Physics at UofT
Message from the Chair of the Physics Department
I'd like to welcome you to the web page of the Physics Department of the University of Toronto. This Department offers a breadth of undergraduate programs and research opportunities unmatched in Canada and I invite you to explore the exciting opportunities available to you.
In the undergraduate area we offer a full range of major and specialist programs that include joint programs with cognate departments such as chemistry, mathematics, geology and astronomy. Our undergraduate laboratories offer a comprehensive range of equipment allowing students to explore some of the most modern concepts in physics. All students are provided with computer accounts to permit easy access to the web, to process data and carry out simulations.
In graduate research the Department offers internationally recognized strength in geophysics, atmospheric physics, condensed matter physics, quantum optics and subatomic physics. With over 50 graduate faculty and 135 graduate students, a complete spectrum of physics research is explored. Novel materials such as high temperature superconductors challenge both experimentalists and theorists as to how materials with highly correlated electrons behave. Some of our optical physicists engaged in ultracold atom physics including studies of Bose-Einstein condensates, while others are studying the properties of biophysical systems and semiconductors on a femtosecond time scale. World class computer systems are allowing us to model the most complex physical phenomena such as atmospheric physics processes related to climate change, geophysical processes within the Earth's crust, and extract information from the latest quark experiments in high energy physics. The subatomic theorists are addressing the most fundamental issues in physics about why the electron and proton have the same amount of charge but vastly different masses, or how to unify quantum mechanics and gravity. Attempts are made to relate these ideas to events shortly after the Big Bang and the structure of the cosmos itself.
We also benefit from the proximity of several research partners with whom we have shared academic programs or research initiatives. The Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics, located in the McLennan Physical Labs, is one of the leading centres for theoretical research in cosmology, astrophysics and planetary science. The six CITA faculty supervise both physics and astronomy graduate students, and play an active role in our Department. Photonics Research Ontario, one of the Ontario Centres of Excellence, is also located in our building and supports and facilitates research in lasers, with an emphasis on bridging the gap between pure and applied research.
Several years ago we celebrated the 100 anniversary of the granting of the first Ph.D. in physics in Canada. These days, in a typical year 20 students receive this degree from the Department. Our faculty are recognized with numerous awards. Last year these included the King Faisal International Prize in Science and the Steacie Prize from the National Research Council; this latter is an award given to one individual from any area of natural science in Canada who has made significant contributions before the age of 40. Seven of our faculty are Fellows of the Royal Society of Canada; two are Fellows of the Royal Society of London.
The advent of this new century is one of the most exciting times to be involved in physics. Physicists continue to be in demand by Canadian Industry, Academia and Government labs. Large number of teachers and professors will be required in the next decade to replace those who will be retiring and to expand activities to meet the Prime Minister's goal of having Canada rank among the top 5 nations of the world in R&D spending. Opportunities exist in traditional and non-traditional industries as the Canadian economy grows. Physicists have demonstrated their abilities to tackle the most complex problems, but with a flexibility which allows them to apply their expertise outside their thought processes to other areas of science and even other disciplines, such as economics and banking. At the University of Toronto we prepare "Great Minds for a Great Future".
Michael Luke
Chair, Department of Physics
University of Toronto
Toronto, Canada M5S-1A7
