This document is designed to provide some of the basic curriculum and teaching related information you will need as you begin your graduate program in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. But please remember you will not find all you need to know here. You are encouraged to talk to other members of the department, particularly second year graduate students. They will be able to answer many of your questions as well as share with you some of their own experiences as a graduate teaching assistant.

If you have not received them already, along with this booklet, you will receive a number of other important forms and documents, including those which ensure you receive your first graduate teaching assistantship (GTA) paycheck in a timely manner. Please see the department staff with questions regarding this information.

The information in this booklet is divided into six sections. Academic matters are discussed in Section I, teaching related material appears in Section II. Sections III, IV and V provide a list of departmental personnel. Section VI contains miscellaneous information about the physics department and university which may be helpful. An appendix of necessary forms and some other vital information concludes the handbook.

Welcome to the University of Louisville Department of Physics and Astronomy. We hope your time with us will be mutually rewarding.

Dr. Chris L. Davis

Graduate Program Director

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION. 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS. 2

I. ACADEMIC MATTERS. 4

A. Introduction. 4

B. MS Formal Program Requirements. 4

C. MS, Informal, Departmental Requirements. 5

1. Physics Electives 5

3. Research. 5

4. Minor field courses 5

5. Additional courses 6

6. Departmental colloquia. 6

D. MS Suggested Curriculum.. 6

E. MS Advising.. 7

1. Selection of courses 7

2. Thesis option. 8

3. Non-Thesis Option. 9

F. Graduation. 9

G. Ph.D. Programs. 10

1. Chemical Physics 10

2. Applied Mathematics 10

3. Cooperative Ph.D. Program with the University of Kentucky 10

II. GTA MATTERS. 12

A. Introduction. 12

B. Competency. 12

C. Assignments. 12

D. Responsibilities. 12

1. Laboratories 13

2. Grading. 13

3. Practical aspects 13

E. Evaluation. 13

F. Summer Assignments. 13

III. PHYSICS FACULTY. 15

A. Professors. 15

B. Associate Professors. 15

C. Assistant Professors. 16

D. Professors Emeriti 17

E. Adjunct Professors. 17

F. Post - Docs. 17

G. Part – Time Faculty. 18

IV. PHYSICS DEPARTMENT STAFF. 19

V. GRADUATE STUDENTS. 20

A. MS Students Expected to Enter Fall 2007. 20

B. Returning MS and Graduate Teaching Assistant Students. 20

C. Graduate Research Assistants and PhD Students. 21

VI. MISCELLANEOUS. 22

A. Society of Physics Students and .. 22

1. Society of Physics Students 22

2. Sigma Pi Sigma ... 22

B. Departmental Resources. 22

1. Physics Office 22

2. Computing. 24

3. Machine Shop. 24

C. University Resources. 24

1. Computing. 25

2. Libraries 25

3. Bookstore 25

4. Student Activities Center (The SAC) 25

5. International Center 26

APPENDIX. 27

Proposed Course Schedule 28

Notification of Selection of Thesis/Non-Thesis Option. 29

Thesis/Dissertation Advisory Committee 30

Thesis/Dissertation Final Oral Examination Schedule 31

Excerpts from the Graduate School Catalog. 32

For the New Graduate Student. 32

Academic Policies, Procedures and Requirements. 32

Academic Standing.. 34

Student Leave of Absence. 35

Course and Credit Requirements. 36

Grades and Grading Policies. 37

Requirements for the Master's Degree. 39

Application for Degree. 40

Campus Map. 42

I. ACADEMIC MATTERS

A. Introduction

The majority of students enrolled in the department follow the two-year program leading to the Master of Science in Physics. However, it is possible for students wishing to remain in Louisville to pursue research in physics leading to the Ph.D. This may be achieved through a cooperative Ph.D. program in Chemical Physics with the University of Louisville Chemistry Department, a cooperative Ph.D. program in Applied Mathematics with the University of Louisville Mathematics Department or the cooperative Ph.D. program with the Physics Department of the University of Kentucky located in Lexington, Kentucky. Details of all four programs are described in the following sections.

B. MS Formal Program Requirements

The Department of Physics offers both thesis and non-thesis options. Specific requirements for the M.S. degree in physics are as follows:

Credit Hours

Thesis Option Non-Thesis Option

1. Required physics courses (12 hours)

605: Theoretical Mechanics 3 3

611: Electromagnetic Theory I 3 3

621-622: Quantum Mechanics I & II 6 6

2. Physics elective courses

numbered 500 and above 6 – 9 12

3. Courses in one minor field: 3 – 9 3 - 9

4. Graduate Research (699) : 6 0 - 3

5. Total credit hours required. 30 33

6. Credit hours required above 600 level 21 17

In addition to these course requirements there are graduate school requirements applicable to all graduate degrees. These may be found in the University of Louisville Graduate School Catalog. Perhaps the most important requirement to note is that relating to grades. A GPA of 3.0 or better must be maintained and no more than six hours of coursework with grade C⁺ or lower can be counted towards the degree requirement. (A copy of the relevant Graduate Catalog pages is included in the appendix at the end of this handbook).

You should also be aware that in order to retain a GTA position a student must maintain full-time student status. This means you must register for at least nine credit hours of graduate courses during both the Fall and Spring semesters.

C. MS Informal Departmental Requirements

In addition to the graduate school formal requirements listed above there are certain "informal" departmental requirements we have found necessary to implement. For the "typical" physics graduate student these requirements should pose no additional burden. However, experience has shown us that these requirements need to be clearly stated at the outset in order to avoid confusion at a later date.

1. Physics Electives

Courses required for the BS in Physics will not normally count as physics electives. Practically, this excludes PHYS 530, 541, 542, 555, and 556. Exceptions to this rule will be considered on a case to case basis by the Graduate Program Director .

2. Independent Study

Independent study provides the means by which a student can receive instruction in a subject not being offered as a “formal” course. However, in order to ensure that all students sample a varied selection of elective courses and to ensure that elective courses offered by the department achieve sufficient enrollment, a restriction is placed on independent study. A student will not normally be allowed to count more than three hours of in-department independent study (PHYS 501, PHYS 502 or PHYS 690) and three hours out of department independent study towards the MS degree. Exceptions to this rule will be considered on a case by case basis by the Graduate Program Director.

3. Research

Registration for no more than three hours of graduate research (PHYS 699) per semester is the departmental norm. In certain situations, during a student’s final semester, registration for six hours of research may be allowed. More often than not a graduate student will be involved in research during the summer. However, official registration for research during the summer semesters is not necessary, not usually approved and is not covered by GTA tuition agreement.

4. Minor field courses

The formal course requirements call for 3 - 9 hours of minor field study. While Mathematics is the usual minor field choice, courses in a different field may be chosen in some circumstances. If you have a thesis advisor his/her signature must be obtained on the “Proposed Course Schedule” form before any minor field course will be approved. Courses in the minor field are normally taken in the second year of study, with no more than one course in any term.

5. Additional courses

The normal GTA course load is 9 credit hours per semester. These courses, along with the responsibilities of being a GTA, provide most students ample opportunity to keep busy. Any desire to take an additional course must be discussed with the Graduate Program Director as well as your thesis advisor. In all such cases the student must remember that degree related courses take priority. Only in exceptional cases will a student be allowed to take an additional course during the first semester of study.

6. Departmental colloquia

Departmental colloquia are normally scheduled for Friday afternoons during the Fall and Spring semesters. The colloquia vary vastly both in content and complexity, but in all cases form a part of your education and as such your attendance is mandatory. Formal attendance records will not be kept, but your absence will be noted and dealt with accordingly.

