MSc and PhD academic requirements for our graduate program can be found at the Faculty of Graduate Studies—Program Requirements.
Master of Science (MSc) Program
Research
Candidates must conduct research under the general direction of a supervisor and supervisory committee and then write up and defend a thesis describing the work.
Progress in research is monitored by the supervisory committee through meetings with the student and by a progress report consisting of a written paper and an oral presentation each year. In the event of failure to achieve satisfactory progress, the student will normally be required to withdraw from the program. Satisfactory progress in research results in credit for PHYS 6001 3.0: MSc Research Evaluation.
Courses
In addition to the Research Evaluation, candidates must successfully complete a minimum of 9-course credits or equivalent. Courses must be selected in consultation with the candidate’s supervisor.
Physics Stream
Courses must include one half-course chosen from among PHYS 5000 3.0: Quantum Mechanics I; and PHYS 5020 3.0: Electromagnetism. Another 3-course credit must be selected from the Graduate Program in Physics and Astronomy. The remaining 3-course credits may be selected from the Graduate Program in Physics and Astronomy or another science-related graduate program.
Astronomy and Astrophysics Stream
Courses must include PHYS 5090 3.0: Stars and Nebulae or its equivalent and one course is chosen from among PHYS 5000 3.0 Quantum Mechanics I; PHYS 5020 3.0: Electromagnetism; PHYS 5030 3.0: Statistical Mechanics; PHYS 5120 3.0: Gas and Fluid Dynamics; PHYS 5230 3.0 General Relativity. In addition, students must select an additional 3.0 credits in graduate courses; any candidate who lacks background in observational and/or theoretical methods of astronomy should consider taking PHYS 5390 3.0: Astronomical Techniques.
MSc Thesis and Oral Examination
The research and thesis should demonstrate the candidate’s ability in the area of investigation, and should normally be of such a standard as to warrant publication in the scientific literature. After the formal submission of the thesis, an oral examination centred on the thesis research is held. Prior to the oral examination, each candidate delivers a formal public lecture describing his/her research work.
Composition of Examining Committee
A thesis examining committee shall consist of at least three voting members, including the Chair, as follows:
- Two graduate faculty members were chosen from the program and/or supervisory committee, at least one of whom must be from the supervisory committee.
- One graduate faculty member is at arm’s length from the thesis, and normally from outside the program.
The Chair of the examining committee shall be chosen from among the voting members. Members of the student’s thesis supervisory committee may be members of the examining committee, but the principal supervisor may not serve as the Chair of the examining committee.
Oral Exam Timeline
- Three months before the oral exam — Submit the thesis proposal to the graduate office.
- Six weeks before the oral exam — submit the thesis to the Supervisory Committee, allowing two weeks for the Committee to read the thesis.
- Four weeks before the oral exam — receive the corrected thesis from the Supervisory Committee, allowing one week for corrections.
- Three weeks before the oral exam — complete the required oral examination forms (available from the Program office) for submission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
- Three weeks before the oral exam — distribute hard copies of the corrected thesis to the Examining Committee.
- Oral exam.
- One week after the oral exam — required corrections to the thesis should be completed, especially if there is a time constraint, e.g., registration for another term, impending departure from the country, etc.
Research
Candidates must conduct research under the general direction of a supervisor and supervisory committee and then write up and describe it in a written report.
Progress in research is monitored by the supervisory committee through meetings with the student and by a progress report consisting of a written paper and an oral presentation each year. In the event of failure to achieve satisfactory progress, the student will normally be required to withdraw from the program. Satisfactory progress in research results in credit for PHYS 6001 3.0: MSc Research Evaluation.
Courses
In addition to the Research Evaluation, candidates must successfully complete 15 course credits. Courses must be selected in consultation with the candidate’s supervisor.
Physics Stream
Courses must include PHYS 5000 3.0: Quantum Mechanics I and PHYS 5020 3.0: Electromagnetism. To complete the remaining course requirements, candidates must select at least 3-course credits from the Graduate Program in Physics and Astronomy, and another 6-course credit may be selected from the Graduate Program in Physics and Astronomy or other science-related graduate programs. At least 7.5 course credits must be from courses not integrated with an undergraduate course.
