The Degree of PhD (Physics) [Graduate]

Program Requirements

Students in the PhD program are required to take a minimum of ★24 after the equivalent of the Honors BSc degree from the University of Alberta. These include the courses required for the MSc program. Students in the Geophysics specialization must take GEOPH 521 Global Geodynamics . All other students must pass two of the following core physics courses: PHYS 511 Advanced Quantum Mechanics I , PHYS 524 Classical Electrodynamics , and PHYS 530 Statistical Mechanics , or equivalent courses. Specific course requirements may be determined by the focus area in which the student is studying. The student’s supervisory committee may also make additional requirements. All students in the PhD program are advised to take at least ★6 in fields of study different from their own research areas. When the course requirements are successfully completed, the student’s research is presented orally and in written (thesis) form to an examining committee. No language other than English is required for the degree.

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.