Doctoral and Master's Programs in Physics, Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba

General

The history of the major course in physics began at Tokyo University of Education, which was the predecessor of Tsukuba University. Past research results have been highly praised and have won a number of prizes such as the Nishina Memorial Prize, the Japan IBM Science Prize, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Prize, the Japan Academy Prize, and the Nobel Prize in Physics for the renormalization theories in quantum electrodynamics by Dr. Shinichiro Tomonaga. Furthermore, the discovery of the top quark is another example of an outstanding research result. World-class results in research continue to be achieved by working constantly on advanced research in physics.

The major course in physics offers education and research in the following fields.

Particle physics

Theoretical particle physics, Experimental particle physics

Astrophysics

Theoretical Astrophysics, Observational Astrophysics

Nuclear physics

Theoretical Nuclear physics, Experimental Nuclear physics (Low energy nuclear experiments, High energy nuclear experiments, Atomic cluster experiments)

Condensed matter physics

Theoretical condensed matter physics (Non-equilibrium statistical mechanics, Quantum theory of condensed matter, Nano-quantum materials science physics, Soft matter theory, Semiconductor nano-materials science physics, Nano-structure materials science physics), Computational biophysics, Experimental condensed-matter physics (Magnetic materials physics, Semiconductor physics, Strongly-correlated materials physics, Surface physics, Low temperature physics)

Plasma

Plasma experiment, plasma simulation, Analysis of plasmas in large-scale fusion devices

Materials physics

Theoretical materials physics, Experimental materials physics

The curriculum of this major course is systematically organized by taking advantage of the characteristics of the two-term doctoral program. In the master’s program, students learn the broad basics of physics in fundamental subjects, acquire advanced specialized knowledge in each field in special subjects, and then carry out creative research under close supervision by the faculty members. This program is aimed at fostering researchers and highly-skilled professionals who have a deep understanding of physics—which is the basis of natural science, have creativity in research in their specialized fields, and have flexible applied skills for science technologies. In addition, this program offers an English Course for English-speaking students enabling them to gain a master’s degree solely by attending classes given in English.

The doctoral program is designed to help students acquire a wide view and become independent researchers by developing basic skills, applied skills, and determination as researchers by deepening their own research themes. In particular, a doctoral thesis in this major course needs to be written in English and be reviewed by leading extramural researchers in the corresponding field, as an assistant reviewer in many cases.

In the fields of particle physics, nuclear physics, and astrophysics, we offer a special educational system: the Unified Educational Program for the History of the Universe. Graduate students enrolled in this program can acquire accomplishments as internationally-minded persons by conducting long-term research at overseas research hubs. Under the Honors Graduate Programs for Nanotech/Sciences, the major course in materials science physics expands the coverage of research to include the fields of nanotechnologies and green technologies, and performs research going back to the roots from the physical viewpoint. In addition, the Educational Program for the High Energy Accelerator Science is offered in cooperation with High Energy Accelerator Research Organization on education and research. In addition, we offer the Dual-Degree Program, which enables the acquisition of both a master’s degree and a doctoral degree. For example, it is possible to gain a doctoral degree in theoretical nuclear physics and a master’s degree in computer science. For researchers having achieved adequate research results in enterprises or institutes, we offer the Early-Ending Program, which enables acquisition of a doctoral degree in as little as a year.