Physics

This bachelor of science program explores everything from the smallest nucleus to the farthest galaxies. Students learn the fundamentals giving them a strong foundation to build on. You can choose your direction of study by selecting courses in subatomic and particle physics, astronomy and cosmology.

Sample first year

Each student is on their own individual learning path. The bachelor of science with a major physics is comprised of 120 credit hours (40 courses). It is important that students work with an advisor to ensure suitable course selection and determine an appropriate course load as students have the option of doing up to 15 credit hours (5 courses) per semester.

Below is a sample first year chart with the recommended first year courses for bachelor of science with a major in physics:

FALL SEMESTERWINTER SEMESTER
Physics 10501  Physics 1051
Mathematics 10002 Mathematics 1001
Chemistry 12003 Chemistry 10013
English 1000 English 1001
elective4 elective4
  1. A student who has completed Physics 2204 and Physics 3204 in high school and who is eligible for Math 1000 should register for Physics 1050. A student wishing to pursue the B.Sc. with a major in physics without this background in physics may do so by taking the sequences Physics 1020, 1021, 1051.

  2. Students who are required to take mathematics 1090 before entry to mathematics 1000 are recommended to take mathematics 1001 during intersession.

  3. Although Chemistry is not required for the B.Sc. in physics, it is recommended; a student who wishes to include chemistry but who defers it to a later year may have difficulty in scheduling.

  4. The electives may be chosen from almost any discipline. It is recommended that a student interested in upper-year course work in astrophysics or in subatomic physics select either Physics 2151 or Physics 2400, respectively, as one of these electives.

Career opportunities

Possible career opportunities for graduates:

  • research and development
  • teaching
  • geophysics
  • laser and optics
  • water and oceanography
  • space science
  • nuclear science
  • medical physics

Contact information

For additional information, visit the School of Science and the Environment or contact Dr. Pierre Rouleau.