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Note: This is the 2016–2017 edition of the eCalendar. Update the year in your browser's URL bar for the most recent version of this page, or click here to jump to the newest eCalendar.
Note: This is the 2016–2017 edition of the eCalendar. Update the year in your browser's URL bar for the most recent version of this page, or click here to jump to the newest eCalendar.
The Department of Physics currently has a faculty of approximately 40 members, including several holders of Canada Research Chairs and many other prestigious named Chairs. Additionally, we host an impressive number of postdoctoral fellows and research associates and run one of the largest and most vibrant graduate programs in North America. The graduate student enrolment is currently approximately 200.
Faculty members in the Department of Physics are recognized internationally for their excellence. Our members have received national and international prizes and fellowships including Les Prix Du Quebec, Steacie Prize, Sloan Fellowships, NSERC, and many others. They are also in constant demand as reviewers and referees. Students who earn advanced degrees from the Department of Physics will not only get an excellent education, they will also receive valuable guidance and network contacts to help with subsequent career steps.
The Department offers full M.Sc. and Ph.D. degree programs in a wide range of disciplines, including:
Although most of the teaching and research facilities are located in the Ernest Rutherford Physics Building, the Department has space and research facilities in the Wong Materials Science Centre, adjacent to the Rutherford Building on Æ»¹ûÒùÔº's lower campus. Our groups also conduct research at laboratories around the world including , , , , , and .
Departmental researchers enjoy technical support in the areas of engineering, electronics, and precision machining. The Department maintains an excellent conventional machine shop as well as the Æ»¹ûÒùÔº Nanotools-Microfab facility. Most of the scientific computing is done with an extensive in-house network of powerful workstations and several Beowulf clusters.
Remote access to supercomputing sites in Canada and the United States is also possible including the Æ»¹ûÒùÔº HPC super-computing facility which is a part of the nationwide network of High Performance Computing Installations in Quebec.
The Department of Physics currently guarantees financial support of $23,200 per year for every graduate student. This minimum level of support can be supplemented by winning one of Æ»¹ûÒùÔº's large number of in-house scholarships, worth up to $25,000 per year. For details, see .
Graduate students in the Department of Physics come from many different countries and cultures from all over the world, providing a stimulating cosmopolitan atmosphere in the Department. This, coupled with the unique opportunities afforded by the city of Montreal, guarantees a quality of life that is second to none among Canadian universities. For graduate admission and application information, please visit .
Fields of Research:
High-Energy Physics
Theoretical: The Æ»¹ûÒùÔº high energy theorists have interests in a wide range of areas within quantum field theory, string theory, quantum gravity, and cosmology. Research areas of the high-energy theory faculty include applications of quantum field theory techniques to relativistic heavy ion collisions, baryogenesis, superstring cosmology, theory of cosmological perturbations, black hole physics, supergravity, three dimensional gravity, and various topics related to the physics and mathematics of superstring theory. The high-energy theorists have close connections to the nuclear theory group, the astrophysics group, the high-energy experimentalists, and to members of the Mathematics Department.
Experimental: The experimental high-energy physics group is engaged in a number of experiments at the research frontiers of the field, both in subatomic physics and in high-energy astrophysics. These include:
Students at the M.Sc. and Ph.D. levels are offered a strong program of research in a challenging and rapidly advancing field. Short term master's projects are based mainly on instrumentation or data analysis conducted on campus, while Ph.D. research may involve an extended stay at one of the world's major research laboratories.
Nuclear Physics
Theoretical: Current research programs include transport equations for heavy ion collisions at intermediate energy; nuclear equation of state from heavy ion collisions; fragmentation at intermediate energy; electromagnetic probes in relativistic heavy ion collisions; effective Lagrangians for hadronic systems at finite temperature; and Quark-Gluon Plasma, QCD.
Experimental: Current research programs in experimental nuclear physics at Æ»¹ûÒùÔº are focused on two main axes:
Furthermore, the Nuclear Physics Group has an active in-house research program that applies the ion trap and laser techniques to the detection of trace quantities of material and contaminants, and to ion spectroscopy.
Condensed Matter Physics
Theoretical: Current research programs involve the nonequilibrium, ab-initio modelling of molecular and nanoelectronic systems and devices; the study of quantum effects in interacting mesoscopic electron systems; nonequilibrium phenomena in extended systems; and applications of statistical mechanics to problems in biophysics.
