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Undergraduate Programs Overview

An overview of the undergraduate programs offered by the Department of Physics.

Why Study Physics?

The best reason is that you have a love of physics – a love of trying to understand how our world works! You may also be interested in the training in analytical, quantitative, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and software/programming languages you would receive by studying physics. These skills are valued across a wide array of disciplines and careers.

Beyond the traditional careers of teaching and research, a knowledge of physics is a powerful asset in professions like Medicine or Law, or for careers involving the environmental, geological, or biological sciences. An understanding of physics is essential for those who are concerned about how society is affected by climate change or advanced technology. The conceptual problem-solving tools and ability to model and predict the behaviour of complex systems that one acquires from a study of physics can be applied with great success to many occupations.

We offer numerous physics programs of study for you:

These are described below. Most programs are listed under the Department of Physics A&S Calendar section. However the descriptions for the Joint Specialist programs with Astronomy and Astrophysics, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, and Mathematics can be found in their respective program section in the A&S Calendar (each program code is also linked above). Each of these joint specialist programs offer a strong foundation in physics, and have program requirements ranging from 13.5 to 14.5 FCE (Full-Course Equivalent).

Physics Specialist

The Physics Specialist program is designed to provide students with training in the core elements of experimental and theoretical physics at the level required for further study at the graduate level or for use in areas outside of physics. The Physics Specialist program requires 13.5 FCE of courses in physics and mathematics.

It includes course sequences in Classical Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Thermal and Statistical Physics, and Quantum Mechanics. In upper years, additional courses in fields of modern research are offered (e.g., Earth, Atmospheric and Climate Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, Quantum Optics, and Particle Physics).

Students also receive training in experimental physics via a sequence of required lab courses in second, third, and fourth year, as well as other courses in practical physics (e.g., computational physics).

Program Guidance for the Physics Specialist

Physics Major

The Physics Major program provides training similar to the Physics Specialist program in the first few years, with a focus in selected fields. The Physics Major program requires 8.0 FCE of courses in physics and mathematics.

The theoretical and experimental aspects of the field are emphasized. In general, the minimum program requirements are not intended to prepare students for graduate work in Physics, though augmenting one’s studies with other Physics courses meets the requirements of many if not all Physics graduate programs. It can be suitable for students planning on graduate school in a related discipline, in which elements of physics are important. This program may be taken as part of a double-major, either in conjunction with a field for which no joint Specialist program exists, or in place of a joint Specialist program if students have interests that are not well addressed in the latter. Valuable skills are developed when studying physics including problem solving, quantitative and analytical skills, and critical thinking.

Physics Minor

The Physics Minor program provides an introduction to the theoretical and experimental aspects of the field. This program requires 4.0 FCE of courses in physics.

This program is appropriate for students interested in maintaining a connection to physics which can complement their studies in another field. It is also useful for students who wish to cultivate the analytical and quantitative skills that are part of undergraduate training in physics. These can be valuable in other fields, in which such skills are often less rigorously developed.

Biological Physics Specialist

Our Biological Physics Specialist programs have the same goals as the Physics Specialist program, but with a focus on the physical principles relevant to an understanding of biological systems. There are four different streams depending on the student’s interest (Physiology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Advanced Physics).

The program requires 12.0 FCE of courses in physics, mathematics, chemistry, and biology. It also requires:

Additional 2.5 FCE of courses in biochemistry for the Biochemistry stream

Additional 2.5 FCE of courses in physiology for the Physiology stream

Additional 2.5 FCE of courses in immunology and statistics for the Immunology stream

Additional 1.5 FCE of courses in physics, mathematics, and an additional 1.0 FCE in biochemistry/physiology for the Advanced Physics stream

Program Guidance for the Biological Physics Specialist

Physics and Philosophy Specialist

The Physics and Philosophy Specialist is a joint program with the Department of Philosophy. This program explores the interplay between physics and philosophy, with a particular focus on quantum mechanics. Physics has deep historical roots in natural philosophy and many aspects of contemporary physics raise profound philosophical questions about the nature of reality. The interdisciplinary Physics and Philosophy Program allows the student to engage with both physics and philosophy at their deepest levels, and to more fully explore the connections between them. It requires 15.0 FCE.

Astronomy and Physics Specialist

The Astronomy and Physics Specialist is a joint program with the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics requiring 14.0 FCE. This program combines rigorous training in the core physics subfields with their applications to astronomy. This program is designed to provide the necessary background work in either astronomy, astrophysics or cosmology, with students choosing areas of specialization in third and fourth year.

Chemical Physics Specialist

The Chemical Physics Specialist is a joint program with the Department of Chemistry. This program, which requires 14.0 FCE, provides students with study of interdisciplinary area between chemistry and physics. It includes key courses in physical chemistry and certain areas of physics (including electromagnetism and classical mechanics). It can lead to graduate work in physical chemistry or in a number of areas of physics.

Geophysics Specialist

The Geophysics Specialist is a joint program with the Department of Earth Sciences. This program provides students with an understanding of the physical processes in and on Earth and other planets and how to observe and model them. It also introduces students to the non-invasive methods of imaging the subsurface. It requires a minimum of 13.5 FCE.

Mathematics and Physics Specialist

The Mathematics and Physics Specialist is a joint program with the Department of Mathematics, requiring 14.5 FCE. This program provides students with a strong background in both mathematics and physics. The curriculum emphasizes mathematical rigour as well as a comprehensive understanding of physics. Together, they enable a student to apply sophisticated mathematical techniques to the study of physics. It has an appeal to those who wish to study theoretical physics, but also prepares students for advanced study in mathematics, experimental physics, and theoretical physics.

Content in Undergraduate Programs Overview
Program Guidance for the Physics Specialist Program
Tips on how to plan for your Physics Specialist Program of Study.