PhD in Physics
Why choose a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Physics?
Advance the frontiers of physics.
The University of Guelph's PhD in Physics prepares you to become an independent researcher through advanced study in fields such as 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.
Working closely with leading faculty, you will conduct original research that advances knowledge in your field while developing expertise in experimental, theoretical or computational physics. Depending on your research area, you may access specialized laboratories, national research facilities, large-scale datasets and advanced computational resources. Our faculty are partnered with and have significant research programmes working alongside world-renowned research-intensive groups such as TRIUMF, the Canadian Space Agency, the Perimeter Institute,Canadian Light Source and more.
Lead original research
Conduct independent research that advances knowledge in physics under the supervision of faculty.
Access world-class research facilities
Use specialized labs, advance instrumentation, computational researchers and national research facilities.
Collaborate with leading researchers
Build connections through faculty mentorship and research collaborations.
What can you do with a PhD in Physics?
The PhD in Physics prepares you for diverse careers in science by developing advanced research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Education
- Energy production
- Financial modelling
- Government & policy
- Software development
- Physicist
- Researcher, research and development
Faculty and Research Facilities
Pursue original research alongside leading physicists and contribute new knowledge to the field. At the University of Guelph, you’ll work closely with faculty whose research connects fundamental questions in physics with discoveries and applications that extend across disciplines. U of G has collaborations and partnerships with leading Canadian and international organizations and facilities, including 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
Three core courses or their equivalent must be completed by end of the first year of the PhD program. This requirement may be satisfied, in full or in part, by courses taken during the M.Sc. Students who transfer to the PhD, or who enter the PhD directly, will need to complete the course work requirements of both the MSc and PhD degrees, a total of six one-term graduate courses. Below is just a sampling of available core courses. For full courseload requirements, please visit the PhD Physics Academic Calendar
Explore the foundations of quantum mechanics, including symmetries, approximation methods, scattering theory, and introductory relativistic quantum theory.
Study the principles of quantum fields, including field quantization, particle interactions, Feynman diagrams, quantum electrodynamics, and renormalization.
Examine advanced electromagnetic concepts, including Maxwell’s equations, radiation theory, special relativity, optical phenomena, plasmas and magnetohydrodynamics.
Investigate atomic structure and spectroscopy, including angular momentum, energy levels, radiative transitions, and modern topics in atomic physics research.
Program Information and Requirements
There are three pathways for admission to the PhD program:
- M.Sc. Admission: Applicants with an M.Sc. in Physics (or equivalent) and at least a B standing (75 per cent) may apply.
- Direct Entry from a B.Sc.: Outstanding undergraduate students with strong academic performance, broad physics knowledge, research experience and references may be considered for direct admission.
- Transfer from an M.Sc.: Current M.Sc. students may request a transfer to the PhD program within three full-time terms if they demonstrate excellent academic performance and research potential.
Complete application submission instructions may also be found on the Office of Graduate Studies webpage or in the Graduate Calendar.
Entry points for the PhD 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.
The PhD in Physics is typically completed in four years of full-time study or eight years of part-time study.
PhD students must complete three core courses (or approved equivalents) by the end of their first year, including at least one of:
- PHYS*7010 – Quantum Mechanics I
- PHYS*7040 – Statistical Physics I
- PHYS*7060 – Electromagnetic Theory
Students must also complete a minimum of two additional one-term courses as part of their PhD requirements. Students entering directly from a B.Sc. or transferring from an M.Sc. may be required to complete additional coursework.
See the Graduate Calendar for complete course requirements and approved core course options.
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.
More information can be found on the program brochure.
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.
Meet our Students
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!
I believe there is a lot of potential in translating astrophysical research to human societal development in general. There are several implications of astrophysical phenomena on the human species and understanding them helps us prepare for the future. In particular, the research our group does, answers questions in nuclear physics that can provide insights into the extraction of environment-friendly energy from nuclear systems.
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