Mar 28, 2024  
Graduate Catalog 2020 - 2021 
    
Graduate Catalog 2020 - 2021 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Physics, MS


Department of Physics

Science Building 112
(216) 687-2425
http://www.csuohio.edusciences/dept/physics/

Petru S. Fodor, Chair
Miron Kaufman, Graduate Program Director

Areas of Study

Optics and Materials
Medical Physics
Optics and Medical Imaging

Introduction

Currently, there is tremendous growth in optics, condensed matter, and medical physics caused by rapid developments in the fields of superconductivity, electro optic materials, optical, acoustical, and NMR imaging, semiconductor devices, tomography, holography, and image-processing. The Physics Department of Cleveland State University offers an MS degree in physics, with emphasis on optics and condensed matter physics, or on medical physics, designed for applied scientists and engineers who wish to develop competence in these rapidly advancing fields. In 2005, the American Physical Society classified the Master of Science in Physics program at Cleveland State in the “strongest professional master’s degree program” category.  In fact, CSU’s MS in Physics program is ranked 5th in the country by the American Institute of Physics according to its April 2014 report on largest physics master’s-granting departments in the US.

Current Research

Macromolecular Crystallography:  X-Ray studies of crystallized biologically and chemically interesting molecules, for designing molecules with specific biological activities for developing drugs.

Medical Imaging Physics:  Currently radiation dosimetry in medical imaging is largely patient-generic.  Methods are being developed to assess organ dose for individual patients.  Monte Carlo techniques are used to simulate the process of radiation transport in the imaging device and the patient anatomy.  A large number of virtual procedures are being performed to provide a fundamental understanding of how organ dose in medical imaging depends on patient and device characteristics.

Experimental Biophysics:  Epithelial mechanosensation and mechanotransduction; fluid flow sensing by the primary cilium.  Methods include:  perfused tissue culture, live cell imaging, optical trapping, electrophysiology, molecular biology.

Experimental Solid-State Physics:  Current topics in the electronic properties and possible applications of novel materials include intercalated graphite fibers, conductor-insulator composites, and thin-film materials. Most measurements involve low-temperature and/or high-pressure techniques.

Experimental Optics:  Laser spectroscopy is being used to study diffusional processes. Presently, aggregation processes that result in the formation of fractal aggregates and phase transitions in liquid mixtures and micro emulsions are under investigation. The optical properties of various polymer materials also are being studied using laser techniques.

Optoelectronics:  Investigation of basic physics and applications of transparent electronic materials.

Statistical Physics:  Phase transitions in liquid mixtures, glasses, polymers, superconductors, and magnets are being studied by applying modern techniques such as the renormalization group. Statistical physics methods are applied to cognitive science, health sciences, and polymer processing.

Current faculty information can be located on the Cleveland State University Faculty Profile page.

Optics and Materials Specialization


Introduction


Currently, there is tremendous growth in the fields of optics and condensed matter, caused by rapid developments in superconductivity, electro optic materials, optical, acoustical, and NMR imaging, semiconductor devices, tomography,  holography, and image processing.  The Physics Department at Cleveland State University offers an M.S. degree in physics with an emphasis on Optics and Materials designed for scientists and engineers who wish to develop competence in these rapidly advancing fields.

Admission Information


To be considered for admission to the Master’s program in Physics with a Specialization in Optics and Materials, students must meet College of Graduate Studies requirements for admission and have an undergraduate degree in physics, mathematics, chemistry, engineering, or an allied field.

Students with deficient backgrounds are required to register for additional courses to remove deficiencies.  All students applying for the M.S. in Physics program must take the GRE general examination, verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing.  Students whose undergraduate training was not in the United States and whose native language is other than English must take the TOEFL examination and score above 600 (paper version) and they must take the Test for Spoken English (TSE) and score above 300.  In order to be considered for financial support, all applications must be received by May 1.

Apply Now: https://applynow.csuohio.edu/CSUApply/index.jsp?careerHint=GRAD

Financial Support


Student support is available through tuition grants and tuition assistantships.

Medical Physics Specialization


A joint program with the Taussig Cancer Institute and the Imaging Institute at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Introduction


This graduate program is a two-year program for individuals wishing to begin a career in medical physics. Students will acquire a broad background in theoretical medical physics, including radiation physics, radiobiology, radiation safety, medical imaging, as well as the modern practice of radiation oncology, through intensive coursework and hands-on experience. This program is currently accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs, Inc. (CAMPEP). At the completion of this program students will be well-prepared to begin a CAMPEP-accredited residency in medical physics and to take Part 1 of the American Board of Radiology certification exam.

Admission Information


To be considered for admission to the Master’s of Science Degree in Physics, Medical Physics Specialization, applicants must meet the College of Graduate Studies admission requirements and have an undergraduate degree in physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or nuclear engineering.

Students with deficient backgrounds are required to register for additional courses to remove deficiencies. All students applying for the M.S. in Medical Physics must take the GRE general examination in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing. The quantitative reasoning portion of the GRE has to be at least in the 50th percentile. Students whose undergraduate training was not in the United States and whose native language is other than English, must also take the TOEFL examination and score above 600 (paper version), and they must take the Test for Spoken English (TSE) and score above 300. Review of applications begins February 1.

Apply Now:  https://applynow.csuohio.edu/CSUApply/index.jsp?careerHint=GRAD

Financial Support


Student support is available through teaching assistantships.

Undergraduate Deficiencies


For students applying to the Medical Physics program, the following courses must be taken if there are deficiencies in the applicant’s undergraduate preparation:

  • For applicants lacking any Human Anatomy and Physiology course, one must be taken, selected with approval of Medical Physics CSU Co-Director.

    At least three of the following:

  • PHY 330 Introduction to Modern Physics
  • PHY 340 Mechanics and Vibrations I
  • PHY 350 Electricity and Magnetism I
  • PHY 440 Quantum Physics I
  • PHY 474 Thermal Physics
  • PHY 475 Statistical Physics

 

Optics and Medical Imaging Specialization


Introduction


The recent growth in the fields of optics, optical, acoustical, and NMR imaging, tomography, holography, and image processing brought strong interest from local companies and hospitals in expertise in contemporary optics and modern imaging techniques.  The Physics Department of Cleveland State University offers an M.S. degree in Physics, with an emphasis on Optics and Medical Imaging designed for scientists and engineers who wish to develop competence in contemporary optics and modern imaging techniques.  This specialization includes courses taught by the Physics Department faculty and by medical physicists from the Cleveland Clinic.

Admission Information


To be considered for admission to the Master’s program in Physics with a Specialization in Optics and Medical Imaging, students must meet College of Graduate Studies requirements for admission and have an undergraduate degree in physics, mathematics, engineering, or an allied field.

Students with deficient backgrounds are required to register for additional courses to remove deficiencies.  All students applying for the M.S. in Physics program must take the GRE general examination in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing. Students whose undergraduate training was not in the United States and whose native language is other than English must also take the TOEFL examination and score above 600 (paper version), and they must take the Test for Spoken English (TSE) and score above 300.  In order to be considered for financial support, all applications must be received by May 1.

Apply Now:  https://applynow.csuohio.edu/CSUApply/index.jsp?careerHint=GRAD

Financial Support


Student support is available through tuition grants and tuition assistantships.