university of toronto phd physics

• Department of Physics

Experimental Particle Physics

Over the last 30 years the standard model of particle physics has gradually taken shape.  The standard model has withstood tests of unprecedented precision. Still, we know that this model cannot be complete. Experimentalists and theorists at the University of Toronto are actively trying to find ways to move beyond the current particle physics paradigm.Our group is involved in the ATLAS experiment at CERN , near Geneva Switzerland, studying the highest energy man-made proton proton collisions, the T2K exper iment in Japan, which studies long baseline neutrino interactions, and the SuperCDMS experiment at SNOLAB , which searches for dark matter.

The LHC came into operation at CERN in 2010, and now defines the "energy frontier" where we can study the highest energy particle interactions made in the laboratory.   Our experimental group plays a leading role in the scientific studies, maintenance, operations and potential upgrades of the ATLAS experiment.  We were involved in the  2012 discovery of the Higgs boson, which gives rise to the mass of all of the fundamental particles in the Standard Model of particle physics. We are now engaged in detailed studies of the Higgs boson and the top quark, as well as in searches for new particles that will lead us to a deeper understanding of how our universe is structured. In addition to our physics studies, we continue to maintain the ATLAS forward calorimeter, that was partially assembled on campus in Toronto and we are actively involved in building over 1000 silicon tracker modules for the ATLAS tracker upgrade that will be installed, at CERN, in the second half of this decade.

While ATLAS is uncovering the origin of mass, the T2K experiment is investigating the deep mystery why the mass we see in our universe in galaxies, stars and us is only matter, with no anti-matter component. The solution may be in an asymmetry between neutrinos and anti-neutrinos, which T2K is studying.  The Toronto group is active in the neutrino beam instrumentation and the neutrino mixing angle physics analysis.

We have convincing astrophysical evidence that approximately a quarter of the universe consists of dark matter, which is thought to be outside the standard model. The SuperCDMS (Cryogenic Dark Matter Search) experiment looks for interactions of dark matter particles in silicon and germanium crystal detectors.  SuperCDMS operated in an underground laboratory in Minnesota until 2015; now, the collaboration is building an even more powerful version of the experiment in SNOLAB , Canada's world-leading astroparticle physics facility.  Construction is currently underway, with first operations expected in 2021 and a test facility opening even sooner. Our group focuses mostly on data acquisition and analysis; members also make trips to SNOLAB for commissioning and operations shifts.

All three of these experiments provide a number of exciting opportunities for graduate research into new particle physics phenomena at either the M.Sc. or Ph.D. level, with the possibility of gaining essential instrumentation and hardware experience working on upgrades for ATLAS. More information on the opportunities for graduate students in our groups can be found here .

School of Graduate Studies

Astronomy and astrophysics, program overview.

The graduate program in Astronomy and Astrophysics is offered by the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, leading to the Doctor of Philosophy . In some cases, the Department may admit students to the  Master of Science as preliminary phase before proceeding to the PhD.

The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics is actively engaged in a wide range of observational and theoretical research on solar system dynamics, stars, stellar systems, the interstellar medium, the Galaxy, galaxies, quasars, clusters of galaxies, cosmology, and problems in general relativity. The Department has close ties with the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (CITA) and the Dunlap Institute​ , which further enhance the opportunities for our students to interact with leading researchers.

Faculty and students use the major optical, radio, and satellite observing facilities of the world and are engaged in many large survey projects. We have an active experimental program using telescopes on long-duration stratospheric balloons and a complementary program designing and building instrumentation for optical, millimetre, and radio telescopes.

There are approximately 100 faculty, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and staff in the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, CITA, and Dunlap Institute. Students benefit from direct interactions with the broad range of external speakers invited to weekly seminar programs and colloquia. ​

Quick Facts

Master of science, minimum admission requirements.

Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics' additional admission requirements stated below.

Applicants must hold an appropriate bachelor's degree with high academic standing from a recognized university.

Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

Because many universities do not offer extensive undergraduate training in astronomy and astrophysics, preparation in physics and mathematics is an acceptable background.

Program Requirements

Coursework. Students must successfully complete 2.0 required full-course equivalents (FCEs) : AST1501Y and AST1500Y, with different supervisors. Students are immediately engaged in original research throughout these two required research courses. An oral exam by committee is held for each. AST1501Y is normally completed during the Fall/Winter of Year 1, and AST1500Y is completed in the following Summer session.

Students must complete a minimum of 1.5 FCEs (three half courses) from the AST preparatory, elective, or specialized courses. More courses may be taken for credit or audited as appropriate.

Students are expected to attend the weekly general colloquium conducted by the department.

Residence. Students are normally expected to be on campus full-time for the duration of the program.

Program Length

3 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S)

3 years full-time

Doctor of Philosophy

Program description.

