university of toronto phd in physics

• Department of Physics
• Graduate Program
• Prospective Students
• Application and Admission to Graduate Programs in Physics

Admission Requirements and Qualifications

Program descriptions.

• MSc and PhD programs in the Department of Physics
• International Master's Programme in Quantum Science and Technology (QUARMEN)

Minimum Qualifications for Admission to Programs

Msc program.

• Academic average of "B+" or higher in an honours Physics program or a program of comparable rigour in a closely related field

PhD Program

• MSc degree in Physics or closely related field with first class standing
• Exceptional students with a BSc degree may be admitted to the direct-entry PhD program.  Such students must have an academic average of "A" or higher in an honours Physics program or a program of comparable rigour in a closely related field. All applicants to the MSc program will automatically be considered for admission to the direct-entry PhD program. MSc. applicants interested in direct-entry PhD are not required to submit a separate application for PhD.

Repeat Applications

• Students who have been rejected twice by the Graduate Admission Committee will receive no further consideration.

Degree equivalencies

Each year, we receive a large number of applications from highly qualified international students; however, we are able to admit only a small number of them. Please consult the International Credentials Equivalency table from the School of Graduate Studies to determine whether your academic record satisfies the minimum admission threshold. Please note that the admission process is highly competitive and satisfying the minimum threshold does not guarantee admission.

English Language Proficiency Score Requirements

International applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency and satisfy the School of Graduate Studies English language proficiency requirements prior to admission. The most common English language proficiency tests, with their minimum score requirements, are summarized here:

http://www.toefl.org/

Paper-Based Test (PBT) Minimum Requirement: Overall score of at least 580, with score of at least 4 in TWE

Internet-Based Test (iBT) Minimum Requirement: Overall score of at least 93, with score of at least 22 in each of the Writing and Speaking components Note: Applicants must arrange for their score to be reported electronically to the University of Toronto by the testing agency. The institution code for the University of Toronto is 0982. There is no need to specify a department.

http://www.ielts.org/

Minimum Requirement: Score of at least 7.0 in the Academic test, with score of at least 6.5 in each component Note: Applicants must arrange for their score to be reported electronically to the University of Toronto by the testing agency.

http://www.copetest.com/

Minimum Requirement: Overall score of at least 76, with score of at least 32 in the Writing component, and at least 22 in all other components Note: Applicants must arrange for their score to be reported electronically to the University of Toronto by the testing agency.

Academic Preparation Course , School of Continuing Studies, University of Toronto. 

Minimum Requirement: Final grade of B in Level 60 The Academic English Course is a certified, full-time, intensive program focusing on the development of strategies for academic writing, reading, speaking and listening. The course will present strategies for writing accurate, organized and well-developed reports, responses and essays. Reading comprehension, oral communication, listening facility, and note-taking will be developed to align with the academic standards of the University of Toronto.

Note: Submission of an EFT score is NOT required for applicants who have completed or expect to complete a program of study at a university where the language of instruction and examination is English. An official letter from the university confirming English instruction and examination will be required, unless there is an appropriate notation on the transcript.

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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Statement for International Applicants: Our outstanding graduate program provides full funding and many of our graduates go on to have remarkable careers. We generally receive a large number of international applications with only a few spots available in our program. As a result, our admission rate for international students is below 5%.

Dunlap Graduate Fellowship in Instrumentation Funded by the Dunlap Institute, this fellowship supports students who intend to develop astronomical instrumentation for cutting-edge science as a major part of their PhD thesis. Multiple faculty in both the Institute and the Department work on world-class instrumentation projects that range from the ultraviolet to radio wavelengths. The fellowship will fund students who are supervised by these faculty and engage in the development of these exciting instrumentation projects. Students who wish to be specifically considered for this fellowship are asked to indicate so in their research statement.

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September 2024 Admissions

We have only one admissions round annually for September entry. The admissions application for September 2024 entry will open October 16, 2023. The deadline for both domestic and international applicants is December 8, 2023.

Note that the emphasis of our graduate programs is doctoral level research. The default point of entry for an applicant with a qualifying bachelor’s degree is the direct-entry PhD degree program.

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.)

Degree Programs

The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics offers dynamic and competitive doctoral programs which emphasize research. Students in our direct-entry PhD are immediately engaged in research in the first year of the program through two consecutive research projects, each under the supervision of a different faculty member.

The department is actively engaged in a wide range of observational and theoretical research . Close ties with the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (CITA), the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics and the Centre for Planetary Sciences (CPS) further enhance the opportunities to interact with leading researchers and provide great flexibility to students with a broad array of interests giving them the option to work with a supervisor from one of these sibling units.

