, Maxwell's equations, time-dependent fields, propagating wave solutions, radiation.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
- Pre-Requisite(s): PH 5320
PH 5151 - Quantum Field Theory for Photonics and Materials
This course will review the basics of quantum mechanics and second quantization, and cover quantum field theoretical methods, including Wick's theorem and Feynman diagram techniques, for absolute zero and non-zero temperatures (Matsubara frequencies) and their application in photonics, properties of materials and condensed matter physics.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring, in even years
- Pre-Requisite(s): PH 3410 and PH 3411(C)
MSE 5151 - Quantum Field Theory for Photonics and Materials
This course will review the basics of quantum mechanics and second quantization, and cover quantum field theoretical methods, including Wick's theorem and Feynman diagram techniques, for absolute zero and non-zero temperatures (Matsubara frequencies) and their application in photonics, properties of materials and condensed matter physics.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring, in even years
PH 5410 - Quantum Mechanics I
Study of the postulates of quantum mechanics framed in Dirac notation, the Heisenberg uncertainty relations, simple problems in one dimension, the harmonic oscillator, the principles of quantum dynamics, rotational invariance and angular momentum, spherically symmetric potentials including the hydrogen atom, and spin.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Analysis and modeling of diffraction effects on optical systems, emphasizing frequency-domain analytic and computational approaches. Presents wave propagation, imaging, and optical information processing applications.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate;
Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineer
- Pre-Requisite(s): EE 3190
EE 5410 - Engineering Electromagnetics
A mathematically rigorous study of dynamic electromagnetic fields, beginning with Maxwell's equations. Topics include scalar and vector potentials, waves, and radiation.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate;
Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineer
- Pre-Requisite(s): EE 3140
EE 5526 - Microwave Engineering
Basics of microwave engineering. Topics include: microwave sources; wave equations and their solutions; wave propagation; reflection, and guiding; transmission line theory and practice; microwave network analysis and impedance matching; microwave resonators, filters, and dividers; left-handed materials and devices.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
- Pre-Requisite(s): EE 3140 or EE 5140
EE 5528 - Antenna Engineering
Topics include: basics of radiation theory, Hertzian dipole and loop antennas, near and far fields, bandwidth, gain and other antenna parameters, Yagi-Uda, bow-tie, cavity-backed and traveling wave antennas, microstrip solutions, miniaturization, substrates and superstrates.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring, in odd years
- Pre-Requisite(s): EE 5526
Contacts
Advanced Computational Physics
Big Data Statistics in Astrophysics
Frontiers in Materials Physics
Frontiers in Optics and Photonics
Graduate Program Assistant
