Physics, MS

Program Coordinator: Michael Dingfelder (127 Austin Building; 252-328-0882; dingfelderm@ecu.edu)

The Department of Physics offers the Physics, MS with concentrations in applied physics, health physics, and medical physics. Students seeking a master of science (MS) degree must apply and be admitted into one of the three concentrations. A satisfactory knowledge of a foreign language or an acceptable computer language is required. Attendance at a minimum of one-half of the regular Department of Physics seminars given during the student’s residence in the graduate program is required.

The applied physics concentration requires minimum of 34 s.h. of courses and the completion of a thesis. The health physics concentration requires a minimum of 38 s.h. of courses, and, in addition, students must complete a 10-16 week rigorous practicum in applied health physics in an industrial, university or national laboratory setting in lieu of a thesis. The medical physics concentration requires a minimum of 39 s.h. of courses that include a minimum of 6 s.h. of clinical study in lieu of a thesis.

The degree requires a minimum of 34-39 s.h. as follows:

1. Core - 7 s.h.

2. Concentrations - 27-32 s.h.

(Choose one concentration.)

a. Applied physics concentration - 27 s.h.

Note: PHYS 7000 may be repeated for registration status, but only 6 s.h. may count towards graduation.

Minimum 6 s.h. of electives from:

b. Health physics concentration - 31 s.h.

Minimum 6 s.h. of electives from:

c. Medical physics concentration - 32 s.h.

Minimum 3 s.h. of electives from:

Notes:

Students in the medical physics concentration who have had an undergraduate course in quantum mechanics may substitute a 3 s.h. elective, listed above, for PHYS 5410 .

In addition, a student in the medical physics concentration must demonstrate a satisfactory knowledge of human anatomy and physiology.

Termination rule: A student, because of inappropriate behavior in a clinical setting, will be immediately suspended by the instructor. A review by the Graduate Committee will determine if the student is eligible to continue in the medical physics option.