We provide two doctoral degree tracks:

PhD-U (Direct Entry) : for applicants with a qualifying bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. This track is structured as a five year program which in its first year combines coursework with intensive research.

Since many universities do not offer extensive undergraduate training in astronomy and astrophysics, a substantive background in physics that includes a significant number of advanced courses (preferably including electromagnetism and quantum mechanics) along with a solid mathematical foundation may be considered acceptable preparation.

PhD : for applicants with an MSc degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics or an MSc degree in another appropriate discipline deemed equivalent may be considered for admissions to the PhD program. This track is a four-year program focused on a doctoral thesis project. Please note that it is up to the Admissions Committee to determine whether the applicant’s MSc degree is sufficient for entry to the PhD program; alternately the applicant may be considered for admissions to the PhD U (direct entry) track.

Admissions Criteria

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

PhD in Medical Biophysics - Medical Physics Specialization

In addition to our  graduate programs , the Department of Medical Biophysics offers a CAMPEP  -accredited specialization for PhD students interested in a Medical Physics career. Medical Physics spans research, development, and clinical trials involving medical imaging and radiotherapy technologies.

In this specialization within our PhD program, students complete a thesis-based PhD, while completing a structured medical physics course curriculum. The specialized program provides a research-intensive environment that immerses students in clinical technologies pertinent to medical imaging, such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear medicine, and radiation therapy. Cutting edge research involving machine learning, theranostics, and heavy particle therapy are ongoing. Students gain skills to pursue the production of high quality research and develop leadership skills.

Upon completion of their PhD, students who fulfill the Medical Physics course curriculum receive a letter of attestation from the Program Director , certifying that all required courses and modules have been successfully completed.

More information about the program can be found below.

Admission Requirements - Medical Physics Specialization within the Medical Biophysics PhD program

Students wanting to enroll in the Medical Physics PhD Specialization must first apply to and be accepted into the Medical Biophysics PhD program . Admission consideration to the Medical Biophysics PhD requires:

completion of an appropriate master's degree from a recognized university 

a minimum A- average in the final two years of study. This is flexible for those demonstrating exceptional aptitude for research.

submission and evaluation of all supplemental application material as outlined on the  Admission Requirements and Deadlines  page of our website.

an admissions interview for all candidates who are a potential fit for the program.

To be eligible for admission to the Medical Physics PhD specialization, students must also have:

completed an undergraduate degree in physics or an equivalent, relevant quantitative physical or engineering science, or have least three upper level (3rd or 4th year) half-courses in traditional physics such as classical mechanics/dynamics, quantum mechanics, electromagnetic theory thermal physics, atomic/nuclear physics, optical physics, or laboratory physics. Applicants with a non-physics majors must have coursework that is equivalent to a minor in physics, as defined by the University of Toronto, involving upper-level physics (e.g., PHY356H1, PHY357H1) and calculus courses.

their supervisor's approval in order to be eligible for a transfer into the Medical Physics PhD Specialization. This type of transfer must be completed by the end of their first year of study as a PhD student.

students must notify the program director and the MBP office within 1 year of beginning their PhD program.

For more information on admission requirements and application procedures for MBP Graduate programs, please visit the  Admission Requirements and Deadlines  page.

Courses - Medical Physics PhD Specialization

In addition to the mandatory course requirements of the MBP PhD program, students enrolled in the MBP PhD Medical Physics Specialization will be required to complete the following courses:

MBP 1023H: Clinical Radiation Physics and Dosimetry

MBP 1301H: Radiation Oncology: Clinical & Experimental Radiobiology

MBP 1407H: Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Overview

MBP 1411H: Overview of Medical Imaging

MBP 1412H: Ultrasound Overview

MBP 1415H: Radiotherapy Physics

MBP 1416H: Anatomy & Physiology (for Non-Specialists or Physicists)

MBP 1417H: Introduction to Health Physics

Please note that modules are available to all MBP students with suitable prerequisites. They can be taken pre-emptively for MSc students who are considering reclassification into the PhD Specialization.

For more information about courses, including detailed course descriptions, please refer to the MBP Course Modules page .

CAMPEP Accredited Postgraduate Information

CAMPEP (Commission on the Accreditation of Medical Physics Educational Programs) and SDAMPP (Society of Directors of Academic Medical Physics Programs) require all medical physics education programs to post and maintain data regarding student statistics as indicated below.

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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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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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Physics & Astrophysics Programs and Supervisors

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]

COMBINED DEGREE PROGRAMS

      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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• Chemical Physics

Chemical Physics involves research at the interface of physics, mathematics, applied mathematics, computer science, and chemistry.  It can be characterized as the quest to lay bare the underlying basic explanations of the structure and dynamics of molecular and bulk-matter systems, in terms of the interactions of atoms and molecules.

