About the Department of Physics and Space Science

Department of Physics and Space Science Mission

The mission of the Department of Physics and Space Science is to foster intellectual development and creativity in Officers and members of the Canadian Forces. Within the four pillars of RMC and within the Canadian Forces Military College, the fundamental concepts of the physical universe and the scientific method of problem solving and symbolic analysis are taught at the undergraduate and graduate levels in a spectrum of activities in the discipline. Research in Physics and Space Science is actively carried out in support of the undergraduate and graduate programmes as well as in support of the Canadian Forces through Military Directorates and Defence Research Establishments.

One of the main tasks of the Department of Physics and Space Science is to support programmes inside the Faculty of Science, namely Honours Science, Space Science and Science. These programmes are relevant to the Canadian Forces in developing a group of officers who have developed strong analytical skills, a strong ability to reason in a physical environment, view abstract concepts as tools to be applied to concrete problems, and have developed an appreciation of the power of problem solving based on sound fundamental principles. A wide range of courses are offered in these programmes to facilitate the officer's development of these abilities, to foster deeper study of areas that may be inherently interesting to the officer personally and to provide a platform from which the officer can intellectually excel in their chosen MOC.

A second main task of the Department of Physics and Space Science is to support programmes in the Engineering and Arts divisions. The presentation of the modern philosophical concepts in physics and of scientific methodology (observation, modelling, experimentation and symbolic analysis) to these officer cadets provides them a framework within which to develop symbolic problem solving skills, and an appreciation for the scientific concepts inherent in a rapidly changing technological environment.

A third main task of the Department of Physics and Space Science is to support programmes in Graduate Studies. The Department actively supports PG education for the Canadian Forces in Oceanography and Acoustics, Non-Destructive Testing, Engineering Physics, Materials Science and is preparing to support Space Science. Post Graduate education allows officers in the Canadian Forces to devote time to studying particular aspects of CF relevant problems at the same time as they focus on furthering their understanding of the fundamental physical principles and issues associated with many technical applications. PG education allows the officers to further develop an appreciation of the concepts of research and development and the professional and scientific relationships necessary to bring successful research to fruition.

A fourth main task of the Department of Physics and Space Science is to support the Canadian Forces Military College through the Office of Continuing Studies. The Department is a strong supporter of this program and offers courses and resources to support its initiatives. The Canadian Forces requires officers and members who are conversant with scientific concepts and techniques, who are comfortable in a technological environment, and who have developed sound symbolic problem solving skills at both the undergraduate and graduate education levels. The Physics department supports programmes in Continuing Studies to further this aim.