Program Overview
Physics is devoted to the study and understanding of nature. Considered the most fundamental science, it deals with the constituents, properties, and evolution of the entire universe, from the smallest subatomic particles to the largest galaxies. It is also concerned with the mathematical formulation of the fundamental laws of nature.
In our graduate program, students will be engaged mainly in research along with initial broad training in fundamental core topics in physics as the foundation of modern technologies. This program of study leading to the degree of Master of Science, while emphasizing continued work in basic physics, permits many options in several applied physics specialties.
The aim of the graduate program in physics is to teach and train students to meet the growing technological needs of the industries of Pakistan in the area of Physics and provide sufficient opportunity for skill acquisition in the use of the experimental, workshop, and investigative tools of pure and applied physics. The program is sufficiently flexible in its electives to provide excellent preparation for careers in many different areas of pure and applied physics.
The Department of Physics organizes and implements its strategic plan around the following goals:
- Develop new facilities for interaction with and educating our students.
- Provide an outstanding graduate experience in Physics.
- Provide mentoring and support for young faculty and researchers who will become leaders of their field.
- Create advanced facilities for doing research in the various applied physics branches
- Achieve a ranking of the Department at UMT as one of the top departments in the country through world-class basic and translational research (in 5-10 yrs).
Career Prospects
This academic program is designed to emphasize preparation for professionals in industry, atomic and space organizations, forensic science, meteorology, electronics, design & development engineering, and research laboratories. Career opportunities in physics include the areas of basic research, applied research, and development, biotechnology, and materials for alternate energy solutions. Moreover, a degree in physics can be an excellent background for careers in many related fields, including, radiology, medicine, business, environmental science, and other areas of science. There are hundreds of companies/industries which are active in the areas of semiconductor devices, electronic equipment, nanomaterials, and laser– all key areas that are covered by our MS/Ph.D degree. Taking the degree will immediately open up access to jobs in many multinational companies, which need highly skilled staff with a physics background.
Course Work (18 credits):
Six Courses (may be taken from the list of elective courses given below provided that the candidate had not studied the selected course at M.Phil/MS in Physics) which are of 18 credit hours are required to be completed and followed by a comprehensive examination for granting candidacy as a Ph.D. researcher.
Comprehensive Examination:
All candidates are required to pass the PhD Comprehensive Exam during the second year of their coursework.
Dissertation (36 credits):
The Ph.D. Dissertation must be evaluated by at least two Ph.D. experts from technologically/academically advanced foreign countries in addition to local Committee members.
Open Defense:
An open defense of Dissertation is essential part of PhD Program after positive evaluation.
Plagiarism Test:
The Plagiarism Test must be conducted on the Dissertation before its submission to the two foreign experts.
Research Paper:
Publication of at least one research paper based on the PhD research in an HEC approved journal is a requirement for the award of Ph.D. degree.
PhD Program Summary
Duration: Minimum of 3 years
Credit Hours: 54 (18 course work + 36 thesis)
