Physics & Astrophysics Specialist (HBSc)
Admissions Category: Physical & Environmental Sciences
Program Overview
Physics is among the oldest scientific disciplines. It seeks to understand the interactions and evolution of all objects in the universe. This program offers a solid physics and astrophysics background with the opportunity to explore other disciplines. It gives students flexibility in upper-year physics requirements, allowing them to plan their own upper-division courses to fit their individual objectives. We specialize in computational, environmental, and planetary physics.
Complementary Programs:
Major program in , Major program in , Major program in
Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:
Competencies & Skills
- Apply physical principles to problems and formulate solutions
- Integrate theoretical approaches
- Mathematical and computational modelling
- Design and execute experiments
- Critical thinking
Careers for Graduates
- Instrumentation Technologist in Power Generation
- Junior Policy and Data Analyst in Government
- Medical Engineering/Technology Sector
- Junior Associate in Information Technology Service Providers
- Tester / Developer in Software Solutions
- Product Tester in Industrial and Electronics Manufacturing
Further Education
- Physics 鈥 Master of Science/Doctorate
- Computer Science 鈥 Masters Degree
- Software Development
- Finance
- Engineering
- Nuclear Medicine
- Astronomy - Master of Science/Doctorate
- Earth Science - Masters Degree
- Ocean and Atmospheric Science - Masters Degree
Program Pathway
Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4Choose Your Courses Wisely
Physics I for the Physical Sciences
Physics II for the Physical Sciences
[ Calculus I for Physical Sciences or Calculus I for Mathematical Sciences]
[ Linear Algebra I for Mathematical Sciences or Linear Algebra I]
[ Calculus II for Physical Sciences or Calculus II for Mathematical Sciences]
*[ Introduction to Computer Science or Introduction to Programming]
*The preferred and recommended course for this program is . However, students planning to take upper-level Computer Science courses should take instead.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Attend Facilitated Study Groups
- Use the for support and to develop your problem-solving skills
- Writing support is available at the Centre for Teaching & Learning
Schedule an appointment with your for research assistance.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Attend monthly research talks presented by the Centre for Research in Earth System Science (CRESS).
- Attend viewing evenings on the UTSC telescope.
Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning opportunities
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Join the and get involved in their activities.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Volunteer with organizations to explore your interests; check listings on
Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September and register with SCSU鈥檚 to explore opportunities.
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Astrophysics of Stars, Galaxies and the Universe
Intermediate Physics Laboratory I
Introduction to Quantum Physics
Electricity and Magnetism
Thermal Physics
Mechanics: From Oscillations to Chaos
Techniques of the Calculus of Several Variables I
Techniques of the Calculus of Several Variables II
Differential Equations I
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Check the Research Catalogue and jobs on for possible research opportunities.
- Drop by the Math & Statistics Learning Centre to have your course-related questions answered
Apply Theory to Practice
Check out Global Research Abroad opportunities through the International Student Centre (ISC) to gain valuable international and research experiences.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Look into ISC鈥檚 Global Learning opportunities, such as the and Explore our Student Exchange Programs.
Consider volunteering for science events, such as the and Science Literacy Week.
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 are on track.
- Explore careers through the AA&CC鈥檚 Job Shadowing and programs.
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Complete 3.5 credits:
Electromagnetic Theory
Quantum Mechanics I
Intermediate Physics Laboratory II
Classical Mechanics
Introduction to Scientific Computing
Complex Variables
Differential Equations II
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Take an elective course to expand your academic horizons and skills.
Contact professors about summer research opportunities. (CRESS, USRA, UTEA programs)
Attend the department鈥檚 iSPEAC seminar series where invited guests share their cutting-edge research.
Apply Theory to Practice
Build on your skills and knowledge through relevant events offered through your department, , DSL and the AA&CC.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Consider running for an elected position in or another campus club.
Become a tutor at the .
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.
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Complete 1.5 credits from the following:
Astrophysics of Planetary Systems
Introduction to Atmospheric Physics
Planetary Geophysics
Physics of Climate Modeling
Introduction to Magnetohydrodynamics for Astrophysics and Geophysics
Introduction to Fluid Mechanics
Introduction to Nonlinear Systems and Chaos
Advanced Computational Methods in Physics
Advanced Topics in Quantum Mechanics
and 0.5 credit from the following:
Research Project in Physics and Astrophysics
** Extended Research Project in Physics and Astrophysics
Supervised Reading in Physics and Astrophysics
and 0.5 credit from a course in AST or PHY at the C-, D-, 300-, or 400-level or [PSCD02H3 Current Questions in Mathematics and Science]
**A maximum of 0.5 credit from PHYD02Y3 will count against this requirement. The remaining 0.5 credit can be used to satisfy degree-level requirements.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Consider taking a research course ( & ).
Enter to win the or .
Attend the iSPEAC seminar series.
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 Partners in Leadership 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.