Perimeter Scholars International
Perimeter Scholars International is a new Masters level course in Theoretical Physics designed to bring high quality, highly motivated graduate students to the cutting edge of theoretical physics in an intense, interactive learning environment. Taught by world leading experts, students at PSI will be fully integrated into the unique culture and dynamic atmosphere of a leading research institute, the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, while earning Masters degrees from the University of Waterloo. The program is designed to maximize the potential of talented students seeking to enter this exciting field.
Theoretical physics is one of the highest impact fields in science. Its breakthroughs - such as those due to Newton, Maxwell and Einstein - enabled the creation of new technologies which have literally transformed society. Today, its ideas drive and guide giant international experiments like the Large Hadron Collider, which push technology to its limits and inspire the public about science. Theoretical physics is highly interdisciplinary, contributing key concepts to diverse fields from astronomy to neuroscience, to pure mathematics to computer science. It is above all a creative field, constantly reinventing itself, discovering deeper insights into nature while broadening its range of application.
The goal of theoretical physics is to identify the basic 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 opportunities include unifying quantum mechanics with gravity, understanding and predicting new fundamental particles and new states of matter, and designing and building a practical quantum computer. PSI graduates will work at the forefront of theoretical physics, pursuing these opportunities and turning them into reality.
In the Spring of 2009, 25 top students from countries around the world will be admitted into the PSI program. Classes will commence in mid-August 2009, and, within 12 months, successful graduates of PSI will receive both a Masters Degree in Physics from the University of Waterloo and a Perimeter Scholars International Certificate from the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.
The course work is divided into four phases and is followed by a short research project, the Essay:
- Research Skills: problem formulation and solving and basic tools, including computers.
- Core Topics: foundational subjects, such as quantum mechanics, relativity, field theory, statistical physics, dynamical systems, data analysis, and computation.
- Reviews: applications to real-world phenomena, such as particle physics, cosmology, and condensed matter physics. Students will choose from a selection of courses.
- Explorations: short, in-depth courses on specialized fields which are currently "hot."
- Essay: Each student undertakes a short research project supervised by a local faculty member, and produces an essay which is publicly presented and defended.
The program also includes language courses at various levels, training in scientific writing and presentation workshops.
Although all course grades are either Credit or No Credit, PSI's approach to evaluation involves continuous assessment throughout the year conducted by PSI's resident tutors and faculty. The goal is to encourage all students to achieve their potential and to avoid grade-chasing competition. The final grade on the PSI Certificate will be Distinction, Pass or Fail.
Details on the PSI curriculum can be found here.
The PSI Poster can be found here.