The subject matter includes themes such as:

• general behaviour of polymers, fluids and solids, biological macromolecules & nanoparticles
• molecular collisions and scattering theory
• coherent quantum processes
• non-linear chemical dynamics
• chemical processes at surfaces
• quantum structure of molecules
• reaction dynamics
• electron transfer processes

Find out more

Research Faculty

Alán aspuru-guzik.

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Paul Brumer

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Artur Izmaylov

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Raymond Kapral

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Jeremy Schofield

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Dvira Segal

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Physics (MSc, PhD)

Part of the Faculty of Science

Program Overview

Format : Full-time

Degree Earned : Master of Science or PhD

If you are looking for a challenging career with a positive social impact, this is it. Physics is an exciting, cutting-edge, multidisciplinary field in which MSc and PhD graduate degrees lead to a career in research, biomedical technology or clinical medical physics . Graduate students seeking to enter a medical physics residency program may pursue a CAMPEP accreditation in Medical Physics , which distinguishes our programs.

At a Glance

Admissions Information

• Completion of a four-year undergraduate (or equivalent) degree in physics, biology, engineering, biochemistry, chemistry, or mathematics from an accredited institution
• Minimum grade point average (GPA) or equivalent of 3.33/4.33 (B+) in the last two years of study
• Statement of interest
• Transcripts
• Two letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency requirement
• Completion of a master’s degree in physics, engineering, or a related field from an accredited institution
• Minimum GPA or equivalent of 3.67/4.33 (A-)

More information on  admission requirements . Due to the competitive nature of our programs, it is not possible to offer admission to everyone who applies that meets the minimum entrance requirements for the program. 

Program-specific requirements

Check Application Deadline

Students are encouraged to submit applications prior to the first consideration date to increase their chances of securing financial support for their graduate studies. Applications received after the first consideration date will be accepted and reviewed based on spaces remaining in the program.

See application dates .

Financing Your Studies

For detailed graduate tuition and fees information please visit  Fees by Program .

For information on scholarships, awards and financing your graduate studies visit  Financing Your Studies.

Fields of Study/Research Areas

Fields of study.

• Biomedical Physics - Gain advanced training in the complex interactions of the physical and biological worlds — at the intersection of physics and medicine. The curriculum equips students to meet the large demand for individuals skilled in applying physics-based concepts and methodologies to the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses.
• CAMPEP Medical Physics - Available at both the MSc and PhD levels, our programs are the only ones in the Greater Toronto Area to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education (CAMPEP).
• Complex Systems - Join an exciting, rapidly growing research area, with broad scope and potential for rich, interdisciplinary collaboration. Our program provides students with a comprehensive foundation in complex systems and interdisciplinary research methods.

Research Areas

The faculty members in the program conduct research in novel ways to model, describe, detect, image and treat diseases through computational and experimental approaches.

Medical Imaging

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Optical Imaging
• Photoacoustic Imaging
• Ultrasound Imaging

Treatment Modalities

• Laser Therapies
• Ultrasound Therapies
• Nanoparticle Mediated Therapies/Theragnostics
• Radiation Therapy and Treatment Planning

Virophysics

• Computational/Mathematical modelling of virus infections in vivo and in vitro

Health Physics

• Toxic and Trace Element Detection in Humans

Physics (MSc, PhD) graduate program calendar

Research Labs

As a student, you will have access to the following research labs:

• Virophysics Computer Laboratory
• Optical Spectroscopy Laboratory
• Biological Systems and Cell Culture Laboratory
• Biomedical Optics Laboratory
• X-ray Fluorescence Laboratory
• Innovative Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Metrology Laboratory
• Radiochemistry & Nanotechnology Laboratory

Located at St. Michael's Hospital

• Advanced Biomedical Ultrasound Imaging and Therapy Laboratory
• Biomicroscopy and Cellular Imaging Laboratory 
• Photo-Acoustics Laboratory

Graduate Admissions

Admissions information and how to apply

Graduate Studies Admissions Office 11th Floor, 1 Dundas Street West Toronto, ON Telephone: 416-979-5150 Email:  [email protected]

For information specific to programs please see the program contact information below.

