Physics and Astronomy

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.