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.
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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Seeking StudentsNanophotonics, quantum optics, nanoscience, nano-optomechanics -
Seeking StudentsQuantum Communication and Quantum Interface (optomechanics, electromechanics, circuitQED), Quantum Sensing and Imaging -
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 -
Seeking StudentsSpace Plasma Physics -
Accepting InquiriesHigh Energy Astrophysics -
Accepting InquiriesMolecular Physics, Chemical Physics
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Accepting InquiriesQuantum Information -
Accepting InquiriesAstronomy
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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) score of 86 with no section less than 20 (Internet-based).
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 with no section less than 6.0 (Academic version).
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 59, or higher (academic version).
- Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) score of 70 with no section less than 60.
- Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) score of B+ in each course.
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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