The Departmental requirements for the Physics doctoral program are usually a minimum of six term-length graduate courses beyond the bachelor's degree level, plus research and thesis. Only two of these six graduate level courses can be jointly offered (double-numbered) with an undergraduate course. The required courses must also include courses from two of the following three categories or their equivalent:
a) Quantum Theory: Advanced Quantum Mechanics (PHYS 825), Quantum Nanophotonics (PHYS 885) or Quantum Field Theory (PHYS 921); 
b) Electromagnetism: Electromagnetic Theory (831), Classical Electrodynamics (PHYS 832), Nonlinear Optics (PHYS 884), or an approved substitute from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering or the Royal Military College;
c) Statistical Mechanics: PHYS 870.

In exceptional cases, subject to the approval of the Department of Physics, Engineering Physics & Astronomy, proficiency in Quantum Mechanics at the level of PHYS 345 will be accepted in lieu of PHYS 825. The requirement of PHYS 825 for PhD level students would thus be waived but the total course work requirement of the PhD is not reduced.

Up to four term-length courses may be taken from a department other than Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy, subject to the approval of the Department of Physics, Engineering Physics & Astronomy.

An Engineering Physics doctoral student will be required to take a minimum of four term-length graduate courses (or equivalent) beyond the Master's degree course requirement.  Only 1 course may be a combined undergraduate/graduate course (also known as a double numbered 400/800 course). 

For Engineering Physics students who received a Master’s from this department in the same area of study, the minimum course requirements shall be decided in consultation with the PhD Advisory Committee (or equivalent) and approved by the Department Head or Graduate Coordinator.

In addition to the above-mentioned courses, all PhD students must participate in PHYS 904 Science Leadership and Management. PHYS 904 will be delivered over twelve 3-hour sessions to Chemistry and Physics students in either of the first two years of their PhD studies (or other graduate students with permission from the course coordinator and supervisor). The first half and last four-week sessions will focus on the development and application of leadership skills, and the second four-week session will focus on the development of management skills, that are useful in scientific positions in industry and academia. To be offered every fall; graded Pass/Fail.
CHEM 803 Principles of Scientific Communication will be accepted as a substitute for PHYS 904. (https://www.chem.queensu.ca/graduate/graduate-courses)

A comprehensive requirement must be satisfied by passing of a candidacy examination normally held during the fourth term of full-time registration.