Master of Science Programme in Physics
Degree Designation
M.Sc. (Physics)
Curriculum Structure
Required Courses
Elective Courses not less than
Thesis
Total
*
**
Plan A1
3*
36
36
Plan A2
12
6**
18
36
none credit
select 1 subject (3 credits) of 333-xxx and select Elective Courses not less than or
choose from the courses offered in the Department of Physics, Prince of Songkla
University by the advisor’s approval
Courses Description
Plan A1
Thesis
333 – 601
Thesis
Research study on the topic of interested fields available in the department
under supervision of a faculty advisor; thesis overviews should be presented to
the thesis committee regularly every semester; the thesis must be written in an
appropriate format
Plan A2
Required Courses
333 – 501
Mechanics
Variational principles and Lagrange equations; Hamilton’s equations of
motion; canonical transformations; Hamilton-Jacobi theory; small oscillations;
Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations for continuous systems and fields
333 – 502
Electromagnetic Theory
Maxwell’s equations, electromagnetic wave propagation; wave propagation
in free space and media; electromagnetic wave in the waveguides, power
transmission and attenuation; antennas, Friis equation, radar equation
Credit
36(0-108-0)
Credit
2(2-0-4)
2(2-0-4)
333 – 503
Mathematical Methods for Physics
2(2-0-4)
Second-order linear differential equations; Fourier series, Laplace
transformation, Fourier transformation; partial differential equations; special
functions; variational method, perturbation method
333 – 504
Quantum Mechanics
2(2-0-4)
Observable operators, state vectors, translational and time-evolution
operators; Schrödinger’s and Heisenberg's equations, simple harmonic
oscillator; angular momentum, addition of angular momentum, Schwinger’s
oscillators; approximation methods, variational method, time-independent
perturbation theory for non-degenerate state and degenerate state cases
333 – 505
Research Methods in Physics
3(2-4-3)
Laboratory research methods, familiarization of first-year students with
experimental or research methods used in physics; analytical method for
scientific data; studying and preparing the research proposal; search technique
for the research papers; physics phenomena measurement in biophysics,
geophysics, material physics, nuclear physics, optical physics and plasma
physics; laboratorial research apparatus
Ethics and Philosophy in Research
333 – 605
1(1-0-2)
Ethics in research; learning ethics and philosophy through case studies
Elective Courses
Elective Courses (Theory and mathematical physics Group)
333 – 511
Quantum Field Theory
3(3-0-6)
Klein-Gordon field, Dirac field, Poincaré's group; interacting fields and
Feynman diagrams; quantum electrodynamics, elementary processes; radiative
correction for electron mass and charge; renormalization and symmetry;
introduction to non-abelian field theories
333 – 512
General Relativity Theory
3 (3-0-6)
Space-time metric, covariant derivatives, geodesics; Riemann, Ricci and
Einstein curvatures; Killing vectors and symmetries; Einstein's filed equation,
linearized theory and Newtonian limit, physics in curved space-time; exact
solutions, Schwarzschild geometry, Robertson-Walker cosmology; black holes
333 – 611
Special Topics in Theoretical Physics
3(3-0-6)
Special topics in theoretical physics as a basis for thesis or contemporary
topics in theoretical physics research
333 – 612
Special Topics in Computational Physics
3(3-0-6)
Special topics in computational physics as a basis for thesis or
contemporary topics in computational physics research
Elective Courses (Geophysics Group)
333 – 521
Geophysics
Orbital motion, rotation, precession; origin of the earth; isotope dating of
the earth; radioactivity; tides; gravitational field of the earth; geomagnetic field,
field reversal; heat flow; seismology; earth’s interior; crust, mantle, core; rock
magnetism and palaeomagnetism; plate tectonics; physics of oceanography;
geohazards
333 – 522
Applied Geophysics
Magnetic properties of rock, geomagnetic field, magnetic methods;
gravitational field, gravity methods; elastic constant and elastic wave, seismic
methods; radioactivity of rocks, radioactivity measurements; electrical
properties and resistivity of rocks, self-potential methods, origin of induced
polarization, induced polarization methods; electromagnetic methods; ground
penetrating radar (GPR); geophysical logging and interpretation
333 – 523
Geophysics in Forensic Science
Basic physical and mathematical principles in forensic science; magnetism
and electromagnetics; physical properties of materials in forensic science;
geophysical techniques and detection methods for investigations in forensic
science; survey methods and procedures; magnetic, electromagnetic and
ground penetrating radar methods; data processing and interpretation of
results
