Blog Detail
M.Sc. Physics Syllabus & Course Details: Semester-Wise Subjects & Entrance Exam Guide
17-03-2025
In today’s era of advanced technology, where many students aim to build careers in Computer Science, there are also abundant opportunities for those with a higher education degree in Physics, such as Master of Science (MSc) in Physics.
According to a report by the Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), employment for physicists and astronomers is projected to grow by 8% from 2021 to 2031, a rate faster than the average for all occupations. This increase is primarily driven by the rising demand for research and development in fields like Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, and Renewable Energy.
MSc Physics is a two-year postgraduate programme that provides an in-depth understanding of physics, a fundamental science discipline. While most Indian colleges and universities follow a syllabus guided by the University Grants Commission (UGC), slight variations may exist between institutions. The blog discusses the MSc Physics syllabus and course details in depth:
Overview of MSc Physics
The MSc Physics is a postgraduate programme designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of Fundamental and Advanced Physics Concepts. This two-year programme prepares students for careers in Physics and related fields by developing their expertise in specialised areas.
The MSc Physics subjects are structured in the curriculum to enhance the industrial and academic skills of the students in their respective fields. The course focuses on developing expertise through lectures and laboratory-based learning.
Students gain hands-on experience in data analysis and problem-solving while deepening their understanding of key concepts. Below, we have discussed the MSc Physics course details in brief:
| Programme Name | Master of Science (MSc) in Physics |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Eligibility | Passed BSc in Physics from a recognised university with at least 50% aggregate marks |
| Admission Process | Merit or entrance-based |
| Career Opportunities |
|
MSc Physics Entrance Exam Syllabus
Various top-rated national and university-level entrance exams are conducted to screen MSc Physics aspirants. Candidates are selected based on their entrance exam scores. Authorities release the specific syllabus for each entrance test to assist students in their preparation. Following is the MSc Physics entrance exam syllabus for different examination formats:
| Exam | Full Form | Subjects Covered |
| NEST | National Entrance Screening Test | Vectors, Thermodynamics, Thermal Physics, Electricity and Magnetism, Integral & Differential Calculus, Solid State, Analytical Geometry, Alkenes and Alkynes, Nervous System, Digestive System, Chemical Equilibrium, Capacitance, and more. |
| IPU CET | Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test | Recombinant DNA Technology, Plant & Animal Biotechnology, Operating Systems, Occupational Therapy, Immunology, Electrotherapy, Discrete Mathematics, Computer Organisation, Bioinformatics, and more. |
| IIT JAM | Indian Institute of Technology Joint Admission Test for MSc | Chemical Thermodynamics, Atomic & Molecular Structure, Bonding in Molecules, Plant Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Probability, Organic Reaction Mechanism, Synthetic Applications, Aromatic & Heterocyclic Chemistry, and more. |
| CUET PG | Common University Entrance Test for Postgraduate Programmes | Soil Science, Agricultural Chemistry, Plant Physiology, Mycology, Plant Pathology, Horticulture, Genetics & Plant Breeding, Entomology, Agronomy, Agricultural Extension Education, Agricultural Engineering, and more. |
MSc Physics Syllabus
The MSc Physics syllabus focuses on enhancing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Key MSc Physics subjects covered in the curriculum include Solid-State Physics, Electronics, Mathematical Physics, Statistical Mechanics, and Renewable Energy Sources. The table below gives a semester-wise breakdown of the MSc Physics syllabus:
| MSc Physics 1st Sem Syllabus | MSc Physics 2nd Sem Syllabus |
| Classical Mechanics | General Electronics |
| Quantum Mechanics-1 | Quantum Mechanics-2 |
| Soft Core | Soft Core |
| Statistical Mechanics / Computational Methods in Physics | Electrodynamics / Laser Physics and Nonlinear Optics |
| Mathematical Methods in Physics / Medical Physics | Open Elective-2 |
| Open Elective-1 | General Electronics Lab |
| Happiness and Wellbeing / Graphic Design | Soft Core Lab |
| General Physics Lab | Modern Lab / MHRD Virtual Lab |
| Soft Core Lab | Research Project - 1 (Scientific Writing) |
| Computer Exercises Lab | PCL - Research and Entrepreneurship Project |
| Note: Students completing 2 semesters with 40 credits will receive a PG Diploma in Physics. | |
| MSc Physics 3rd Sem Syllabus | MSc Physics 4th Sem Syllabus |
| Physics of Solids | Atmospheric Physics and Chemistry |
| Nuclear and Particle Physics | Specialisation Course (Any one): |
| Atomic & Molecular and Resonance Spectroscopy | - Astrophysics and Relativity-2: Exploring the Cosmos-2 |
| Specialisation Course (Any one): | - Materials Science (Special)-2: Functional Materials |
| - Astronomy and Astrophysics Special-1: Exploring the Cosmos-1 | - Microelectronics (Special)-2 |
| - Materials Science Special-1: Physics of Materials and Properties | Specialisation Lab-2 |
| - Microelectronics (Special)-1: IC Fabrication Technology | Astronomy and Astrophysics Lab-2 |
| Specialisation Lab-1 | Materials Science Lab-2 |
| Astronomy and Astrophysics Lab-1 | Microelectronics Lab-2 |
| Materials Science Lab-1 | Research Project - 3 |
| Microelectronics Lab-1 | PCL-2 - Research and Entrepreneurship Project |
| Research Project - 2 | |
MSc Physics Subjects: Practical Syllabus
The MSc Physics subjects also include a laboratory-focused curriculum to equip students with the skills to conduct basic and advanced experiments. These practical courses enhance students' theoretical understanding and hands-on expertise.
These lab subjects help students develop the necessary skills to work in cutting-edge research areas. As a result, they have better opportunities to pursue higher studies in research. Below are the key lab subjects covered in the MSc syllabus Physics:
- Nuclear Physics
- Material Science
- Computational Physics
- Electronics
- Particle
Conclusion
MSc Physics is a comprehensive postgraduate programme that offers students an in-depth understanding of fundamental and advanced concepts in physics. The structured curriculum ensures that students gain the necessary skills for research, industry, and academic career skills.
With the increasing demand for Physicists in Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, and Renewable Energy, MSc Physics graduates have promising career opportunities. Additionally, laboratory-based learning and research projects further enhance their expertise in pursuing higher studies or accessing specialised roles in physics-related domains.
FAQs
Q1: What are the subjects in MSc Physics?
A1: The subjects in MSc Physics include Classical Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Mathematical Methods in Physics, Computational Physics, Nuclear and Particle Physics, Atomic & Molecular Spectroscopy, Solid-State Physics, Electronics, Laser Physics and Nonlinear Optics.
Q2: How long is a MSc in Physics?
A2: An MSc in Physics is a two-year postgraduate degree.
Q3: How to get admission in MSc Physics?
A3: To get admission into an MSc Physics programme, students must have a Bachelor's degree in Physics with at least 50% marks and qualify for a university-specific entrance exam (if applicable).