The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics offers dynamic and competitive doctoral programs which emphasize research.

Students may be accepted into the PhD program via one of two routes: 1) following completion of an appropriate master's degree or 2) direct entry following completion of a bachelor's degree.

PhD Program

Applicants may be accepted into the PhD program following completion of an MSc degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics from the University of Toronto, or an MSc degree in another appropriate discipline or from elsewhere deemed equivalent, with an average of at least B+ or demonstrated comparable research competence.

There is no minimum course requirement in the four-year program except for courses deemed necessary by the student's PhD supervisory or qualifying examination committees.

Students register in the AST4000Y Research course series (in sequence of the last digit: 2, 3, etc.) beginning in the Summer session of Year 1 and continue through the sequence through Year 4. The first registration, AST4002Y, corresponds to the qualifying examinations. The series continues with registration each Fall/Winter, starting with AST4003Y and is incremented by one digit each subsequent academic year. This registration is tied to thesis research progress, which is assessed based on the two required annual PhD supervisory committee meetings in October and April.

Students must successfully complete the two parts of the PhD qualifying examinations : literature-based and thesis proposal. Both are oral examinations conducted by a panel of faculty members.

The literature-based section evaluates the student's mastery of general astronomy and astrophysics and ability to apply that knowledge to understand relevant research literature.

The thesis proposal section evaluates the feasibility and value of the proposed thesis and verifies that the student has sufficient preparation in the relevant research area. It is based in part on a written summary of the proposed thesis provided by the student to the examiners.

The literature qualifying examinations are taken in parallel with the corresponding graduate course offering, with completion of the four sections by the end of Year 1. The thesis proposal examination is taken in the Summer session of Year 1. Students who fail at the first attempt have the opportunity to retake the examinations once, by the deadline of January 31 of Year 2.

A thesis embodying the results of original research, which must be submitted for appraisal in accordance with the regulations of the School of Graduate Studies.

PhD Program (Direct-Entry)

Students are accepted into the PhD program following completion of a bachelor's degree, with an average in the final two years equivalent to a University of Toronto A– or better from a recognized university.

Coursework. Students must successfully complete 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) : AST1500Y and AST1501Y, with different supervisors. Students are immediately engaged in original research throughout these two required research courses. AST1501Y is normally completed during the Fall/Winter of Year 1, and AST1500Y is completed in the following Summer session. An oral exam by committee is held for each.

Students must complete a minimum of 2.5 FCEs (five half courses) from the AST preparatory, elective, or specialized courses. Students may petition the associate chair, graduate to include courses offered by a cognate department at the equivalent level. (A maximum of 1.0 FCE may be substituted.) More courses may be taken for credit or audited as appropriate.

Students register in the AST4000Y Research course series (in sequence of the last digit: 2, 3, etc,) beginning in the Summer session of Year 2 and continue the sequence through Year 5. The first registration, AST4002Y, corresponds to the qualifying examinations. The series continues with registration each Fall/Winter, starting with AST4003Y and is incremented by one digit each subsequent academic year. This registration is tied to thesis research progress, which is assessed based on the two required annual PhD supervisory committee meetings in October and April.

The literature qualifying examinations are taken in parallel with the corresponding graduate course offering, with completion of the four sections by the end of Year 2. The thesis proposal examination is taken in the Summer session of Year 2. Students who fail at the first attempt have the opportunity to retake the examinations once, by the deadline of January 31 of Year 3.

“My passion for asking questions and finding answers has flourished.”

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Engineering Science

Engineering Physics

Advanced physics is at the core of many modern technologies-from communications and computing systems to earthquake prediction, medical imaging, and much more.

Engineering physicists have unique strengths to help bring discoveries from the lab into real-world innovations.  Engineers with expertise in physics help develop advanced nanomaterials for solar energy, build quantum computers, and create cancer therapies. Some develop models of complex systems like Earth's atmosphere or the inner workings of living cells to help us understand environmental and medical issues. Others explore the formation of planets and solar systems, or develop the tools to help us probe the nature of matter itself.

EngSci's Engineering Physics major is ideally suited for those with a strong interest in pure or applied physics who see its creative possibilities . The major has been part of the EngSci program for almost six decades, a testament to the central role this discipline plays in technological advances.

The program provides a unique combination of fundamental physics and engineering design skills that prepare students to work on a broad range of applications. Subjects covered include particle physics, cosmology, quantum optics, planetary physics, theoretical physics, and areas of non-finance mathematics. Students can learn about applications in optics, energy generation, astrophysics, electronics, climate, geophysics, economics, and more.

Courses are taught by professors from U of T's Departments of Physics , Mathematics, Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry, Electrical & Computer Engineering, and others.

