Graduate Program

Our graduate students are an indispensable part of the Notre Dame Physics Department, contributing to and energizing research in experimental and theoretical physics from a wide range of areas. During a typical year, approximately 100 graduate students collaborate with the 50 faculty members, and 20 post-doctoral researchers who make up the department.

All admitted students receive full tuition support and a stipend. Beginning doctoral students typically work as teaching assistants (about 15 hours per week) during the academic year. During the summer most students hold research assistantships. The majority of advanced students work as research assistants funded by external research grants. Applicants with strong academic records are automatically considered for fellowships.

The APS cites Notre Dame Physics Department as a female-friendly physics department with approximately 25% female graduate students.

The Notre Dame Difference:

Notre Dame offers the research opportunities of a large university coupled with the environment of a smaller, private university. The Notre Dame Physics Department prides itself on its collaborative and supportive environment.

Areas of Study

Astrophysics

Observational/Theoretical/Computational

What is dark energy, which drives the universe’s cosmic acceleration?
How are planets and their host stars formed?
How are galaxies assembled?

Our principal laboratory for astrophysics is the Large Binocular Telescope, the largest in the world. We use empirical studies from this and other ground- and space-based observatories, along with theoretical methods and advanced computational algorithms, to study some of the biggest questions in science, from the Big Bang through today.

Atomic Physics

Experimental/Theoretical

What are the fundamental forces of nature?
How are the principles of quantum mechanics and the forces of nature revealed through the structure of atoms?

The atomic physics group at Notre Dame is well known for the precision study of atomic structure both experimentally and theoretically where by the fundamental forces and building blocks of nature can be tested.

Biophysics/Network

Experimental/Theoretical

How does biology work at the molecular level?
How do we approach complex problems?

Our biological physics research investigate the geometry, electronic structure and interactions of biological systems like DNA, proteins, bacteria, viruses, liposomes, etc., using state-of-art instrumentation such as laser transmission and photoelectron spectroscopy. The network science center develops and integrates novel mathematical and computational tools to bear on applications ranging from fluid flows, processes in solids, to complex networked systems in biology, sociology and communications.

Condensed Matter Physics

Experimental/Theoretical

Which microscopic mechanisms are behind emergent macroscopic phases?
Can we tailor materials with specific properties to explore fundamental physics or for applications?

We study magnetic semiconductors, spin transport, quantum dots, nano- and biosystems, superconductors and vortices. Research is carried out on campus and at a number of domestic and international facilities. Possibility for interdisciplinary research projects with chemistry, biology, mathematics and engineering.

High Energy Physics

Experimental/Theoretical

What is mass? Why do different particles have different masses?
Why is there any matter in the first place? Are there extra dimensions?
What are dark matter and dark energy? Can we make it in the lab?

We try to answer those questions (and more) by creating theoretical models that are then tested at experiments such as the CMS experiment on LHC in Switzerland and the Double Chooz reactor neutrino experiment in France.

Nuclear Physics

Experimental/Theoretical

How are heavy elements formed in supernovae? How do complex correlations arise from the interaction of protons and neutrons?

Our nuclear physics program continues to expand, installing a next-generation accelerator and mass separator at Notre Dame, and developing experiments for facilities worldwide. The Notre Dame Nuclear Science Laboratory offers graduate students invaluable hands-on experience with designing and using experimental equipment.