D. MS Suggested Curriculum

All graduate students enter the department with varying backgrounds, abilities, and interests. Therefore it is impossible to devise a single program which would suit every individual. Nevertheless, given the program requirements and departmental limitations on the number and frequency of offered courses, it is possible to describe a two year curriculum schedule for a well prepared student.

1st year - Fall	1st year – Spring
605 - Theoretical Mechanics 621 - Quantum Mechanics Physics Elective	611 - EM Theory I 622 - Quantum Mechanics II Physics Elective
2nd year – Fall	2nd year – Spring
699 - Research or Physics Elective Physics Elective Minor Field I	699 - Research or Physics Elective Physics Elective Minor Field II or Physics Elective

Remember, the above is only a suggested example. The courses taken, and when they are taken, will be decided on an individual basis after consultation with the departmental graduate advisor, and for “thesis” students, their thesis advisor.

E. MS Advising

1. Selection of courses

A complete listing of the courses offered by the University for the current academic year may be found in the "Schedule of Classes" at the University Registrar’s web site, http://htmlaccess.louisville.edu/classSchedule/setupSearchClassSchedule.cfm. Prior to registration for both fall and spring classes, all graduate students - new as well as returning - must be "advised" by the Physics Graduate Program Director.

In the case of new students this consultation will take the form of a discussion of the type and level of the most recent courses taken as an undergraduate. The aim is to determine the student's current academic level in order to ensure that the courses taken are appropriate for that student. For example, an incoming student with a degree in electrical engineering may have a weak quantum mechanics background. In this case he/she would be advised to take at least one semester of the introductory 500 level quantum mechanics before beginning the 600 level quantum mechanics course sequence. In every case the courses to be taken in the first semester will be decided during that meeting.

For existing students the procedure is as follows. After consideration of degree requirements, courses offered and personal preferences, the student presents his/her list of proposed courses to the graduate advisor by completing the “Proposed Course Schedule” form. That list will either be approved or alternatives suggested based upon the formal and informal requirements listed above. Students who are following the thesis option follow a similar procedure. However, in these cases, the initial discussion (and approval of courses) takes place between student and thesis advisor. The completed form is then given to the departmental advisor who checks that the courses chosen are consistent with the timely completion of the M.S. degree. A copy of the “Proposed Course Schedule” form can be found at the end of this booklet.

IMPORTANT: Consultation with the Physics Graduate Program Director is mandatory for all Physics M.S. students prior to registration every semester. The Graduate Program Director will then arrange for the “advise hold” to be removed from your registration record. Until this “hold” is removed the registration system will not allow you to register.

When should you register and be advised? The preferred time for the Fall semester is the week before the semester begins. For the Spring semester you should aim to be advised and register during the early registration period, usually sometime in November. The graduate advisor will be available at appropriate times for advising, but it is your responsibility to be advised and register

It is worth noting that the M.S. Degree requires 30 – 33 credit hours of courses. Maintaining full-time graduate student status (a requirement of GTA employment) demands a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester (excluding summer). This produces a total of at least 36 hours over two years. Therefore, all GTA students will take at least 3 - 6 hours more than is required for the M.S. degree. Thus, there is ample opportunity to take refresher or remedial courses, where necessary, without compromising the two year M.S. timetable. Students not needing refresher/remedial courses will be expected to take at least one additional 3 credit hour physics elective as part of the additional 3 - 6 credit hours.

2. Thesis option

A student who chooses the thesis option for his/her MS degree must select a thesis advisor. The work done toward a thesis is formally recognized by registration in PHYS 699. A total of 6 hours of PHYS 699 is the minimum requirement. With the present structure of the M.S. program most students end up registering for 9 hours of PHYS 699 during their two-year stay. See the example curriculum above for an indication of when 699 is usually taken. Note that many faculty defer their grading of 699 until completion of the MS thesis.

Upon entry to the department the formal assumption will be made that no student has decided their chosen research area. It is departmental policy that this decision must not be made officially during the first semester. This policy is enforced so that the students have the opportunity to get to know the research areas of faculty members. However, the choice of thesis advisor and research area must be made before the end of the second semester. As soon as this decision is made, the form notifying the graduate advisor of thesis advisor selection must be completed. (A copy of the form can be found at the end of this booklet). Graduate students are encouraged to talk to as many faculty as possible (a minimum of 4 professors is required) in order to find out exactly what the department offers in the way of research projects. Please do not be reticent in this regard. Most faculty are more than happy to describe their research (often at great length) to anyone who will listen. Do not allow yourself to be pressured into making a decision on a research topic. Within the research areas existing in the department, as far as possible, the choice of thesis research and advisor is yours. If you feel that undue pressure is being applied to choose a particular thesis advisor do not hesitate to bring this matter to the attention of the graduate advisor.

Find out exactly what a thesis advisor has in mind for you to investigate before committing to that advisor. Is there a guaranteed thesis at the end of the road? Can the proposed research be completed before the end of your second year in the department? The department offers no guarantee of financial support to M.S. students who need more than two years to complete their degree. Talk with other graduate students. Is the faculty member reasonable in his/her dealings with graduate students? Do students usually complete their thesis within two years with that advisor? Obtain as much information as possible before making your decision. But remember the M.S. thesis is not a Ph.D. thesis. If your intention is to obtain a Ph.D. after your M.S. you do not have to continue your M.S. studies for your Ph.D. In other words if you find halfway into your M.S. thesis studies that the work you are doing no longer excites you, you will have the chance to change directions for your Ph.D.

3. Non-Thesis Option

A student who chooses the non-thesis option clearly does not need a thesis advisor. However, it is important that the graduate advisor is aware that the student has chosen this option. Therefore, non-thesis students must notify the graduate advisor by completion of the appropriate form (see Appendix) prior to the end of their second semester.

When choosing the non-thesis option be aware that a maximum of 3 hours of graduate research (699) can be counted as credit towards your degree. This means you will be required to take at least 2 hours of elective courses at the 600 level or above to meet the 17 hour minimum requirement.

The choice of the thesis/non-thesis option is not irrevocable. For example, you may start out intending to write a thesis, but find that for some reason this is impossible. Provided the required courses can be accommodated it is usually possible to switch to the non-thesis option. Similarly, provided a prospective thesis advisor agrees, it may be possible to change from the non-thesis to thesis option.

F. Graduation

In order to graduate you must meet the course requirements appropriate to your chosen option (thesis or non-thesis) as described above. Graduation can take place at the end of any of the three semesters, Fall, Spring and Summer. For students entering the program in the Fall semester it is hoped that you will complete your program at the end of your second Spring semester. However, in some cases graduation may be delayed by one or more semesters. For example, a student writing a thesis may need the additional time provided by a second Summer semester at the end of their second year. In this case the student would graduate at the end of the Summer semester.

Whichever semester you choose to graduate, you must submit a graduation request (on-line) to the registrars office in the semester at the end of which you intend to graduate. There are official deadlines you need to check up on. Also, you must be officially registered as a student the semester in which you graduate. In most cases this will not be an issue. If you are graduating in the Spring semester, you will typically have been taking courses that semester. However, if you choose to graduate at the end of the Summer semester, you must make sure you are enrolled in at least one formal course or Master’s Candidacy (which is equivalent to a course for this purpose). Please be aware that a GTA position does not cover Summer tuition, nor does the department have funds for this purpose; you may have to cover this expense yourself.