Engineering physics in EngSci allows students to keep a broader range of career options open as engineers and/or physicists.

Students in this major have access to the same advanced physics courses as students in the Department of Physics, but they take fewer such courses overall. Nevertheless, EngSci students are often accepted into graduate physics programs at the world's top universities and some have become professors in experimental and theoretical physics.

An undergraduate degree in physics prepares you to work as a physicist, while EngSci's engineering physics major prepares you to work as a physicist or an engineer.

Engineering physics graduates are well prepared for exciting careers in a variety of sectors within academia, industry, and entrepreneurship. About half enter the workforce directly, while the rest pursue graduate studies at top schools around the world in engineering- and science-related fields.

If you have an interest in a particular field of physics or mathematical physics, the curriculum has the flexibility to allow you to focus on courses related to those interests. Graduates appreciate the many options provided by courses covering a wide spectrum of theoretical and experimental physics topics. You can view the technical electives available in the major in our academic calendar .

In addition to support for summer research and employment offered through EngSc i or the Engineering Career Centre , students in this major have close contact with world-renowned professors in U of T's Department of Physics with extensive networks in academia and industry. Many of these offer summer research positions, some of which have included field trips to international labs like CERN in Geneva, Switzerland.

In the past several years, over half of students in the engineering physics major have participated in the PEY Co-op Program at companies like AMD (Advanced Micro Devices), Ehvert Mission Critical, INTEL (formerly Altera), Marvell Technology Group (US), Schneider Electric Asia Pacific, ZS Associates, and more.

Sample Courses

Experiments in this course are designed to form a bridge to current experimental research. A wide range of experiments are available using contemporary techniques and equipment. In addition to the standard set of experiments, a limited number of research projects are also available. Many of the experiments can be carried out with a focus on instrumentation.

This course covers symmetry and conservation laws, stability and instability, generalized co-ordinates, Hamilton's principle, Hamilton's equations, phase space, Liouville's theorem, canonical transformations, Poisson brackets, and Noether's theorem.

This course provides a review of elementary quantum mechanics, (photo-electric and Compton effects, Bohr model, de Broglie waves); some bound (harmonic oscillator, hydrogen atom) and unbound (potential barriers) solutions of the Schrodinger equation; probability interpretation; operators and the theory of measurement; expectation values and uncertainties; angular momentum (orbital and spin); and magnetic resonance as an application.

An introduction to transmission line theory: voltage and current waves, characteristic impedance, reflections from the load and source, transients on the line, Smith's chart, impedance matching. Fundamentals of electromagnetic theory: Maxwell's equations, Helmholtz's theorem, time retarded scalar and vector potentials, gauges, boundary conditions, electric and magnetic fields wave equations and their solutions in lossless and lossy medium. Plane wave propagation, reflection and transmission at boundaries. Constitutive relations and dispersion. Radiating dipole and waveguides.

Students learn the basis of Einsteins theory: differential geometry, tensor analysis, gravitational physics leading to General Relativity. The course also covers theory starting from solutions of Schwarzschild, Kerr, etc.

Did you know...?

Students can further their knowledge in student clubs like UTAT , U of T's Supermileage Team , and more.

Find more student clubs here.

Where this major can take you

Engineering physics graduates are innovators in areas as diverse as particle physics research, data analytics, management consulting, and many more.  Meet some of our alumni.

Recent engineering physics graduates have pursued graduate studies in engineering fields, physics and mathematics at Cambridge, Carnegie Mellon, Cornell, Harvard, MIT, Stanford University, UC Berkeley, University of Toronto, and more.

Some graduates work in academia as professors in engineering disciplines, geophysics, mathematics, particle physics, and more. Others work in industry for companies such as Algorithmics, AMD, Citigroup, Hewlett Packard, MacDonald Dettwiler & Associates, McKinsey & Company, Royal Bank of Canada, and more.

Entrepreneurial graduates have started companies like Light Matter Interactions , ReefNet , and Spectral Applied Research .

Interim Chair of the Engineering Physics major

Professor kaley walker (physics).

Professor Kaley Walker is part of the Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Physics group in the Department of Physics. She is the Deputy Mission Scientist for the Canadian Space Agency’s Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment (ACE) mission and is a leader in the development of the next generation of Earth observation satellites for Canada.

[email protected]

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Physics: introduction, faculty affiliation.

Arts and Science

Degree Programs

• Master of Science in Physics (University of Toronto) / Master in Physics (Sapienza Università di Roma) / Master in Physics (Université Paris-Saclay);
• Master of Science in Physics (University of Toronto) / Master in Physics (Sapienza Università di Roma) / Master in Physics (Universidade do Porto)

Collaborative Specializations

The following collaborative specializations are available to students in participating degree programs as listed below:

• Physics, MSc, PhD

The Department of Physics carries out research in experimental and theoretical physics in the following fields: atomic and molecular physics; biological physics; earth, atmospheric, and planetary physics; quantum optics and quantum information; quantum condensed matter physics; and subatomic physics and astrophysics. The department is involved in many collaborative efforts and has close ties to institutes worldwide.

