Physics and Astronomy

A global leader in research, the department of Physics and Astronomy offers exciting, diverse and competitive graduate programs. The thesis-based MSc in Physics and Astronomy appeals to students planning an academic career or 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 six focus areas: Astronomy and Astrophysics, Complexity, Environmental and Isotope Physics, Radiation Oncology 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, Space Physics or Radiation Oncology Physics (including Medical Imaging/Medical Physics). 

The MSc in Radiation Oncology Physics is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs (CAMPEP) and provides didactic background, research experience and clinical training for a career in Radiation Oncology Physics.  Most academic centres and Canadian radiation oncology clinics require a PhD.  However, many clinical physicists in the United States and elsewhere have a terminal MSc degree.

The department's per capita funding level is the highest within UCalgary's Faculty of Science. Admission is competitive, favouring students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership.

Completing this program

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

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

• Radiation Oncology Physics: Research topics may include intensity modulated and image guided radiation therapy, prostate brachytherapy, and stereotactic radiosurgery.

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

• Isotope and Environmental Physics: Research 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.

• Quantum Information and Quantum, Atomic, and Molecular Optics: Research 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.

• Thesis: Students in this program are required to submit original research in the form of a thesis.

Specializations

• Astrophysics
• Medical Physics
• Physics
• Radiation Oncology Physics
• Space Physics
• Computational Neuroscience (interdisciplinary)
• Medical Imaging (interdisciplinary)

Outcomes

Researcher, technician, radiation oncology, medical or clinical physicist, professor, instructor, data science/mining, communications, journalism, entrepreneur, environmental, financial, strategic management and/or IT consultant, quantitative analyst, risk assessment, insurance, bioinformatics.

A master’s degree in physics and astronomy will give you the pre-requisite for a PhD.