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Physics and Astronomy

Master of Science (MSc)

Course-based program

Program overview

A global leader in research, the department of Physics and Astronomy offers exciting, diverse and competitive graduate programs. The course-based MSc in Physics and Astronomy appeals to students wishing to gain research experience in physics, astronomy or radiation oncology. The program connects students with state-of-the-art experimental and computational facilities both here and at collaborating institutions, and with world-renowned researchers in one of several focus areas: Astronomy and Astrophysics, Complexity, Environmental and Isotope Physics, Quantum Information and Quantum, Atomic, and Molecular Optics, and Space Physics. These focus areas lie within program specializations that students apply to: Physics, Astrophysics or Space Physics. 

Admission is competitive, favouring students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership.

Completing this program

  • Astronomy & Astrophysics: Course topics may include radio, optical, infrared and space astronomy, computational astrophysics, star formation, the interstellar medium, and general relativity.

  • Isotope and Environmental Physics: Course topics may include nuclear decay processes, the effect of human activity on the environment, the development of analytical and instrumental techniques as well as isotope composition of trace gases and aerosols, source apportionment studies, and isotope fractionation.

  • Space Physics: Course topics may include precipitation mechanisms, remote sensing magnetospheric dynamics, and the solar-terrestrial interaction.

  • Complexity: Course topics may include complex networks, self-organized criticality, statistical and computational physics, and non-linear dynamics.

  • Quantum Information and Quantum, Atomic, and Molecular Optics: Course topics may include the study of information, communication and computation using devices that are governed by quantum principles as well as the interaction between light and matter.

  • Comprehensive Exam: Students are required to take a comprehensive exam with written and oral components.

Specializations

  • Astrophysics
  • Physics
  • Space Physics

Outcomes

Instructor, entrepreneur, environmental consultant, financial analyst, teacher, executive.

A course-based master’s degree in physics and astronomy is usually considered a final degree.

Classroom delivery

Time commitment

Two years full-time; six years maximum; part-time is available

Supervisor

A supervisor is required, but is not required prior to the start of the program

Fees and funding

See the Graduate Calendar for information on fees and fee regulations, and for information on awards and financial assistance.

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Supervisors

Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree.
Please note: additional supervisors may be available. Contact the program for more information.


  1. Christoph Simon

    Christoph Simon

    Accepting Inquiries
  2. Profile picture.

    Jared Stang

    Accepting Inquiries
    Physics education research
  3. Jeroen Stil

    Jeroen Stil

    Accepting Inquiries
    Radio Astronomy, Radio Astronomical Surveys
  4. Headshot of Dr. Matthew Taylor. He is caucasian, with brown hair, glasses, and a beard.

    Matthew Taylor

    Accepting Inquiries
    Observational Astrophysics - Multi-object Absorption Line Spectroscopy , Observational Astrophysics - Searching for Black Holes with JWST, Observational Astronomy - Neighbourhood Watch: an OIR program to survey the local universe
  5. Michael Wieser

    Michael Wieser

    Unavailable
    Stable Isotope Mass Spectrometry
  6. Andrew Yau

    Andrew Yau

    Accepting Inquiries
    Space Physics & Aeronomy: Ionosphere and Magnetosphere

Admission Requirements


GPA

A minimum of 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.

Minimum education

An honours BSc degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Engineering physics, Astronomy/Astrophysics, or a related scientific field.

Work samples

None

Documents

None

Reference letters

Two

Test scores

For some applicants, a satisfactory score on the Advanced Physics Graduate Record Examination.


English language proficiency (ELP)

An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:

*Please contact your program of interest if you have any questions about ELP requirements.

Deadlines

For admission on September 1:

Canadians and permanent residents: Jan. 15 application deadline

International students: Jan. 15 application deadline

If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements

Learn more about this program

Department of Physics and Astronomy

Science B 605
834 Campus Place NW
Calgary, AB T2N 1N4
403. 220.3618

Contact the Graduate Program Administrator

Visit the departmental website

 

Faculty of Science

Biological Sciences, Room 540
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, AB T2N 1N4
403.220.8600

Visit the Faculty of Science website

 

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