Physics (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Physics

Program Website: Physics

Field(s) of Specialization

• Experimental Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Science
• Theoretical Physics
• Biophysics

Faculty and Administration

For a listing of program faculty and administrative contacts, please visit the program directory.

Program Description

The Department of Physics offers a PhD program which focuses on condensed matter physics, materials science, theoretical physics, and biophysics. Potential fields of research which may be pursued are described below. Students will gain extensive experience in research, critical thinking and essential communication and technical skills, which will prepare them for successful careers in industry, academic and other institutions and organizations. Hands-on use of our research equipment provides excellent job training and gives our graduates a significant advantage in the job market over those students who have only an undergraduate degree.

Field(s) of Specialization

The following research fields are currently represented, and are described in detail on our website.

Theoretical Physics

Superconductivity: unconventional pairing, high-Tc, magnetic, noncentrosymmetric superconductors, topological quantum materials, quantum magnets, topology in physics, dynamic systems, mathematical physics, general relativity, foundations of quantum mechanics, the nature of time and causality, time travel and faster-than-light travel, symbolic and high-performance scientific computing, parallel and concurrent computing.

Experimental Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Science

Investigation of the optical properties of materials via optical spectroscopy from mm wave to UV. Raman spectroscopy. Preparation and characterization of ceramic, single crystal and thin film (using pulsed-laser deposition) materials. Magnetic and transport properties at ambient and high-pressure utilizing measurement techniques such as SQUID magnetometry, specific heat and dc-resistivity. Synthesis, design, and investigation of nanostructured materials. Neutron scattering.

Biophysics

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy and relaxation measurements in soft condensed matter systems. Study of collective motions in model membranes, phase transitions in liquid crystals. Exploration of various morphologies and phase behaviour of lipid/water systems using scattering techniques (e.g. Neutrons, x-ray and light). Study of the protein/membrane interactions; structural characteristics of membrane active peptides. Computational methods in biomolecular simulations.

Experimental research facilities are supported by electronics, glassblowing, and machine shop services. The University provides extensive computing facilities using UNIX servers and high-performance clusters.

Admission Requirements

Students can be admitted into the PhD program through one of the following three options: (1) after successful completion of an MSc degree or equivalent in Physics or closely related discipline, with at least an 80% overall average; or (2) after one year in the Brock Physics MSc program. Students wishing to transfer to PhD Studies will be expected to have completed all master’s coursework, except for PHYS 5P91 , with at least an 80% average. In addition, the student must submit a report on the progress made on the MSc thesis research, including a literature review and a PhD proposal, prior to the transfer. The transfer requires approval by the supervisory committee. (3) In exceptional cases, a student may be admitted directly to the PhD program with a four-year honours Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent; their academic standing and research potential must be demonstrably commensurate with readiness for doctoral study. Agreement from a faculty advisor to supervise the student is also required for admission to the program.

The Graduate Admissions Committee will review all applications and recommend admission for a limited number of candidates.

Only full-time PhD students will be admitted.

Program Notes

1. For full-time students entering the PhD program through option 1 or 3, the program is normally a 12 term or four-year program. For full-time students entering the PhD program as a transfer student from the MSc, the program is normally a 15 term or five-year program inclusive of the time spent in the MSc.
2. All students must complete two advanced theory courses whose subject matter concerns Electromagnetism, Statistical Physics, and/or Quantum Mechanics during their graduate studies (Masters and Doctoral). This requirement can be satisfied by two courses from:
   • PHYS 5P50 - Advanced Quantum Mechanics  
   • PHYS 5P40 - Advanced Graduate Physics Theory  
   • PHYS 5P41 - Advanced Statistical Physics  
   • PHYS 5P30 - Advanced Electromagnetism  
   • Equivalent courses from other institutions could be acceptable to satisfy this requirement upon approval by the Physics program at Brock University.
3. Students must also successfully complete a comprehensive examination within the first 24 months of the PhD program.
   • Students must complete all of their course requirements (except the writing and the graduate seminar course) before the comprehensive examination.
   • The examination committee consists of a Chair, two members of the supervisory committee and one additional Physics graduate faculty member.
   • The examination consists of an oral presentation by the student about their research, followed by questions from the examination committee.
   • The supervisor may attend but will not directly participate in the examination.
4. All students must complete a research project that culminates in writing and defending a thesis. There will be an oral defense of the thesis.
5. PhD students must enroll in the PHYS 7F90 - PhD Thesis  each term.
6. All students are also expected to attend Departmental seminars.
7. Additional credits may be required where a candidate is deficient in a particular area of study as determined by the supervisory committee.