Connect mathematics to physical phenomena. Discover and describe how a top spins, how a pendulum swings or how a rattleback rocks and defies normal intuition! Learn the meaning of chaos and how it appears in the real world, learn the mathematics and physics of the world of relativity and quantum theory. These are just a few opportunities available to you when you choose to major in Mathematical Physics at the University of Saskatchewan.
Mathematical Physics is an interdisciplinary program studying conceptual mathematical frameworks which describe physical phenomena. In order to account for the essential physical features of our world, mathematical theories of physical phenomena are developed. The deductions of these theories must be mathematically precise and accurately describe aspects of physical reality.
Mathematical Physics is an exciting field that is continually evolving. P.A.M. Dirac, Nobel Prize winner in 1933, stated, “The steady progress of physics requires for its theoretical formulation a mathematics that gets continually advanced.” He went on to say, “Advance in physics is to be associated with a continual modification and generalization of the axioms at the base of the mathematics.” The study of Mathematical Physics extends to the deepest, most difficult and most fascinating realms of both Mathematics and Physics.
Mathematics and Physics are very interwoven, and I've found throughout the course of my studies that one seems somehow incomplete without the other. For example, we would learn a concept in the morning math class and then, later that day, see how to apply it in the afternoon physics class. I think Mathematical Physics, as a program of study, has always appealed to me because it allows one to investigate a more complete picture of the universe, combining theory and applications.—Jordan Miller, B.Sc. Honours, Mathematical Physics
Mathematical Physics graduates from the U of S have excellent prospects as Masters and Doctoral students at top universities across North America and abroad. The banner of “Mathematical Physics” is a natural drawing card for students who like both disciplines but who are undecided as to which will be their specialty. In fact, one need not make such a commitment of specialization in the program, and both subjects may be indulged – beneficially to each – in one Honours degree. The degree is a particularly good launch pad for Graduate Studies in either Mathematics or Physics and for a career teaching Mathematics or Theoretical Physics.
Research and teaching at the university level, teaching at the high school level, certain kinds of industrial/scientific research (for example signal processing, mathematical modelling, geophysical inverse problems, atmospheric modelling, biomedical modelling) are among only a few possibilities for graduates.
The Mathematical Physics program is unique in its interdisciplinary approach that allows students more flexibility in choosing their courses. Upper year classes have excellent student – professor ratios, which allow for direct interaction and create an excellent learning environment. Mathematical Physics has a dedicated faculty that offer students a quality education. Students have the opportunity to interact with active mathematicians and physicists and are introduced to the national and international mathematical and scientific community.
Both the Department of Mathematics & Statistics and the Department of Physics & Engineering Physics offer scholar-ships and awards to top students. Many Honours students, while completing their degree, are also able to find employment in the Departments of Mathematics & Statistics or Physics & Engineering Physics as research assistants during summers or as markers and tutorial assistants during the academic year.
The Mathematical Physics program allows a student to take a wide variety of courses in both Mathematics and Physics, with the freedom to pursue specific areas of interest in the final year. Courses included in this program include: multivariable calculus, complex analysis, dynamical systems and chaos, differential geometry, differential equations, electromagnetic theory, group theory, linear algebra, mechanics, real analysis and metric spaces, optics, nuclear physics, quantum mechanics, solid state physics, special and general relativity, statistics, statistical physics, thermodynamics, and topology. There is good flexibility in that third-year students also have the option to transfer into an honours or major program in either Physics or Mathematics.
Mathematical Physics is a four-year honours program that is offered jointly by the Department of Mathematics & Statistics and the Department of Physics & Engineering Physics. The degree earned is the B.Sc. Honours.
I like the Mathematical Physics program because it provides applications to the techniques I learned in math classes, as well as mathematical justifications to physical theories learned in physics classes. The U of S also has a beautiful campus with a friendly atmosphere.—Jackson Chan B. Sc. Mathematical Physics, Honours Certificate (Mathematics), Ph.D.
Both the Departments of Mathematics & Statistics and Physics & Engineering Physics have up-to-date computer labs that provide the opportunity to conduct computationally intense modeling to support the theoretical studies undertaken in both departments.
The following is a list of high school subjects required for admission. Please select the province/territory where you completed high school.
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