Educational Objectives:

The Master of Science in Physics aims to:

a. Provide deeper knowledge in experimental and theoretical physics at an internationally recognized level to help students pursue careers such as teaching at tertiary level institutions and working in research and development units in government and private sectors.

b. Offer hands-on research experience via advanced courses and undertake research projects that prepare students for higher studies.

c. Introduce work ethics and positive cultural values in its graduates.

Physics Master Program Learning Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate high-level knowledge in advanced classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, electrodynamics and statistical mechanics and apply it to complex problems in physics and in other areas.
2. Use appropriate advanced mathematical and computational tools to solve problems in physics.
3. Demonstrate the ability to successfully complete a research or design a project. This includes demonstrating skills such as assembling and conducting experiments, explaining the physical basis of the operation of an apparatus and interpretation of results of measurement or using appropriate theoretical and computing tools to model and analyze data.
4. Work independently and within a team
5. Demonstrate writing and oral communication skills.
6. Demonstrate integrity, professionalism and honesty in their work.

Degree Plan

The MSc in Physics program is intended to provide students with the opportunity of pursuing advanced studies in experimental and theoretical physics at an internationally recognized level. Applicants should have a BSc or BEng from Sultan Qaboos University or any recognized university with cumulative GPA of not less than 2.50 out of 4.00 (or its equivalent). Work experience is a must for candidates with cumulative GPA less than 2.75 in the bachelors degree. Applicants with BEd degrees with a major in Physics and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 may be provisionally admitted on the condition that they undergo a two-semester qualifying program to bring them up to the required level. The duration of the M.Sc. program is two years. The means of instruction is English and the language proficiency requirement is level (6) IELTS, (550) paper-based TOEFL, (213) computer-based TOEFL, or (79) internet-based TOEFL. The candidate should complete the coursework requirements as specified in the M.Sc. (Physics) degree plan with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 out of 4.00. Registration for the thesis is done in the third semester provided that the candidate has completed 18 credits. For his/her thesis, the candidate conducts the necessary literature search, undertakes the research work, analyzes the results, writes a report and communicates the results at an oral defense. The MSc thesis report and defense is awarded a letter grade that will show in the MSc student's final transcript.

Degree Plan (30 Credits)

Physics Doctoral Program Learning Outcomes

In addition to Master Program Learning Outcomes, graduates of the physics Doctoral program, upon successful completion, are expected to be able to:

Demonstrate expertise in a well-defined area of research within physics.

Conduct advanced research in theoretical or experimental physics including deciding on the appropriate timescales and responding and adapting to changing circumstances.

Generate new scientific insights or innovation of new applications of physics research.

Demonstrate mastery skills and knowledge in general introductory physics.

Write and publish scientific research in specialized journals.

The PhD program in Physics provides students with an opportunity to obtain the highest possible expertise in various fields in Physics through advanced graduate courses and research. The department has an excellent cluster of highly trained faculty and has an adequate number of state-of-the art experimental setups and computational facilities. After running successful undergraduate and Master’s programs for several years, the PhD program in the Department started with the first intake in the year 2009. Various specializations available for students to pursue their studies are: Soft Matter and Solid State Physics, High Energy Physics and Cosmology, Liquid Crystals, Materials Physics, Magnetism and Nanoscience. Students who intend to pursue PhD in any of the above fields must have earned at least a Master’s degree in Physics with a GPA of 3.00 or above on a four point scale from a recognized university.