About us
The Department of Physics and Astronomy has been part of the University of Victoria since its inception in 1963.
We are best known for our exceptionally strong, internationally recognized research programs in particle physics, and astronomy and astrophysics. Our faculty members also maintain very active research programs in the areas of theoretical physics, ocean physics, condensed matter physics and medical physics.
These research disciplines historically developed as a result of close interactions with federal research laboratories and other facilities in and around Victoria, such as:
- Herzberg Institute for Astrophysics
- TRIUMF (Canada's National Laboratory for Particle and Nuclear Physics)
- Pacific Geoscience Centre
- Institute of Ocean Sciences
- Vancouver Island Centre - BC Cancer Agency
About Victoria
The University of Victoria is an exciting place to study, work or visit. The university is located on 160 verdant hectares in suburban Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. Favoured by its location on Canada's spectacular west coast, Victoria is an exceptional place to live. It is often referred to as Canada's "jewel on the Pacific."
As a harbour city on Vancouver Island, Victoria enjoys the mildest climate in Canada, with an average of 2,183 hours of sunshine a year. Temperatures during the winter rarely fall below freezing, and spring begins in February. You can sail, kayak, cycle, skateboard, mountain climb, hike and camp throughout the winter, as well as enjoy easy access to usual winter activities like snowshoeing, cross-country and alpine skiing. Learn more about Victoria.
The university campus itself is easily accessible by car, bus, or bicycle, and is only a short stroll from the ocean.