G. Ph.D. Programs

1. Chemical Physics

Students specializing in certain research areas, i.e., those with significant overlap with Chemistry, may pursue a Ph.D. in Chemistry in the area of Chemical Physics. Admission to the program is controlled by the Department of Chemistry. In order to be accepted into this program a student must satisfy all admission requirements of the Chemistry Department. Once accepted, the chemical physics student would be required to pass the same Ph.D. qualifying examination as any other chemistry student. However, dissertation research is typically carried out under the supervision of a member of the Physics Department faculty. The Ph.D. is formally awarded by the Chemistry Department. Further details may be obtained from the chairs or Graduate Program Directors of either department.

2. Applied Mathematics

Students specializing in certain research areas, i.e., those with significant overlap with Mathematics, may pursue a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics. Admission to the program is controlled by the Department of Mathematics. In order to be accepted into this program a student must satisfy all admission requirements of the Mathematics Department. Once accepted, this student would be required to pass the standard Applied Mathematics Ph.D. qualifying examination. However, dissertation research is typically carried out under the supervision of a member of the Physics Department faculty. The Ph.D. is formally awarded by the Mathematics Department. Further details may be obtained from the chairs or Graduate Program Directors of either department.

3. Cooperative Ph.D. Program with the University of Kentucky

The department participates in a cooperative doctoral program with the Department of Physics and Astronomy of the University of Kentucky (located in Lexington, Kentucky). Admission requirements are identical to the "standard" graduate student admission standards of the University of Kentucky (UK) Physics and Astronomy Department. Students must pass the same Ph.D. qualifying examination as all other UK Physics students. Dissertation research will be performed under the supervision of a member of the University of Louisville's Physics Department faculty. The Ph.D. is formally awarded by the University of Kentucky. Further details may be obtained from the chairs of either department.

II. GTA MATTERS

A. Introduction

The graduate teaching assistant is in the somewhat unique position of being both student and teacher. The responsibilities and requirements of a GTA as a student have been detailed in the previous pages. The following is an attempt to describe the basic responsibilities and requirements of the graduate student in the role of teacher.

B. Competency

All students awarded a GT Assistantship are considered technically competent to execute the responsibilities of a GTA. The University requires a further test of competency for students whose native tongue is not English. You will receive details regarding this testing procedure shortly after your arrival. Very briefly, you will be required to make a short, physics related presentation in English (of course) to a group of non-physics faculty. You will be asked questions in an attempt to simulate student/GTA relationship. Your performance will be evaluated and the results transmitted to the Physics Department. This process is in no way intended to be punitive. However, it is extremely important that you prepare adequately and perform to the best of your ability in this test. If your evaluation is unsatisfactory you will not be allowed to perform any GTA duties which involve direct student contact. This means that your GTA assignment will be exclusively grading rather than laboratory instruction. This restriction can also make it difficult for the department to cover all laboratory instruction. Therefore, please take this test seriously !!

C. Assignments

Your responsibilities as a GTA will consist of undergraduate laboratories, grading or a combination of the two. You will receive your assignment from the Graduate Program Director no later than the end of the first week of each semester. It is your duty to contact the instructor who will be in charge of your tasks as soon as you receive your assignment. You must do this as soon as possible. Most laboratory and grading duties do not begin until the second week of the semester, but do not assume this is the case until you have contacted your lab/grading supervisor.

D. Responsibilities

1. Laboratories

The specifics of your responsibilities as laboratory supervisor will be described in detail by the instructor in charge of that lab. However, all labs carry with them some basic requirements. First and foremost, remember that the students in the lab have paid for the privilege of taking the lab. You should endeavor to give them "value for money." This means any presentations or explanations should be clear and concise and all questions answered courteously. Do not make assumptions about the students' knowledge. In all likelihood this will be the first time most of the students have been exposed to whatever it is you are presenting. As an overlapping principle, treat each student with respect.

2. Grading

If you have been assigned grading duties, once again, the details of your responsibilities will be covered by the instructor for whom you are grading. Listen carefully to the instructions you are given and complete the work in a conscientious and timely manner. This is especially true at the end of semesters when faculty are under a strict deadline to submit final grades.

3. Practical aspects

Always arrive prepared and with plenty of time to spare for your lab assignments. This may mean spending several hours in preparation. Remain in the laboratory room until all the students are gone. Do not leave the class unattended for even a short amount of time. Student grades are confidential. Never discuss a student's grades within earshot of other students. Also, never give a student his/her grade over the telephone or via email. This violates the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974.

E. Evaluation

Your performance as a GTA will be evaluated by the supervising faculty member at the end of each semester. The result of this evaluation together with your involvement in departmental activities, e.g. regular attendance at departmental colloquia and participation in SPS will be used to determine whether your GT Assistantship will be continued for a second year.

F. Summer Assignments

The standard GTA stipend is paid in ten equal monthly installments from August to May. The department offers a limited selection of undergraduate courses in several summer sessions. Therefore, there is a need for several GTAs for certain periods during these summer sessions. Remuneration for these sessions is in addition to the basic GTA stipend. Summer assignments are paid on a “per assignment” basis. The dollar amount depends on the availability of departmental funds; last year it was approximately $750 per assignment. Most recently we have been able to offer two or three assignments to each student requesting summer teaching. Towards the end of the Spring Semester you will be asked if you are interested in summer teaching. If you are a “thesis” student, check with your thesis advisor as to whether he/she feels that this added responsibility would be detrimental to your research before asking for summer assignments. You will be considered for one or more of the summer sessions only if your advisor has no objection. It must be emphasized that the receipt of summer assignments is not guaranteed.

The tuition remission associated with a GTA position does not extend to summer courses. The MS program does not require a student to be registered for summer courses. If you choose to take a summer course you will be responsible for the tuition.

