Program Overview

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Doctor of Philosophy (Physics)

The Department of Physics offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy, which are open to suitable graduates in physics, engineering physics, geophysics, or equivalent programs.

Why Study This Program?

The Departments focus areas of research include:

• 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.

Individual programs will be arranged in consultation with the Associate Chair for Graduate Studies of the Department of Physics and members of the Department.

Entrance Requirements

The Departments 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 6 units in coursework and a thesis.
• Students entering with a BSc must complete the MSc course requirements (12 units) in addition to the PhD course requirements.

Coursework

• At least two 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.
• When the course requirements are successfully completed, the students research is presented orally and in written (thesis) form to an examining committee.

Seminar Presentation

Starting in the second year, each PhD student is required to present the results of their current research at least once per year at an appropriate venue.

Candidacy Exam

PhD students must pass an oral candidacy examination in subjects relevant to their general field of research.

Ethics Requirement

Students must meet the GPS Ethics and Academic Citizenship Requirement through the completion of INT D 710 and INT D 720 by the end of the first term of registration in their degree program.

Residence Requirement

The minimum period of residence is two academic years of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta.

Length of Program

• The minimum time for completion of a PhD degree is three academic years of study and research after the Honors BSc degree or two academic years after the equivalent of the MSc degree at the University of Alberta.
• Normally the PhD degree is completed within five years of the BSc, or within four years of the MSc.
• The maximum time to complete the thesis-based PhD program as set by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies is six 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.

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.