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Master of Science in Physics

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  2. Programs

Degree

  • MSc (Master of Science)

Program Type

  • Coursework
  • Thesis

Delivery

  • On-campus

Entry Terms & Deadlines

  • Domestic:

    • Fall (September): August 31
    • Summer (May): March 31
    • Winter (January): January 1

  • International:

    • Fall (September): May 1
    • Summer (May): January 1
    • Winter (January):

Duration

  • Full Time: 24 months
  • Part Time: 48 months

Admission Average

B (75%)
Program Structure

Why choose a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Physics?

Are you interested in areas like remotely exploring the surface of Mars; better physics education practices; structure and dynamics of biological matter; understanding the nature of the atomic nucleus; or gravitational wave astronomy? Are you curious about the forces that shape matter, medicine, the universe and so much more?

The University of Guelph’s M.Sc. in Physics gives you the opportunity to take part in advanced study and research across fields such as Applied Physics; Astrophysics and Gravitation; Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics; Biophysics; Chemical Physics; Condensed Matter and Material Physics; Nanoscience; Physics Education; Planetary Surface Exploration; and Subatomic Physics.

You will work closely with faculty to carry out original research while developing advanced experimental, theoretical, computational and scientific communication skills. Depending on your research area, you may use specialized laboratories, large-scale datasets, computational modelling or national research facilities to investigate complex physical systems and contribute to current scientific work. Our faculty are partnered with and have significant research programmes working alongside world-renowned research-intensive groups such as TRIUMF, the Canadian Space Agency, Perimeter Institute and the Canadian Light Source.

The M.Sc. can be completed through either a thesis or a coursework and major research project option, allowing you to choose the pathway that best supports your academic and career goals.

Choose your research direction

Explore fields such as astrophysics, quantum computing, subatomic physics, materials physics or biophysics.

Connect with a wider research community

Our faculty members collaborate with exceptional research institutions including TRIUMF, the Canadian Space Agency, Perimeter Institute and the Canadian Light Source.

Access advanced research facilities

Develop experimental, theoretical and computational expertise through graduate coursework and an original research project.

What can you do with an M.Sc. in Physics?

The M.Sc. in Physics prepares you for diverse careers in science by developing advanced research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

  • Energy production
  • Financial modelling
  • Government & policy
  • Software development
  • Physicist
  • Researcher, research and development

Faculty and Research Facilities

At the University of Guelph, your master’s research in physics can take you from our specialized laboratories to some of Canada’s leading research facilities and collaborations around the world. Work closely with faculty spanning specialties in Physics, while contributing to research using advanced instrumentation and facilities at the University of Guelph and through partners such as TRIUMF, the Canadian Space Agency, NASA, the Canadian Light Source and the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.

Explore our Physics faculty and their labs here.

What you can learn – sample courses

The M.Sc. can be completed through either a thesis or a coursework and major research project option, allowing you to choose the pathway that best supports your academic and career goals. For full course load requirements, please visit the M.Sc. Physics Academic Calendar.

Review of formalism of nonrelativistic quantum mechanics including symmetries and invariance. Approximation methods and scattering theory. Elementary quantum theory of radiation. Introduction to one-particle relativistic wave equations.

Statistical basis of thermodynamics; microcanonical, canonical and grand canonical ensembles; quantum statistical mechanics, theory of the density matrix; fluctuations, noise, irreversible thermodynamics; transport theory; application to gases, liquids, solids.

Solutions to Maxwell's equations; radiation theory, normal modes; multipole expansion; Kirchhoff's diffraction theory; radiating point charge; optical theorem. Special relativity; transformation laws for the electromagnetic field; line broadening. Dispersion; Kramers-Kronig relations. Magnetohydrodynamics and plasmas.

The fundamental astronomical data: techniques to obtain it and the shortcomings present. The classification systems. Wide- and narrow-band photometric systems. The intrinsic properties of stars: colours, luminosities, masses, radii, temperatures. Variable stars. Distance indicators. Interstellar reddening. Related topics.

Program Information and Requirements

Applicants must have an honours B.Sc. in Physics or equivalent with at least a 73 percent average, three reference letters with two normally from academic sources, and proof of English proficiency where required. Applicants educated outside Canada must also submit a GRE Physics Subject Test score.

Admission is considered only after all supporting documents are received and normally depends on the availability of a faculty advisor. Applicants are encouraged to identify more than one research area of interest.

Complete application submission instructions may also be found on the Office of Graduate Studies webpage or in the Graduate Calendar.

The University of Guelph and the University of Waterloo have a joint program in which graduate courses are taught by instructors from both universities. Students are registered at the university where their advisor is located. A student comes under the general regulations of the university at which they are registered, and the degree is granted by that university.

The Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral studies provides estimated annual full-time tuition, fees, and living expenses for graduate students at the University of Guelph: Tuition, Fees and Cost of Living.

Full funding is typically provided for full-time, thesis-based students (who do not receive external funding) through a combination of scholarships, teaching assistantships, and/or research assistantships. For more information about funding your graduate studies at Guelph, please visit Funding Graduate Studies.

Entry points for the M.Sc. in Physics are Fall (September), Winter (January), and Summer (May). The application deadline is August 31 (domestic) and May 1 (international) for Fall; January 1 (domestic) and October 3 of the previous year (international) for Winter; March 31 (domestic) and January 1 (international) for Summer. International applicants are encouraged to apply at least nine months in advance of their start date, and all applicants are advised to apply as early as possible due to supervisor availability.

How to Apply
International Applicants
View Courses
Academic Calendar

Meet our Students

Victoria Flood, Physics master's graduate

We are uncovering a story one piece at a time, working with clues the planet has left behind... The level of teamwork and engineering needed to even get [Mars research] instruments there is incredible.
Victoria Flood, AlumniPhysical Sciences B.Sc., Physics M.Sc.Read Victoria's U of G Journey
Man wearing a suit poses for headshot leaning on a wall.

The physics department was especially welcoming. The staff and professors were overwhelmingly friendly and approachable – if you had a question, you could simply go to their office. Those years as a grad student travelling to different laboratories are some of my most cherished memories – we had a lot of fun doing a lot of interesting science!
Evan Rand, AlumniPhysics PhD & MSc GraduateRead Evan’s Story

Contact Us

Chair
Stefan Kycia (324 MacNaughton, Ext. 53991)
phychair@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Program Coordinator
Eric Poisson (452 MacNaughton, Ext. 52540)
epoisson@uoguelph.ca
Associate Graduate Program Coordinator
Robert Wickham (448 MacNaughton, Ext. 53704)
rwickham@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Program Assistant
Janice Ilic (207 MacNaughton, Ext. 58176)
physgrad@uoguelph.ca