GRADUATE
SPACE SCIENCES PROGRAM
OVERVIEW
MASTER OF SCIENCE MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAM
The space sciences graduate program stresses astrophysics, astrodynamics, space and planetary physics, cosmic ray physics, space instrumentation,
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY physics of lightning, solar-terrestrial interrelations, terrestrial geomagnetism and stellar photometry. Graduate study in space sciences at the master’s
level prepares the graduate for a wide range of scientific and technical responsibilities in industry and government related directly or indirectly to the
DEPARTMENT HEAD space program.
Laszlo Baksay, Ph.D.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
PROFESSORS
An applicant for admission should have a bachelor’s degree in physics, mathematics, space sciences or an engineering field, and should submit Graduate
Marc M. Baarmand, Ph.D.
Record Examination (GRE) scores from both the General Test and the Subject Test in physics (recommended but not required).
Laszlo Baksay, Ph.D.
Ramon E. Lopez, Ph.D. General admission requirements and the process of applying are presented in the Graduate Information and Regulations section of the University Catalog.
Terry D. Oswalt, Ph.D. CURRICULUM
Hamid K. Rassoul, Ph.D. The graduate program is a continuation of the space sciences undergraduate curriculum at Florida Tech; students who have had a different under-
Matthew A. Wood, Ph.D. graduate curriculum may have to take senior-level undergraduate courses to make up deficiencies. With the approval of the department, students may
ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS be given credit toward the master’s degree for up to six semester credit hours of senior-level courses taken as a graduate student. Specialized space
Joseph R. Dwyer, Ph.D. sciences senior-level courses commonly taken include astrophysics, planetary geophysics and remote multispectral sensing.
Ming Zhang, Ph.D. The master of science degree is conferred after satisfactory completion of 33 credit hours of required and elective courses. Twenty-seven credit hours
ASSISTANT PROFESSORS must be taken from the following core-course requirements:
Marcus Hohlmann, Ph.D. Mathematics/Computer Science (2 courses) Physics (3 courses) SPS 5011 Astrophysics 2: Galactic Structure
James G. Mantovani, Ph.D. CSE 5001 Assembly Language and Organization ECE 5410 Electrodynamics 1 and Cosmology
Benjamin M. Sawyer, M.S. CSE 5100 Data Structure and Algorithms PHY 5015 Analytical Mechanics 1 SPS 5020 Space Physics 1: The Low-Energy Universe
Niescja E. Turner, Ph.D. MTH 5051 Applied Discrete Mathematics PHY 5030 Quantum Mechanics 1 SPS 5021 Space Physics 2: The High-Energy Universe
MTH 5201 Math Methods in Science and Engineering 1 PHY 5081 Statistical Mechanics SPS 5030 Planetary Sciences 1: Interiors
Stephane Vennes, Ph.D.
MTH 5202 Math Methods in Science and Engineering 2 Space Sciences (4 courses) SPS 5031 Planetary Sciences 2: Atmospheres
DISTINGUISHED RESEARCH PROFESSORS MTH 5301 Numerical Analysis 1 SPS 5010 Astrophysics 1: Stellar Structure
Samuel T. Durrance, Ph.D. MTH 5401 Applied Statistical Analysis and Evolution
Bernard Foing, Ph.D. Courses taken during undergraduate years and applied to a bachelor’s degree or equivalent may not be used to fulfill the core-course requirements.
PROFESSORS EMERITI Substitutions may be made in special cases with the approval of the department head.