Experimental: Current research programs involve:
Astrophysics
Research in the astrophysics group covers a wide range of topics including cosmology, galaxy formation, high-energy astrophysics, and extrasolar planets. This involves observations at all wavelengths, from gamma rays and X-rays to sub-mm, infrared and radio, using international observatories in space and on the ground. Experimental groups at Æ»¹ûÒùÔº are involved in development and operation of ground-based high-energy gamma-ray observatories, and cosmic microwave background experiments. Theoretical work includes studies of how astrophysics and observational cosmology can experimentally determine the most important properties of dark matter and dark energy, studies of the diverse physics of neutron stars, and extrasolar planet formation.
Nonlinear Variability in Geophysics
This group studies nonlinear dynamical processes in the atmosphere and other geophysical systems, especially those associated with turbulent, chaotic, and extremely variable behaviour. Emphasis is placed on multifractal analysis and modelling as well as the development of new theories and techniques covering wide ranges of scale in time and space. Data from a variety of in situ and remotely sensed sources are used. This includes satellite data of the Earth's atmosphere and surface as well as high-quality precipitation data from the .
Master of Science (M.Sc.); Physics (Thesis) (45 credits) |
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This program provides a comprehensive introduction to the academic, research, and practical aspects of physics. The primary goal of this program is to provide students with unique opportunities to learn fundamental research techniques in experimental and/or theoretical research, and objectively synthesize information from scientific literature. Each M.Sc. student chooses their preferred major research area and research supervisor. Thesis work is available in a broad range of sub-disciplines (see for details). Students wishing to continue to our doctoral program have the option, with supervisor approval, of transferring directly to the Ph.D., waiving the M.Sc. thesis submission. |
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Physics |
The doctoral program provides all the tools required for a competitive career in academic settings, as well as in industry or other fields. The multidisciplinary nature of the Department exposes students to a vast array of research interests and experimental or theoretical approaches. Graduate research activities leading to the presentation of a Ph.D. thesis involve original work, with distinct contributions to knowledge. Our graduate program offers training in a unique and multidisciplinary environment in Canada's top university and may involve an extended stay at one of the world's major research laboratories. |
M.Sc.
We normally require a background that is equivalent to our Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) - Major Physics (60 credits).
Ph.D.
The normal requirement is an M.Sc. in Physics or equivalent. On the recommendation of the Departmental Graduate Committee, fast-tracking from the M.Sc. program into the Ph.D. program may be granted after one year, if:
All students who transfer to the Ph.D. program are required to fulfil Ph.D. coursework requirements in addition to the courses taken as an M.Sc. candidate.
Æ»¹ûÒùԺ’s online application form for graduate program candidates is available at www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply.
See University Regulations and Resources > Graduate > Graduate Æ»¹ûÒùÔº and Application Procedures > Application Procedures for detailed application procedures.
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance will be offered to students in the form of teaching and research assistantships. For new students, financial support will be offered at the time of acceptance. For more information, please visit our finance page: .
The items and clarifications below are additional requirements set by this department:
The application deadlines listed here are set by the Department of Physics and may be revised at any time. Applicants must verify all deadlines and documentation requirements well in advance on the appropriate Æ»¹ûÒùÔº departmental website; please consult the list at www.mcgill.ca/gps/contact/graduate-program.
Canadian | International | Special/Exchange/Visiting |
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Fall: Jan. 15 | Fall: Jan. 15 | Fall: Jan. 15 |
Winter: Sept. 15 | Winter: Sept. 10 | Winter: Same as Canadian/International |
Summer: N/A | Summer: N/A | Summer: N/A |
Admission to graduate studies is competitive; accordingly, late and/or incomplete applications are considered only as time and space permit.
