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Physics and Astronomy
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Thesis-based program
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.
Completing this program
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.
Specializations
- Astrophysics
- Medical Physics
- Radiation Oncology Physics
- Space Physics
- Computational Neuroscience (interdisciplinary)
- Medical Imaging (interdisciplinary)
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.
Students are required to prepare a thesis and successfully defend in an open oral defense.
Two courses minimum
Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar
Classroom delivery
Time commitment.
Four years full-time; six years maximum
A supervisor is required, but is not required prior to the start of the program
See the Graduate Calendar for information on fees and fee regulations, and for information on awards and financial assistance .
Virtual Tour
Explore the University of Calgary (UCalgary) from anywhere. Experience all that UCalgary has to offer for your graduate student journey without physically being on campus. Discover the buildings, student services and available programs all from your preferred device.
Supervisors
Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree. Please note: additional supervisors may be available. Contact the program for more information.
Paul Barclay
Shabir Barzanjeh
Christopher Cully
Jörn Davidsen
David Knudsen
Denis Leahy
Nasser Moazzen-Ahmadi
Daniel Oblak
Barry Sanders
Admission Requirements
A minimum of 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.
Minimum education
An MSc degree (or equivalent) in physics, engineering physics, astronomy/astrophysics or a related scientific field.
Work samples
Reference letters, test scores.
All foreign applicants must submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Physics subject score
English language proficiency (ELP)
An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iB T including TOEFL iBT Home Edition) minimum score of 86 (Internet-based, with no section less than 20).
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 (with no section less than 6.0).
- Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency minimum score of 180.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 59 or higher
- Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) overall score of 70 (no section less than 60).
- Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) minimum of B+ in each course.
- Duolingo English Test obtaining a minimum score of 125 (with no sub-score below 105). ( temporary until Fall 2024 intake )
For admission on September 1:
Canadians and permanent residents: Jan. 15 application deadline
International students: Jan. 15 application deadline
If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements
Are you ready to apply?
Learn more about this program, department of physics and astronomy.
Science B 605 834 Campus Place NW Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 403. 220.3618
Contact the Graduate Program Administrator
Visit the departmental website
Biological Sciences, Room 540 2500 University Drive NW Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 403.220.8600
Visit the Faculty of Science website
Learn more about UCalgary by taking a virtual tour
Related programs
If you're interested in this program, you might want to explore other UCalgary programs.
Course-based MSc
Thesis-based MSc
Biomedical Engineering
Thesis-based MEng
Thesis-based PhD
Computer Science
Electrical and software engineering.
Course-based MEng
Course-based MEng (Software)
Thesis-based MEng
Thesis-based MSc
Course-based MGIS
Thesis-based MA
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