III. PHYSICS FACULTY

A. Professors

David N. Brown Experimental High Energy Physics

(Department Chair and NS 102C 852-0851

SPS Faculty Advisor) NS 017 (lab) 852-0929

NS 019 (lab) 852-0673

D.N.Brown_at_louisville.edu

Chris L. Davis Experimental High Energy Physics

(Graduate Program Director) NS 205 852-0852

C.L.Davis_at_louisville.edu

Peter W. France Experimental Solid State Physics

NS 103 852-0853

NS LL20 (lab) 852-0854

pwfran01_at_gwise.louisville.edu

C.S. Jayanthi Theoretical and Computational Materials Science

BRB 243 852-0890

csjaya01_at_gwise.louisville.edu

John F. Kielkopf Experimental Atomic, Molecular, and Astrophysics

NS 001 852-0892

NS 006 (lab) 852-5990

kielkopf_at_louisville.edu

Shi-Yu Wu Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics

BRB 244 852-1134

sywu0001_at_louisville.edu

B. Associate Professors

Timothy E. Dowling Atmospheric Physics

NS 201 852-3927

Tedowl01_at_louisville.edu

Shudun Liu Theoretical Solid State Physics

NS 204 852-0920

s0liu001_at_gwise.louisville.edu

Sergio B. Mendes Experimental Condensed Matter Physics

BRB 240 852-0908

sbmend01_at_louisville.edu

John C. Morrison Theoretical Atomic & Molecular Physics

NS 200 852-0916

johnc_at_erdos.math.louisville.edu

Gerard Williger Astronomy

NS 206 852-0821

gmwill06_at_louisville.edu

Gamini Sumanasekera Experimental Condensed Matter Physics BRB 241 852-0930

BRB Lab 852-0833

gamini.sumanasekera_at_louisville.edu

C. Assistant Professors

William Hoston, Jr. Mathematical and Theoretical Physics

(Undergraduate Program NS 210 852-0915

Director) wchost01_at_louisville.edu

Jim Lauroesch Astronomy

NS 203 852-1394

Jtlaur01_at_gwise.louisville.edu

Ben McCall Atmospheric Physics

NS202 852-0919

Xiaoping Tang Experimental Condensed Matter Physics

NS 209 852-0917

NS 005(lab) 852-0238

x.p.tang_at_louisville.edu

Ming Yu Theoretical Condensed Matter

BRB 242 852-0931

m0yu0001_at_gwise.louisville.edu

D. Professors Emeriti

Joseph S. Chalmers

Joel A. Gwinn

Wei-feng Huang Experimental Solid State Physics

NS 003 852-0859

wf.huang_at_louisville.edu

Roger E. Mills

P.J. Ouseph Experimental Solid State Physics

NS 025 852-0918

pjouse01_at_gwise.louisville.edu

John J. Sinai Theoretical Solid State Physics

jjsina01_at_louisville.edu

E. Adjunct Professors

Victor Henner Theoretical High Energy Physics

NS 310 852-0855

vhenner_at_python.physics.louisville.edu

F. Post - Docs

Mustafa M. Aslan Condensed Matter Experiment

BRB 222

Mmasla01_at_gwise.louisville.edu

Tereza Paronyan Condensed Matter Experiment

BRB 211

T0paro01_at_gwise.louisville.edu

Rodrigo S. Wiederkehr Condensed Matter Experiment

BRB 222

Rswied02_at_gwise.louisville.edu

Lutz Haberzettl Astronomy

NS 211 852-1986

Lghabe01_at_gwise.louisville.edu

Kapila Hewaparakrama Condensed Matter Experiment

BRB 211-212 852-0833

k0hewa01_at_louisville.edu

Chris Leahy Condensed Matter Theory

BRB 210 852-0827

christopher.leahy_at_louisville.edu

G. Part – Time Faculty

(The offices for part-time faculty are NS 107 and NS135. The phone number for room 107 is 852-0674 and the number for room 135 is 852-7754.)

Dr. Syed Faiz Ahmad

Syedfaiz_at_bellsouth.net

Dr. Stephen Bakanowski

Stephen.bakanowski_at_ge.com

Dr. Harvey Groskreutz

h0gros01_at_louisville.edu

J. Scott Miller

scott.miller_at_louisville.edu

Tom Wills

IV. PHYSICS DEPARTMENT STAFF

Joel Evans Programmer Analyst II

NS 223 852-6054

Cell phone 442-9523

joel2_at_louisville.edu

Keith Gowen Coordinator, Physics Technical Services

NS 002 852-0655

k0gowe01_at_louisville.edu

Chris Kimmer Systems Administrator

NS135 852-7754

Cjkimm01@gwise.louisville.edu

Tatyana Tarakanova Lab Coordinator

NS 307 852-0933

tatyana_at_louisville.edu

Pam Watson Unit Business Manager

NS 102B 852-6787

pdwats01_at_louisville.edu

Mary Gayle Wrocklage Clerk, Senior

NS 102 852-6790

mgwroc01_at_gwise.louisville.edu

V. GRADUATE STUDENTS

(The GTA’s Office is NS 125, phone number 852-3506.)

A. MS Students Expected to Enter Fall 2008

Rami Amro

Jennifer Burnett

Ruwantha Jayasingha

Andriy Sherehiy

Michael Snyder

B. Returning MS and Graduate Teaching Assistant Students

Buddhika Abeyweera

Bkabey01_at_gwise.louisville.edu

Isaac Feese

Igfees01_at_gwise.louisville.edu

Elizabeth Fine

Esfine01_at_gwise.louisville.edu

Jeremy Hornbeck

Jbhorn02_at_louisville.edu

Stacy May

Smmay10_at_gmail.com

Rashed Quddus

Aman_nzo_at_hotmail.com

Ajith Rajapaksha

Rarath01_at_gwise.louisville.edu

Kevin Lamkin

Kevinlamkin_at_yahoo.com

George Schuhmann

gsschu02_at_louisville.edu

C. Graduate Research Assistants and PhD Students

Christopher Bryan (Astronomy)

Cbryan9_at_yahoo.com

Karen Collins (Astronomy)

Karen.collins_at_insightbb.com

Sharvil Desai (Electrical Engineering)

scdesa01_at_louisville.edu

Abdelmajid Douida (Chemical Physics)

D0abde0a_at_gwise.louisville.edu

Jeff Hay (GEMS Fellow and Astronomy)

Hayjeff_at_hotmail.com

Jeremy Huber (Astronomy)

jhuber_at_prancer.physics.louisville.edu

Romaneh Jalilian (Electrical Engineering)

r0jali01_at_louisville.edu

Tulashi Luitel (Chemical Physics)

t0luit01_at_gwise.louisville.edu

Evgenia Moiseeva (Electrical Engineering)

Evmois01_at_gwise.louisville.edu

Anton Sidorov (Electrical Engineering)

Ansido01_at_gwise.louisville.edu

J. Harrison Simrall (Applied Math)

jhsimr01_at_louisville.edu

Lyle Smith (Applied Math)

lcsmit08_at_louisville.edu

Paul Tandy (Applied Mathematics)

Zyxtan_at_insightbb.com

VI. MISCELLANEOUS

A. Society of Physics Students and

1. Society of Physics Students

The Society of Physics Students (SPS) is a national association aligned with the APS (American Physical Society). Its purpose is to foster interest in physics among all students. As such, it is open to any student with an interest in physics. The chapter of SPS at the University of Louisville encourages all physics graduate students to become members. SPS meetings are held throughout the fall and spring semesters in addition to other group events, such as trips to national laboratories and departmental picnics. A small annual fee is charged by the national office, in return for which members receive a subscription to Physics Today and other benefits.

2. Sigma Pi Sigma

Sigma Pi Sigma is the national physics honor society. Generally, all Sigma Pi Sigma members are SPS members, but the reverse in not necessarily true. Membership of Sigma Pi Sigma is restricted to physics graduate and undergraduate students in the top one-third of their class. Honor society membership provides an outward sign of achievement in the field and as such is an important asset when applying for employment and/or graduate school. There is a one-time membership cost, discounted if already a member of SPS. All graduate students are encouraged to become members. Sigma Pi Sigma does not meet independently of SPS at the University of Louisville. Further information may be obtained from the SPS president and/or faculty advisor.

B. Departmental Resources

1. Physics Office

The Physics Office, located in NS 102, will be able to assist with most of your needs. Many of the available services are discussed below.

Coffee: A coffee pot in Room 101 provides coffee free-of-charge to all Physics personnel. We do ask one thing of you – pitch in and do your part to keep the area clean and the coffee pot full. If you take the last cup of coffee, make a new pot. Do not leave the pot empty unless it is late in the day (after 4:00 p.m.). In that case, turn the machine off. NEVER TAKE THE LAST CUP OF COFFEE AND NEVER LEAVE THE MACHINE TURNED ON WHEN IT IS EMPTY OR ALMOST EMPTY! This results in badly burnt pots and could possibly start a fire. Anyone doing this will have his/her coffee privileges suspended.

You are also welcome to use the refrigerator and microwave located in room 101. However, any perishable food left in the refrigerator more than ten days will be thrown away. Again, please help keep this area clean. In other words, if you make a mess, clean it up!

Fax:: The departmental fax number is (502) 852-0742. Use of this machine is restricted to employment related matters.