Contact and Address

Web: www.physics.utoronto.ca Email: [email protected] Telephone: (416) 978-2945 Fax: (416) 978-1547

Department of Physics University of Toronto Room 315, McLennan Physical Labs Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A7 Canada

Physics: Graduate Faculty

Full members, members emeriti, associate members, physics: physics msc, master of science.

Admissions to Option 3: Coursework plus MSc Research Thesis have been administratively suspended. See amendment made on September 25, 2023.

Program Description

The MSc program is directed primarily to qualified students seeking a career in scientific research, with an emphasis on doctoral-stream studies. The MSc can be taken both with or without a thesis, the latter being the norm.

Minimum Admission Requirements

Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Physics' additional admission requirements stated below.

An appropriate bachelor's degree with a final-year average equivalent to at least a University of Toronto mid-B.

Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

Program Requirements

Students normally complete the program requirements in one of three ways:

Option 1: Coursework plus MSc Research Report:

graduate lecture courses (3.0 full-course equivalents [FCEs]);

a Research Report, which consists of a 6000-series research course appropriate to the field of physics (1.0 FCE) and PHY3400Y (1.0 FCE).

Option 2: Coursework plus MSc Research Project:

graduate lecture courses (2.0 FCEs);

a 6000-series research course appropriate to the field of physics (1.0 FCE);

a Research Project, which consists of a 7000-series seminar course appropriate to the field of physics (1.0 FCE) and PHY3400Y (1.0 FCE).

Option 3: Coursework plus MSc Research Thesis:

selection of the program is made by the student and faculty advisor in consultation with the Associate Chair.

MSc students are expected to attend the weekly general colloquium conducted by the department.

The residence requirement is one year, whereby students must be on campus full-time and consequently in geographical proximity to be able to participate fully in the University activities associated with the program.

Program Length

3 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S)

3 years full-time

Physics: Physics MSc (Dual Degree: MSc / Master in Physics (Sapienza Università di Roma; Université Paris-Saclay))

Dual degree program: master of science in physics (university of toronto) / master in physics (sapienza università di roma) / master in physics (université paris-saclay).

The University of Toronto MSc in Physics participates in the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM) program of the QUAntum Research Master Education Network (QUARMEN). This dual degree program provides a pathway for students to complete degrees at the Université Paris-Saclay (France) and Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza" (Italy). At the University of Toronto, students complete the Master of Science (MSc) in Physics’ Option 2: Coursework plus MSc Research Project. Students are not eligible to take the other options.

In the Fall session of Year 1, students register in the Laurea Magistrale in Fisica at Sapienza Università di Roma. In the Winter and Summer sessions of Year 1, students register in the Master de physique at Université Paris-Saclay. In Year 2, students attend all three sessions (Fall, Winter, Summer) at the University of Toronto and complete Option 2 of the MSc in Physics.

Upon successful completion of the degree program, students who participate in EMJM and attend the University of Toronto as part of their participation in QUARMEN will receive three parchments, including the MSc in Physics degree from the University of Toronto.

Master of Science in Physics Program Department of Physics, University of Toronto Email: [email protected]

Master of Physics (Le Master de physique) Program Université Paris-Saclay Email: [email protected]

Application Process

Applicants must apply through the QUARMEN admissions website . Applicants are then jointly selected and admitted by a Selection Board composed of at least one appointed faculty member from each partner institution.

All applicants who are admitted to the dual degree program must then also complete the application on U of T’s School of Graduate Studies online admissions application system .

Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the regular admission requirements of the MSc in Physics and the overall admission requirements of QUARMEN.

6 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S)

Physics: Physics MSc (Dual Degree: MSc / Master in Physics (Sapienza Università di Roma; Universidade do Porto))

Dual degree program: master of science in physics (university of toronto) / master in physics (sapienza università di roma) / master in physics (universidade do porto).

The University of Toronto MSc in Physics participates in the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM) program of the QUAntum Research Master Education Network (QUARMEN). This dual degree program provides a pathway for students to complete degrees at Universidade do Porto (Portugal) and Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza" (Italy). At the University of Toronto, students complete the Master of Science (MSc) in Physics’ Option 2: Coursework plus MSc Research Project. Students are not eligible to take the other options.