Program Contacts

Dr. Raffi Karshafian Graduate Program Director PhD Research areas: Ultrasound and microbubble mediated therapeutic applications in targeted drug delivery (chemotherapy) and enhancing therapeutic efficacy of radiotherapy. Acoustic behaviour of microbubble contrast agents Telephone:  416-979-5000 ext. 557536 Email:  [email protected]

Sophia Finos Graduate Program Administrator Telephone: 416-979-5000 ext. 554670 Email:  [email protected]

"The most exciting part of my research is the potential that bench discoveries will one day impact the delivery of health care as well as advance basic science. [TMU] provides the ideal scientific and academic incubator for success and innovation." Eno Hysi, PhD candidate

Student Profile:  The Seeds of Cancer  (external link) 

Michael Moore (biomedical physics PhD alumnus) uses photoacoustic imaging to "listen" to tumour cells. Michael conducts his research at iBEST, a partnership between Toronto Metropolitan University and St. Michael's Hospital.

Find curriculum, course descriptions and important dates for Physics (MSc, PhD).

Once you’ve made an informed choice about which program(s) you are going to apply to, preparing your application requires careful research and planning.

At Toronto Metropolitan University, we understand that pursuing graduate studies is a significant financial investment. Funding comes from a combination of employment contracts (as a teaching assistant), scholarships, awards and stipends. There are a number of additional funding sources – internal and external – available to graduate students that can increase these funding levels.

As an urban innovation university, Toronto Metropolitan University offers 60+ cutting-edge, career-oriented graduate programs, as well as 125+ research centres, institutes and labs, in a wide range of disciplines. Our close connections with industry, government and community partners provide opportunities to apply your knowledge to real-world challenges and make a difference.

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PhD in Physics

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

Call for Applications

• Call for applications
• PhD Programme Table

Doctoral programme start date: Nov 01, 2024

Alessandro Gabrielli

Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia "Augusto Righi" - DIFA

Viale Berti Pichat 6/2 Bologna (BO)

[email protected]

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Physical Sciences Division

2024 phd diploma and hooding ceremony details, 2024 psd phd diploma and hooding ceremony information , information for graduates.

Graduate check-in begins at 11:30 am on May 31, 2024 . Graduates should arrive at the Logan Center for the Arts (915 East 60th Street, Chicago IL). Graduates should arrive as close to 11:30 am as possible  for check-in. 

Check-in Process

• All graduates must  check in  for the ceremony. 
• You should obtain your marching card from a staff member once you arrive at Logan.
• After you receive your marching card, you must check in at the registration table before you enter the line-up area .
• You must keep your marching card with you .
• You will head to the line-up area and should follow instructions from staff about where to line up.

What to Bring 

All graduates must wear full academic regalia to participate (PhD robe, tam, and hood).

Please minimize personal belongings that you bring to the ceremony. There will not be designated space to store bags or other personal items.

Diploma Pick-Up

Spring Quarter 2024 graduates will be able to pick up their diplomas on Saturday, June 1  after the PhD ceremony until 2:00 pm at the Logan Center for the Arts (first floor, near the Performance Hall). Students must present their UChicago ID card to receive their diploma. Diplomas that are not picked up will be mailed to the graduate’s diploma mailing address. Students who graduated in a prior quarter received their diplomas via mail.

Information for Guests  

We are delighted to welcome our graduates' guests to campus. The University of Chicago provides comprehensive information about Convocation weekend online, and we encourage guests to review the information below.  Tickets are not required for guests  for the PhD Diploma and Hooding Ceremony or the University-wide Convocation. Seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

The PSD PhD Diploma and Hooding Ceremony will take place on June 1, 2024 from 11:00 - 12:30 pm  at the Logan Center for the Arts (915 East 60th Street, Chicago IL). 

• University-wide Convocation Brochure  (includes transportation information) 
• PSD MS Diploma Ceremony Information
• Plan Your Visit for Convocation Information  
• Accessibility and Accommodations 

The ceremony will be followed directly by a luncheon for graduates and their guests. Box lunches and water will be provided. We will offer a variety of dietary options including vegetarian, vegan, kosher, and halal.

Photography

Professional photographers will be on site to photograph each graduate as they cross the stage to receive their diploma. Information for ordering those photos will be made available to graduates around late June.

The Physical Sciences Division will also offer a photo backdrop graduates and guests can use for personal photos.

A livestream will be available in real time for the PSD PhD Diploma and Hooding Ceremony. A recorded version will be made available in late June. 

Contact Information 

Please reach out to the Dean of Students Office with any questions. 

University-wide Convocation Ceremony Information 

Please visit the Convocation website for details about Convocation Weekend. 

Facility for Rare Isotope Beams

At michigan state university, international research team uses wavefunction matching to solve quantum many-body problems, new approach makes calculations with realistic interactions possible.