Mail and Mailboxes: Mailboxes are located in Room 101. You will be assigned a box upon your arrival. Your mail as well as departmental notices will be placed in that box on a daily basis. You may also take advantage of the University's Postal Service to send both internal (within U of L) and external mail. Just place any mail you have in the proper tray. However, all external mail must be stamped or it will be returned. Also, if you are mailing something with a short deadline, it may be wiser to place it in a U.S. mailbox to insure its timely arrival. Please do not have personal mail sent to the Physics Department as this is considered a misuse of state funds.

Many TAs have students drop off labs and homework in their mailboxes. If you decide to do this, inform the students that they will have access to this room during office hours (9:00 - 4:30) only. At other times they may leave papers (no books) in the mailbox outside this room at their own risk. The department cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen items.

Paychecks: All University employees must have their paychecks directly deposited into either a checking or savings account. We are aware that some of you may not have such an account yet and we will work with you to get everything set up properly. GTAs are paid on a monthly basis. You can expect your monthly pay to be deposited into your account by the 30^th of each month unless that day falls on a weekend. In that case, it will be deposited on the previous Friday. A few times a year, such as during University Holidays, you will be paid at an earlier date. Watch for notices of this in the mailroom. You will not receive a paycheck stub. This information is available on the University’s web site. Information on how to view your paycheck stub on the web will be included with the package all new employees received at the Department’s Orientation. You will receive your final paycheck at the end of the month of May.

Photocopying: All GTAs are welcome to use the small copier located in Room 102A. However, copying is restricted to teaching related duties only. The copier is for the use of Physics personnel only. Never offer its use to other students. You may also ask the office staff to copy items for you. These will be completed as possible.

Supplies: Paper, pens, pencils, etc. are available for teaching related duties only.

TA Office: The TA office is located in NS 125. All TAs will be assigned a desk in this room to use for studying, grading papers, etc.

Textbooks: Books/lab manuals are provided for your assigned classes. The texts are checked out of the office and must be returned before receiving your final paycheck.

2. Computing

The department maintains a network of computers for teaching and research in Physics. The machines open for general graduate student use are mostly Pentium based PCs running Linux (UNIX for PCs) located in NS 207. A PostScript laser printer is also provided. These machines are locally networked and provide direct ethernet access to other computers in the Physics Department and the rest of the University. INTERNET access is provided via the World Wide Web browser Mozilla well as SSH and Email (Pine). FORTRAN 90 GNU C and C++ and the LATEX publication system are also available. A detailed description of the local network may be found in the "Physics Department Computing Network" document, a copy of which you should have received with this handbook.

To use the departmental system you must be assigned an account. Hopefully, accounts will be created prior to your arrival in Louisville or shortly thereafter. Email is the preferred method of receiving communications from the Graduate Program Director. Therefore, it is imperative that you provide an email address that you will check on a regular basis as soon as possible after arriving in the department.

The Physics and Astronomy Department home page is http://www.physics.louisville.edu/.

3. Machine Shop

The department supports a fully functioning machine shop (NS LL2). The machinist is Mr. Keith Gowen. It is unlikely you will need to use the machine shop prior to choosing a thesis topic/advisor.

IMPORTANT: Departmental resources are available for departmental related activities only. Personal use is strictly prohibited.

C. University Resources

A detailed description of all University facilities may be found in the Graduate School Catalog. What follows is a brief description of those resources of particular interest to Physics graduate students.

1. Computing

Available facilities include access to UNIX workstations and various PCs and Macs. The UNIX machines are used primarily for scientific and engineering applications. Each machine has access to the INTERNET via the World Wide Web, Telnet, FTP, Email, etc. A large number of general purpose scientific and engineering software packages are available for general use on the UNIX machines. The South Computing Center (located in the Miller Information Technology Center) is the computer center closest to the Natural Science Building. You are encouraged to investigate this facility. Access to the network can also be achieved via the department's PC network located in NS 207.

You will not initially be assigned a "University" computing account. However, it may be necessary for you to obtain direct access to the University computing facilities as your teaching and research activities develop. For example, your research topic may require use of a software package not available on the Departmental PC network. If this is the case, obtain the necessary application form from the South Computer Center and have either the Graduate Program Director or your thesis advisor countersign the form. It will be several days before your account is activated.

2. Libraries

The William F. Ekstrom Library is located north of the Natural Science Building in the center of campus. Your University I.D. is required to borrow books from any university library. There is also an interlibrary loan system which provides access to texts/journals not housed in University libraries. Photocopying is available for a nominal fee in both libraries.

3. Bookstore

The campus bookstore is located inside the Student Activities Center. Required textbooks may be purchased here. Gray’s Bookstore (1915 S. Fourth Street) and the College Book Warehouse (1819 S. Brook Street) are other sources of these materials.

4. Student Activities Center (The SAC)

The SAC contains restaurants, a cinema, athletic facilities (e.g. weightlifting, racquetball, basketball, etc.), as well as many other things worth checking out.

5. International Center

Located in Brodschi Hall, the International Center should be one of the first places visited by foreign students. Their staff will be able to address many of the questions and concerns the departmental staff is unable to answer.

APPENDIX

Forms: (Please copy these forms or download from the web as necessary)

1. Proposed course schedule

http://www.physics.louisville.edu/public/currinf/grad/proposedcourses.html

2. Notification of selection of thesis/non-thesis option and thesis advisor

http://www.physics.louisville.edu/public/currinf/grad/advfrm.html

3. Thesis/Dissertation advisory committee

4. Thesis/Dissertation final oral exam schedule

Excerpts from the graduate school catalog

Campus Map

Proposed Course Schedule

Student Name: ______________________________________

Student ID: ______________________________________

Semester: ______________________________________

Proposed Courses: 1. ___________________________________

(Include days & times) 2. ___________________________________

3. ___________________________________

4. ___________________________________

Signatures:

___________________________/____________

Student Date

___________________________/____________

Thesis Advisor Date

___________________________ /____________

Graduate Program Director Date

The main purpose of this form is to provide confirmation to the graduate program director that the graduate student named above has received approval of his/her proposed course schedule from his/her thesis advisor.

The graduate program director will routinely approve any proposed schedule signed by a thesis advisor unless the schedule is inconsistent with departmental policy and/or the formal requirements of the MS Program.

Completed forms should be returned to the graduate program director.

Physics Department

University of Louisville

Notification of Selection of Thesis/Non-Thesis Option

And Selection of Thesis Advisor

Student's Name: ____________________________________

Student ID: _____________________________________

Thesis Option: ______ Non-thesis Option: ______

If thesis option is selected the remainder of the form must be completed.

Names of Professors 1. ___________________________________

Interviewed Prior 2. ___________________________________

to Selection of 3. ___________________________________

Thesis Advisor: 4. ___________________________________

Thesis Advisor: ______________________________________

Thesis Topic: ______________________________________

______________________________________

Estimated Completion Date: _______________________________________

Signatures: ________________________/_______________

Student Date

________________________/_______________

Thesis Advisor Date

The purpose of this form is to inform the departmental graduate student advisor whether the student will pursue the thesis or non-thesis MS option and if the thesis option is chosen with whom the student named above intends to perform their thesis research. It in no way constitutes a contract between student and thesis advisor. If, for whatever reason, it becomes necessary to change thesis advisors, the student is requested to complete a new form. Completed forms should be returned to the departmental graduate student advisor.

Physics Department

University of Louivsille

Thesis/Dissertation Advisory Committee

To: Dean of the Graduate School Date: ______________

Student Name: _________________________________________________

SS#: _________________________

(or Employee I.D.)