333 – 621
Special Topics in Geophysics 1
Discussion on interesting topics in geophysics
333 – 622
Special Topics in Geophysics II
Discussion on interesting topics in geophysics
Elective Courses (Nuclear physics Group)
333 - 531
Nuclear Physics
Fundamental properties of nucleus, spin and nuclear moment; physics of
elementary particles; deuteron structure; meson theory of nuclear force;
structure and nucleus models; optical simulations; theory of plane waves;
theory of scattering; first Born approximation; nuclear reaction; neutron
physics; neutron detector, reactions and neutron cross section
333 – 532
Accelerator Physics
Principles of an accelerator; ion sources, ion-beam transportations; high
voltage accelerators, linear radio-frequency accelerators, cyclotron radiofrequency accelerators, synchrotron radiation accelerator, applications of
accelerators
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-6)
333 – 533
Nuclear Reactor Theory
Atomic structure and nucleus; radiation and radioactivity; nuclear chain
reactions, nuclear fission, nuclear fusion; neutron flux and current density,
diffusion of neutron; criticality of reactor kinetics, feedback mechanism in
reactor dynamics; two-group diffusion and perturbation theory; reactor safety,
fusion reactor; Tokomak reactor design
333 – 534
Environmental Radioactivity and Applications
Stable nuclides and radionuclides; disintegration of radionuclide; interaction
of radiation with matter; radiation detection; environmental radioactivity and its
application, natural and man-made radionuclides; biological effect of radiation;
radiation protection
333 – 631
Special Topics in Nuclear Physics
Study current topics in nuclear physics, e.g., nuclear astrophysics, nuclear
medicine
333 – 632
Special Topics in Nuclear Technology
Study current topics in nuclear physics and nuclear technology, e.g.,
neutron activation analysis, food preservation using gamma irradiation
Elective Courses (Innovative physics Group)
333 – 541
Computer and Microcontroller for Innovation in Physics
Principle of computer operations; basic programming; solving physics
equations using computer; basic microcontroller; microcontroller programming;
peripheral interfaces with microcontroller
333 – 542
Advanced Innovation in Physics and Patent System
The history of innovations and inventors; inventors’ frame of thoughts;
concept in mechanics for invention; concept in electro-magnetic and light for
invention; advanced physics principles underlying the innovations of selected
tools; engines and equipments; the patent system; the patent search; mini
project on innovation
333 – 641
Special Topics in Innovation in Physics I
Discussion on interesting topics in Innovation in Physics
333 – 642
Special Topics in Innovation in Physics II
Discussion on interested topics in Innovation in Physics
Elective Courses (Smart materials and nanotechnology Group)
333 – 551
Solid State Physics
Crystal structure, crystal symmetry and crystal classes, imperfections in
crystals, crystal structure analysis by using X-ray diffraction method; phonon
and elastic properties of solid; optical properties; electrical and thermal
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-6)
3(2-3-4)
3(2-3-4)
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-6)
transportations, thermoelectric effects; band theory; semiconductors,
ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties
333 – 552
Nanophysics and Applications
Definitions of nanoscience and nanotechnology; nanoscale physics-based
phenomena; preparations and characterizations of nanostructure materials;
nanodevices and nanomachines; nanobiological materials
333 – 553
Electroceramic and Semiconductor Materials
Preparation of electroceramics; macro and microstructure of
electroceramics; physical properties and testing methods for electroceramics
such as conductive ceramics, NTC thermistor, thermoelectric material,
heating material, varistor, PTC thermistor, ferroelectric ceramics, piezoelectric
ceramics, pyroelectric material, ferromagnetic material, ferrimagnetic material,
magnetoresistance material, magnetoimpedance material, magnetoelectric
material; intrinsic semiconductor, extrinsic semiconductor, light emitting diode,
rectifier diode, transistor, solar cell and other new interesting materials; design
and setup of material testing instruments
333 – 554
Smart Materials and Applications
Smart materials such as piezoelectrics, shape-memory alloys etc;
preparation and applications of ferroelectric polymers; preparation and
applications of composites; self-assembly of materials; smart materials for
electronics, electro-optic and robotic applications
333 – 651
Special Topics in Smart Materials and Nanotechnology I
Special topics in smart materials and nanotechnology as a basis for a
thesis
333 – 652
Special Topics in Smart Materials and Nanotechnology II
