Astronomy & Physics - Prospective Students

Astronomy and Physics at Saint Mary's
Why take Honours?
How to Apply

Programs:

• Physics, B.Sc. (Major, Honours)
• Astrophysics, B.Sc. (Major, Honours)
• Combined degrees with Math, Chemistry, and other departments possible.

In addition to the degree programs, faculty hire students to assist them in summer research, giving the students experience with computers running Windows and UNIX, a chance to see how their course work is applied, and contact with students and researchers at other universities and laboratories. Some students will co-author research papers on their work.

What will you study?

First Year

In your first year, you take Physics, Calculus, English, and electives, which include Astronomy, if you want to do Astrophysics.

Second Year

You begin to see classical physics in more depth, including motion (mechanics), electricity and magnetism, optics, special relativity, and quantum mechanics.

In Astronomy you learn more about the foundations of the field, and start to study the properties of stars.

Third Year

You start to learn the tools that physicists use in their work, including how to study complex dynamical systems, the quantum mechanics of atoms, the foundations of thermodynamics, and you take an advanced laboratory course that lets you create and perform experiments.

In Astronomy you learn about the nature of the matter between stars, and how stars form and evolve.

Fourth Year

In this year, if you are doing the honours degree, you work on a research project with a professor, and write a thesis on your results. This is excellent preparation for graduate school.

In your courses you see quantum mechanics, electromagnetic theory and how electro-magnetic waves are produced, propagated, and detected. This year you have a choice of electives on advanced topics.

In Astronomy you learn about the nature of galaxies, and ideas about the nature of our universe (cosmology). You have one elective on an advanced topic in astrophysics.

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Why Take an Honours Degree?

The biggest difference between an honours and major degree is that you need an honours degree to go on to graduate school. You do a few more courses in astronomy and/or physics, and also a research thesis.

If you are interested in Astronomy and/or Physics, you should consider graduate school as an option. It is not just for academic careers, and can often mean the difference between doing research for someone else and directing your own research programs.

Worried about the cost? In any credible Astronomy or Physics graduate program you will be paid a stipend to support you during your studies. It won't be a huge amount (usually $15-20,000/year), but it will be enough to live on and it means that graduate school won't add to any student debt you might have accumulated as an undergraduate.

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How to Apply:

You can apply to take Astrophysics or Physics at Saint Mary's through the Admissions Office at www.smu.ca/administration/admiss/welcome.html. That page will also tell you more about the campus, about residence, and all the other things you need to consider before coming to a university.

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