Program Structure
The Graduate Program in Physics (PPGFSC) offers students the option of choosing one of the existing areas/lines of research.
In order to be awarded a Graduate Degree in Physics, students are required to complete at least thirty (30) credits for the master’s degree and sixty (60) credits for the doctoral degree, as follows:
- 24 credits (master’s students) and 48 credits (doctoral students) in basic and elective courses, directed studies courses and academic papers. Minimum of 16 credits (master’s students) and 32 credits (doctoral students) in basic and elective courses. Maximum of 4 credits (master’s students) or 12 credits (doctoral students) in directed studies courses. Maximum of 8 credits in academic papers (doctoral students).
- Compulsory seminars: do not result in credits.
- Preparation and defense of thesis or dissertation: 6 credits for the master’s thesis and 12 credits for the doctoral dissertation.
The PPGFSC activities are conducted on a semester basis. Performance in each course will be evaluated through specific assignments and tests. The final grades and their respective weights are expressed as follows:
From 10 to 7 (Approved) and I (incomplete)
Students have to achieve an average grade in the courses in each semester that shall not be less than 2.0 (two) or less than 2.5 (two point five) in all the courses taken in two consecutive semesters, otherwise they may face dismissal from the course.
Up to six months (master’s students) or 12 months (doctoral students) after admission into the PPGFSC, students must define their supervisors, chosen among the accredited faculty members of the program. Together, supervisor and student must prepare a master’s thesis or a doctoral dissertation project, which must be submitted to the Program’s Council.
