Physics and Astronomy, M.Sc.

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M.Sc. Degree

Admission

Applicants will be considered for admission to the M.Sc. program if they have a B+ average in the final year of an B.Sc. honours degree in Physics and/or Astronomy, or in a related area. They may apply to follow one of three options. In all options, at most one half 600-level graduate course may be used to fulfill the minimum course requirements.

A. Thesis Option

A candidate for the M.Sc. with thesis must complete a minimum of two full graduate courses and present a thesis which embodies the results of original research. This option will normally require between 16 and 24 months for completion.

B. Project Option

A candidate for the M.Sc. without thesis must complete a minimum of three full graduate courses and complete a research project. The project may be in an area of research of one of the Department members, or may be related to the teaching of Physics. This option will normally require 12 months for completion.

C. Transfer Option

Candidates who wish to proceed to the Ph.D. program without completing an M.Sc. may register first in the M.Sc. thesis option, and apply to transfer directly to the Ph.D. after 9 to 20 months. The transfer typically requires the completion of a minimum of two full graduate courses with an average of A-, and the submission of a transfer report for oral examination. Successful applicants may apply all the work accomplished during the M.Sc. to the Ph.D. Unsuccessful applicants must choose one of the other options for completing an M.Sc.