Department: ________________________ Major Subject Field: _____________________

Degree: (circle one) MA, MS, Ph.D., Other (specify) _____________________________

Proposed Committee Members

Name Department Signature as Agreement

to Serve on Committee

1.____________________________ ___________________ ____________________

Principal Advisor

2.____________________________ ___________________ ____________________

3.____________________________ ___________________ ____________________

4.____________________________ ___________________ ____________________

5.____________________________ ___________________ ____________________

6.____________________________ ___________________ ____________________

(Thesis Committee requires 3 members, Dissertation Committee requires 5 members)

Advisory committee members must be graduate faculty members or must have a term appointment to graduate faculty at the University of Louisville.

...........................................................................................................................................................................

The above-named faculty members are hereby appointed to act as the Advisory Committee for the student named above.

__________________________________ __________________

Department Chair Date

__________________________________ ___________________

Graduate Dean, Approval Date

Rev02/04

UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE

GRADUATE SCHOOL

http://graduate.louisville.edu

Thesis/Dissertation Final Oral Examination Schedule

To: Dean of the Graduate School Date: ____________

Student Name: _______________________________________SS#: ______________________

(or Employee I.D.)

Department: ___________________________________________________________________

Major Subject Field: _____________________________________________________________

Degree: (circle one) MA, MS, Ph.D., Other (specify) ______________________________

Title of Thesis or Dissertation:

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day, Date, & Time of Examination: _________________________________________________

Place: _______________________________________________________________________

Principal Advisor: ______________________________________________________________

Please submit this completed form no later than two weeks before the oral defense.

________________________ _______________

Department Chair Date

_________________________________ __________________

Graduate Dean, Approval Date

Rev. 10/02

UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE

GRADUATE SCHOOL

Excerpts from the Graduate School Catalog

For the New Graduate Student

Overview

The University of Louisville operates on a semester system that includes a Fall Semester, Spring Semester, and Summer semester with multiple terms. The University has a computerized admissions and registration system. Students are advised to include theirfull name and date of birth on all correspondence with the University to facilitate the identification of admission credentials and requests for information. Students who do not enroll for the semester for which they apply may be required to reapply and resubmit credentials. The University holds credentials on applicants for a limited time.

Student Responsibility

It is the responsibility of the graduate student to become familiar with and observe all policies and requirements of the Graduate School and of his or her particular degree program and department. Policies, procedures, and requirements are subject to change, and it is the responsibility of the graduate student to keep her/himself apprised of current regulations. All students must respond to official notices issued by administrative offices and instructors, whether these notices be posted on official bulletin boards, are sent through postal, or e-mail. A student's status is not dependent upon a written notification but is a consequence of circumstances in the admission process and the student's academic performance. Written notification is simply a verification of status.

Graduate Credit

Courses listed in this catalog are offered for graduate credit. To receive graduate credit, a student must register for the course through the Graduate School or through another graduate-level program, such as the Master of Engineering. Students who take these courses as post-baccalaureate registrants do not receive graduate credit.

Prerequisites

Prerequisites for all courses include graduate status and the consent of the graduate advisor (for registration). Specific course prerequisites are indicated in the course listing in the curriculum listing of this catalogue.

Academic Policies, Procedures and Requirements

The general policies, procedures and requirements for advanced degrees are stated below; however, each advanced degree has requirements, specific to that degree. These specific requirements are detailed in the program descriptions that follow this section. These requirements must be consulted, so that the graduate student may be fully apprised of the conditions he/she must meet in order to receive an advanced degree.

The policies and regulations described in this catalog cannot be superseded or invalidated by either oral or written agreement with faculty, staff, or administrators, unless such agreement is confirmed in writing by the Dean of the Graduate School.

Registration

The University of Louisville uses a touch-tone and an on-line web registration system. The schedule of courses for each term may be reviewed at http://htmlaccess.louisville.edu/classSchedule/setupSearchClassSchedule.cfm. A limited number of paper copies of the schedule may be available through the Registrar's Office, Dean's Offices, or Campus Bookstore. Students must first contact their department advisor to discuss course selections. The service indicator is changed within the department. If a student is in good standing and admitted UNCONDITIONALLY, he/she may proceed with the registration process. If, however, a student still has conditions on his/her admission, he/she must contact their department for further instructions. If a student is on academic probation, he/she must contact the Graduate Dean's office for further instructions. A student must participate in touchtone or on-line web registration. No in-person registration is permitted. A student may add courses through the touch-tone or on-line system through the first day of classes. One may also drop or withdraw from courses by touch-tone or on-line (for more information consult: http://www.louisville.edu/student/services/registrar)

Full-and Part-Time Study

Full-time study is defined as being nine (9) hours of credit during a regular semester or six (6) hours during the summer term or in candidacy status.

Full-Time Study for University Fellows and Graduate Assistants

All University Fellows and Graduate Assistants must be enrolled as full time students during the period for which they are receiving financial support.

Course Loads

Unless a department or program requires a larger number of hours for all full-time students, the maximum number of hours that may be taken in a regular semester is 12; or 15 hours if 3 or more hours are research credit. The maximum number of hours that may be taken in the summer session (both terms) is 12, including research hours.

Overloads

Any student who wishes to enroll in more than the maximum number of hours must obtain the permission of the Dean of the Graduate School. Permission to enroll for excess hours is rarely granted.

Continuous enrollment

Continuous enrollment is defined as being registered in both fall and spring if registering for coursework. If a student has been admitted to either masters or doctoral candidacy, continuous registration is defined as fall, spring and summer terms (only one term of registration is required in summer terms).

Satisfactory Progress

All graduate students are expected to make steady and satisfactory progress toward the completion of degrees. Students who fail to enroll for a period of more than 12 months will be considered to have withdrawn from the program. Students who seek to return after such a period of time are required to apply to their departments for readmission. Based on the request of the department, the Dean of the Graduate School will consider the student for readmission. Prior to reapplying, students should speak with their department. Students may submit a re-enrollment form to the Office of the Registrar if it has been less than two years since their last enrollment.

Satisfactory progress also involves maintaining the standards of academic and professional integrity expected in a particular discipline or program and, in some disciplines, may include demonstration of the ability to function as a professional practitioner. Failure to maintain these standards or demonstrate such abilities may result in termination of the student's admission to the program.

Degree Candidacy

Degree Candidacy is intended to meet the enrollment need of students who have enrolled for all formal course work and thesis/dissertation hours but who are continuing to perform research for the Masters or Doctorate degree or complete course requirements in other required coursework. It is the responsibility of the student and his/her mentor to maintain contact throughout the program of study to ensure continuous progress towards the timely completion of the degree.

Doctoral students may not enroll in Degree Candidacy until successful completion of the qualifying exam in addition to completion of the major portion of their required program of study.

Although a student must complete all required courses before entering Degree Candidacy, students have the option of taking additional specialized courses, e.g. courses offered by visiting or new faculty, while in Degree Candidacy (in those cases payment of both the candidacy fee and the course tuition will be required).

When necessary, a student may enroll in Degree Candidacy in order to meet the requirement that all students must be enrolled in the Graduate School during the semester in which he/she wishes to graduate, e.g. students in their final semester, who need to be full time students and who have less than nine hours in fall or spring or less than 6 hours in the summer to complete the degree, may enroll in Degree Candidacy.

Enrollment in Degree Candidacy requires the approval of the Graduate School. Once a student is admitted to candidacy, enrollment in Degree Candidacy status must be continuously maintained year round (i.e. Fall, Spring, and Summer) until the degree is awarded. The only exception to this policy of continuous enrollment is if the Graduate Dean has granted the student a formal leave of absence.