Joel H. Blatt, Ph.D. Electives can be selected with the adviser’s approval from a wide variety of space science (SPS), space systems (SPC), physics (PHY), electrical and
Jay Burns, Ph.D. computer engineering (ECE), mechanical and aerospace engineering (MAE), computer science (CSE) and mathematics (MTH) offerings, including:
Rong-sheng Jin, Ph.D. ECE 5350 Optical Electronics PHY 5031 Quantum Mechanics 2 SPC 5004 Space Propulsion Systems
James D. Patterson, Ph.D. ECE 5353 Optical Computing PHY 5034 Semiconductor Physics SPC 5005 Space Power Systems
ECE 5411 Electrodynamics 2 PHY 5035 Solid State Physics 1 SPC 5006 Space Communications and Data Systems
ECE 5425 Antennas 1 PHY 5036 Solid State Physics 2 SPC 5017 Aerospace Remote Sensing Systems
ECE 5426 Antennas 2 PHY 5054 Fourier Optics SPC 5080 Space Missions
PHY 5016 Analytical Mechanics 2 PHY 5080 Thermodynamics SPS 5050 Astrodynamics
PHY 5020 Optics
A thesis is optional and up to six semester hours of credit may be allowed for work leading to the thesis.
A general written examination is given by the department twice each year during the spring semester. A graduate student is normally required to take
this examination in the second semester of residence. Before the master’s degree is granted, the student must pass a final oral examination administered
by a committee of three or more members of the graduate faculty selected by the student and the departmental adviser, and including at least one
member from outside the department. The examination pertains primarily to areas related to the field of the thesis. If the nonthesis option is chosen, the
student is required to pass an oral examination, administered as above, covering the general area of the student’s graduate studies.
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREE PROGRAM
The space sciences comprise an interdisciplinary field that includes astronomy, astrophysics, and planetary and solar studies. By nature a broad subject,
graduate study in the space sciences can be narrowly focused within one of these specializations. Florida Tech’s doctoral degree in space sciences
provides training with the breadth and depth consistent with the highest level degree. Such training produces qualified professionals for teaching and
research in academic institutions and for research and related work in government and industry.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
General admission requirements and the process for applying are presented in the Graduate Information and Regulations section of the University Catalog.
The GRE subject exam is recommended but not required.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
The doctoral degree is conferred primarily to recognize a person who has demonstrated a satisfactory breadth and level of scientific accomplishment
and has the ability to investigate scientific problems independently. It is also expected that the successful candidate for the degree will have advanced or
played a significant part in the advancement of fundamental knowledge in the space sciences.
Each candidate for the doctoral degree must prepare and carry out a program of study approved by the major adviser and the department head; pass a
College of Science departmental qualifying examination; pass a written doctoral comprehensive examination, which emphasizes the student’s major area of concentration;
Department of Physics submit a dissertation proposal that gains the approval of the student’s doctoral committee; complete a program of significant original research; and
and Space Sciences write and successfully defend a dissertation based on the program of research. Students with master’s degrees in physics or appropriate related fields
150 West University Boulevard may opt to omit the qualifying exam if they take and pass the comprehensive exam within 13 months of starting the program.
Melbourne, Florida 32901-6975 The Doctor of Philosophy in Space Sciences is by nature a research degree. Dissertation research is normally begun immediately after successful comple-
(321) 674-8098 tion of the comprehensive examination by the end of the second year of full-time graduate course work. The comprehensive examination includes both
http://cos.fit.edu/pss a written and oral evaluation of the candidate’s aptitude and preparation for independent research. Dissertation research is closely supervised by the
student’s adviser. Because of this high level of personal commitment by the adviser, a prospective doctoral candidate must be willing to undertake
GA-249-506 dissertation research in an area of current active interest by the department’s faculty. Prior to the award of the Doctor of Philosophy in Space Sciences,
Page 1 of 2 the candidate presents the completed dissertation manuscript and orally presents and defends the research results to the doctoral committee.