In the Fall session of Year 1, students register in the Laurea Magistrale in Fisica (Master's Degree in Physics) at Sapienza Università di Roma. In the Winter and Summer sessions of Year 1, students register in the Mestrado em Física (Master in Physics) at Universidade do Porto (Portugal). In Year 2, students attend all three sessions (Fall, Winter, Summer) at the University of Toronto and complete Option 2 of the MSc in Physics.

Physics: Physics PhD

Doctor of philosophy.

The Department of Physics offers excellent quality and breadth of research fields. Its internationally leading research teams, in both theory and experiment, operate across a broad spectrum of topics as well as collaborative specializations in interdisciplinary subjects. Graduates work in government, industry, and education around the world.

Applicants may enter the PhD program via one of two routes: 1) following completion of an appropriate master’s degree; 2) direct entry after completing a bachelor’s degree.

PhD Program

An appropriate University of Toronto master's degree with an average of at least B+ or demonstrated comparable research competence.

The core of the PhD program is an original investigation, the results of which are embodied in a thesis. Lecture courses constitute a subsidiary but important part of the program. Consult the department for details.

Complete 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) : graduate lecture courses and a thesis . Course credit will normally be given towards the PhD for all graduate lecture courses taken during a master's program in this department. Students who have completed an appropriate MSc elsewhere and are entering the PhD program will generally be given a course credit of up to 2.0 FCEs in graduate lecture courses towards their PhD course requirement.

Complete a qualifying oral examination . Students must complete the qualifying examination within eight months. Students who fail at the first attempt have the opportunity to take the examination again within a time period specified by the examination committee.

Students are expected to attend the weekly general colloquium conducted by the department.

PhD Program (Direct-Entry)

Outstanding applicants may be considered directly from undergraduate programs. Normally, these applicants will have an undergraduate average of A or higher.

Complete 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) : graduate lecture courses and a thesis .

Students must complete a qualifying oral examination within 20 months. Students who fail at the first attempt have the opportunity to take the examination again within a time period specified by the examination committee.

Physics: Physics MSc, PhD Courses

All courses are not given every year. Please check the departmental brochure or website for course availability .

Introductory Courses

General courses, professional development, specialized courses, report course for msc students.

+ Extended course. For academic reasons, coursework is extended into session following academic session in which course is offered.

Seminar Courses

Research courses.

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application

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Applicant Portal Instructions and Requirements

We have only one admissions round annually for September entry.

• Application open : October 16, 2023
• Application deadline : December 8, 2023

Your application and supporting documents are submitted electronically through:

School of Graduate Studies Online Admissions Application

There is a required application fee of $125 (CAD).

We are currently offering fee waivers to applicants self-identifying as being in one of the following two categories:

• Indigenous applicants from Canada and the United States
• Black domestic* applicants *Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons under subsection 95(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada).

Applicants are asked to apply for the fee waiver by sending a brief email to [email protected] , and the waiver will be granted as long as sufficient funds remain to support the waivers. Please note that we are only able to offer a fee waiver as a one-time exception. (Requests for a future admissions cycle will not be granted if you have received a prior waiver.)

Admissions Criteria

Please refer to our graduate admissions criteria document for details on the evaluation process.

Applicant Portal Instructions

Note that you are only able to upload the research statement at the latter stage of the submission process after you finalize the “Review” section. It will then appear on your “Application Checklist” as an item for upload.

If you are a first-time applicant, click the link to “Create an Account” to begin your application. You will receive a verification code via email as part of the account creation process. After entering your verification code, you will create a password for your account.

You may save and return to the application at any point in the process up until you finalize the “Review” section. You will not be able to edit the form fields that you have populated after this point. You will, however, still be able to upload application materials including CV, transcripts and research statement.

Equity and Diversity questions: Your answers to the equity and diversity questions included in the online application are not accessible to the department or admissions committee. If you would like to identify yourself to the admissions committee as a member of an equity-seeking group, please briefly do so in your research statement.  This information is collected to allow the admissions committee to conduct a more equitable admissions process as well as to nominate applicants for applicable equity-based awards that the university may offer.

Once you finalize the “Review” section, you will then proceed to an “Application Checklist” of outstanding items for upload. The list should include “Awaiting: Research Proposal/Research Statement” and any other missing documents (e.g. if you hadn’t uploaded a CV yet).

Note that the system has listed the research proposal and research statement as one category, but we are specifically asking for a research statement. (Other programs may refer to this as a statement of purpose or letter of intent.)

To view the status of your application, including outstanding requirements, please log in to your account to view your applicant status portal.

Payment of your application fee must be received by the School of Graduate Studies before we will consider your application.  This fee cannot be waived.

Application materials will not be accepted beyond the deadline.

Requirements

Grade Point Average (GPA)

PhD U (Direct Entry) : an average of A- in the final two years of coursework (upper level coursework). PhD : an average of at least B+ assessed at the University of Toronto equivalent or demonstrated comparable research competence.