Once a student enrolls in Degree Candidacy, the Registrar will automatically enroll the student in Degree Candidacy until the student applies to graduate. Failure to pay the candidacy fee will be cause to cancel a student's Degree Candidacy. In order to restore Degree Candidacy, the student must receive approval of his/her department Chair and that of the Graduate Dean. To re-establish Degree Candidacy, the student will be required to pay the candidacy fee for each semester during which candidacy was voided and/or not maintained.

Academic Standing

Good Standing

A graduate student is in good standing when his/her graduate grade point average is 3.0 or higher. Graduate grade point average includes all coursework listed on a graduate transcript, whether the courses are undergraduate or graduate-level. A student must be in good standing in order to receive their degree.

Academic Probation

A student who has a graduate GPA which falls below a minimum level of academic quality (3.0 on a 4-point scale) will be placed on academic probation until the student regains a 3.0 average or is dismissed. Students are ordinarily not permitted to continue on academic probation for more than one semester. Upon request of the student's academic department, the Graduate Dean may approve continuation beyond a single semester.

Plagiarism and Cheating

It is expected that a student in the Graduate School will refrain from plagiarism and cheating. Plagiarism and cheating are serious breaches of academic conduct and may result in permanent dismissal. Each student is advised to become familiar with the various forms of academic dishonesty as explained in the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities. A plea of ignorance is not acceptable as a defense against the charge or academic dishonesty.

Extension of Time

Requests for extension of time must be submitted in writing to the Chair or Graduate Coordinator of the student's department. Once reviewed by the department, the request is forwarded to the Graduate Dean with supporting documentation for his review. While extensions of time are rare, each request is reviewed thoroughly with an appropriate outcome communicated to all interested parties. Students must be considered in good standing for the request to be considered.

Student Leave of Absence

The Graduate School. A student who has been accepted into a graduate program is expected to remain in continuous enrollment, either full-time or part-time, throughout his/her matriculation. Students who fail to enroll for a period of more than 12 months will be considered to have withdrawn from the program. Once a student enters candidacy, he/she must maintain continuous candidacy (fall, spring, summer) and pay the appropriate candidacy fee.

However, if circumstances arise that may cause an interruption in graduate study; a student may apply for a leave of absence by requesting such a leave from the Dean of the Graduate School. The letter of request must indicate the dates on which the requested leave is expected to start and end. The student's request must be accompanied by a letter of support from the graduate program director or coordinator or from the department chair. A requested leave cannot exceed one year; however, under extreme circumstances, a second, subsequent request may be granted by the Dean of the Graduate School. Students must be considered in good standing for the request to be considered.

If a leave is granted, the student may NOT enroll in any classes, including independent study, seminars, distance learning, thesis research, or dissertation research. A student on official leave of absence is not required to pay tuition, fees, or a candidacy status fee; but is not entitled to any services from the university during the leave, including mentorship from faculty.

If a leave of absence is granted to a doctoral student in candidacy, the time limitation of completing all other requirements within four years after passing the qualifying examination shall be extended by the same time as the length of the leave. The time limit stipulating that credit earned more than six years prior to the completion of the degree may not be counted is NOT automatically waived during a leave of absence. However, an appeal for an extension of this time limit, specifying the exact circumstances, can be included in the request for a leave or submitted in a subsequent letter to the Dean addressing this particular matter at the time of re-enrolling.

No degree will be granted to a student on official leave of absence. The student must re-enroll in the next term following the conclusion of the leave and be enrolled in the term in which a degree is granted. A leave of absence does not relieve a student from adherence to policies regarding residency and candidacy (except that the time limit for candidacy may be extended, as indicated in the previous paragraph).

The award of a Doctor of Philosophy degree indicates that a student has attained mastery of a field and has demonstrated the capacity to perform independent scholarly research and to appreciate the importance of that research within the broad context of his or her discipline. Accordingly, no specific minimum number of credit hours has been established for Ph.D. programs. However, it has been customary to consider the equivalent of three years of full-time graduate study as minimal.

Course and Credit Requirements

Transfer of Credit

Earned graduate credit may be transferred from accredited institutions that offer advanced degrees. The maximum number of semester hours transferable, upon request, is six. Up to six additional hours may be requested, in a master's program, provided that these additional hours are not credit earned by extension, thesis or practicum and provided also that the residency requirement of 24 semester hours is maintained by the addition of University of Louisville credits to the total program.

In unusual circumstances, a lesser residency credit requirement may be considered by the Graduate Council. Requests for such exceptions must be supported by the major department and the program adviser. In no case will a master's degree be awarded to a candidate who has completed fewer than 18 semester hours at the University of Louisville. Final approval rests with the Graduate Council.

Credit earned more than six years prior to the student's application to the Graduate School of the University of Louisville will not normally be considered for transfer; however, the Graduate Council and the Dean may make an exception upon the recommendation of the student's department.

The course work being considered for transfer must have been taken while the student was enrolled in an accredited graduate or professional school and must be evaluated for transfer by the head of the department in which the student is seeking additional graduate work. Six hours may be transferred from previously earned master's degrees toward a second master's degree, subject to the approval of the second degree program and the Dean of the Graduate School. Hours earned toward a culminating experience such as a thesis, practicum, or internship shall not be transferable to the second master's degree. Only courses in which the student earned grades of "B" or better will be considered for transfer. Hours and quality points earned at other institutions are not included in the calculation of a student's GPA.

Courses in which grades of "P" were earned must have the approval of the Graduate Dean in order to be transferred. In case of question regarding the transferability of course work, the Graduate Council is empowered to decide.

Courses requested to be transferred that have been taken on the quarter system are equivalent to two-thirds the credit hours at the University of Louisville.

Transfers of credit from constituent schools and colleges of the University of Louisville are not subject to the above limitations on transfers but require the recommendation of the student's department and the approval of the Dean of the Graduate School.

Course Numbering System

Courses with numbers from 500 to 599 may be open to both advanced undergraduate and graduate students and can be taken by graduate students for graduate credit. Those numbered 600 and above are primarily for graduate students.

Graduate students who wish to receive graduate credit for 500-level courses must demonstrate a level of mastery of the course material substantially above that required for undergraduate credit. This mastery must be verified in writing by the instructor if graduate credit is requested after course is completed.

Demonstration of an appropriate degree of mastery may include term papers, independent study, comprehensive examinations, or other more stringent requirements than those applied for undergraduate credit. The nature of the differences between the requirements for graduate credit and those for undergraduate credit must be described in course syllabi.

Only those 500-level courses that appear in this catalog are available for Graduate School credit. The student is advised to consult his/her department for information on any particular 500-level course.

Undergraduates Taking Graduate Courses

Undergraduate students with special permission of their undergraduate dean, the Dean of the Graduate School, and the instructors in the courses involved may register in graduate courses, including those at the 600 level. It is understood that such courses will replace courses in the normal undergraduate curriculum and therefore cannot be used for subsequent graduate credit. The student should be registered for at least one undergraduate course if requesting to enroll in a graduate course.