SPACE SCIENCES
FINANCIAL AID The student is also expected to present a seminar on the dissertation research. The dissertation, or a significant portion thereof, must have been
Graduate student assistantships for accepted for publication in a major, refereed journal before the degree can be awarded.
instruction and research are available The department does not require candidates for the doctorate to present evidence of competence in a foreign language, but because of the importance
to well-qualified master’s and doctoral of communications with foreign scientists, it is strongly urged that candidates for the doctorate acquire reading competency in at least one language in
degree students. Assistantships carry addition to English. The student is also advised to be proficient with at least one programming language.
stipends plus a tuition waiver. In some Completion of the doctoral program in space sciences requires a minimum of 81 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree (or 48 credit hours beyond the
cases, a tuition waiver alone may be master’s) including dissertation credit and at least 24 credit hours of required and elective courses. Course work, including courses that may have been
awarded for a limited amount of service. applied toward a master of science degree, must include at least 15 credit hours of core courses, 24 credit hours of foundation courses and 12 credit hours
of electives, and must include at least 18 credit hours taken at Florida Tech. The core courses offered by the department are usually offered every other
Assistantships for master’s degree
year; therefore, the student is advised to plan his/her curriculum carefully.
students are normally for an academic
Core Courses (15 credit hours) Foundation Courses (24 credit hours) Electives (12 credit hours)
year; assistantships for doctoral students SPS 5010 Astrophysics 1: Stellar Structure ECE 5410 Electrodynamics 1 Electives can be other space sciences courses, or
are renewable on a yearly basis. and Evolution ECE 5411 Electrodynamics 2 selected courses in mathematics, computer science,
THE UNIVERSITY SPS 5011 Astrophysics 2: Galactic Structure MTH 5201 Math Methods in Science and Engineering 1 electrical engineering or physics. A complete list of
and Cosmology MTH 5202 Math Methods in Science and Engineering 2 approved elective courses is available from the physics
Florida Institute of Technology is a distinc- SPS 5020 Space Physics 1: The Low-Energy Universe MTH 5301 Numerical Analysis and space sciences department. The substitution of
tive, independent university, founded in SPS 5021 Space Physics 2: The High-Energy Universe PHY 5015 Analytical Mechanics 1 electives outside this list is allowed with concurrence
1958 by a group of scientists and engineers SPS 5030 Planetary Sciences 1: Interiors PHY 5016 Analytical Mechanics 2 of the adviser and the department head.
to fulfill the need for specialized, SPS 5031 Planetary Sciences 2: Atmospheres PHY 5030 Quantum Mechanics 1 Many of the core and foundation courses will probably
PHY 5031 Quantum Mechanics 2 have been taken at the master’s level, as well as other
advanced educational opportunities
PHY 5054 Introduction to Fourier Optics courses that would qualify as electives. Therefore, the
of Florida’s Space Coast. Florida Tech is PHY 5080 Thermodynamics number of core, foundation and elective credit hours
the only comprehensive, independent PHY 5081 Statistical Mechanics beyond the master’s degree could be as low as 24.
scientific and technological university in SPS 5050 Astrodynamics
the southeast. Supported by both industry
TEACHING AND RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIPS
and the community, Florida Tech is the
The department offers a number of teaching and research assistantships each year. Teaching assistants participate in laboratory instruction, or in the
recipient of many research grants and preparation of teaching materials and the grading of papers. Research assistants work on research projects that are often related to their own master’s
contracts, a number of which provide thesis or doctoral dissertation investigations. Both types of assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis, and provide graduate course fee remis-
financial support for graduate students. sion and a stipend for living expenses. To increase the probability of receiving an assistantship, applicants are advised to apply as early as possible in the
LOCATION academic year prior to requested admission.
Melbourne is located on the central
RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
east coast of Florida. The area offers a Graduate students can pursue both theoretical and experimental research in the following fields of specialty, which are active in the department.