Please refer to the International Degree Equivalencies Tool to calculate the University of Toronto equivalent GPA.

Letters of Reference

You will be required to enter information for 3 referees from instructors or research supervisors who are able to speak to your ability and your potential to engage in doctoral level research. It is recommended that you confirm your referees’ availability to provide a reference prior to submitting their contact details. Letters of reference are confidential and applicants will not have access to them.

Once you have submitted the referees contact details, they will automatically receive a notification email that they have been requested to complete a reference for your application along with a submission link. Please enter your referee info as soon as practicable in the application process in order that they receive the request well in advance of the admissions deadline.

Note that you are required to use institutional email addresses for your referee contact. Please contact the Graduate Office if the institution utilizes Gmail or the like as the official email address, or if you need to correct, update or change referee information.

Please follow up with your referees to make sure that they have received the request. They should check their spam mail folders for the reference request if they have not received it. You are able to resend an applicant reference request to a referee after you have submitted the application.

Transcript(s)

Electronic or scanned transcripts from each post-secondary institution that you have attended.  Transcripts must be up to date and contain the transcript legend, key, or evaluation scale. This is the information provided on the transcript on how to interpret grading systems, symbols, terminology, etc. (usually printed on the back of a paper transcript). An official English translation must accompany all documentation not written in English or French.

The online system also requires that each transcript, inclusive of legend, be uploaded as a single PDF file, use your browser’s “print to pdf” function (and not a screenshot). Please be sure that each transcript file is complete and readable before submitting.  Include a copy of the grading scale with the PDF-printed transcript (this information can usually be found on your registrar’s website).

Note that while electronic materials suffice for the admissions review process, you will be required to submit official transcripts if you receive an admissions offer. The offer will be conditional on verification of these official transcripts.

Research Statement

Please upload as a PDF file.

The statement should include any special areas of interest in astronomy, why you want to pursue doctoral research, and your skills or qualifications. Describe any related research projects and your particular contributions. Outline your specific research plans and goals (two pages maximum).

If you want to be considered for the Dunlap Graduate Fellowship in Instrumentation, please indicate this in your research statement

Publication List/Research Contributions or Curriculum Vitae

If applicable, you should provide a list of publications and research contributions (e.g. scholarly publication, conference presentations, and other evidence of scholarly activities; please differentiate between refereed and non-refereed publications) on a curriculum vitae.

Graduate Record Examination

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not accepted.

English Language Proficiency Requirement

Applicants educated outside of Canada should ensure that they have met the English language proficiency requirement. For full details, please refer to the English language proficiency section.

If you have graduated (or will) from a university/college where the language of instruction and assessment is in English, you are exempt from English language tests. Usually, we can verify this from your transcript. If not, we will only request a letter of proof if you are admitted.

Medical Biophysics

Welcome to medical biophysics.

Annual Research Symposium Brings MBP Together

New Publication from the Hakem Lab

MBP Begins New Collaboration With MedTech Accelerator Program

Message from the Chair

Welcome to the Department of Medical Biophysics (MBP) in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, at the University of Toronto.

Throughout our 50-year history, MBP has passionately addressed problems in medicine through the application of research disciplines spanning the biological and physical sciences, with an emphasis on basic and translational research.

I invite you to explore all the department has to offer.

-Dr. Laurie Ailles, MBP Chair

Read the full message from the Chair.

Learn more about MBP

What is medical biophysics, admission requirements, get to know our researchers, mental health resources, key departmental contacts, upcoming events, downtown student seminars - emma mcknight, julia nguyen & yahan zhang, uptown student seminars - julia nguyen, davidson zhao & taylor de young, downtown student seminars - lucas penny, richard dong & junye che, downtown student seminars - jaskirat singh sandhu, darah vlamink & xiang (lance) li.

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Physics & Astrophysics Programs and Supervisors

Here's a Physics & Astrophysics Programs Flyer

SPECIALIST PROGRAMS

       ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSICS       Supervisor of Studies: Phil Heron; Email:  [email protected]

       ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSICS (CO-OP)       Supervisor of Studies:  Phil Heron; Email:  [email protected]       Co-op Contact:  [email protected]

       PHYSICAL AND MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES       Supervisor of Studies:P. Artymowicz (416-287-7244) Email:  [email protected]

       PHYSICS AND ASTROPHYSICS       Supervisor of Studies: Julian Lowman (416-208-4880) Email:  [email protected]

MAJOR PROGRAMS

       PHYSICS AND ASTROPHYSICS       Supervisor of Studies:Julian Lowman (416-208-4880) Email:  [email protected] July 1/23 - Dec 31/23       H. Rein Email:  [email protected] Jan 1/24 - Jun 30/24

