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Head of program: Professor Enrique Muñoz
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Mode: Daytime, on-site
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Duration of program: 8 semesters
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Degree: Ph.D. in Physics
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Location: Campus San Joaquín UC
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Classes start: March of each year
Overview
The Ph.D. in Physics allows students to acquire to acquire advanced and solid training in physics, in an institution of national and international repute in research and the generation of advanced human capital. Students can focus their doctoral research in theoretical or experimental physics, according to their own preferences.
One of the main advantages of this graduate program is the opportunity to carry out thesis work in high-impact research areas and in conjunction with institutions in Chile and abroad.
It is also part of the programs funded by the Convenio de Desempeño signed between the UC and the Ministry of Education, through which academic and research activities are carried out to promote exchange among students from different universities around the world, thus enhancing interdisciplinary and international collaboration.
Curriculum sequence
In the Ph.D. program, students must fulfill 3 minimum requirements: 1) Quantum: by taking the course Advanced Quantum Mechanics I, or Atomic and Molecular Physics; 2) Electrodynamics: by passing the course Classical Electrodynamics, or Modern Optics and Photonics; and 3) Statistics: by taking the course Advanced Statistical Mechanics I. In addition, they must pass 4 elective courses, which allow them to deepen in the different lines of research. Students obtain their candidacy for the doctoral degree once they have passed the qualifying exam, which includes the defense of their thesis project.
To provide an integral formation to our students, the program offers transversal skills workshops in areas such as ethics and integrity in research (international certification), technology transfer and intellectual property, and the development of teaching skills, among others. The program encourages participation in national and international conferences, research stays abroad, as well as the learning of a second language.
There are multiple possibilities of co-supervision with international universities to access double degrees. For a list of universities which we have agreements with, please visit relacionesinternacionales.uc.cl.
| Curriculum |
Classical Electrodynamics, Or Modern Optics and Photonics
Advanced Quantum Mechanics I, Or Atomic and Molecular Physics
Placement English test or equivalent
Advanced Statistical Mechanics I
Ethics and integrity in research or equivalent
Qualifying exam
Doctoral Thesis I
Doctoral Thesis II
Monitoring activity I
Doctoral Thesis III
Doctoral Thesis IV
Monitoring activity II
Doctoral Thesis V
Scientific article or patent
55 credits in elective courses
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Graduate profile
Graduates of the PhD program will possess scientific research skills and a solid background in Physics. They will be able to develop original, individual and collaborative research, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in theoretical and/or experimental areas. They will also have the skills of an autonomous and independent researcher, able to perform in the development of high-level basic and applied science projects, both in the academic and industrial sector.
What requirements must I meet to enter the Doctoral Program in Physics?
For admission to the Doctoral Program in Physics you must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Physics or its equivalent. This degree corresponds to approximately five years of university studies in Mathematics and Physics.
What do I need if I am from a related degree and I want to pursue a Ph.D. in Physics?
If you are from a related major and want to pursue a Ph.D., you will be expected to have taken at least some courses related to the Physics curriculum, either as a requirement or as an elective.
These must be equivalent to the following courses:
- FIZ0222 – Classical Mechanics
- FIZ0313 – Methods of Mathematical Physics II
- FIZ0321 – Electromagnetic Theory
- FIZ0322 – Quantum Physics I
- FIZ0411 – Statistical Mechanics
- FIZ0412 – Quantum Physics II
Under exceptional circumstances, one or two of these courses may be taken after entering the Ph.D. program. You will find the programs of these courses at catalogo.uc.cl.
What do I need to apply?
Complete and attach the following requirements to the Application Form:
- Letter addressed to the Head of Program indicating motivation and research topic (must be submitted signed by the applicant and in PDF format).
- Curriculum Vitae (in PDF format).
- Degree certificate or a document issued by your university stating that you are in the final semester of your current program. If you completed your Bachelor’s Degree in Physics or Astronomy at UC, you can request this certificate from Carolina Meza, Undergraduate Coordinator (cmezar@uc.cl). If you come from a foreign institution, you must apostille the degree certificate or legalize it at the Chilean consulate in the country where you obtained the degree.
- Undergraduate transcript of academic record. If you come from a foreign institution, you must submit a certificate issued by your university indicating the grading scale used, along with the minimum grade, maximum grade, and minimum passing grade.
- GRE Subject Test Results – Physics. While this requirement is optional, it is highly recommended. The cost of the test will be refunded once the student has been accepted into the Ph.D. Program.
- As an additional requirement, it is necessary to submit a minimum of two and a maximum of three letters of recommendation, which must be sent directly by the academics/researchers who will endorse your application, through the Letter of Recommendation Form. It should be noted that it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the letters are sent on time by their recommenders.
How are applicants evaluated?
The evaluation process considers the background of the applicants according to the following aspects:
- Academic background: grades of passed courses in physics and mathematics.
- Research and teaching activities as an undergrad.
- Letters of recommendation from academics/researchers who have had a mentor-student relationship or who know the applicant well.
- Cover letter, explaining the reasons for entering the program and the areas of research to be developed.
The evaluation process also includes an interview with the Admissions Committee.
How is the enrollment process carried out?
Those accepted must submit the following information in order to enroll in the Doctoral Program in Physics:
- Application for admission to the University (must be submitted signed by the applicant and in PDF format).
- Health insurance certificate. Residents in Chile must submit a certificate of affiliation to Fonasa or Isapre.
- Legalized Bachelor’s degree certificate (if from a Chilean university), or apostilled/legalized at the Chilean Consulate (if from a foreign university). (if a PUC applicant or from another national university), or apostilled/legalized at the Chilean Consulate (if an applicant from a foreign university).
- Chilean ID or Passport copy.
The deadline for submitting the documentation will be communicated by the Postgraduate Coordinator by e-mail.
What are the Regulations of the Doctorate in Physics?
Students entering the Doctoral program in Physics must abide by the regulations in force.
All programs have funding opportunities by applying for external or internal UC scholarships. Check the information of the available scholarships.
Furthermore, all applicants and regular students of the Ph.D. program in Physics are strongly encouraged to apply for the National Doctorate Scholarship granted by the Chilean Agency for Research and Development (ANID), which includes a tuition fee waiver and a monthly stipend. You can find more information at anid.cl.
Resources for congresses and scientific activities
The Postgraduate Department has funds available to support the participation of students of the Institute of Physics in conferences and scientific activities. To apply for this benefit, please complete the form below.
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