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University of Wyoming

GRADUATE PROGRAM

The Graduate program in Physics & Astronomy is a small, personal, yet challenging environment where students will receive advanced instruction and guidance to grow as independent research scientists while using unique research facilities in astronomy and physics. The strengths of the department lie in a faculty committed to excellence in instruction and individual mentoring. Unique research facilities include Wyoming's own 2.3 meter telescope on the nearby 9600 ft. Jelm Mountain and the newly equipped 0.6 m Red Buttes Observatory. The Graduate Program is designed to help students mature as research scientists and as professional teachers.

Laramie's location at 7,200 ft. elevation near the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains provides excellent recreational opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, climbing, skiiing, and enjoying the breathtaking beauty of the "mountain west" all within a short drive. Its location gives Laramie a unique cultural flavor, combining elements of the rugged rural west with the cosmopolitan aspects of an intellectual center. With a population of 27,000 and 10,000+ students, Laramie is a comfortable, friendly town having all the perks of a vibrant university community yet with a low cost-of-living. By car, Laramie is approximately 135 miles north of Denver, and 60 miles north of Fort Collins, Colorado.

Program Goals: The goal of the PhD program is to produce research scholars who are also proficient teachers at the college level.

    • Outcome 1: Mastery of the 4 major areas of physics (Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism, Quantum Mechanics, and Statistical Physics) at the undergraduate level & Understanding of their chosen sub area (astronomy/condensed matter physics) at the graduate level.
    • Outcome 2: Students will be capable of using advanced scientific experimental/observational/computational/theoretical methods appropriate to their subdiscipline to conduct independent research.
    • Outcome 3. Clearly communicate the results of scientific analysis in written and oral form at a professional level.
    • Outcome 4: Students will know the current areas of research, key open questions, and seminal literature within their subdiscipline.
    • Outcome 5: Competency in teaching at the college levels using the best pedagogical methods as determined by current physics education research.
We are now acepting applications for graduate study in astronomy or physics beginning in Fall 2009. There is no application fee for U.S. citizens who complete their applications by the due date! An exciting NSF funding opportunity is available for qualified students. Science Education Fellowships will pay $30,000/year for UW graduate students to work with local junior high school science teachers to develop integrated lesson plans. Fellowships will require approximately 20 hours/week during the academic year plus the development and implementation of a week-long summer workshop for teachers, students, and parents. Fellowship recipients must be US citizens. Furthermore, research appointments are available as early as the first year for well prepared students.