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 one-year Master of Science (MSc) degree in Integrated Petroleum Geosciences (refer to Master of Science in Integrated Petroleum 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:

1. 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.
2. Biophysics: biological nanomechanics, drug design & resistance, gene expressions & networks, molecular dynamics, protein folding.
3. 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.
4. 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.)
5. 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