Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences
Faculty of Science
Graduate Program in Mathematical Physics
Program
The field of Mathematical Physics is broad and encompasses interdisciplinary
investigations of the mathematical and phsyical aspects of theories and models
of physics. Examples of research subjects include gravitational theory, integrable
dynamical systems, statistical physics, string theories and unification of the
fundamental forces of nature.
Entry requirements
A four-year degree in Mathematical Sciences or Physics with a GPA of 6.5 or
better, in the final two years, or its equivalent.
Requirements for the M.Sc. in Mathematical Physics
A course-based or thesis-based program leading to the MSc degree in
Mathematical Physics is available. For the course-based program, 24 unit weight
courses at the 500 or above level from the list below, and a project is required.
For the thesis based program, 18 unit weight courses at the 500 or above level
from the list below and a thesis is required. Subject to the approval of the
Graduate Committee, it is possible to substitute 6 unit weight of 400 level
courses from the list of eligible courses given below provided the student has not
previously completed the course or its equivalent.
Entry requirements
Normally, an M.Sc. in Mathematics or Physics, or equivalent.
Requirements for the Ph.D. in Mathematical Physics
The student must complete all the requirements for a Ph.D. in Mathematical and
Statistical Sciences with the following modifications:
Coursework:
The student must take a minimum of seven single term graduate courses from
the Departments of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences and Physics with at
least three single term graduate courses from each department. At least one
course must be at the 6500 level or higher and not in the major field of research.
Advisory Exam:
The Advisory Examination in Mathematical Physics will be in the areas of
ordinary and partial differential equations, linear algebra, mechanics, methods of
mathematical physics and quantum mechanics. The level of the advisory
examination is given as follows:
 Ordinary differential equations to the level of MATH 432
 Partial differential equations to the level of MATH 337
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Linear algebra to the level of MATH 227
Mechanics to the level of MA PH 343
Methods of Mathematical Physics to the level of MA PH 451
Quantum Mechanics to the level of PHYS 472
Core Courses:
MATH 527 Partial differential equations
MATH 521 or MATH 524 Differential manifolds or Ordinary differential equations
PHYS 510 Advanced Quantum Mechanics
PHYS 610 Quantum Field Theory
Recommended courses for Mathematical Physics are, without being limited
to:
MATH 516 Linear Analysis
MATH 518 Functional Analysis
MATH 521 Differential Manifolds
MATH 522 Differential Geometry
MATH 524 Ordinary Differential Equations IIA
MATH 525 Ordinary Differential Equations IIB
MATH 527 Intermediate Partial Differential Equations
MATH 530 Geometric and Algebraic Topology
MATH 531 General Topology I
MATH 538 Techniques of Applied Mathematics
MATH 542 Fourier Analysis
MATH 550 Applications of Differential Geometry to Mechanics
MATH 555 Fluid Dynamics
MATH 601 Morse Theory and Its Applications
MATH 630 Topics in Algebraic Topology
MATH 638 Nonlinear Waves
MATH 652 Seminar on Differential Equations
MATH 654 Seminar in Non linear Waves/Fluid Mechnaics
MATH 663 Topics in Applied Mathematics I
MATH 664 Topics in Applied Mathematics II
MATH 667 Topics in Differential Equations I
MATH 668 Topics in Differential Equations II
MATH 676 Topics in Geometry I
MATH 677 Topics in Geometry II
MATH 681 Topics in Algebra
MATH 682 Topics in Algebra
MATH 692 Topics in Group Tneory
MATH 693 Topics in Group Theory
Any course in Representation Theory
MA PH 669 General Relativity
Undergraduate courses in Mathematical and Statistical Sciences and
Mathematical Physics:
MATH 432
MATH 436
MATH 438
MATH 446
MATH 448
MATH 449
MATH 470
MA PH 451
MA PH 453
MA PH 467
MA PH 468
Intermediate Differential Equations
Intermediate Partial Differential EquationsI
Intermediate partial Differential Equations II
Tensor Analysis
Elementary Differential Geometry I
Elementary Differential Geometry II
An Introduction to Chaotic Dynamical Systems
Mathematical Methods of Physics I
Mathematical Methods of Physics II
Mechanics of Deformable Media
Introduction to Relativity
Graduate courses in Physics:
PHYS 510 Advanced Quantum Mechanics
PHYS 530 Statistical Mechanics
PHYS 540 Solid State Physics
PHYS 590 Particle Physics
PHYS 610 Quantum Field Theory I
PHYS 614 Quantum Field Theory II
PHYS 640 Solid State Theory
PHYS 691 Advanced Particle Physics I
PHYS 692 Group Theory and Applications
PHYS 693 Advanced Particle Physics II
PHYS 695 Cosmology
PHYS 696 Black Hole Physics
PHYS 697 Quantum Cosmology
PHYS 698 Quantum Fields in a Curved Space
PHYS 699 Special Topics in Theoretical Physics
Undergraduate courses in Physics:
PHYS 413 Statistical Physics II
PHYS 415 Introduction to Condensed Matter Physsics I
PHYS 445 Theory of Classical Fields
PHYS 472 Quantum Mechanics B
PHYS 485 Introductory Particle Physics