The Degree of MSc (Physics) [Graduate]

Program Requirements

A minimum of ★12 is generally required of students in the MSc program. Of these, two courses (★6) must be taken in the Department of Physics, and two courses (★6) must be at the 500-level or above. Students in the Geophysics specialization must take GEOPH 521 Global Geodynamics  . All other students must have credit in at least one of the following core physics courses: PHYS 511 Advanced Quantum Mechanics I , PHYS 524 Classical Electrodynamics  , and PHYS 530 Statistical Mechanics  . Specific course requirements are determined by the focus area in which the student is studying. The student’s supervisory committee may also make additional requirements. A research project, the results of which are to be presented in a thesis and an oral examination, is also required.

A supervisory committee of three faculty members is appointed for each graduate student. Within the first year of registration in the program, the committee makes a formal recommendation on the candidate’s potential for graduate work. At this time students may in certain cases be permitted to transfer directly to a PhD program if their progress should warrant such a transfer.

There is no language requirement for the degree of MSc.

The minimum period of residence for the thesis MSc is two four-month terms of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta.

Length of Program

The time required will vary according to the previous training of the candidate and the nature of the research undertaken; however, an average of two years is normally required to complete the MSc program.