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Perimeter Scholars International

Why PSI?

PSI provides an exciting new path for you to follow, from physics student to physics researcher. Working with other bright, highly motivated students from around the world, you will be taught by some of the world's best lecturers to solve problems that underlie the foundations of physics, in the inspiring environment of the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, while earning a Master of Science degree in Physics from the University of Waterloo.

The Power of Theoretical Physics

The goal of theoretical physics is to identify the basic mathematical principles relevant to a particular physical problem and then to translate those principles into accurate predictions. Historical successes include the dynamics of planetary motion, thermodynamics, relativity, quantum mechanics, the theory of the transistor, and many others. Future examples will include unifying quantum mechanics with gravity and understanding and predicting new fundamental particles and new states of matter.

Course Philosophy

Learning at PSI is very different from other graduate courses. PSI is designed to cultivate and reinforce students' abilities in critical and creative thinking since these are the skills that drive new scientific breakthroughs.

 

Student Experience

Students will live close to the Perimeter Institute and attend lectures and study in a dedicated facility. Working with renowned lecturers, tutors, and each other, you will be immersed in an environment of great science, learning and discovery.

 
 

The Facility

The award winning home of Perimeter Institute is a deliberate marriage of form and function. The four level, 65,000 square foot building provides a combination of private offices, casual interactive areas and formal presentation rooms to support research, collaboration, workshops and conferences. The design has received enthusiastic support from a wide cross section of the academic and research communities and is highly regarded by the architectural community – winning a number of design awards including the national Governor General's Medal for Architecture in 2006. The main building includes two seminar rooms – Bob and Alice – which can accommodate 60 and 40 researchers, respectively; the 205 seat Mike Lazaridis Theatre of Ideas; the George Leibbrandt Library; a squash court and gym; and PI's own Black Hole Bistro.

The home of Perimeter Scholars International is located just steps away from the main facility in an historic post office building with clock tower. This century-old building features wooden floors throughout, a large second floor lounge and refreshment bar.

In 2011, PSI will move into Perimeter Institute's 55,000 square foot expansion of its main building. With construction set to begin in the summer of 2009, this state-of-the-art addition will realize PI's goal of housing all PI researchers and students under one roof. The new facility will provide the ultimate research and training environment for the human mind to conceive, visualize and understand the nature of physical reality, from the subatomic world to the entire universe.

Additional information on PI's award winning facility can be found at the following link:

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