Special topics in smart materials and nanotechnology as a basis for a
thesis
Elective Courses (Plasma technology and energy Group)
333 – 561
Introduction to Plasma Physics
Definition of plasma, classification of plasma, motion of single-particle,
kinetic theory, plasma fluid, wave in plasma, diffusion and specific resistance,
equilibrium and stability, thermal plasma, pulse plasma, continuous plasma,
plasma and controlled nuclear fusion and plasma diagnostic
333 – 562
Physics and Energy Technology
Heat transfer, fluid mechanics, the law of thermodynamics; criteria of
plasma; sun as thermal energy, conventional energy and renewable energy,
novel energy; plasma related material and energy technology
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-6)
333 – 563
Physics in Drying Technology
Definition of parameters relating to drying technology and heat transfer;
resistance and pressure drop in drying system, drying theory, design and
development of drying processes, characteristics of energy sources and its
application in drying processes, feasibility and prediction the efficiency of
drying technique for agricultural and industrial parts, the present articles and
hot issues relating to researches on physics energy and material technology,
especially on agricultural and industrial branches
333 – 564
Introduction to Rubber Physics
Definition of parameter relating to natural rubber and vulcanized rubber
technology, introduction to rheology of rubber; fluid mechanics, dynamics
viscosity; drying and heating processes; characteristics of natural rubber,
characteristics of vulcanized rubber, natural rubber, processes and product of
natural rubber process; feasibility and prediction the performance of energy
use in agricultural and industrial parts of rubber
333 – 661
Special Topics in Plasma and Energy Technology I
Discussion on interesting topics in plasma-laser and renewable energy
technology
333 – 662
Special Topics in Plasma and Energy Technology II
Discussion on interesting topics in plasma-laser and renewable energy
technology
Elective Courses (Physics Education Group)
333 – 571
Physics Education
Introduction; qualitative and quantitative researches in physics education;
misconceptions in physics; conceptual tests in physics, i.e. the force concept
inventory (FCI), the force and motion conceptual evaluation (FMCE), the heat
and temperature concept evaluation (HCTE), the wave diagnostic test (WDT),
the conceptual survey of electricity and magnetism (CSEM); inquiry
approaches i.e., the active learning, the 5-E learning, peer Instruction (PI),
interactive lecture demonstrations (ILDs), hands-on, computer-based teaching
method
333 – 572
Instruments and Measurement in Physics Education
Basic statistics for physics education; classical test theory for item analysis
(difficulty index, discrimination); the analysis of validity and reliability; item
response theory (IRT); normalized gain/change; model analysis
333 – 573
Methods of Instrument Constructions for General Physics Lab
Preparation for computer interfacing circuit that controlled with LabVIEW
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-6)
and Visual Basic for physics lab in mechanics, electromagnetics, heat, wave,
optics, sound, semiconductor physics and solid state physics; instrument
constructions for application demonstrations of physics in everyday life
333 – 671
Special Topics in Physics Education I
Contemporary topics in physics education research
333 – 672
Special Topics in Physics Education II
Contemporary topics in physics education research
Elective Courses (Biophysics Group)
333 – 581
Biophysics
Basic structure of biomolecules; important inter- and intra-molecular forces
of biomolecular systems; cells and cell membranes, diffusion and mechanism
of transport across cell membranes; electrical properties of cells; interaction of
light and biomolecules; molecular motor and machine; techniques in
biophysics; biosensors and other interesting topics
333 – 582
Cell Study and Biosensors
Fundamental of cells and cell membrane; the study of cell using different
techniques such as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS); microfluidics;
cell migration, cell sorting and trapping; technique used for introduction of
foreign molecules or particles into cells through cell membranes; biosensors
basics, biological elements, immobilization of biological elements, transducers,
applications and other interesting topics
333 – 583
Physics in Chemical and Biological Systems
Particle in a box and particle in a ring for conjugated molecules; the
quantum mechanical harmonic oscillator; the rigid rotor (molecular rotation);
single-electron atoms and ions; approximation methods; multi-electron atoms
and ions; chemical bond for diatomic and polyatomic molecules; tunneling and
charge transfer; introduction to chemical and biological simulations: quantum
