Programs

New materials are needed to respond to any of society's technological challenges, such as clean energy and transportation. This stream gives you exposure to the industrial side of materials physics with hands on courses in materials characterization and simulation. These are complemented with a selection of more fundamental materials courses.

Astrophysics is the application of physics to the study of the evolution of stars and planets, and the origins of the universe.  This stream provides you with two introductory courses to the subject and the physics background to address these fundamental questions from both theoretical and observational perspectives.  Additional courses could be chosen through St. Mary’s University.

Biophysics is an interdisciplinary field that applies the tools traditionally used in physics to bring a quantitative perspective to biological systems. The stream teaches you how to apply quantitative analysis to living systems. Several of the courses can be used towards a minor in biology.

Computational physicists perform experiments on computers, which have become increasingly important due to the rise in complexity of problems that physics addresses. The computational techniques learned in this stream are transferable across many disciplines such as biology, oceanography, mathematics, finance, and computer science. Courses in this stream can be used towards a Certificate in Information Technology.

Climate change is one of the defining problems our time.  This stream provides you with the skills and knowledge to understand our evolving atmosphere.  Many of the courses in this stream can be used towards a Diploma in Meterology.

Our society needs leaders who can communicate the importance of the latest technological advances to the public and our politicians, and be part of policy making decisions. These courses help to strengthen your communication skills and to place your field of study in the broader context. The following are a subset of courses that fulfill the Certificate in Leadership and Communication.  The stream can also be used to satisfy the humanities requirements for a BSc degree and can be taken in conjunction with another physics stream.

Materials are central to any technological advance or solution.  Fundamental studies into the physics of materials have lead to the constantly emerging technologies that we use every day, including the Li-ion batteries that power our laptops and electric vehicles, and the computer electronics and hard-drives that enable our social media.   Clean energy is critical to our future, and materials physics promises to deliver the solutions for a sustainable future with novel low-cost solar cells and batteries.  The courses in this stream can be used towards a Certificate in Materials Science.

Completed as part of a four-year BSc in Physics, or following the completion of a bachelor's degree in any science, math or other quantitative-based program. See our Atmospheric Science page for more information.

Physics, atmospheric science and astronomy courses beyond the first year, but without math prerequisites past the 1000-level. This course can be used to obtain a minor in physics, which consists of six courses at the 2000-level or above.

Theoretical physics encompasses fundamental theories across all scales, from the quantum world to the massive galactic systems governed by Einstein's theory of General Relativity. This stream provides you with a strong mathematical and computational foundation, giving students the opportunity to pursue interests in advanced theoretical courses.