delightful year-round subtropical climate
Astrophysics Solar Physics and Planetary Science Remote Sensing and Instrumentation
and is 10 minutes from the ocean and
• Gravitational redshifts and evolution of white • Solar corona and interplanetary medium • Moiré profilometry, especially of space structures
beaches. Kennedy Space Center and the dwarf stars • Time dependence of geomagnetic field strength, • Ground- and space-based IR studies of global
massive NASA complex are just 45 minutes • Astronomical image processing correlation with changes in Earth rotation rate atmospheric CO2 content and other trace gases
north of Melbourne. The city of Orlando, • Photoelectric photometry and theoretical models of • Multicolored photometry and occultation studies of • Night sky brightness, light pollution
Walt Disney World, EPCOT and many other close binary systems minor planets and comets Other
• Astrophysical fluid dynamics • Auroral and ionosphere physics, solar particle flux • Infrared detection by narrow bandgap semiconductors
attractions are one hour west of Florida • Simulations of cataclysmic variables • Space-based energetic particle observations • Magnetostatic field calculations for traveling
Tech’s main campus. • Cosmic-ray propagation modeling wave tubes
• Optical properties of solids
FOR MORE INFORMATION • Experiments in microgravity
To obtain more detailed information
about this Graduate Program or to obtain RESEARCH FACILITIES
application materials, visit our home page Experimental research in space sciences is carried out in a variety of laboratories operated by the department of physics and space sciences. Facilities that
at www.fit.edu/grad or the University are currently available to graduate students include:
Catalog at www.fit.edu/catalog, or Astronomy and Astrophysics Laboratory: This facility offers image processing using Image Reduction and Analysis Facility (IRAF) software for Linux
contact: workstations, applications to astronomical spectra, and image processing. Current research includes CCD spectral line profile analysis of white dwarf
Florida Institute of Technology stars and astrophysical fluid dynamics.
Office of Graduate Admissions Computational Facilities: The department’s facilities include a network of Linux and Windows workstations. The university also has available a
150 W. University Blvd. 48-node Beowulf cluster running Linux/MPI.
Melbourne, FL 32901-6975 Geospace Physics Laboratory (GPL): Space physicists, and graduate and undergraduate students study the interaction of the sun on Earth’s magneto-
(321) 674-8027 sphere and ionosphere, as manifested in such phenomena as the aurora. Current research projects include the study of plasma wave activity within the
(321) 723-9468/Fax magnetosphere, solar/interplanetary energetic particle measurements and cosmic-ray propagation modeling. GPL operates a 10-site meridional array of
(800) 944-4348 magnetometers along the east coast of the United States (the MEASURE array). The array observations, and particle and field measurements from vari-
ous satellites (CRRES, LANL, IMP) are used for studying magnetic wave energy propagation within the geospace environment and the dynamics of Earth’s
Florida Institute of Technology is an independent plasmasphere and the storm-time radiation belt. Research at GPL also includes the study of energetic particle acceleration and propagation within the
university located in Melbourne, Florida. Florida Tech heliosphere and in interstellar space, using energetic particle measurements from the Ulysses, ACE, Wind and CRRES spacecraft as well as numerical
is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges
modeling of particle transport processes. A space shuttle Get Away Special Canister (GAS Can) payload to study upward propagating lightning from space
and Schools to award associate, baccalaureate,
master’s, education specialist and doctoral degrees.
is being developed with a student team in charge of the hardware assembly and integration of the radio, optical and gamma ray experiments. Please see
Florida Tech admits students of any race, color, www.pss.fit.edu/Space-Physics/gpl.html for more details.
national or ethnic origin, and does not discriminate F.W. Olin 0.8-M Telescope: In spring 2006, a 0.8-m automated telescope will be installed in the rooftop dome of the F.W. Olin Physical Sciences Center.
on the basis of disability in admission or access to Equipped with a large-format CCD imaging system and a spectrograph, it will be available for student and faculty projects as well as monthly public
its programs. guest nights. The observatory will be accessible by conventional on-site means and remotely via the Internet.
SARA 0.9-M Telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory: Florida Tech is the administrative institution for the Southeastern Association for
Research in Astronomy (SARA). SARA has recommissioned a 0.9-m telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory near Tucson, Ariz., for CCD imaging and
photometry. In addition to conventional on-site use of the telescope, the fully automated telescope may also be remotely accessed via the Internet.
Approximately one-fourth of all annual observing time on this facility is allocated to Florida Tech faculty and student research projects.
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