mechanical methods; molecular mechanics; hybrid methods, dynamics
simulations; statistical mechanics in simulations and other interesting topics
333 – 584
Medical Physics
Biomechanics; pressure in the body; physics of various organ systems for
example physics of the lung and breathing, physics of the cardiovascular
system, electrical signals from the body, physics of the ear and hearing,
physics of the eyes and vision; application of physics such as mechanics, heat,
light, sound, radiation to medicine and other interesting topics
333 – 585
Optical Spectroscopy
Review of electromagnetism, review of quantum mechanics; interactions of
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-6)
radiation with matter from both classical and quantum point of view;
fluorescence dynamics; techniques in fluorescence spectroscopy; applications
of optical spectroscopy in biophysics research and other interesting topics
333 – 681
Special Topics in Biophysics I
Special topics in biophysics as a basis for a thesis
333 – 682
Special Topics in Biophysics II
Special topics in biophysics as a basis for a thesis
Elective Courses (Other Courses and Seminar Group)
333 – 591
Statistical Thermodynamics
Equilibrium and state quantities, the laws of thermodynamics;
thermodynamics potentials; number of microstates and entropy, ensemble
theory and microcanonical ensemble, the canonical ensemble; Boltzmann
statistics, quantum statistics; grand canonical description of ideal quantum
system, ideal Bose gas, ideal Fermi gas
333 – 592
Membrane Processes and Technology
Introduction; types of synthetic membranes; principles and theories of
membrane separation; membrane characterization; nanotechnology in
membrane science; nuclear irradiation and nuclear pore membrane; plasma
and ion-beam technology for surface modification; ion exchange membranes
and electro-dialysis; fuel cell technology; gas and vapor separation; fouling
phenomena; applications towards water purification; waste water treatment;
desalination; food technology; energy; environment and medicine
333 – 593
Electronics for Scientists
DC and AC circuit analysis; semiconductor devices; transistor amplifiers,
power amplifiers, power electronics; DC power sources, voltage and current
regulators, operational amplifier and its applications; logic circuits and devices;
analog to digital conversion, digital to analog conversion; computer interfacing
333 – 594
General Principles of Measurement Systems
General measurement system; static characteristics of measurement
system elements, the accuracy of measurement systems in the steady state;
dynamics characteristics of measurement systems; loading effect and two-port
networks; signals and noise in measurement systems; reliability, choice and
economics of measurement systems
333 – 595
Experimental Measurement and Data Acquisition Techniques with
Computer Programs
Virtual instrument design; data acquisition system, data acquisition
fundamentals, analog to digital conversion, waveform measurements,
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-6)
2(2-0-4)
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-6)
3(3-0-6)
333 – 596
333 – 691
333 – 692
Thesis
333 – 602
frequency and spectrum analysis, op-amp circuits, light-emitting diode and
photodiode characteristic study; instrument control with computer programs
such as LabView
Methods of Instrument Constructions for Materials Tests
Preparation for computer interfacing circuit that controlled with LabView
and Visual Basic for two-group of materials tests; electroceramics (first group)
such as conductive ceramics, NTC thermistor, thermoelectric material, heating
material, varistor, PTC thermistor, ferroelectric ceramics, piezoelectric
ceramics, pyroelectric material, ferromagnetic material, ferrimagnetic material,
magnetoresistance material, magnetoimpedance material, magnetoelectric
material, smart materials; semiconductor devices (second group), such as light
emitting diode, rectifier diode, light emitting diode, solar cell, infrared diode,
transistor and other device; instrument constructions for application
demonstrations of materials in everyday life
Seminar in Physics I
Students search on topics of current interest relevant to physics from a
variety of journals followed by a presentation and discussion under the
guidance of faculty members
Seminar in Physics II
Students search on topics of current interest relevant to physics from a
variety of journals followed by a presentation and discussion under the
guidance of faculty members
3(3-0-6)
1(0-2-1)
1(0-2-1)
Thesis
18(0-54-0)
Research study on the topic of interested fields available in the department
under supervision of a faculty advisor; thesis overviews should be presented to
the thesis committee regularly every semester; the thesis must be written in an
appropriate format