Astronomy and Astrophysics Stream
Courses must include PHYS 5090 3.0: Stars and Nebulae or its equivalent and one course is chosen from among PHYS 5000 3.0 Quantum Mechanics I; PHYS 5020 3.0: Electromagnetism; PHYS 5030 3.0: Statistical Mechanics; PHYS 5120 3.0: Gas and Fluid Dynamics; PHYS 5230 3.0 General Relativity. To complete the remaining course requirements, candidates must select at least 3-course credits from the Graduate Program in Physics and Astronomy, and another 6-course credit may be selected from the Graduate Program in Physics and Astronomy or other science-related graduate programs. Any candidate who lacks a background in observational and/or theoretical methods of astronomy should consider taking PHYS5390 3.0: Astronomical Techniques. At least 7.5 course credits must be from courses not integrated with an undergraduate course.
Candidates take a broad selection of courses to gain advanced training in physics and/or astronomy. There is no research requirement.
Courses
Candidates must successfully complete 24-course credits, including a minimum of 9-course credits per academic year. The progress of each coursework MSc student will be reviewed annually by the Executive Committee of the graduate program. In the event of failure to achieve satisfactory progress, the student will lose full-time status in the program.
Courses must include PHYS 5000 3.0: Quantum Mechanics I and PHYS 5020 3.0: Electromagnetism. To complete course requirements, candidates must select half of the remaining course credits from the Graduate Program in Physics and Astronomy, and the remaining course credits may be selected from the Graduate Program in Physics and Astronomy or other science-related graduate programs. At least 9-course credits must be from courses not integrated with an undergraduate course.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Program
Research
All entering students plan a research program with their supervisor at the start of their degree studies. Progress in research is monitored by the supervisory committee through meetings with the student and by a progress report consisting of a written paper and an oral presentation each year. In the event of failure to achieve satisfactory progress, the student will normally be required to withdraw from the program. Satisfactory progress in research results in credit for PHYS 7001 3.0: PhD Research Evaluation.
Courses
Candidates must take the following courses if they have not already done so:
Physics Stream
PHYS 5000 3.0: Quantum Mechanics I and PHYS 5020 3.0: Electromagnetism.
Astronomy and Astrophysics Stream
PHYS 5090 3.0: Stars and Nebulae, or its equivalent and one course is chosen from among PHYS 5000 3.0 Quantum Mechanics I; PHYS 5020 3.0: Electromagnetism; PHYS 5030 3.0: Statistical Mechanics; PHYS 5120 3.0: Gas and Fluid Dynamics; PHYS 5230 3.0 General Relativity. Any candidate who lacks a background in observational and/or theoretical methods of astronomy should consider taking PHYS 5390 3.0: Astronomical Techniques.
To complete the 18-credit post-BSc course requirements, candidates must select half of the remaining credits from the Graduate Program in Physics and Astronomy. Remaining credits may be selected from the Graduate Program in Physics and Astronomy or other science-related graduate programs. At least 12 of the 18 credits must be from courses not integrated with an undergraduate course.
Candidates must successfully complete a significant piece of research, under the general direction of a Supervisor and a Supervisory Committee, and describe it in an appropriate dissertation. The research must be of such a standard that it would be acceptable for publication in the scientific literature. After the formal submission of the dissertation, an oral examination centred on the dissertation/research is held. Prior to the oral examination, the candidate delivers a formal lecture on this research work.
Composition of Examining Committee
A dissertation examining committee shall consist of at least five voting members, including the Chair, as follows:
- The Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies or her/his representative, who will be at arm’s length from the supervision of the dissertation, and who will serve as Chair of the examining committee.
- One external examiner from outside York University is at arm’s length from the dissertation, recommended by the program director.
- One graduate faculty member is at arm’s length from the dissertation and normally from outside the program, recommended by the program director.
- Two graduate faculty members from the supervisory committee, one member from the supervisory committee and one graduate faculty member from the Program.
Oral Exam Timeline
- Six months before the oral exam — Submit thesis proposal to the graduate office.
- Seven weeks before the oral exam — submit the dissertation to the Supervisory Committee allowing two weeks for the Committee to read the dissertation.
- Five weeks before the oral exam — receive the corrected dissertation from the Supervisory Committee. Allow one week for corrections.
- Four weeks before the oral exam — complete the required oral examination forms (available from the Program office) for submission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
- Four weeks before the oral exam — distribute hard copies of the corrected dissertation to the Examining Committee.
- Oral exam.
- One week after the oral exam — aim to complete the required corrections to the dissertation within this time interval if you have a time constraint, e.g., registration for another term, impending departure from the country, etc.
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The Graduate Program in Physics & Astronomy at York is an exciting environment to pursue innovative, socially engaging, career-ready education. Contact our Graduate Program Assistant to learn more.