       PHYSICAL SCIENCES       Supervisor of Studies: P. Artymowicz (416-287-7244) Email:  [email protected]

MINOR PROGRAMS

       MINOR PROGRAM IN ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS (SCIENCE)       Supervisor of Studies: D. Weaver (416-287-7248) Email:  [email protected]

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       HONOURS BACHELOR OF SCIENCE / MASTER OF ENGINEERING       Mandy Meriano(416-208-2775) Email:  [email protected]

       HONOURS BACHELOR OF SCIENCE / MASTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE       Combined Degree Programs Coordinator, Email:  [email protected]

       HONOURS BACHELOR OF SCIENCE OR HONOURS BACHELOR OF ARTS / MASTER OF TEACHING       Combined Degree Programs Coordinator, Email:  [email protected]

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St. George Campus, Faculty of Arts & Science

Program Information

Degree(s): Honours Bachelor of Science

Program(s): Physics (Major, Minor, Specialist)

OUAC Admission Code: TPG (Physical and Mathematical Sciences)

Academic Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma Six 4U/M courses, including:

• Calculus & Vectors (MCV4U)
• English (ENG4U)
• Physics (SPH4U)

Find equivalent requirements for Canadian high school systems , US high school system , International Baccalaureate , British-Patterned Education , French-Patterned Education , CAPE , and other international high school systems .

Mississauga Campus

Program(s): Physics (Major, Minor)

OUAC Admission Code: TMW (Chemical & Physical Sciences)

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2024 UVA Brain Symposium Hosts Over 300 Neuroscience Researchers

May 29, 2024 by [email protected]

The event featured 23 presentations from UVA faculty as well as visiting leaders in neuroscience research. Presentations were grouped into 5 topic sessions, each of which represents an area of strategic investment and institutional strength at the University of Virginia. The 2024 sessions were Neurodevelopment, Pain & Addiction, Brain Aging, Epilepsy, and Neuroimmunology.

The 2024 Brain Symposium also included two keynote lectures from Walter Koroshetz, MD, Director of the National Institute for Neurological Disorders & Stroke, and Lori Isom, PhD, Chair of the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Michigan. The lecture presented by Dr. Koroshetz was named in honor of the late Edward P. Owens (’68).

The UVA faculty who presented were Barry Condron, PhD (Biology), Tsai­-Yi Lu, PhD (Neuroscience), Wendy Lynch, PhD (Psychiatry & Neurobehavioral Sciences), Patrick Finan, PhD (Anesthesiology), Sarah Flowers, PhD (Neuroscience), Manoj Patel, PhD (Anesthesiology), and Alban Gaultier, PhD (Neuroscience). The 2024 visiting faculty were Crystal Rogers, PhD (University of California, Davis), Rosa Uribe, PhD (Rice University), Adre du Plessis, MBChB (Children’s National Hospital), Scott Edwards, PhD (Louisiana State University), Chad Brummett, MD (University of Michigan), Shane Liddelow, PhD (New York University), Morgan Barense, PhD (University of Toronto), Halima Amjad, MD, PhD, MPH (Johns Hopkins University), Esther Krook-Magnuson, PhD (University of Minnesota), Juliet Knowles, MD, PhD (Stanford University), Gary Yellen, PhD (Harvard University), Gloria Choi, PhD (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), Greg Lemke, PhD (Salk Institute), and Richard Daneman, PhD (University of California San Diego).

In addition to research talks, over 60 students, staff, and faculty presented posters for the 2024 Poster Contest. This year’s poster contest winners were Maxwell Ritterband (undergraduate), Emily McCoy (graduate), and Yipkin Calhan (postdoctoral). Neuroscience trainees participated in a neuroscience career breakout lunch on Wednesday that allowed 100 UVA trainees to discuss various non-academically traditional career paths with 8 career representatives.

Join the UVA Brain Institute’s mailing list to receive information about future events.

Photos by Tom Daly.

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PhD in Physics

• Admission Board

Application deadline: Jun 17, 2024 at 11:59 PM

Call for Applications

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• PhD Programme Table

Doctoral programme start date: Nov 01, 2024

Appointed by RD n. 802 Prot. n. 0143275 of May 23rd, 2024

Alessandro Gabrielli

Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia "Augusto Righi" - DIFA

Viale Berti Pichat 6/2 Bologna (BO)

[email protected]

Attachment 1

Attachment 2, attachment 3.

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Physics (Ph.D.)

Why pursue a Ph.D. in physics at UNH?

Expand your career opportunities within academia, industry or research through our physics Ph.D. program. You’ll work through a core curriculum exploring the fundamental areas of physics while also engaging with electives in your area of interest. You’ll apply advanced methodologies while conducting original research. If you are interested in teaching physics, you’ll also have the opportunity to pursue a cognate in college teaching. As a doctoral student in our program, you’ll have the opportunity to receive support through teaching assistantships, research assistantships or fellowships.

