Program Overview

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Doctor of Philosophy in Physics

The Doctor of Philosophy in Physics is a research-based program that provides students with advanced training in physics. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in research and academia.

Overview

• Grade: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
• Enrollment status: Full-time
• Language of instruction: English
• Program option: With thesis (12 terms full-time, 48 months consecutive)
• Academic units: Faculty of Science, Department of Physics, Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Physics (IPOC)

Program Description

The Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Physics (IPOC) was established in 1983 and combines the research resources of the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. The institute offers graduate programs in physics, including the Ph.D.

Research Areas

• Condensed matter physics
• Biological physics
• Medical physics
• Particle physics
• Photonics

Other Programs

• Master of Science in Physics (M.Sc.)
• Master of Science in Physics with a specialization in Quantum Science (M.Sc.)
• Master of Science in Physics with a specialization in Science, Society, and Public Policy (M.Sc.)

Tuition Fees

• Estimated tuition fees for the program are available under the section "Financing your studies."

Admission Requirements

• Hold a master's degree in physics (or equivalent) with a minimum average of 75% (B+).
• Have a good academic record, as demonstrated by official transcripts, research reports, and other supporting documents.
• Meet the language proficiency requirements.
• Identify a potential thesis supervisor.

Language Requirements

• Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction (English).
• Applicants whose native language is neither English nor French must provide proof of language proficiency.

Program Requirements

• Complete 12 credits of optional graduate-level physics courses.
• Pass a comprehensive examination.
• Complete a thesis based on original research under the supervision of a faculty member.

Comprehensive Examination

• The comprehensive examination must be passed within 12 months of admission to the program.

Thesis

• The thesis must be presented and defended successfully.
• Students are responsible for ensuring they meet the thesis requirements.

Minimum Requirements

• The minimum passing grade for all courses is B.
• Students who fail two courses (equivalent to 6 credits) or have an unsatisfactory progress report must withdraw from the program.

Accelerated Passage from Master's to Ph.D.

• Students enrolled in the master's program in physics at the University of Ottawa may be eligible to transfer directly to the Ph.D. program without completing the master's thesis, provided they meet certain conditions.

Course Offerings

A wide range of graduate-level courses are available, including:

• Solid State Physics I and II
• Physics of Medical Imaging
• Experimental Characterization Techniques in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, and Mineralogy
• Methods in Theoretical Physics I and II
• Medical Radiation Physics
• Radiation Protection
• Medical Radiotherapy Physics
• Radiobiology
• Advanced Topics in Medical Physics
• Biological Physics
• Fiber Optics Communications
• Nonlinear Optics
• Mode Locked Lasers
• Computational Physics: Deterministic Methods
• Computational Physics: Stochastic Methods
• Computer Simulations in Physics
• Physics, Chemistry, and Characterization of Mineral Systems
• Statistical Mechanics
• Nonlinear Dynamics in the Natural Sciences
• Computational Methods in Material Sciences
• Physical Applications of Fourier Analysis
• Nanotechnology and Modern Methods in Biophysics
• Semiconductor Physics I and II
• Physics of Fiber Optic Systems
• Physics of Materials
• Photons and Atoms
• Quantum Theory of Light
• Quantum Science and Technology
• Quantum Materials, Nanostructures, and Devices
• Introduction to Nanoscience

Research at the University of Ottawa

The University of Ottawa is a leading research institution, ranked among the top 10 in Canada. Research at the university is focused on four strategic areas:

• Creating a sustainable environment
• Promoting just societies
• Shaping the digital world
• Fostering health and well-being throughout life

Research at the Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science is a center of excellence in research, with a strong focus on biology, chemistry, earth sciences, physics, mathematics, and statistics. The faculty has a diverse range of research areas, including:

• Materials science
• Biophysics
• Condensed matter physics
• Particle physics
• Photonics