Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Physics and Astronomy
Download as PDF
In addition to Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements and Faculty of Science requirements, the Department requires:
a) A minimum of 6 units at the 600 level or higher for students who hold a master's degree.
b) A minimum of 18 units for those entering the doctoral program without a master's degree.
6 units must be at the 500 or 600 level, and
6 units must be at the 600 level or higher.
c) For students specializing in Radiation Oncology Physics who do not hold an accredited MSc degree in Radiation Oncology Physics:
course, course, course, course, course, course and course; and
6 units from course, course, course, course, course, course.
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 course and course.
Advanced Credit
The applicant must make Advanced Credit requests as part of the admission process.
Credit for Undergraduate Courses
Credit for a maximum of 6 units may be given for courses taken at the 500 level.
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.
Time Limit
Expected completion time is four years in a doctoral 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.
Candidacy
Doctoral students must complete a written thesis proposal and an oral Field of Study examination. For complete details of the candidacy requirements, see https://phas.ucalgary.ca/graduate/programs/doctoral_phd_thesis_based/candidacy_exam.
Thesis Examination
In addition to Faculty of Graduate Studies regulations for Thesis Examinations, the Department requires:
Scheduling of the Examination
All members of the Supervisory Committee must have reviewed the student’s draft thesis document before an examination can be scheduled.
Composition of the Committee
The Internal Examiner may be internal to the home program.
The thesis examination is open.
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.