Master of Science (MSc) Course-based in Physics and Astronomy
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In addition to the Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements and the Faculty of Science requirements, the Department requires:
All students must complete the three components of the Scientific Communication Skills course, course, course and course, during their graduate program. course may be substituted for PHYS 691.11 and PHYS 691.13.
Students must complete 30 units of coursework, which will include:
- 1328321
AND 1328331
AND 1328341
AND 1328351
- 1328361
OR 1328371
Complete 15 units within the area of specialization:
Astrophysics – course and 12 units selected from Astrophysics, course, course. With permission, up to 6 units of Astrophysics may be at the 500 level. If the topic is appropriate, Physics 698 may be used.
Physics – course plus 6 units of Astrophysics, Physics, or Space Physics courses (these may be at the 500 level) plus 6 units of Physics courses, at the 600 level or above.
Space Physics – course, course and 9 units selected from Space Physics or Physics related to space physics (with permission, 3 units may be at the 500 level).
Advanced Credit
The applicant must make Advanced Credit requests as part of the admission process.
Flexible Grade Option (CG Grade)
Students admitted to the PHAS Graduate Program will not be allowed to request the Flexible Grade Option (CG Grade) for any course that is applicable to their degree; or apply any course awarded a grade of CG towards their graduation requirements.
Students may choose the CG grade for a course taken extra to load.
The use of the CG grade will not affect students' eligibility for internal awards.
Credit for Undergraduate Courses
Credit for a maximum of 6 units may be given for courses taken at the 500 level.
Time Limit
Expected completion time is three years in a course-based program. Maximum completion time is six years.
Supervisory Assignments
Newly admitted students will normally be supervised by the Graduate Director or an interim supervisor in their field of interest during the first 8 months in program. During this time students will complete all of the course work and have an opportunity to become acquainted with the research of potential supervisors within the department. Students are responsible for securing a permanent supervisor from among the researchers in the department within the first four months in program.
The MSc program has a supervisory committee requirement which follows the same requirements and rules as the PhD.
Required Examinations
Two weeks before the comprehensive oral examination, students must write a three-hour, closed-book comprehensive examination, prepared by the Departmental Graduate Affairs Committee in collaboration with the supervisor.
Financial assistance may be available to qualified students. For information on awards, please see the Awards and Financial Assistance section of this Calendar.
Students applying for scholarships must submit their applications to the Department by January 15.