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What is physics?
Physics is the study of interactions and structures of inanimate matter from the largest observed astronomical structures to objects smaller than atomic nuclei. Physics principles are thus relevant for people engaged in research and technology development in many different areas including energy, the environment, health, or advanced materials.
Physics as a fundamental science offers very rigorous methods of inquiry for those interested in pushing the boundaries of knowledge. It is therefore of interest both to students who would like to unravel the mysteries of the physical universe and to students who are interested in advancing modern technologies. Physics applies to all of these situations because it focuses on the fundamental laws of nature.
Physics is heavily engaged in verification of theoretical reasoning by rigorous, quantitative experimentation. It not surprising that the internet was invented for physics experiments (see e.g. the CERN website http://www.cern.ch) nor is it a wonder that miniaturization and fast computing became feasible due to recent experimental physics discoveries. Since experimentation is at the heart of the subject, it is also an important component of undergraduate programs in physics.
As physics heavily relies on analytical reasoning and quantitative modes of inquiry, the laws of physics are expressed in mathematical form. Mathematics is therefore another important component of any undergraduate physics program.
We have been modernizing the Honours program in Physics to allow students to focus on subfields of physics which match their interests and strengths. We offer specializations in Astronomy, Plasma, Space & Atmospheric Physics, Material Science, Nuclear Physics and Theoretical Physics. We have also been working with our partners in Canada and abroad to enhance the learning experience of our students through research experience and exchange programs. The 4-year Honours program offers unique opportunities for experiential learning.
Our programs with several specializations are described below:
Remaining credit units to be selected from the following areas, such that no more than 6 credit units are from any one area:
Choose 6 Credit Units from the following:
Choose 6 Credit Units from the following:
No more than 6 credit units in C1 - C5 from any one subject. For example, if you have received credit for ENG 110.6 in C2, you may not take further ENG courses to fulfill this requirement.
Choose 6 credit units from the areas of Humanities, Social Sciences, Languages and/or Fine Arts.
Choose additional credit units from the following list to satisfy the 36 credit unit requirement under C6:
Choose 3 Credit Units from the following:
MATH 223.3 recommended
Choose 3 Credit Units from the following:
MATH 224.3 recommended
Students must also complete:
Remaining credit units to be selected from the following areas, such that no more than 6 credit units are from any one area:
Choose 6 Credit Units from the following:
Choose 6 Credit Units from the following:
No more than 6 credit units in C1 - C5 from any one subject. For example, if you have received credit for ENG 110.6 in C2, you may not take further ENG courses to fulfill this requirement.
Choose 6 credit units from the areas of Humanities, Social Sciences, Languages and/or Fine Arts.
Choose additional credit units from the following list to satisfy the 24 credit unit requirement under C6:
Choose 3 Credit Units from the following:
MATH 223.3 recommended
Choose 3 Credit Units from the following:
MATH 224.3 recommended
Students interested in entering an Honours program should consult advisors in the department concerned before registering for their second year. Of the 120 credit units required for the B.Sc. degree, at least 66 credit units must be at the senior level. Application for admission to Honours is not considered until successful completion of at least 60 credit units with a Cumulative Weighted Average of at least 70% overall and at least 70% in the subject of Honours. For further details, please see the Degree Requirements in the Arts and Science section of the Calendar.
Choose 3 credit units from the following list:
Choose 6 Credit Units from the following:
Choose 6 Credit Units from the following:
No more than 6 credit units in C1 - C5 from any one subject. For example, if you have received credit for ENG 110.6 in C2, you may not take further ENG courses to fulfill this requirement.
Choose 6 credit units from the areas of Humanities, Social Sciences, Languages and/or Fine Arts.
Required core courses:
Choose additional credit units from the following list to satisfy the 48 credit unit requirement. At least 6 credit units must be at the 400-level.
Students can also choose a Specialization in their B.Sc. (Honours) in Physics. In this case students have to take the required core courses listed under C6, a 6 credit unit or 15 credit unit research project in the area of Specialization, additional core courses for the Specializaiton, and some electives from restricted lists
At least 9 credit units must be taken in Astronomy courses, with at least 3 credit units at 300-level or above.
Choose 18 credit units (if you take PHYS 493.6) or 9 credit units (if you take PHYS 497.15) from the following list:
If you take PHYS 493.6 choose 9 credit units from the following list:
Students taking the Material Science Specialization must also take CHEM 112.3 and CHEM 115.3. These courses may be counted in Program Requirement C1 and/or Program Requirement C7.
Choose 12 credit units (if you take PHYS 493.6) or 3 credit units (if you take PHYS 497.15) from the following list:
If you take PHYS 493.6 choose 6 credit units from the following list:
If you take PHYS 493.6 choose 9 credit units from the following list:
If you require further assistance, please contact the Arts & Science Undergraduate Office.
Remaining credit units to be selected from the following areas, such that no more than 6 credit units are from one area:
Choose 6 Credit Units from the following:
Choose 6 Credit Units from the following:
No more than 6 credit units in C1 - C5 from any one subject. For example, if you have received credit for ENG 110.6 in C2, you may not take further ENG courses to fulfill this requirement.
Choose 6 credit units from the areas of Humanities, Social Sciences, Languages and/or Fine Arts.
Choose 15 Credit Units from the following:
Choose 3 Credit Units from the following:
MATH 223.3 recommended
Choose 3 Credit Units from the following:
MATH 224.3 recommended
Students must also complete MATH 338.6.
If you require further assistance, please contact the Arts & Science Undergraduate Office.
The following Engineering Physics courses may be credited towards a physics major or honours program. For details see the Course Catalogue section of the Calendar.
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