Chair |
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P. Grutter |
Director of Graduate Studies |
B. Vachon |
Emeritus Professors |
J. Barrette; M.Sc., Ph.D.(Montr.) |
J.E. Crawford; B.A., M.A.(Tor.), Ph.D.(McG.) |
S. Das Gupta; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Calc.), Ph.D.(McM.) (Macdonald Emeritus Professor of Physics) |
N.B. de Takacsy; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Montr.), Ph.D.(McG.) |
R. Harris; B.A.(Oxf.), Ph.D.(Sus.) |
C.S. Lam; B.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(MIT) |
D.G. Stairs; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Qu.), Ph.D.(Harv.) (Macdonald Emeritus Professor of Physics) |
J.O. Strom-Olsen; B.A., M.S., Ph.D.(Camb.) |
M.J. Zuckermann; M.A., D.Phil.(Oxf.), F.R.S.C. |
Post-Retirement Professors |
Z. Altounian; Ph.D.(McM.) |
F. Buchinger; Ph.D.(Johannes Gutenberg) |
Professors |
R. Brandenberger; Dip.(ETH), A.M., Ph.D.(Harv.) (Canada Research Chair) |
A. Clerk; B.Sc.(Tor.), Ph.D.(Cornell) (Canada Research Chair) |
J. Cline; B.S.(Harvey Mudd), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Cal. Tech.) |
F. Corriveau; B.Sc.(Laval), M.Sc.(Br. Col.), Ph.D.(ETH) (Affiliated I.P.P. Scientist) |
C. Gale; B.Sc.(Ott.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.) (James Æ»¹ûÒùÔº Professor) |
G. Gervais; B.Sc.(Sher.), M.Sc.(McM.), Ph.D.(N’western) |
M. Grant; B.Sc.(PEI), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Tor.), F.R.S.C. (James Æ»¹ûÒùÔº Professor) |
P. Grutter; Dip., Ph.D.(Basel), F.R.S.C. (James Æ»¹ûÒùÔº Professor) |
H. Guo; B.Sc.(Sichuan), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Pitt.), F.R.S.C. (James Æ»¹ûÒùÔº Professor) |
D. Hanna; B.Sc.(McG.), A.M., Ph.D.(Harv.) (Macdonald Professor of Physics) |
S. Jeon; B.Sc.(Seoul National), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Wash.) |
V. Kaspi; B.Sc.(McG.), M.A., Ph.D.(Princ.), F.R.S.C. (Canada Research Chair) (Lorne Trottier Chair in Astrophysics and Cosmology) |
S. Lovejoy; B.Sc.(Camb.), Ph.D.(McG.) |
N. Provatas; Ph.D.(McG.) (Canada Research Chair) |
K. Ragan; B.Sc.(Alta.), Ph.D.(Geneva) (Macdonald Professor of Physics) |
D.H. Ryan; B.A., Ph.D.(Dub.) |
M. Sutton; B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(Tor.) (James Æ»¹ûÒùÔº Professor) (Rutherford Professor) |
P. Wiseman; B.Sc.(St. FX), Ph.D.(W. Ont.) (joint appt. with Chemistry) |
Associate Professors |
B. Coish; Ph.D.(Basel) |
A. Cumming; B.A.(Camb.), Ph.D.(Calif., Berk.) |
K. Dasgupta; M.Sc., Ph.D.(TIFR) |
M. Dobbs; B.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(Vic., BC) (Canada Research Chair) |
P. Francois; Ph.D.(Paris VII) |
M. Hilke; B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(Geneva) |
A. Maloney; B.S., M.S.(Stan.), Ph.D.(Harv.) (William Dawson Scholar) |
W. Reisner; B.A.(Reed), Ph.D.(Princ.) |
S. Robertson; B.Sc.(Calg.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Vic., BC) (Affiliated I.P.P. Scientist) |
R. Rutledge; B.Sc.(USC), Ph.D.(MIT) |
B. Siwick; B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(Tor.) (Canada Research Chair) (joint appt. with Chemistry) |
B. Vachon; B.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(Vic., BC) |
A. Warburton; B.Sc.(Vic., BC), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Tor.) |
T. Webb; B.Sc.(Tor.), M.Sc.(McM.), Ph.D.(Tor.) |
Assistant Professors |
T. Brunner; Dip., Ph.D.(Munich) |
S. Caron-Huot; B.Sc.(Laval), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Æ»¹ûÒùÔº) |
L. Childress; Ph.D.(Harv.) (Canada Research Chair) |
D. Cooke; Ph.D.(Alta.) |
N. Cowan; B.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(Wash.) (joint appt. with Earth and Planetary Sciences) |
D. Haggard; B.Sc.(USF), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Wash.) |
S. Leslie; Ph.D.(Calif., Berk.) |
T. Pereg-Barnea; Ph.D.(Br. Col.) |
J. Sankey; Ph.D.(Cornell) (Canada Research Chair) |
Associate Members |
M. Chacron (Physiology) |
S. Devic (Oncology) |
S. Enger (Oncology) |
K. Gehring (Biochemistry) |
P. Kambhampati (Chemistry) |
A. Khadra (Physiology) |
J. Kildea (Medical Physics) |
I. Levesque (Medical Physics) |
M. Mackey (Physiology) |
Z. Mi (Electrical and Computer Engineering) |
J. Nadeau (Biomedical Engineering) |
G.B. Pike (MNI and Biomedical Engineering) |
D. Rassier (Kinesiology) |
D. Ronis (Chemistry) |
J. Seuntjens (Medical Physics) |
T. Szkopek (Electrical and Computer Engineering) |
F. Verhaegen (Medical Physics) |
Adjunct Professors |
G. Austing, F. Drolet, M. Dubé, I. El Naqa, P. Hayden, B. Palmieri, A. Sachrajda |
For more information, see Master of Science (M.Sc.) Physics (Thesis) (45 credits).
For more information, see Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Physics.