Program Highlights

The Department of Physics offers excellent research opportunities for graduate students. UNH physicists are engaged in world-class research in applied optics, condensed matter, nuclear and particle physics, education, and high energy theory and cosmology. The Space Science Center fosters research and education in all the space sciences, ranging from the ionosphere to the Earth's magnetosphere, the local solar system, and out to the farthest reaches of the universe. In addition, UNH has just reached the top tier of research universities, Carnegie Classification R1, and our research portfolio brings in more than $110 million in competitive external funding each year.

Potential career areas

• Government research
• Private industry research/development
• Renewable energy
• Science communication

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Contact Information

Curriculum & Requirements

Program description.

The Physics Ph.D. program prepares students for a career in industry, education, research or academia. Students will progress from studying a core curriculum encompassing fundamental areas of physics to taking elective classes in their area of interest. They will then conduct original research in a particular research area, leading to their PhD dissertation and defense.

For more details, please consult the physics graduate student handbook .

Requirements for the Program

Degree requirements.

For Space Science students, these courses must include Plasma Physics ( PHYS 951 ) , Magnetohydrodyamics of the Heliosphere ( PHYS 953 ) , and one of Magnetospheres ( PHYS 987 ) , Heliospheric Physics ( PHYS 954 ) .

Students are required to

• demonstrate proficiency in teaching,
• pass the written comprehensive exam, and
• pass an oral qualifying exam on a thesis proposal.

Degree candidates are required to

• register for a minimum of two semesters of PHYS 999 Doctoral Research ,
• pass the oral dissertation defense, and
• successfully submit the final dissertation to the Graduate School.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will master the theoretical concepts in advanced mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics at the graduate level.
• Students will have an advanced understanding of the mathematical methods, both analytical and computational, required to solve complex physics problems at the graduate level.
• Students will be proficient in experimental physics.
• Students will develop and demonstrate proficiency in teaching at the undergraduate level.
• Students will have a specialized knowledge of their chosen field of advanced research in physics.
• Students will be able to present advanced scientific ideas effectively in both written and oral form.
• Students will be well prepared for postgraduate study in physics and related disciplines, as well as advanced careers in a multitude of fields ranging from scientific and technical to financial.

Application Requirements & Deadlines

Applications must be completed by the following deadlines in order to be reviewed for admission:

• Fall : Jan. 15 (for funding); after that on rolling basis until April 15
• Spring : N/A
• Summer : N/A
• Special : Spring admission by approval only

Application fee : $65

Campus : Durham

New England Regional : VT

Accelerated Masters Eligible : No

New Hampshire Residents

Students claiming in-state residency must also submit a Proof of Residence Form . This form is not required to complete your application, but you will need to submit it after you are offered admission or you will not be able to register for classes.

Transcripts

If you attended UNH or Granite State College (GSC) after September 1, 1991, and have indicated so on your online application, we will retrieve your transcript internally; this includes UNH-Durham, UNH-Manchester, UNH Non-Degree work and GSC. 

If you did not attend UNH, or attended prior to September 1, 1991, then you must upload a copy (PDF) of your transcript in the application form. International transcripts must be translated into English.

If admitted , you must then request an official transcript be sent directly to our office from the Registrar's Office of each college/university attended. We accept transcripts both electronically and in hard copy:

• Electronic Transcripts : Please have your institution send the transcript directly to [email protected] . Please note that we can only accept copies sent directly from the institution.
• Paper Transcripts : Please send hard copies of transcripts to: UNH Graduate School, Thompson Hall- 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824. You may request transcripts be sent to us directly from the institution or you may send them yourself as long as they remain sealed in the original university envelope.

Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions must be submitted and applicants must disclose any previous academic or disciplinary sanctions that resulted in their temporary or permanent separation from a previous post-secondary institution. If it is found that previous academic or disciplinary separations were not disclosed, applicants may face denial and admitted students may face dismissal from their academic program.

Letters of recommendation: 3 required

Recommendation letters submitted by relatives or friends, as well as letters older than one year, will not be accepted.

GRE Optional

The GRE scores are optional, if you wish to provide scores please email the scores directly to the department once you have submitted your application online.

Personal Statement/Essay Questions

Prepare a brief but careful statement regarding:

• Reasons you wish to do graduate work in this field, including your immediate and long-range objectives.
• Your specific research or professional interest and experiences in this field.

Important Notes

All applicants are encouraged to contact programs directly to discuss program-specific application questions.

International Applicants

Prospective international students are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent examination scores. English Language Exams may be waived if English is your first language. If you wish to request a waiver, then please visit our Test Scores webpage for more information.

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