Program Overview

Master of Science (Physics)

The Master of Science (Physics) program is designed for students who wish to pursue advanced studies in physics. The program is open to suitable graduates in physics, engineering physics, geophysics, or equivalent programs.

Why Study This Program?

The Department of Physics offers a wide range of research areas, including:

• Astrophysical Sciences: astronomy, cosmology, general relativity and black hole physics, computational plasma physics, fusion, laboratory plasmas, magnetic confinement, auroral, magnetospheric and space physics, radiation belt physics.
• Biophysics: biological nanomechanics, drug design & resistance, gene expressions & networks, molecular dynamics, protein folding.
• Condensed Matter Physics and Atomic, Molecular & Optical Physics: atomic circuitry, magnetism, nanoscale physics, optical devices, photonics, quantum criticality, quantum optomechanics, quantum technologies, scanning probe microscopy, strongly correlated electrons, superconductivity, superfluidity, topological phases of matter, ultracold quantum gases, ultrafast laser spectroscopy.
• Particle Physics: high energy particle physics, particle astrophysics, neutrino astrophysics, string theory and supersymmetry, precision tests of the standard model.
• Geophysics: fluids in porous media, geodynamics, magneto-telluric methods, paleomagnetism, rock magnetism, rock physics, seismology.

Entrance Requirements

The Department's minimum admission requirements are:

• An undergraduate degree in physics, engineering physics, geophysics, or an equivalent program with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution.
• The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.
• Applicants must meet the minimum GPS English Language Requirement.
• Applicants are also required to submit:
  • An up-to-date CV
  • A statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • A Request for Financial Support if required

Program Requirements

Students are required to complete:

• A minimum of 12 units in coursework
• A thesis
• Coursework:
  • At least one of PHYS 511, PHYS 524, or PHYS 530
  • Coursework is to be selected in coordination with the supervisor, supervisory committee, and graduate chair, which may make additional requirements.
• Thesis:
  • Registration in 900-level THES
  • Students must complete a research project, the results of which are to be presented in a thesis and an oral examination.
• Seminar Presentation:
  • Starting in the second year, each MSc student is required to present the results of their current research at least once per year at an appropriate venue.
• Ethics Requirement:
  • Students must meet the GPS Ethics and Academic Citizenship Training Requirement through the completion of INT D 710 by the end of the first term of registration in their degree program.

Residence Requirement

The minimum period of residence for the thesis MSc is two four-month terms of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta.

Length of Program

The time required will vary according to the previous training of the candidate and the nature of the research undertaken; however, an average of two years is normally required to complete the MSc program. The maximum time to complete the thesis-based MSc program as set by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies is four years. Program extensions may be granted in exceptional circumstances.

Courses

Graduate courses can be found in Course Listings, under the following subject headings:

• Astrophysics (ASTRO)
• Geophysics (GEOPH)
• Physics (PHYS)

Tuition and Fees

A number of graduate assistantships are available. Applicants are automatically considered for this assistance when they are accepted into the graduate program. For general information, please visit the Tuition and Fees page on the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies site.

Scholarships and Financial Support

The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies administers over $29 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for graduate students, as well as financial and loan advising. Additional scholarships are also available for specific faculties and programs.