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Materials Science and Applied Physics (MSAP) Program

 

The Materials Science and Applied Physics (MSAP) program at KAUST pioneers interdisciplinary research at the nexus of physics and materials science. Our expert faculty and research teams focus on emergent phenomena at micro- and nanoscale dimensions, fueling innovations in next-generation technologies.

With strong research funding and a commitment to long-term impact, MSAP leads breakthrough studies in:

  • Low-power electronics
  • Energy conversion and storage
  • Ultrafast optoelectronics
  • Magnetic materials
  • Nanoscale characterization
  • Computational modeling

 

Current Research Areas

Our researchers explore cutting-edge topics that redefine the limits of materials science and physics:

  • Advanced Optoelectronics – Development of high-performance optical and electronic materials.
  • Photophysics of Solar Cells – Enhancing solar conversion efficiency through light-matter interaction studies.
  • Wave Propagation in Heterogeneous Media – Optimizing sensing and communication through wave dynamics.
  • Nanodevices and Sensors – Engineering nanoscale devices for energy, healthcare, and environment.
  • Spintronics and Modern Magnetism – Driving high-speed, spin-based electronics and data storage.
  • Batteries and Supercapacitors – Designing sustainable and efficient energy storage technologies.
  • Nanocomposites – Creating hybrid materials with superior physical properties.
  • Photovoltaics – Innovating durable, efficient materials for solar energy harvesting.
  • First-Principles Modeling – Using simulations to predict and optimize materials behavior.

Future Research Directions

MSAP is actively expanding into promising new domains, including:

  • Strongly correlated electron systems and van der Waals heterostructures
  • Quantum photonics and novel optical sources
  • Materials and devices for quantum information science

Through interdisciplinary collaboration and state-of-the-art research, MSAP delivers transformative scientific innovations addressing global challenges in technology and sustainability. Join us in shaping the future of materials science and applied physics.

APPLIED PHYSICS MASTER'S DEGREE

 

Master’s Degree – Applied Physics Program

1. Degree Requirements

  • A minimum of 36 credits
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
  • A minimum of a B- grade for course credit
  • The Applied Physics (AP) program exclusively offers a Master’s Thesis. Completion of the thesis is a mandatory requirement for the degree.

2. Mandatory Courses

  • 4 Core Courses (12 credits)
  • 4 Elective Courses (12 credits)
  • 2 Graduate Seminars
  • 1 Winter Enrichment Program (WEP)

3. Research Experience

A minimum of 12 Thesis Research (AP 297) credits is required to fulfill the research requirements.

4. Duration of Study

MS Thesis: 4 Semesters and 1 Summer Session

APPLIED PHYSICS Ph.D. DEGREE

 

Ph.D. Degree – Applied Physics Program

1. Degree Requirements

  • A minimum of 72 credits
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
  • A minimum of a B- grade for course credit

2. Mandatory Courses

  • Two 300-level courses are required:
    • One must be from the Applied Physics (AP) Program.
    • The second can be from the AP, AMCS, Chem, CS, ECE, ME, or MSE programs.
  • 5 Graduate Seminars
  • Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) – Exemption granted if WEP was completed during a KAUST Master’s degree

3. Degree Milestones

  • Qualifying Exam
  • Ph.D. Dissertation Proposal
  • Ph.D. Dissertation Defense
  • Ph.D. Dissertation Archive

4. Duration of Study

Students are expected to complete the Ph.D. program in 8 Semesters and 4 Summer Sessions.

PROGRAM GUIDE

Visit the KAUST Program Guide for detailed information about our graduate degree options.  The Program Guide provides prospective and current students with comprehensive information on various aspects of the program.

Within the guide, you will find detailed information on program course and credit requirements, placement tests, Ph.D. proposals, dissertation process guidance and the academic year structure.

The Program Guide will serve as your roadmap to successfully navigate your academic journey at KAUST and will allow you to make informed decisions about your studies.

View Online MSE and AP Program Guide with Course and Syllabi List

1. ASK US QUESTIONS
2. APPLY NOW
3. ASSESSMENT TEST
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