FRIB researchers are part of an international research team solving challenging computational problems in quantum physics using a new method called wavefunction matching. The new approach has applications to fields such as nuclear physics, where it is enabling theoretical calculations of atomic nuclei that were previously not possible. The details are published in Nature (“Wavefunction matching for solving quantum many-body problems”) .

Ab initio methods and their computational challenges

An ab initio method describes a complex system by starting from a description of its elementary components and their interactions. For the case of nuclear physics, the elementary components are protons and neutrons. Some key questions that ab initio calculations can help address are the binding energies and properties of atomic nuclei not yet observed and linking nuclear structure to the underlying interactions among protons and neutrons.

Yet, some ab initio methods struggle to produce reliable calculations for systems with complex interactions. One such method is quantum Monte Carlo simulations. In quantum Monte Carlo simulations, quantities are computed using random or stochastic processes. While quantum Monte Carlo simulations can be efficient and powerful, they have a significant weakness: the sign problem. The sign problem develops when positive and negative weight contributions cancel each other out. This cancellation results in inaccurate final predictions. It is often the case that quantum Monte Carlo simulations can be performed for an approximate or simplified interaction, but the corresponding simulations for realistic interactions produce severe sign problems and are therefore not possible.

Using ‘plastic surgery’ to make calculations possible

The new wavefunction-matching approach is designed to solve such computational problems. The research team—from Gaziantep Islam Science and Technology University in Turkey; University of Bonn, Ruhr University Bochum, and Forschungszentrum Jülich in Germany; Institute for Basic Science in South Korea; South China Normal University, Sun Yat-Sen University, and Graduate School of China Academy of Engineering Physics in China; Tbilisi State University in Georgia; CEA Paris-Saclay and Université Paris-Saclay in France; and Mississippi State University and the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) at Michigan State University (MSU)—includes  Dean Lee , professor of physics at FRIB and in MSU’s Department of Physics and Astronomy and head of the Theoretical Nuclear Science department at FRIB, and  Yuan-Zhuo Ma , postdoctoral research associate at FRIB.

“We are often faced with the situation that we can perform calculations using a simple approximate interaction, but realistic high-fidelity interactions cause severe computational problems,” said Lee. “Wavefunction matching solves this problem by doing plastic surgery. It removes the short-distance part of the high-fidelity interaction, and replaces it with the short-distance part of an easily computable interaction.”

This transformation is done in a way that preserves all of the important properties of the original realistic interaction. Since the new wavefunctions look similar to that of the easily computable interaction, researchers can now perform calculations using the easily computable interaction and apply a standard procedure for handling small corrections called perturbation theory.  A team effort

The research team applied this new method to lattice quantum Monte Carlo simulations for light nuclei, medium-mass nuclei, neutron matter, and nuclear matter. Using precise ab initio calculations, the results closely matched real-world data on nuclear properties such as size, structure, and binding energies. Calculations that were once impossible due to the sign problem can now be performed using wavefunction matching.

“It is a fantastic project and an excellent opportunity to work with the brightest nuclear scientist s in FRIB and around the globe,” said Ma. “As a theorist , I'm also very excited about programming and conducting research on the world's most powerful exascale supercomputers, such as Frontier , which allows us to implement wavefunction matching to explore the mysteries of nuclear physics.”

While the research team focused solely on quantum Monte Carlo simulations, wavefunction matching should be useful for many different ab initio approaches, including both classical and  quantum computing calculations. The researchers at FRIB worked with collaborators at institutions in China, France, Germany, South Korea, Turkey, and United States.

“The work is the culmination of effort over many years to handle the computational problems associated with realistic high-fidelity nuclear interactions,” said Lee. “It is very satisfying to see that the computational problems are cleanly resolved with this new approach. We are grateful to all of the collaboration members who contributed to this project, in particular, the lead author, Serdar Elhatisari.”

This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. National Science Foundation, the German Research Foundation, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Chinese Academy of Sciences President’s International Fellowship Initiative, Volkswagen Stiftung, the European Research Council, the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the National Security Academic Fund, the Rare Isotope Science Project of the Institute for Basic Science, the National Research Foundation of Korea, the Institute for Basic Science, and the Espace de Structure et de réactions Nucléaires Théorique.

Michigan State University operates the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) as a user facility for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science (DOE-SC), supporting the mission of the DOE-SC Office of Nuclear Physics. Hosting what is designed to be the most powerful heavy-ion accelerator, FRIB enables scientists to make discoveries about the properties of rare isotopes in order to better understand the physics of nuclei, nuclear astrophysics, fundamental interactions, and applications for society, including in medicine, homeland security, and industry.

The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of today’s most pressing challenges. For more information, visit energy.gov/science.