The Excellence Program for Outstanding Students

School of Physics and Astronomy

The Excellence Program offers exceptionally talented undergraduate students a unique opportunity to explore the world of physics beyond the standard curriculum and engage in scientific research from the early stages of their academic journey. This program provides a direct pathway to advanced studies in physics and encourages a deeper understanding of the field.

Program Highlights

Outstanding students admitted into the program will enjoy:

• A tailored academic path that goes beyond core coursework

• Guided self-study and academic enrichment

• An independent research project under the mentorship of a faculty member

Program Structure

Eligibility:

At the end of the first semester of the first year, students with a GPA of 90 or above (based on first exam session grades) will be invited to join the program.

Program Components:

• First Year (Second Semester): Excellence Seminar

• Second Year (Full Year): Continuation of Excellence Seminar

• Third Year: The Andrei Sakharov Excellence Project – a year-long independent research project

Requirements:

• Maintain a GPA of 90 or above throughout the program

• Fulfill all program obligations and milestones

• Receive regular evaluations at the end of the first and second years

Scholarships:

Students who meet the academic and program requirements are eligible for scholarships.

The Andrei Sakharov Excellence Project (Third Year)

Participants will engage in a year-long research project, working alongside a faculty member on a current area of research. This immersive experience provides firsthand exposure to academic research and real-world challenges in modern physics.

• Students will submit a short research proposal at the start of the academic year

• Final submission includes a detailed research report, which may be suitable for publication

• The project carries six academic credits and exempts students from two experiments in Laboratory C (also six credits)

• Evaluation will be based on the advisor’s recommendation and committee review

This project can serve as a springboard for a master’s thesis or a direct-track PhD.

Important Dates & Deadlines (Third Year)

• Before the academic year begins: Submit the program registration form (by a pre-announced deadline)

• Within 3 weeks of Semester A: Inform the committee of your research field and advisor

• Within 9 weeks of Semester A: Submit a 1–2-page research proposal (prepared with your advisor)

• By the end of August: Submit the final research report, graded and approved by the committee

Note: Research must be conducted independently. Joint student projects are generally not permitted.

Continued Support for Graduate Studies

Graduates of the Excellence Program who continue directly to a master’s degree at the School of Physics and Astronomy are eligible for:

• An increased scholarship during their first year

• Full reimbursement of registration fees

• Additional scholarship for the second year, based on academic performance in the first year