Why Study Astronomy?

The study of astronomy and astrophysics provides one with a solid background in physics and modern computational techniques, as well as an understanding of the universe in which we live.

We study many of the fundamental questions that have faced mankind for thousands of years.

For example; (1) How do we understand the motions of celestial objects in the night sky? (2) How can we understand the origin and structure of the planets? (3) What is the origin and structure of stars? (4) How did the galaxies form? (5) How has the universe evolved with time?

Students with Astronomy degrees can go on to pursue a wide range of careers (see our list of past graduates). Graduate studies in Astronomy can be pursued by anyone with a BSc in Physics or Astronomy.

Why Western?

Research Excellence

We have world-leading research programs in the study of galaxies, stellar physics, star formation, planetary dynamics, and meteor physics. Our faculty have significant technical expertise in the techniques of infrared and millimetre astronomy, stellar spectroscopy, numerical radiative transfer, and computational magnetohydrodynamics.

See our graduate research page for a sample of what we do.

Teaching Excellence and Interaction with Faculty

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is renowned for excellent teaching and student-professor interaction. Two faculty members have won major teaching awards.

First year undergraduate courses in physics and astronomy are taught by professors. In fact, Western is a leader among Canadian universities in the the proportion of first-year courses taught by professors, and in the size of first-year and second-year classes. Students in years two through four of the Astronomy and Physics programs also gain the advantage of participating in our undergraduate seminar. This is a more informal setting than a lecture room, in which students hear talks by researchers and tour their research facilities, hear talks and reports by their fellow students, and discuss career and job opportunities. Summer Undergraduate Research Scholarships are also available for students to spend the summer helping faculty members with research.

Graduate students find that the size of our group offers a chance for close interaction. Additionally, our presence within a larger department, and close ties to other departments (Applied Math and Earth Sciences) through emerging inter-departmental programs in Planetary Science and Computational Science, allow for a broad based experience.

Unique Programs

We offer BSc programs in Astrophysics as well as in Planetary Science. Our department also offers a BSc Physics as well as Medical Physics and Materials Science degrees.

Graduate students can expect to take a comprehensive set of Astronomy courses in the MSc program. Our program is one of the few in Canada to offer specialized MSc level courses in the important astrophysical topics of gas dynamics and radiative transfer, as well as a one-year MSc degree. There are also significant opportunities to learn computational methods (see below).

We have a collaborative MSc and PhD Program in Astronomy & Computational Science. Write to the address below for more information about this innovative new program.

Facilities

Researchers at Western utilize various telescopes including the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, the Pic du Midi Observatory, the CalTech Submillimeter Observatory, and our own research telescope at Elginfield Observatory.

We also operate Cronyn Observatory, located on campus, for teaching and outreach purposes.

Our modern computer facilities include high-speed desk-top workstations and access to SHARCNET, a multi-institution supercomputing consortium in which Western is a leading partner.

Western's library system is renowned for its extensive holdings.

Scholarships

Outstanding students are encouraged to apply to Western. In addition to the normal Research and Teaching assistantships, exceptional students are also eligible for the William H. Wehlau Scholarship.

Students can apply at any time of the year and can begin their studies at the start of any academic term: Fall (September 1), Winter (January 1), or Summer (May 1), although September 1 is the usual start date.

Quality of Life

London, Ontario is a very pleasant, safe, city of 350 000 people, with rich cultural and recreational opportunities. There are numerous museums, galleries, theatres, cinemas, music and sporting events. London is famous for its many parks and trees, and is known as the "Forest City". The cost of living is among the lowest in North America.

The Western campus is one of the most scenic in Canada. Take a virtual tour.

Contact or Visit Us

We welcome and strongly encourage visits from prospective students. Please contact our undergraduate or graduate secretary, as required, to set up a visit.

For more detailed information and application forms, please visit the Western Physics and Astronomy Undergraduate Program or Graduate Program page.

Also, please feel free to write for more information. Send enquiries to:

Clara Buma
Department of Physics and Astronomy,
The University of Western Ontario,
London, Ontario, Canada,
N6A 3K7

email: cbuma@uwo.ca