Supervisors
Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree.
Please note: additional supervisors may be available. Contact the program for more information.
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
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Astronomy & Astrophysics: Course topics may include radio, optical, infrared and space astronomy, computational astrophysics, star formation, the interstellar medium, and general relativity.
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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.
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Space Physics: Course topics may include precipitation mechanisms, remote sensing magnetospheric dynamics, and the solar-terrestrial interaction.
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Complexity: Course topics may include complex networks, self-organized criticality, statistical and computational physics, and non-linear dynamics.
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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.
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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.
Virtual Tour
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Seeking StudentsNanophotonics, quantum optics, nanoscience, nano-optomechanics -
Seeking StudentsQuantum Communication and Quantum Interface (optomechanics, electromechanics, circuitQED), Quantum Sensing and Imaging -
Seeking StudentsTheoretical foundations of quantum advantage, Bell nonlocality and applications, Quantum distributed computing, Information-theoretic cryptography -
Accepting InquiriesSpace Physics, Space-based, balloon-based and ground-based instrumentation, Van Allen Radiation Belts, Wave-particle interactions, Ion outflow, Kinetic plasma theory, Spacecraft-plasma interactions -
Seeking StudentsComplexity Science, Spreading & triggering processes, Fluid-induced seismicity, Computational neuroscience & the critical brain, Rock fracture & frictional sliding, Statistical seismology, Network neuroscience, Synchronization & chimera states, Sociophysics, Climate dynamics & climate networks -
Accepting InquiriesComputational Biophysics, Molecular Simulation, Machine Learning, DNA/RNA nanotechnology, Nonequilibrium Physics, Molecular Machines -
UnavailableSpace Plasma Physics -
Accepting InquiriesHigh Energy Astrophysics
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Accepting InquiriesMolecular Physics, Chemical Physics
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Accepting InquiriesQuantum Information
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:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT including TOEFL iBT Home Edition) minimum score of 86 (Internet-based, with no section less than 20).
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 (with no section less than 6.0).
- Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency minimum score of 180.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 59 or higher
- Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) overall score of 70 (no section less than 60).
- Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) minimum of B+ in each course.
- Duolingo English Test obtaining a minimum score of 125 (with no sub-score below 105).
*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
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