# Physics and Astronomy
**Source**: https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/graduate/discover-opportunities/explore-programs/physics-and-astronomy-msc-course
**Parent**: https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/graduate/discover-opportunities/explore-programs/anthropology-ma-thesis
Master of Science (MSc)
Course-based program
[Start your application](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/how-apply)
## Program overview
A global leader in research, the department of Physics and Astronomy offers exciting, diverse and competitive graduate programs. The course-based MSc in Physics and Astronomy appeals to students wishing to gain research experience in physics, astronomy or radiation oncology. The program connects students with state-of-the-art experimental and computational facilities both here and at collaborating institutions, and with world-renowned researchers in one of several focus areas: Astronomy and Astrophysics, Complexity, Environmental and Isotope Physics, Quantum Information and Quantum, Atomic, and Molecular Optics, and Space Physics. These focus areas lie within program specializations that students apply to: Physics, Astrophysics or Space Physics.
Admission is competitive, favouring students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership.
### Completing this program
- **Astronomy & Astrophysics:** Course topics may include radio, optical, infrared and space astronomy, computational astrophysics, star formation, the interstellar medium, and general relativity.
- **Isotope and Environmental Physics:** Course topics may include nuclear decay processes, the effect of human activity on the environment, the development of analytical and instrumental techniques as well as isotope composition of trace gases and aerosols, source apportionment studies, and isotope fractionation.
- **Space Physics:**Course topics may include precipitation mechanisms, remote sensing magnetospheric dynamics, and the solar-terrestrial interaction.
- **Complexity:**Course topics may include complex networks, self-organized criticality, statistical and computational physics, and non-linear dynamics.
- **Quantum Information and Quantum, Atomic, and Molecular Optics:** Course topics may include the study of information, communication and computation using devices that are governed by quantum principles as well as the interaction between light and matter.
- **Comprehensive Exam:** Students are required to take a comprehensive exam with written and oral components.
### Specializations
- Astrophysics
- Physics
- Space Physics
### Outcomes
Instructor, entrepreneur, environmental consultant, financial analyst, teacher, executive.
**A course-based master’s degree in physics and astronomy is usually considered a final degree.**
### Course-based program
12 courses
[Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar](https://calendar.ucalgary.ca/programs/PHASASMSCC)
### Classroom delivery
### Time commitment
Two years full-time; six years maximum; part-time is available
### Supervisor
A supervisor is required, but is not required prior to the start of the program
### Fees and funding
See the Graduate Calendar for information on [fees and fee regulations,](https://calendar.ucalgary.ca/uofcregs/tuitionandfeesoverview/grad) and for information on [awards and financial assistance](https://calendar.ucalgary.ca/uofcregs/studfinsupport/awardsgrad).
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## Supervisors
Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree.\
Please note: additional supervisors may be available. [Contact the program](mailto:sci.grad@ucalgary.ca) for more information.
---
1. [Paul Barclay](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/supervisor/paul-barclay)
Seeking Students
Nanophotonics, quantum optics, nanoscience, nano-optomechanics
2. [Shabir Barzanjeh](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/supervisor/shabir-barzanjeh)
Seeking Students
Quantum Communication and Quantum Interface (optomechanics, electromechanics, circuitQED), Quantum Sensing and Imaging
3. [Xavier Coiteux-Roy](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/supervisor/xavier-coiteux-roy)
Seeking Students
Theoretical quantum computing, Quantum cryptography
4. [Christopher Cully](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/supervisor/christopher-cully)
Accepting Inquiries
Space Physics, Space-based, balloon-based and ground-based instrumentation, Van Allen Radiation Belts, Wave-particle interactions, Ion outflow, Kinetic plasma theory, Spacecraft-plasma interactions
5. [Jörn Davidsen](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/supervisor/jorn-davidsen)
Seeking Students
Complexity Science, Spreading & triggering processes, Fluid-induced seismicity, Computational neuroscience & the critical brain, Rock fracture & frictional sliding, Statistical seismology, Network neuroscience, Synchronization & chimera states, Sociophysics, Climate dynamics & climate networks
6. [Megan Engel](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/supervisor/megan-engel)
Accepting Inquiries
Computational Biophysics, Molecular Simulation, Machine Learning, DNA/RNA nanotechnology, Nonequilibrium Physics, Molecular Machines
7. [David Knudsen](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/supervisor/david-knudsen)
Unavailable
Space Plasma Physics
8. [Denis Leahy](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/supervisor/denis-leahy)
Accepting Inquiries
High Energy Astrophysics
9. [Nasser Moazzen-Ahmadi](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/supervisor/nasser-moazzen-ahmadi)
Accepting Inquiries
Molecular Physics, Chemical Physics
10. [Daniel Oblak](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/supervisor/daniel-oblak)
Accepting Inquiries
Quantum Information
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## Admission Requirements
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#### GPA
A minimum of 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.
#### Minimum education
An honours BSc degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Engineering physics, Astronomy/Astrophysics, or a related scientific field.
#### Work samples
None
#### Documents
None
#### Reference letters
Two
#### Test scores
For some applicants, a satisfactory score on the Advanced Physics Graduate Record Examination.
---
#### **English language proficiency (ELP)**
An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in different ways. For accepted criteria, please refer to the “Faculty of Science English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements” page in the [**Academic Calendar.**](https://calendar.ucalgary.ca/programs/PHASASMSCC)
*\*Please contact your program of interest if you have any questions about ELP requirements.*
#### Deadlines
**For admission on September 1:**
Canadians and permanent residents: Jan. 15 application deadline
International students: Jan. 15 application deadline
If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about
[international requirements](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/international-students)
## Are you ready to apply?
[Application process](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/how-apply)
## Learn more about this program
### Department of Physics and Astronomy
Science B 605\
834 Campus Place NW\
Calgary, AB T2N 1N4\
403. 220.3618
[Contact the Graduate Program Administrator](mailto:sci.grad@ucalgary.ca)
[Visit the departmental website](https://science.ucalgary.ca/physics-astronomy)
### Faculty of Science
Biological Sciences, Room 540\
2500 University Drive NW\
Calgary, AB T2N 1N4\
403.220.8600
[Visit the Faculty of Science website](https://science.ucalgary.ca/)
Learn more about UCalgary by taking a
[virtual tour](https://virtualtour.grad.ucalgary.ca/)
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## Curious about the University of Calgary?
Located in the nation's most enterprising city, we are a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude.
[Learn More about student life at UCalgary](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/student-life)