Environmental Physics Specialist (HBSc)
Admissions Category: Physical & Environmental Sciences
Program Overview
Environmental Physics is an interdisciplinary field that incorporates the study of physics, geology, geophysics, environmental science, biology, and chemistry to better understand the connections between Earth processes and our environment.
The program provides students with an introduction to the physical sciences, focussing on linking the subject to the evolution of our planet Earth over time. As a result, the program provides an education in a number of Earth Science fields such as geology and geophysics. The Environmental Physics Specialist Program will provide you with hands-on science education and training of a broad range of skills that will prepare you to solve physical, environmental, and geological problems in a wide range of fields.
Additionally, the Environmental Physics Specialist CO-OP option provides students with opportunities to gain real work experience and professional skills in industry, government or in an academic environment. For more information visit the CO-OP website.
The Specialist Program in Environmental Physics has been designed to meet the expectations of the association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (PGO) - the licensing and regulatory body responsible for ensuring that geoscientists have the appropriate qualifications to practice. Students are encouraged to make careful choice of optional/elective courses to meet PGO requirements.
Please visit the PGO Student website for further information on requirements to become a Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo) in Ontario.
Complementary Programs:
Specialist in
Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:
Competencies & Skills
- Apply physical principles to problems and formulate solutions
- Interpret physical, geologic and environmental data
- Use observations, samples, and specimens to explore theoretical concepts and conduct research
- Design, implementation and reporting of research lab and field work
- Mathematical and computational modelling
- Critical thinking
- Statistical reasoning and methods
Careers for Graduates
- Environmental Geoscientist (PGeo)
- Environmental Consultant (PGeo)
- Environmental Planner
- Hydrologist (PGeo)
- Groundwater Geologist (PGeo)
- Environmental Consultant
- Researcher in Academia or Industry
- Data Science
- Policy and Data Analyst in Government
Further Education
- Geophysics
- Geology - Earth Science
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Studies
- Environmental Sustainability
- Environmental Technology
- Environmental Regulations
- Environmental Health and Safety
- Civil Engineering
Program Pathway
Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4
Year 1
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Complete 4.0 credits from the following:
- and
- and
- and
- Explore different kinds of courses; this will also help with fulfilling and electives.
- Use and the to plan your courses and program.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Attend Facilitated Study Groups.
- Schedule an appointment with your Program Librarian for in-depth library research assistance.
- Writing support is available at the Centre for Teaching & Learning (CTL) .
Apply Theory to Practice
- Attend the UTSC Faculty Mix & Mingle Fair to connect with professors and learn more about their specialties.
- Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning opportunities.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Join the (EPSA) and get involved in their activities.
- Volunteer in the Alternative Reading Week program to gain experience and knowledge about social change and community development.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Volunteer with organizations to explore your interests; check listings on (>Jobs & Recruitment).
- Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September and register with to explore opportunities.
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Complete 4.5 credits from the following:
- and
- and
- ,
- , and
and 0.5 credit from the following:
- or
- or
- Use and meet with your Program Advisor to ensure you are on track with your degree.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Check the Research Catalogue and jobs on for possible research opportunities.
- Enroll in Physical Sciences Research Experience.
- Drop by the to have your course-related questions answered.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Check out opportunities through the International Student Centre (ISC) to gain valuable international and research experiences.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Look into Global Learning opportunities, such as the , Explore, or Student Exchange programs.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Gain experience by applying for a summer, part-time or Work Study position via (>Jobs & Recruitment).
- Considering grad school? Speak to professors and advisors early so you choose the right courses.
- Explore careers through the AA&CC鈥檚 Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Complete 4.0 credits from the following:
Mandatory courses 2.0 credits:
Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
Differential Equations II
Introduction to Scientific Computing
Statistics I
and 1.5 credits from the following:
Introduction to Global Geophysics
Exploration Geophysics
Seismology and Seismic Methods
Thermal Physics
Intermediate Physics Laboratory II
Electromagnetic Theory
Classical Mechanics
and 0.5 credit from the following:
Environmental Chemistry
Groundwater
Limnology
Oceanography
Geochemistry
Glacial Geology
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Enter to win the or .
- Enroll in : Directed Readings in Environmental Science.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Build on your skills and knowledge through relevant events offered through your department, student groups, DSL and the AA&CC.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Consider running for an elected position in or another campus club.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Plan a career path with a staff member at the AA&CC.
- Check for networking events and employer information sessions to attend.
- Attend the Graduate & Professional School Fair in September to explore your options.
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Complete a total of 3.5 credits from the following:
Petrology
Structural Geology
Geophysical and Climate Data Analysis
Introduction to Fluid Mechanics
and 1.5 credits from the following:
Astrophysics of Planetary Systems
Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing
Contaminant Hydrogeology
* Research Project in Environmental Science
* Research Project in Environmental Science
Environmental Law, Policy and Ethics
Field Techniques
Introduction to Atmospheric Physics
Electromagnetic Theory
Classical Mechanics
* Research Project in Physics and Astrophysics]
* Extended Research Project in Physics and Astrophysics
Planetary Geophysics
Nonlinear Systems and Chaos
* Supervised Reading in Physics and Astrophysics
*no more than 1.0 credit from , , , and may be counted as fulfilling the program requirements.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Apply for the Academic Travel Fund through DSL to conduct research, present at a conference, or engage with the academic community internationally.
- Enroll in /: Research Project in Environmental Science.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Attend the Summer & Full-time Job Fair in January to meet with potential employers looking to hire students for summer and full-time positions relevant to your field.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Participate in the AA&CC鈥檚 program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning into the work field or further education.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Attend the AA&CC鈥檚 Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
- Attend a Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search 鈥渃rash course鈥 and for access to full-time job listings.
- Discuss grad school plans early with staff at the AA&CC and your professors; get your Personal Statement reviewed in the AA&CC.