Dr. Gordon Semenoff

Professor

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Biography

Gordon W. Semenoff is a professor at the University of British Columbia in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. He has held the position since 1990 and is recognized for his contributions to the fields of Particle and Nuclear Physics, as well as Theoretical Physics. Semenoff earned his Bachelor's Degree in Physics with Class Honors from the University of Alberta in 1976 and completed his Doctoral Degree in Theoretical Physics at the same institution in 1981. His research interests include string theory, quantum field theory, quantum gravity, statistical mechanics, and theoretical condensed matter physics. He has also engaged in research related to the MOEDAL experiment at CERN. Semenoff has been involved with several prestigious institutions, including the Niels Bohr Institute, and has been a member of the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton. He has received numerous awards for his work, including the Sigma Xi award in 2021 and the Officer of the Order of Canada in 2012. Additionally, he is actively involved in various service committees at UBC and has a passion for music, particularly the violin.

Research Interests

Particle Physics Nuclear Physics Theoretical Physics String Theory Quantum Field Theory Quantum Gravity Statistical Mechanics Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics

Experience

Professor

1990-01-01 — Present

University of British Columbia • Vancouver

Teaching and research in the field of Physics.

Velux Visiting Professor

2012-01-01 — Present

Niels Bohr Institute • Copenhagen

Visiting professor role focusing on Theoretical Physics.

Member

2000-01-01 — 2000-12-31

Institute for Advanced Study • Princeton, New Jersey

Research fellowship in theoretical physics.

Visiting Professor

1999-01-01 — 1999-12-31

Niels Bohr Institute • Copenhagen

Lecturer and researcher in theoretical physics.

Nordita Professor

1989-01-01 — 1989-12-31

Niels Bohr Institute • Copenhagen

Teaching and research on theoretical physics.

Postdoctoral Fellow

1982-01-01 — 1983-12-31

Massachusetts Institute of Technology • Cambridge, MA

Research in theoretical physics.

Awards

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Sigma Xi Award

2021-01-01
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EU Academy of Sciences Award

2021-01-01
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Jacob Biely Prize (UBC)

2012-01-01
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Officer of the Order of Canada

2012-01-01
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Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal

2012-01-01
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Lifetime Achievement Award

2012-01-01
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D.Sc. Honoris Causa

2011-01-01
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Brockhouse Medal

2010-01-01
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Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada

2000-01-01
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CRM Medal for Mathematical Physics

2000-01-01
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MacDowell Medal

1990-01-01
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Killam Research Prize

1989-01-01

Requirements for University of British Columbia

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:21
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Philosophy or related field 3 credits in formal logic 6 credits at the upper level in history of philosophy 3 credits at the upper level in ethics or value theory 6 credits at the upper level in metaphysics, epistemology, or philosophy of science
Application Checklist
  • Online application form
  • Application fee
  • Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Writing sample (15-20 pages)
  • Statement of intent
  • Evidence of English language proficiency
Specialization Notes

Offers course-only and thesis routes. Focus areas include philosophy of science, mind, ethics, and Asian philosophy.