Undergraduate students at the University of Louisville who are within six semester hours of completing the baccalaureate requirements may register in graduate courses, including those at the 600 level, with the permission of the undergraduate dean, the Dean of the Graduate School, and the instructors involved. Subsequent graduate credit can be obtained only if these courses have not been used to satisfy part of the baccalaureate requirements, and if the recommendation of the chairman of the department involved and the approval of the graduate dean are obtained. Exceptions are those students enrolled in an accelerated Bachelor/Master's program in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Grades and Grading Policies

University Grade Point Average (GPA)

The GPA appearing on the University transcript at the end of each semester of enrollment will be the official GPA for determining Graduate School academic standing. The GPA will be based upon all courses taken at the undergraduate and graduate level. Courses taken at the 500-level and above will be counted as graduate courses. The University transcript may only include up to a maximum of 6 credit hours in undergraduate course work. Any undergraduate courses beyond this 6 credit hour limit must be taken pass/fail. While possibly including undergraduate coursework, this transcript will determine the overall Graduate GPA. The post-admission advising office with the Graduate School will monitor this Graduate GPA.

Grading System

The Graduate School utilizes a plus/minus grading system. It is at the discretion of the instructor to determine the use of plus/minus grading.

The following is the grading scale:

Grade	Quality Points	Grade	Quality Points
A+	4.0	C	2.0
A	4.0	C-	1.7
A-	3.7	D+	1.3
B+	3.3	D	1.0
B	3.0	D-	0.7
B-	2.7	F	0.0
C+	2.3

C Grades

The student's academic department may approve six hours of coursework in which a grade of "C+, C, or C-" was received to count toward the completion of degree requirements. Approval of the Graduate Dean must be secured in order to count additional hours with any grade of C in any course required in the degree program.

In no case may more than nine hours of "C" be used to fulfill graduate degree requirements. Some programs may not permit any courses in which a grade of C+, C, or C- has been earned to be used in fulfillment of degree requirements. Although grades below C- will be calculated in the graduate student's grade point average, courses in which these grades have been earned will not be counted towards the fulfillment of degree requirements.

Other Grades

"W" - means Withdrew and carries no quality points. No student may withdraw from any course after the published drop date. In exceptional cases, the dean may grant a student's request to withdraw from courses because of illness or conditions beyond the student's control. Poor performance is not a valid reason to grant an exception.

"I" - means Work in Course Incomplete. If the work is not completed by the end of the next term, regardless of whether the student is enrolled, the "I" automatically becomes an "F".

"X" - means course work has not been finished because of the nature of the research or study involved, e.g., thesis work. This grade is reserved for courses that by their nature extend beyond one semester. This grade may not be used for coursework that is confined to a semester but not completed by the student. During the time an "X" grade is carried on the transcript, continuous enrollment is not required.

Graduate students enroll in courses on a term basis. Graduate courses may not be extended beyond the enrollment term, except as noted for open-ended courses eligible for the "X" or deferred grade. An "I" grade does not extend the course, but rather extend the time a student has for completion of work assigned in the course. The "I" must be removed within one semester and the new grade assigned for the term in which the student was originally enrolled or the "I" is changed to an "F".

Pass/Fail Grading Option

Each department has the discretion of extending a Pass/Fail option to any or all of its graduate students and graduate courses.

Because the advisability of such an arrangement varies from department to department, each department, subject to approval of the Graduate Council, works out the arrangement that is most suitable. The student is referred to his/her departmental chair for details.

When using the Pass/Fail option for graduate students enrolled in graduate courses, A+ through C will be passing grades and D+ through F will be failing grades.

Changes of Grades

No changes of grades can be made without a request and explanation on the part of the faculty member giving the grade and the approval of the Dean of the Graduate School.

Missing Grades

All missing grades will be changed to failing grades one year after the completion of the semester in which the course was taken.

Repetition of Courses

A student who has received the grade of "C" (in a course that is a degree requirement), "D" or "F" may repeat that course upon the approval of the graduate program adviser and the graduate dean. When a student repeats a course, the grade point average will be calculated on the basis of the last grade earned, although all previous grades will remain on the transcript.

Requirements for the Master's Degree

The departmental announcements in this catalogue should be consulted in all instances; however, the following rules apply to all master's degree programs.

Course Credit

A minimum total of 30 semester hours of graduate credit is required for the master's degree. At least 15 semester hours must be in courses of the major subject area, and the remaining hours in the program distributed as recommended and approved by the major department. At least one-half of the credits counted toward the degree (exclusive of thesis, practicum and internships) must be in courses open to graduate students only (600 level or above). A grade average of 3.0 or better must be maintained.

There is a time limit imposed, stipulating that credit earned more than six years prior to the completion of the degree may not be counted toward meeting its requirements. This time period may be extended upon recommendation of the student's department head and the approval of the Dean of the Graduate School.

Maintaining Candidacy

Refer to previous section entitled, General Academic Policies and Requirements, see subsection entitled Maintaining Candidacy.

Thesis

Students completing degree programs that include a thesis must submit the thesis to their major professor at least thirty days in advance of graduation (guidelines may be found at http://graduate.louisville.edu/student_info/theses.html).

Acceptance of the thesis shall be at the discretion of a special reading committee composed of the major professor and two other persons of professorial rank recommended by the department and appointed by the Dean of the Graduate School. One person so appointed shall be from a different department, and all three must be members of the Graduate Faculty. The major professor must be a Senior Member of the Graduate Faculty. The committee shall complete its review of the thesis at least one week prior to the final oral examination.

One unbound copy of the accepted thesis, signed by the committee members, must be deposited with the Office of the Graduate School (see Schedule of Courses for due date). Graduate students completing a thesis in an M.S. program offered through the Speed Scientific School are required to submit additional copies. Students should contact the office of the dean of that school for specific information.

The thesis normally carries 6 semester hours of graduate credit, which is in addition to the 15-hour minimum taken within the major department. In certain departments, a professional paper may be required in lieu of a thesis. For procedures in these instances, consult the head of the department.

Final Oral Examination

The final oral examination shall be conducted by a committee of Graduate Faculty members recommended by the head of the major department and appointed by the Dean of the Graduate School in the same manner as the thesis reading committee.

The examination must cover the materials presented in the thesis or professional paper and may include the content of courses taken or other matters pertinent to the candidate's admissibility to the master's degree. At the discretion of the major department, a portion of this examination may be written. The recommendation for the degree shall be determined by a simple majority of the committee members.

Recommendation shall be made to the graduate dean at least one week prior to graduation.

In the event of an unfavorable vote, the committee may refuse the candidate's admissibility to the master's degree, or it may recommend another examination with or without additional work.

Application for Degree

Degrees are awarded in August, December, and May. Candidates who expect to receive degrees on a particular award date must complete the application for degree on ULink before the deadline specified in the University calendar (see Schedule of Courses).

The University holds two commencement ceremonies each year. For specific information regarding the ceremonies, apparel, dates, etc. please visit the Commencement web-site: http://www.louisville.edu/commencement/

Each student who is required to submit a dissertation or thesis to fulfill degree requirements must follow the guidelines approved by the Graduate School. These guidelines The Preparation of a Dissertation and The Preparation of a Thesis may found on the Graduate School web-site http://graduate.louisville.edu/pubs/theses-dissertations/. Prior to submission of the final copy of a dissertation/thesis, students must contact the Graduate School to schedule a review of the document.

Microfilming and Copyrighting

The University of Louisville, by action of its graduate faculty, requires that all theses and dissertations be microfilmed. Copyrighting the paper is an optional choice for its author. Candidates for advanced degrees that require theses or dissertations must submit agreements for microfilming and copyright applications on the appropriate forms supplied by the Graduate School Office. A completed application, one extra copy of the abstract, and one extra copy of the title page must accompany the unbound copies of each dissertation or thesis. The extra copies of the abstract and title page are used by UMI/Proquest. in its abstracting journals. A limitation of 350 words is set on the abstracts for doctoral dissertations and 150 words for theses for master's degrees.