Physics and Astronomy
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
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Program overview
Doctoral students in Physics and Astronomy have the opportunity to make original and significant contributions to science within a department recognized globally for leading research. The PhD program appeals to students planning a career in academia, government labs, leadership roles, and industry. The programs 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 PhD under Radiation Oncology Physics (ROP) is a Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Program (CAMPEP) accredited program. Students interested in this specialization typically have a MSc from a CAMPEP accredited program or closely related degree to be admitted. The PhD specializing in ROP 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. The majority of our graduates have gone on to residencies in Clinical Radiation Oncology Physics in Canada and beyond.
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.
Specializations
- Astrophysics
- Medical Physics
- Physics
- Radiation Oncology Physics
- Space Physics
- Medical Imaging (interdisciplinary)
Outcomes and next steps
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 PhD in physics and astronomy is usually considered a final degree; in some cases, students may pursue postdoctoral work.
Degree at a glance
Completion requirements
Thesis-based
Courses
Two courses minimum
Program requirements
Class delivery
Classroom
Commitment
Four years full-time; six years maximum
Supervisor
A supervisor is required, but is not required prior to the start of the program
Fees and funding
Flat annual fee; funding may be offered
Related programs
If you're interested in this program, you might want to explore other UCalgary programs.
Supervisors
A supervisor is required for this program. Students are not required to identify potential supervisors prior to applying to the program.
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Andrew Yau
- Space Physics & Aeronomy: Ionosphere and Magnetosphere
accepting inquiries
Barry Sanders
- Quantum Information
accepting inquiries
Christoph Simon
- Theoretical Quantum Optics
accepting inquiries
Christopher Cully
- Space Physics
- Space-based, balloon-based and ground-based instrumentation
- Van Allen Radiation Belts
- Wave-particle interactions
- Ion outflow
- Kinetic plasma theory
- Spacecraft-plasma interactions
accepting inquiries
David Knudsen
- Space Plasma Physics
seeking students
Denis Leahy
- High Energy Astrophysics
accepting inquiries
Additional supervisors may be available. Contact the Your Program of Interest for more information.
Completion requirements
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Research topics may include radio, optical, infrared and space astronomy, computational astrophysics, star formation, the interstellar medium, and general relativity.
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, isotope composition of trace gases and aerosols, source apportionment studies, and isotope fractionation.
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.
Complexity
Research topics may include complex networks, self-organized criticality, statistical and computational physics, and non-linear dynamics.
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 principle as well as the interaction between light and matter.
Candidacy
Students will prepare a thesis proposal as well as take an oral exam on background knowledge of the research topic and the student's proposal.
Thesis
Students will be required to submit and defend an original research thesis.
Admission requirements and information
Requirements for the Physics and Astronomy Program
GPA
The Department of Physics and Astronomy has set a minimum admission GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale.Minimum education
An MSc degree (or equivalent) in physics, engineering physics, astronomy/astrophysics or a related scientific field.Work samples
NoneDocuments
None
Reference letter
TwoTest scores
All foreign applicants must submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Physics subject scoreEnglish language proficiency
An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:
- TOEFL score of 86 with no section less than 20 (Internet-based). Our institution code is 0813
- IELTS score of 6.5 with no section less than 6.0 (Academic version)
- MELAB score of 80, or higher
- PTE score of 59, or higher (Academic version)
- Tier 3 of the International Foundations Program with minimum grades of B,C,C (Writing & Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension & Oral Fluency)
Deadlines
For admission on September 1
Canadian and permanent residentJan. 15 Application deadline
InternationalJan. 15 Application deadline
If you’re not a Canadian or permanent resident make sure to read and learn about international specific requirements
Tuition fees and funding
All graduate students must pay general fees each year, as well as program fees.
Fees
Estimate for full-time students
Canadian and
permanent resident
International
student
General fees
12 months of study
$1,843 CAD
$1,843 CAD
Program fees
First 12 months of study
$5,593 CAD
$12,695 CAD
Total fees
For first year of studies
$7,436 CAD
$14,538 CAD
What are annual continuing fees?
Domestic Continuing Fees: $1,627 CAD
International Continuing Fees: $3,693 CAD
Continuing fees apply in the first term following completion of candidacy requirements.
Funding availability
Graduate assistantships provide a minimum total of over $24,450 per annum.
Fees listed here are estimates only, and have been rounded to the nearest dollar. These amounts should not be considered accurate. All amounts are in Canadian Dollars.
Fees are subject to change.
For more details and the most accurate information go to the Academic Calendar
For more general information, see our Fees and Funding Guide
Highlights of the Physics and Astronomy Program
Taking mystery out of quantum science
Chancellor's Graduate Medal winner Neil Sinclair addresses real-world issues with quantum principles
A 'fibre optic network' in the brain
Christoph Simon is part of a team theorizing a new perspective on the brain's communication system
International research team shines light on mystery of antimatter
UCalgary scientists help measure the optical spectrum of antihydrogen atom
Learn more about this program
Faculty of Science
Biological Sciences, Room 540
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, ABT2N 1N4
403.220.8600
Physics and Astronomy - Graduate Studies
Science B 605
834 Campus Place NW
Calgary, ABT2N 1N4
403. 220.3618
Go to our contact page and connect with the right person to answer any questions you might have
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