Why study this program?
Programs leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy are open to suitable graduates in physics, engineering physics, geophysics, or equivalent programs. The Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences in conjunction with the Department of Physics also offers a 1.5-year Master of Science (MSc) degree in Integrated Energy Geosciences (refer to Master of Science in Integrated Energy Geosciences (Earth and Atmospheric Sciences))
The Department’s focus areas of research, each of which includes experimental, observational, computational and theoretical components, are the following:
- 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. (Experimental work is conducted at CERN, SNOLAB, ICECUBE, and TRIUMF.)
- 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. Information, including more detailed program requirements, may be obtained by contacting the Associate Chair of the Department of Physics.
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.
Where applicable, applicants must meet the minimum GPS English Language Requirement.
Applicants are also required to submit the following (see How to apply on the Department website for details):
- An up-to-date CV
- A statement of Purpose
- Three letters of recommendation
- A Request for Financial Support if required
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:
- GEOPH 521
- 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 student’s research is presented orally and in written (thesis) form to an examining committee.
Seminar Presentation
Starting in the second year, each PhD student in Geophysics is required to present the results of their current research at least once per year at the Geophysics Seminar Series or at the Institute for Geophysical Research conference.
Candidacy Exam
PhD students must pass an oral candidacy examination in subjects relevant to their general field of research. Students entering the PhD program with a BSc are expected to pass their candidacy exam in the third year of their program. Students entering the PhD program with a MSc are expected to pass their candidacy exam in the second year of their program.
Ethics Requirement
Students must meet the GPS Ethics and Academic Citizenship Training Requirement through the completion of INT D 710 (for both master’s and doctoral students) and INT D 720 (for doctoral students) 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)
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 Studies and Research site.The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research 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.
Please refer to the detailed program information or email physgradprogram@ualberta.ca.
General inquiriesPlease check out some of our most frequently asked questions (FAQS) to see if your question has been answered, or contact the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) during our office hours.
Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR)
Killam Centre for Advanced Studies
2-29 Triffo Hall
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E1