MSc Physics Syllabus

A region of spacetime exhibiting gravitational acceleration so strong that nothing – even electromagnetic radiation can escape from it, the discovery of black holes by Karl Schwarzchild in 1916 was a collective effort of astronomers, physicists, observatories and scientific institutions from all over the world. This is one such example of how far we have proceeded in the field of Science especially in Physics. So, if you have completed BSc Physics and want to gain in-depth knowledge of the subject, then, MSc Physics would be perfect for you! You may also consider to have a look at the of the MSc Physics syllabus. Continue reading the blog to know the different subjects and topics covered in the course curriculum.

Overview

MS or MSc Physics is a master’s degree program stretching for a duration of 1 to 2 years which studies the interaction of energy and matter. There are different branches in MSc Physics such as Geophysics, Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics, Quantum Physics, Bio and Medical Physics, Astrophysics, Cosmology, Mining, and High Energy Physics. The coursework includes seminars, lectures, practical lab work where students are required to complete a research thesis under the supervision of a faculty advisor.

Also Read: Course after BSc Physics

MSc Physics Eligibility

To pursue MSc Physics, students must meet the generic eligibility criteria specified by universities – 

1. Students must have completed 10+2 with mandatory MPC subjects or BiPC subjects. 
2. Students must have a bachelor’s degree in Physics, i.e. BSc Physics with a good percentage or a related field included under science stream subjects. 
3. If students wish to pursue MSc Physics from colleges abroad, they must  qualify the GRE examination and a language proficiency test in English like IELTS, TOEFL etc.

MSc Physics Courses 

Before moving on to the MSc Physics syllabus in detail, one must get an overview of courses that are taught in the Master of Science in Physics Curriculum. Listed below are the subjects taught in MSc Physics – 

• Classical Mechanics
• Quantum computing
• Classical Mechanics 
• Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics
• Optics & Atomic & Molecular Physics
• Quantum mechanics
• Astrophysics
• Electromagnetism & Electronics
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Biophysics
• Geophysics

Top Universities Offering MSc Physics Abroad

Here is a list of prominent universities for MSc Physics courses for students who wish to pursue MSc Physics from universities abroad – 

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology 
• Stanford University 
• University of California- Berkeley  
• Harvard University 
• University of Chicago 
• California Institute of Technology
• University of Tokyo 
• Princeton University 
• University of Cambridge 
• University of Oxford

Top Colleges Offering MSc Physics in India

Here is a list of prominent colleges in India for MSc Physics courses – 

• Miranda House, Delhi
• Hindu College, Delhi
• Hansraj College, Delhi
• Fergusson College, Pune
• Christ University, Bangalore

MSc Physics Syllabus

Just like BSc Physics syllabus, there are various subjects which form the basis of the master’s program. A study of Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics along with Materials Science and Biomedical Physics, you can advance in a PhD program or get employed in the education, industrial and non-profit sectors.

Let us take a look at the MSc Physics syllabus followed by a majority of universities abroad:

Classical Mechanics 

This subject covers the basic principles of mechanics serving as the foundation for other significant applications of Physics like Geology, Chemistry, Astronomy, Mathematics and Engineering.

Major topics covered under this include:

• Newtonian Mechanics and its limitations
• Central Force
• Principle of Least Action
• Canonical Transformations
• Small Oscillations

Quantum Mechanics 

Under MSc Physics syllabus, Quantum Mechanics elaborates on the behaviour of electrons, photons, and other particles that compose the universe.

This subject entails the study of the following topics:

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• Fundamental Concepts of Quantum Mechanics
• Identical Particles
• Angular Momentum
• Symmetries
• Approximation Methods
• Scattering Theory
• The Klein Gordon Equation
• The Dirac Equation
• Covariant form of the Dirac Equation
• Dirac’s Hole Theory and Charge Conjugation
• Foldy – Wuthuysen transformations
• The Hydrogen Atom

Electromagnetic Theory and Electrodynamics 

This subject under the MSc Physics syllabus covers the basic principles of electromagnetism – experimental basis, electrostatics, magnetic fields of steady currents, etc. Other relevant areas of study include the Propagation and Radiation of Electromagnetic Waves and Maxwell equations. This theory is applied to study the Nuclear & Particle Physics, Electrodynamics in the vacuum, etc. 

Statistical Mechanics 

This subject includes the study of statistical description of physical systems such as Microstates and Macrostates, Time and Ensemble Averages, Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution, Thermodynamics Potential, Binomial Distribution, Central Limit Theorem, Mechanics of Thermodynamic Forces, Qualitative Description of Phase Transitions, Friction and Fluctuations, Diffusion of Brownian Principle, etc. 

Computer Applications  

The Computer Applications in the MSc Physics syllabus involves the study of fundamentals of computers including Information Representation, Character Representation, System Software and Operating Systems, Translator Programs, Input, Output, Conditional and Loop Statements and Elements of Windows and DOS Basic Commands. 

After the completion of the study of these basic subjects, one is allowed to choose the area of forte and spend their time exploring the material for their research papers. Those who are thinking about pursuing a career in research and become a scientist or get into teaching, you can simultaneously work towards your PhD in Physics. And those who are looking forward to entering the corporate world can work towards getting admission in MBA or any other career choice as per your interest. 

Also Read: MSc Physics Entrance Exam Books

We hope that this blog provided you with the necessary information pertaining to the MSc Physics syllabus. And if you need career-related assistance in choosing the right university to start your masters, reach out to us at Leverage Edu.